IHG Priority Club Rewards has launched Cars Anywhere and members can now redeem their points for car rentals starting at 5,000 points or they may choose a points and cash option. The Cars Anywhere website, at http://priorityclub.com/carsanywhere, is available in English for Priority Club members worldwide and currently, that is the only way to access these awards. Rentals are available at airport locations only, and one-way rentals are not offered. There are no blackout dates but more points may be required for high-demand or peak season car rentals. Car award redemption may be eligible for point accrual, subject to the policies of the car rental company.

Bottom line: This is another way that Priority Club is adding flexibility to points. If you need to change or cancel your rental reservation, however, you will incur a $35 change fee per car rental reservation in addition to any penalties charged by the car rental company, and in some cases, changes will not be available or permitted, and changes are not permitted at any time within 24 hours of your reservation. Along with these and other restrictions, members will notice that it is still a better value to spend your points for a free hotel night than for a car rental. But as always, having another award option is welcome.