If you’re looking to get the most rewards and perks at MGM spots, the MGM Rewards Rewards Mastercard is your best bet for regular visitors. This awesome card makes racking up tier points easy and hooks you up with cool stuff like Pearl status, better rooms, and food deals. No matter if you’re a Vegas pro or new to National Harbor, knowing the MGM credit card tricks can seriously level up your casino trips.
Table of Content
- 1. MGM Rewards Mastercard: Key Features and Benefits
- 2. Understanding MGM Tier Points System
- 3. Linking Accounts and Sharing Points
- 4. MGM Credit Card at Specific Properties
- 5. Redeeming MGM Reward Points Effectively
- 6. Maintaining and Upgrading Tier Status
- 7. MGM Credit Card for Business Travelers
- 8. Combining with Other MGM Promotions
- 9. Common MGM Credit Card Questions Answered
- 10. Future of MGM Rewards Program
1. MGM Rewards Mastercard: Key Features and Benefits
1.1 What Makes MGM Credit Card Iconic?
The MGM card became legendary by giving casino lovers and travel bugs unbeatable perks.
While other travel cards are general, this one’s made for MGM – you’ll score tier points faster on rooms, meals, and fun stuff. Just having the card gets you Pearl status with sweet benefits – no resort fees, skipping lines, and free parking at most MGM spots.
What really makes this card special is how smoothly it works with all MGM rewards. Spend at MGM and get 3X points per dollar, everywhere else it’s 1X.
Cash in those points for free stays, show passes, or even knock money off your bill. No foreign fees either, perfect if you’re hitting up MGM spots overseas.
1.2 Comparing MGM Credit Card to Other Casino Cards
Compared to cards from Caesars or Wynn, the MGM card keeps up with its own cool perks.
Caesars has similar tiers, but MGM gives you Pearl status right away – no spending minimums. Wynn’s card is all about fancy stuff, but MGM mixes great perks with being easy to use.
Here’s something cool – the MGM card’s tier points are super flexible. While some programs wipe your points yearly, MGM lets yours carry over to keep your status.
This is huge if you’re shooting for Gold status or better. Teaming up with FNBO means you get great online banking plus the usual rewards.
2. Understanding MGM Tier Points System
2.1 How Tier Points Work with MGM Credit Card
Tier points are the heart of MGM’s rewards, and this card helps you pile them up fast.
Spend $1 at MGM and you get 3 tier credits and 3 reward points – double dipping! This two-for-one deal helps you move up in status and cash in rewards.
Some folks get mixed up – reward points are for free stuff, tier credits are for your status level. The card mostly pumps up your tier credits, keeping you at Pearl or pushing to Gold. Here’s a secret – card tier credits work for keeping and improving status, so you can level up without extra gambling.
2.2 Strategies to Maximize Tier Point Earnings
MGM regulars have figured out smart ways to max out their tier points.
A good move? Ramp up spending during bonus point promos – the card works with these. Also, put everything on the card during stays – spa days, club bottles – it all adds to your tier.
Work trips? Charge company stuff to the card when you can for extra points. Gambling gets points fastest, but the card gives you steady points from regular spending. Lots of top-tier folks keep their status mainly with card spending, plus some casino time.
3. Linking Accounts and Sharing Points
3.1 Family Account Linking Explained
People often ask about connecting accounts with their partner or family.
MGM lets you link with one other person – you share tier status but keep your own reward points. So if you hit Gold, your linked person gets Gold perks too.
But here’s the catch with points sharing. Tier status matches up, but card-earned reward points stay with whoever earned them.
This stops cheating but still gives families the same status perks. It’s great for couples when one travels to MGM more often.
3.2 Business Account Considerations
Business folks wining and dining clients at MGM find linking accounts has pros and cons.
Can’t mix business and personal accounts, but the biz card lets authorized users share points. Super handy for firms throwing events or client outings at MGM places.
Some road warriors link personal cards to their partner’s account while using biz cards for work stuff. This way you get tier credits from both while keeping your own reward points. Just check MGM’s latest rules – their linking policies sometimes change.
4. MGM Credit Card at Specific Properties
4.1 Maximizing Benefits at Las Vegas Resorts
The card really pays off in Vegas, home to MGM hotspots like Bellagio, MGM Grand, and Aria.
Pearl status means no resort fees (saving $45 nightly), faster check-in, and possible room upgrades. These come in clutch during busy convention times when regular check-in takes forever.
Smart users book direct with MGM using their card, not third-party sites. This makes sure all spending counts for points and might score secret room deals. You also get first dibs on tickets for Cirque shows and big-name acts.
4.2 East Coast Advantages at National Harbor
Vegas gets the spotlight, but MGM National Harbor in Maryland has great perks too.
Near D.C., it’s a hit with business folks and politicians – Pearl status gets them lounge access and food deals regular guests don’t get.
People miss this – the card’s great for scoring entertainment at National Harbor. Vegas has tons of shows, but National Harbor’s limited runs make presale access golden. You can even use points for Potomac River cruises – something Vegas MGMs don’t offer.
5. Redeeming MGM Reward Points Effectively
5.1 Best Redemption Values for Points
MGM points can be used lots of ways, but some are better deals than others.
Best bang for your buck? Mid-week hotel stays – points can be worth 1.5 cents each. Weekends give less value – better to use gambling comps then, save card points for weekdays.
Eating at fancy spots like Lago or Craftsteak? Points work great there too. Pay the whole meal with points or just part – your choice. Some folks use points for pricey breakfast buffets, saving cash for dinners where points don’t go as far.
5.2 Avoiding Common Redemption Mistakes
Newbies often blow points fast on stuff that’s not worth it.
The website pushes gift cards and merch, but these often give less than 0.7 cents per point. Skip these unless you’ve got way more points than you’ll ever use for trips.
Another common mistake? Not getting how blackout dates work. MGM doesn’t technically have blackout dates, but rewards depend on how busy they are.
Smart users book reward rooms 3-6 months early for big events like CES or fight nights. Turn on point expiration alerts so you don’t lose your rewards.
6. Maintaining and Upgrading Tier Status
6.1 Pearl Status Perks and Requirements
Pearl status comes right away with the card, but there’s more to it than meets the eye. Besides no resort fees, Pearl gets you 25% more points on everything (even gambling), possible room upgrades, and special booking lines with better deals.
Keep Pearl status by earning 25,000 tier credits yearly or just keeping your card open. It’s the simplest high-tier status to keep in casinos. The card gives you a status baseline, but extra play or spending can get you even better tiers.
6.2 Path from Pearl to Gold and Beyond
Progressing beyond Pearl status requires strategic planning.
Gold status kicks in at 75,000 tier credits and brings substantial benefits like suite upgrade eligibility, waived fees at MGM partner resorts, and annual complimentary nights. The credit card alone won’t get you to Gold, but it provides a significant head start.
Successful upgraders combine credit card spending with targeted casino play during bonus point promotions. Table game players should always use their card to purchase chips, as these purchases qualify for tier credits. Slot enthusiasts benefit from inserting their rewards card before playing, creating a dual stream of tier credits from both gaming and subsequent credit card redemption.
7. MGM Credit Card for Business Travelers
7.1 Corporate Expense Optimization
Business travelers who frequent MGM properties find the credit card particularly valuable for expense management.
The card’s detailed digital statements automatically categorize MGM spending separately, simplifying expense reporting. Corporate cardholders can also set individual limits for authorized users while pooling reward points company-wide.
One underutilized feature is the card’s ability to track gaming expenditures separately from other charges. This helps business travelers maintain clear records for tax purposes and expense reimbursement. The card’s lack of foreign transaction fees also benefits international business travelers visiting MGM’s Macau or other global properties.
7.2 Entertaining Clients with Card Benefits
The MGM credit card transforms client entertainment with subtle but impactful perks.
Pearl status includes priority restaurant seating, which proves invaluable when impressing clients at sought-after venues like Carbone or Hakkasan. Complimentary self-parking also adds up significantly when hosting multiple clients over several days.
Smart users leverage the card’s concierge service to secure hard-to-get show tickets or event access. The business version of the card offers enhanced concierge support specifically tailored for corporate entertainment needs. These soft benefits often create more client appreciation than outright comps, while being fully tax-deductible as business expenses.
8. Combining with Other MGM Promotions
8.1 Stacking Credit Card Points with Special Offers
MGM frequently runs promotions that can be strategically combined with credit card benefits for maximum value.
During Stay More, Play More campaigns, cardholders can earn triple tier points on hotel stays while simultaneously earning 3X points from credit card spending. This creates a compounding effect that dramatically accelerates status advancement.
The most sophisticated users time large purchases like convention booth fees or group dining events to coincide with these promotions. Even non-MGM spending during promotion periods can be valuable, as the base 1X earning still contributes to tier maintenance while other activities benefit from accelerated promotion earnings.
8.2 Leveraging MGM Partnership Benefits
MGM’s partnerships with companies like Hyatt and Uber create additional opportunities for credit card users.
Hyatt members can match status with MGM Rewards, potentially unlocking higher-tier benefits. Charges at participating partners often qualify for MGM credit card rewards, though many cardholders overlook these earning opportunities.
The Uber partnership proves particularly valuable for business travelers. Rides to/from MGM properties earn both Uber rewards and MGM tier credits when paid with the MGM Mastercard.
Some airport transfers even qualify for double dipping when properly documented. These synergies make the card more valuable than initial appearances suggest.
9. Common MGM Credit Card Questions Answered
9.1 Troubleshooting Tier Point Issues
One frequent concern involves tier points not posting correctly after MGM stays.
This usually stems from failing to present both your rewards card and MGM Mastercard at check-in. The property’s systems track spending separately, and only charges placed on your MGM credit card automatically apply toward tier status.
If points are missing, the fastest resolution comes through MGM Rewards customer service rather than the bank. Keep detailed records of qualifying stays and request corrections within 60 days. Many cardholders don’t realize that incidental holds (for potential room damage) don’t count toward tier points until they convert to actual charges at checkout.
9.2 Annual Fee Justification Strategies
The MGM Rewards Mastercard’s $125 annual fee gives pause to some applicants, but simple math usually justifies the cost.
Just two weekend nights at a Las Vegas property typically incur over $100 in resort fees that Pearl status waives. Add in the 25% reward point bonus on all spending, and most frequent visitors come out ahead.
Business travelers can write off the fee as a business expense when using the card primarily for work. The fee also includes often-overlooked benefits like extended warranty protection and purchase security that apply to all purchases, not just MGM-related spending. Calculating your specific break-even point based on expected MGM visits makes the decision clearer.
10. Future of MGM Rewards Program
10.1 Upcoming Program Enhancements
Industry insiders suggest MGM plans to further integrate its credit card with the redesigned MGM Rewards program.
Rumored changes include higher earning rates for non-gaming spending and possible status boosts for reaching certain annual spending thresholds. These enhancements would make the card even more valuable for casual visitors who don’t gamble extensively.
The company has also hinted at expanding redemption options to include more experiential offerings like VIP concert packages or celebrity chef dinners. Such changes would differentiate MGM’s program from competitors increasingly focused on traditional travel redemptions. Cardholders should watch for announcements following major industry events like G2E.
10.2 Long-Term Strategy for Maximizing Value
Forward-thinking MGM credit card users adopt strategies anticipating program evolution.
This includes building tier point buffers beyond current status requirements to absorb potential qualification changes. Diversifying point redemption across properties also hedges against location-specific policy shifts.
The savviest members maintain flexibility in their approach, ready to pivot spending patterns when new benefits emerge. As MGM expands internationally and into digital gaming through BetMGM, the credit card’s role will likely expand beyond physical properties. Staying informed through official channels ensures you’ll always extract maximum value from this increasingly iconic casino credit card.
In conclusion, the MGM Rewards Mastercard delivers exceptional value for frequent visitors to MGM properties, whether for business or leisure. From automatic Pearl status to flexible point redemption, its benefits significantly enhance the MGM experience. By understanding tier point strategies, account linking options, and redemption sweet spots, cardholders can unlock hundreds or even thousands in annual value.
Ready to elevate your MGM stays? Consider applying for the MGM Rewards Mastercard before your next visit to start enjoying these benefits immediately. Existing cardholders should review their account activity to ensure they’re maximizing all available perks. With smart usage, this iconic casino credit card can transform your hospitality experience at MGM properties worldwide.
