What the MGM Rewards Credit Card is and who it's for

The MGM Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by a major bank in partnership with MGM Resorts, the casino and hotel company. It's designed for people who stay at MGM properties, gamble at MGM casinos, or want to earn rewards on everyday purchases that convert to MGM benefits.

The card earns points on all purchases. Those points can be redeemed for free or discounted stays at MGM hotels, casino credits, dining discounts, or other travel perks. If you've never stayed at an MGM property or don't plan to, this card is unlikely to be useful — the rewards are specific to MGM's ecosystem and don't transfer to other hotel chains or airlines.

MGM offers more than one rewards card, and the terms change periodically. Before you explore, check the current offer on MGM's website or the issuing bank's site to see the sign-up bonus, annual fee, and earning rates that explore right now.

Key Takeaways

  • MGM Rewards cards earn points on all purchases, but the points are only useful if you stay at MGM hotels, gamble at MGM casinos, or use MGM dining and entertainment.
  • Most versions of the card charge an annual fee, which you should weigh against how often you actually use MGM properties.
  • The sign-up bonus — usually a large point grant after you spend a certain amount in the first few months — is often the biggest value you'll get from the card.
  • Points don't expire as long as your account stays open and active, but closing the card ends your ability to redeem.
  • The card typically offers perks like room upgrades, late checkout, or casino credits that go beyond just earning points.

How points are earned and what they're worth

The earning structure varies by which MGM card you hold. Most versions earn a base rate of 1 point per dollar spent on all purchases, with bonus rates on specific categories like dining or travel. Some cards earn 2 or 3 points per dollar in certain categories.

The redemption value of a point is not fixed. When you redeem points for a hotel stay, the point cost depends on the room category, the season, and how far in advance you book. A point might be worth roughly 0.5 to 1 cent when redeemed for a hotel room, though this varies widely. Casino credits and dining discounts may have different point-to-dollar ratios.

To figure out whether the card makes sense for you, estimate how many points you'd earn in a year based on your actual spending, then check what those points would buy at properties you actually visit. If you spend $10,000 a year and earn 1 point per dollar, that's 10,000 points. If those points redeem for $50 to $100 in hotel value, you're getting $50 to $100 back — before subtracting the annual fee.

Annual fees and when they're worth paying

Most MGM Rewards cards charge an annual fee, typically between $95 and $150, though some versions are no-fee. The fee is usually charged on the anniversary of when you open the account.

Whether the fee is worth it depends on your actual MGM spending. If you stay at an MGM property at least once a year, or gamble regularly at an MGM casino, the card's perks — like automatic room upgrades, late checkout, or a casino credit — may cover the fee. If you never visit an MGM property, the fee is pure cost with no offsetting benefit.

Some cards waive the first-year fee, which gives you time to earn the sign-up bonus and test whether the rewards are valuable to you before you're charged.

Sign-up bonuses and how to maximize them

The sign-up bonus is usually the largest single reward you'll earn from the card. A typical offer might be 50,000 to 75,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 to $3,000 in the first three months. That bonus alone could cover several nights at an MGM hotel or a significant casino credit.

To get the bonus, you must meet the spending requirement within the stated timeframe — usually three months. The spending typically counts only purchases made with the card itself, not balance transfers or cash advances. If you don't hit the spending target, you don't get the bonus.

If you're considering the card mainly for the sign-up bonus, calculate whether the bonus value (in hotel nights or casino credits you'd actually use) exceeds the annual fee. If you earn 50,000 points and those redeem for $75 in value, but the annual fee is $95, you're starting in the red. The card only makes sense if you'll also use it for ongoing purchases and redeem the points you earn.

Perks beyond points: upgrades, credits, and status

MGM Rewards cards often come with benefits that aren't points. Common perks include automatic room upgrades (when available), late checkout, a casino credit on your birthday, or discounts on dining and entertainment at MGM properties.

These perks can add real value if you use them. A room upgrade from a standard room to a suite, or late checkout that lets you avoid an early departure, has tangible worth. A $25 or $50 casino credit is cash value you can use when ready. However, these perks are only valuable if you actually stay at or visit MGM properties.

Some cards also grant you status in MGM's loyalty program (Gold, Platinum, or higher tiers), which unlocks additional benefits like faster point earning or exclusive promotions. Check what status level the card grants and whether that status is something you'd reach anyway through your own MGM visits.

Comparing the MGM card to other travel and casino cards

If you travel frequently but don't stay at MGM properties specifically, a general travel rewards card (which earns points redeemable with many hotel chains and airlines) may be more useful. If you gamble at multiple casinos, a card tied to a different casino brand might be better.

The MGM card makes the most sense if you have a clear pattern of MGM visits — you stay at MGM hotels regularly, or you gamble at MGM casinos, or you eat at MGM restaurants. If your casino and hotel visits are spread across different brands, you'll earn rewards faster with a card that doesn't lock you into one ecosystem.

Also consider the annual fee in context. A $95 annual fee is reasonable if you're earning and redeeming $200+ in value per year. On a card where you earn slowly and rarely redeem, that fee is a drag on your finances.

How to redeem points and what to watch for

You redeem MGM Rewards points through your online account or by calling the rewards program. For hotel stays, you log in, search for available dates at MGM properties, and see the point cost for each room type. You can also redeem points for casino credits (which appear in your casino account), dining certificates, or other perks.

One important rule: points don't expire as long as your account is active. However, if you close the card or don't use your rewards account for an extended period (the timeframe varies by program), your points may be forfeited. Keep the account open if you want to preserve your points.

When redeeming for hotel stays, compare the point cost to what you'd pay in cash. Sometimes paying with a credit card and earning points on that purchase is better value than redeeming points. Other times, especially during promotions, redeeming points offers better value. Check both options before you book.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be a casino member to get the MGM card?

No. You don't need to be an existing MGM Rewards member to open the card. However, the card is only useful if you plan to visit MGM properties or use MGM services. If you've never been to an MGM casino or hotel and don't plan to, the card won't give you any real benefit.

Can I use my points at any casino or hotel?

No. MGM Rewards points can only be redeemed at MGM properties and for MGM services. They don't transfer to other hotel chains, airlines, or casinos. If you want rewards that work across multiple brands, you'd need a different card.

What happens to my points if I close the card?

Your points don't disappear when ready when you close the card, but you lose the ability to earn new points. Your existing points remain in your MGM Rewards account as long as you keep that account active. However, if your account goes dormant for a long period, the program may expire your points. Check the program rules for the exact timeframe.

Is the sign-up bonus worth explore for if I only visit MGM once a year?

It depends on the bonus size and the annual fee. If the bonus is 50,000 points worth $75 in hotel value, and the annual fee is $95, you're paying $20 net for the card in year one. If you also earn points on everyday purchases and use those, the card could still be worthwhile. But if you visit only once and don't use the card otherwise, the fee outweighs the benefit.

Can I earn points faster by gambling or staying at MGM properties?

Yes. Most MGM Rewards programs offer bonus point rates for casino play and hotel stays beyond what you earn just by using the credit card. The exact bonus rates depend on your status level in the loyalty program. Check the current earning rates on MGM's website to see how much faster you earn during actual visits.