The MGM Credit Card: 5 things you should know

You can earn points by using the MGM Rewards Mastercard issued by First National Bank of Omaha to pay for your stay, meals and other purchases at MGM. The odds, however, are against you. It’s not worth it. The offerings of the card are very basic. With just over 30 MGM hotels and casinos worldwide, only true MGM fans will see real value.

The MGM Rewards Card, formerly known as M Life Mastercard has no fees for foreign transactions or annual fees. The MGM Rewards card comes with a complimentary Pearl Elite status (see below for the benefits of this status), and the rewards are never expired as long as you keep the card open. Although it may seem like a jackpot to some, the majority of people would be better off with a travel rewards or cash back card.

Five things you should know about MGM’s credit card

MGM Rewards is a simple program. MGM Rewards and Tier Credits are earned by spending money at MGM-qualified properties on dining, gambling, and shopping. MGM Rewards points are 1 cent per point and all MGM Rewards Members can earn them, including those who do not have the MGM Rewards Card. MGM Rewards uses Tier Credits to determine elite status.

MGM Mastercard Points and Tier Credits are earned when you spend on your MGM Rewards card. MGM Mastercard points can be exchanged for MGM Reward Points or Slot Dollars, which are credits on slots. Cardholders can earn:

• 
  Earn 3x MGM Mastercard points and Tier credits for every $1 you spend at MGM-eligible properties.
  

• 
  Earn 2x MGM Mastercard points and Tier credits for every $1 you spend on gasoline and grocery purchases.
  

• 
  Earn 1x MGM Mastercard Points and Tier Credit per $1 on all other purchases.
  

The MGM card can help you earn points if you’re a frequent visitor to MGM Resorts. These points have a limited use because they are only redeemable at MGM resorts.

It may be better to choose a credit card with flexible rewards, or one that offers cashback that is available anywhere. Capital One SavorOne Credit Card offers 3% back in cash on purchases made at grocery stores, restaurants, movie theaters, and streaming services. Cash back is available for any purpose. There is no annual fee. You can get the introductory bonus for new applicants: Get a $200 one-time cash bonus if you make $1,000 in purchases within 3 months of opening your account.

MGM Rewards card holders will automatically receive the Pearl level in the MGM Rewards Program. The MGM Rewards Pearl status comes with free parking at MGM, 10% Slot Dollar bonus, and the guarantee that rewards won’t expire. It normally takes 20,000 Tier Credits to reach Pearl Status.

There are a number of loyalty programs with reciprocal agreements that allow you to achieve elite status. You can, for example, get Pearl status at MGM if you match your Discoverist level in the World of Hyatt loyalty program. World of Hyatt Credit Card users automatically receive Discoverist status. You could therefore apply for this card and then match your status in order to qualify automatically as an elite Pearl. Hyatt owns a lot more hotels than MGM and, thanks to the reciprocal agreement, you can use World of Hyatt Points for MGM Stays. Spend $3,000 in the first three months after account opening to earn 30,000 bonus points. Earn up to an additional 30,000 Bonus Points when you spend up to $15,000.

MGM Resorts offers an exclusive MGM Rewards Mastercard check-in queue. This can be a great way to save time if you arrive during busy times of the day.

MGM Rewards Credit Card offers a $100 signup bonus when you spend $1000 in your first three months. Rewards are redeemable for dining, entertainment and hotel bookings at MGM Rewards-eligible properties. Just present your MGM Rewards Number when paying your bill to receive points.

Although $100 may seem like a good sign-up offer, that’s far from the top. Wells Fargo Autograph (sm) offers a new cardholder offer: Earn 20,000 points after you make $1,000 of purchases within the first three months. That’s worth $200 in cash. You can also earn 3x on dining, travel, gas, transit and phone plans. The Wells Fargo Autograph(sm) Card offers a 0% Intro APR for Purchases over 12 months. After that, the APR will be 19.99%, 24,99% or 29.99% variable APR.

The MGM Rewards Mastercard has no fees for foreign transactions, so you can use it outside of the U.S. with confidence. The card will also be widely accepted around the globe because it is Mastercard. You can earn rewards when you use the card in MGM resorts located in China and Japan.