MGM Rewards: What To Know

MGM Rewards is the loyalty program for MGM Resorts — the owner and operator of casinos around the world — with several properties in Las Vegas, such as The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Bellagio and Mandalay Bay.

MGM Rewards is based on a straightforward concept: Spending money at the hotels and casinos earns points, which you can use for hotel bookings, dining and entertainment.

MGM Rewards members earn two different currencies on eligible spending: Tier Credits and MGM Rewards Points. The former count toward earning higher status tiers (more on that below) and the latter can be redeemed on spending at MGM Rewards properties. Regardless of status tier, members earn four Tier Credits and one MGM Rewards Point per $1 spent on stays and dining at MGM Rewards properties.

MGM Rewards tier benefits

Tier credits accumulate from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31 to generate your status, which begins on Feb. 1 each year. If you boost your status during the year, you will hold that new status for at least a full year. Here's how mnay credits are required for each tier — and some notable benefits that come with each tier:

The co-branded Mastercard

MGM Rewards has a credit card. Most of the features are basic, but it’s a good way to keep your points from expiring if you don’t make it to Las Vegas very often. Overall though, this is a mediocre card. Here's what's included:

• There’s no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees.

• You earn 1 tier credit and 1 base point per $1 spent. Those earnings double at gas stations and supermarkets, and triple at MGM Rewards destinations.

• You receive 10,000 points when you spend $1,000 in the first three months.

• Automatic Pearl status.

• Priority check-in.

Partner promotions

MGM Rewards has several partnerships, ranging from "meh" to very valuable. Here are a couple of the most interesting ones.

Marriott Bonvoy

The partnership with Marriott Bonvoy is arguably the most valuable. It includes:

• The ability for eligible MGM Rewards Gold and above members to receive tier matching benefits at participating Marriott Bonvoy destinations.

• The ability to use Marriott Bonvoy points at participating MGM Rewards hotels.

• The opportunity to earn the partner’s reward currency for your stay.

Southwest Airlines

Southwest Airlines is one of the most scheduled airliners serving Las Vegas, so it’s appropriate that they have a partnership with MGM. You can earn 600 Southwest Rapid Rewards points for stays at a qualifying property. But you can only earn Rapid Rewards or MGM Rewards points — no double-dipping.

» Learn more: The ultimate guide on Southwest flights to Vegas

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity

Royal Caribbean International and its sibling brand Celebrity have some valuable perks, particularly at the higher levels. Even Pearl, the first elite level, gets you access to a special lounge for departure, but the benefits climb rapidly from there.

Plus, members with the highest levels of elite status can get a complimentary cruise each year. Qualifying Platinum Members receive one cruise for two per year in an Oceanview Stateroom consisting of a 3, 4, or 5 night Bahamas or Caribbean cruise on Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises.

NOIR Members receive one cruise for two per year in a Balcony Stateroom consisting of a 7-Night Caribbean or Bermuda cruise on Royal Caribbean or 7-Night Caribbean, Europe, Alaska or Bermuda cruise on Celebrity Cruises.

The bottom line

If you’re a frequent traveler to Las Vegas, you’ll want to make sure you compare the MGM Rewards program closely with the Caesars Rewards program. The two make up the vast majority of on-strip properties in Las Vegas and you’ll earn rewards faster and stretch your earning further if you focus spending and play on one rewards program.