What the MGM Rewards Credit Card offers
The MGM Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by a major bank in partnership with MGM Resorts. It earns points on purchases that you can redeem for hotel stays, dining, entertainment, and other perks at MGM properties. The card also comes with a welcome bonus—typically a large point award after you spend a certain amount in the first few months—and ongoing benefits like room upgrades and complimentary services at MGM locations.
The card is designed for people who visit MGM casinos and resorts regularly or who want to consolidate their spending to build points faster. Unlike a casino-only rewards program, this is a standard credit card that works everywhere Visa or Mastercard is accepted, so you earn points on everyday purchases too.
Before you explore, understand that this is a credit product with interest rates, annual fees, and credit requirements. The rewards are real, but they come with the same obligations as any other credit card.
Key Takeaways
- The MGM Rewards Credit Card earns points on all purchases, with bonus point rates at MGM properties and partner merchants.
- A welcome bonus typically requires you to spend $500 to $1,000 within the first three months to earn a large point award.
- The card carries an annual fee, which varies by card tier, and a standard interest rate that applies to any balance you carry month to month.
- Points can be redeemed for hotel nights, dining credits, show tickets, and other experiences at MGM Resorts locations nationwide.
- You must have a credit score in the good to excellent range and meet the bank's income and credit history requirements to be approved.
How points are earned and what they're worth
The MGM Rewards Credit Card typically earns 1 point per dollar spent on most purchases and 3 to 4 points per dollar at MGM properties and select dining or entertainment partners. The exact earning rate depends on which version of the card you hold—there are often multiple tiers with different benefits and annual fees.
Points are worth roughly 0.5 to 1 cent each when redeemed, though the value varies depending on what you're redeeming for. A free night at an MGM property might cost 25,000 to 50,000 points depending on the hotel's category and the time of year. Dining credits, show tickets, and retail purchases typically offer lower redemption rates.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card or your account goes inactive for an extended period, you may lose your points. Check the card's terms for the specific inactivity policy.
Annual fees and when they're charged
The MGM Rewards Credit Card has an annual fee that is charged to your account once per year, usually on your card anniversary (the date you were approved). The fee amount depends on the card tier—a standard version might cost $95 annually, while a premium version could be $250 or higher.
The annual fee is charged regardless of whether you use the card. You are responsible for paying it as part of your credit card bill. Some cardholders offset this cost by redeeming the welcome bonus or by earning enough points through regular spending to cover the fee's value in rewards.
If you want to cancel the card to avoid the annual fee, contact the card issuer before the anniversary date. Some issuers offer a brief window to cancel without paying the fee, but this varies. Canceling the card will close the account and you will lose any remaining points balance.
Welcome bonus requirements and timing
The welcome bonus typically requires you to spend a set amount—often $500 to $1,500—within the first three months of opening the account. Once you meet this spending threshold, the bonus points are usually posted to your account within one to two billing cycles.
The bonus is awarded only once per person, and you must meet the spending requirement to receive it. Spending that does not count toward the requirement includes balance transfers, cash advances, and fees. Only regular purchases at merchants count.
The welcome bonus is one of the main reasons people open this card, so plan your spending accordingly. If you know you will make large purchases in the coming months, timing your process around those purchases can help you meet the requirement without changing your normal spending patterns.
how the process works and what documents you'll need
You can explore for the MGM Rewards Credit Card online through the card issuer's website, by phone, or in person at an MGM property. The online process is the fastest route and takes about 10 to 15 minutes.
You will need to provide your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information. The bank will pull your credit report to check your credit score and history. You should have a credit score of at least 670 to 750 (good to excellent range) to have a reasonable chance of approval, though the exact requirement varies by issuer.
After you submit your process, you will receive a decision within minutes to a few business days. If approved, your card will be mailed to you within 7 to 10 business days. Some issuers offer when ready card numbers for online use while you wait for the physical card to arrive.
Redeeming points and blackout dates
Points are redeemed through your online account or by calling the rewards program. You can book a free night at an MGM hotel, purchase dining credits, buy show tickets, or transfer points to airline partners in some cases.
Free night redemptions are subject to blackout dates and availability. Peak travel times—holidays, weekends, major events—often require more points or may not be available at all. You can check availability before you redeem to see which dates are open at your preferred property.
Dining and entertainment redemptions are usually more flexible and do not have blackout dates. You can often use credits when ready or book experiences weeks in advance. Read the redemption terms for each option, as some have expiration dates or restrictions on how they can be used.
Interest rates and what happens if you carry a balance
The MGM Rewards Credit Card carries a variable interest rate that changes based on market conditions and your creditworthiness. The rate is typically in the range of 18% to 28% APR, though your actual rate depends on your credit score and the bank's current pricing.
If you carry a balance from month to month, interest is charged on the unpaid amount. This interest is separate from your rewards—you earn points on your purchases, but you also owe interest on any balance you do not pay in full. For example, if you spend $1,000 and pay only $500, you owe interest on the remaining $500.
To avoid interest charges, pay your full statement balance by the due date each month. If you cannot pay in full, pay as much as you can to reduce the interest you owe. Carrying a balance erodes the value of your rewards, so the card works best for people who pay off their charges monthly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my MGM Rewards Credit Card points at any casino or resort?
Points can only be redeemed at MGM Resorts properties, which include casinos and hotels in Las Vegas, Atlantic City, Detroit, and other locations. You cannot use points at other casino brands or non-MGM hotels. Check the MGM Resorts website for a full list of participating properties.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points are typically forfeited if you close the card account. Some issuers allow a brief grace period to redeem points after closing, but this is not may provide. If you are thinking about closing the card, redeem your points first or contact the issuer to ask about their policy.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn?
There is no stated limit to points earning, but some cards cap bonus categories or have annual earning caps. Check your card's terms for any restrictions. You can earn points indefinitely as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Do I need to be an MGM Rewards member to use this card?
The MGM Rewards Credit Card is part of the MGM Rewards program, so your card account is linked to your rewards membership automatically. You do not need a separate membership—the card serves as your membership card at MGM properties.
What is the difference between the standard and premium versions of this card?
Premium versions typically have higher annual fees but offer additional benefits like higher welcome bonuses, room upgrades, complimentary services, or higher earning rates in certain categories. Choose the version that matches your spending and travel plans. If you visit MGM properties frequently, the premium version may pay for itself in benefits.