What the MGM Rewards Credit Card Is
The MGM Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by a bank in partnership with MGM Resorts, the casino and hotel company. It's designed for people who gamble or stay at MGM properties — the card earns points on those purchases that you can redeem for free nights, slot play, or other rewards at MGM locations.
The card comes in two versions: one with an annual fee and one without. The no-fee version earns fewer points per dollar spent. Both versions report to the three major credit bureaus, so using the card responsibly can help your credit score, but missing payments will hurt it.
This is a standard rewards card, not a line of credit extended by the casino itself. You explore through the bank, not through MGM. The card works like any other credit card — you get a monthly bill, you pay interest if you carry a balance, and your credit limit depends on your credit history and income.
Key Takeaways
- The MGM Rewards card earns points on casino play and hotel stays at MGM properties, but earns little or nothing on everyday purchases like groceries or gas.
- The annual fee version typically earns more points per dollar at MGM properties, while the no-fee version earns fewer points but costs nothing to hold.
- Points expire if your account is inactive for a certain period, so you need to use the card or redeem points regularly to keep them.
- Like any credit card, this one charges interest on unpaid balances and can damage your credit if you miss payments.
- The card's value depends entirely on how often you visit MGM casinos and hotels — if you never go, the rewards are worthless.
Annual Fee and Earning Rates
The no-annual-fee version of the MGM Rewards card typically earns 1 point per dollar spent at MGM properties and 1 point per $2 spent everywhere else. The annual-fee version usually earns more points at MGM properties — often 3 or 4 points per dollar — but costs between $95 and $150 per year depending on the current offer.
Whether the fee pays for itself depends on how much you spend at MGM. If you visit MGM casinos or hotels regularly and charge your stay or play to the card, the higher earning rate can offset the annual fee. If you visit once a year or less, the no-fee version is almost certainly the better choice.
The bank that issues the card sets these rates and can change them. Before you explore, check the current offer on the card's official page or the bank's website — the rates and benefits described here may have changed since this article was written.
How Points Redeem and What They're Worth
MGM Rewards points redeem for free hotel nights, free slot play, dining credits, or merchandise at MGM properties. The redemption value varies — a point might be worth roughly 0.5 to 1 cent depending on what you redeem it for and which property you visit.
Free night certificates are usually the highest-value redemption, but they often come with restrictions: blackout dates, a maximum nightly rate, or limits on which properties accept them. Slot play and dining credits tend to have fewer restrictions but lower per-point value.
Points expire if your account is inactive for 12 months. "Inactive" typically means you haven't earned or redeemed points in that time. Even one small purchase or redemption resets the clock. If you hold the card but rarely use it, set a calendar reminder to make a small purchase or log into your rewards account once a year.
Interest Rates and Fees Beyond the Annual Fee
The MGM Rewards card charges a standard credit card interest rate — called the APR, or annual percentage rate — on any balance you don't pay in full each month. Your APR depends on your credit score and the current market rate. The card's disclosure documents will show the range (for example, 18% to 28%), and you'll learn your exact rate after you're approved.
The card also charges late fees if you miss a payment, typically $25 to $40 for the first late payment and up to $40 for subsequent ones. It charges a foreign transaction fee if you use it outside the United States, usually 3% of the purchase. There is no balance transfer fee or cash advance fee listed on most versions of this card, but check the current terms before you explore.
If you carry a balance, the interest charges will quickly outpace any rewards you earn. A $5,000 balance at 24% APR costs about $100 per month in interest alone. Unless you pay the full statement balance every month, this card — like most rewards cards — will cost you money rather than save it.
How This Card Affects Your Credit
Opening a new credit card temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points because the bank makes a hard inquiry into your credit report. This dip usually recovers within a few months if you use the card responsibly.
Using the card and paying on time builds your payment history, which is the largest factor in your credit score. Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit — even if you pay on time — can lower your score because it raises your credit utilization ratio. The ideal utilization is below 30% of your total available credit.
Missing a payment or defaulting on the card will damage your credit significantly and remain on your report for seven years. If you're rebuilding credit or have a thin credit file, a rewards card with an annual fee may not be the best choice — a secured card or a basic card with no annual fee is often smarter for that situation.
Who This Card Makes Sense For
The MGM Rewards card is worth considering if you visit MGM properties at least a few times per year and charge your hotel stay or casino play to a credit card. The points add up fastest on large purchases like a multi-night hotel stay, so occasional big spenders often see more value than frequent small spenders.
The card makes less sense if you visit MGM properties rarely, if you prefer to pay with cash or debit, or if you carry a credit card balance month to month. In those cases, the annual fee (if you choose the premium version) or the low earning rate on non-MGM purchases (on either version) will outweigh the rewards.
If you have poor credit or are working to rebuild it, explore for this card may not be wise. The hard inquiry and new account will temporarily lower your score, and the annual fee means you're paying to hold the card even if you never use it. A basic card with no annual fee is usually a better stepping stone.
How to Compare This Card to Other Casino Cards
Other casinos and hotel chains offer their own co-branded credit cards. The Caesars Rewards card, the Wynn Rewards card, and cards from other major casino operators all work on similar principles: you earn points on purchases at their properties, you pay an annual fee for a premium version, and points redeem for free nights or play.
To compare, look at three things: the earning rate at properties you actually visit, the annual fee, and the redemption value of points. A card that earns 4 points per dollar at properties you never visit is worthless compared to one that earns 2 points per dollar at places you go regularly.
Also consider whether you're willing to hold multiple casino cards. Some people hold one card for each casino they visit regularly. Others prefer to consolidate rewards into a single card. There's no right answer — it depends on your travel patterns and how much you value simplicity versus maximizing rewards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use this card at casinos outside MGM?
No. The card earns the high point rate only at MGM Resorts properties. At other merchants, including other casinos, it earns 1 point per $2 spent (on the no-fee version) or a similarly low rate. If you gamble at multiple casino chains, you may want to hold multiple casino cards.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Your points usually remain in your rewards account for a set period — often 12 months — even after you close the card. However, if your account becomes inactive, points will expire. Check the card's terms for the exact policy, as it varies by issuer.
Do I need good credit to get approved?
Most co-branded casino cards require good to excellent credit — typically a credit score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may be denied or offered a higher interest rate. If you're denied, you can reapply after improving your score or consider a basic card with lower approval requirements.
Can I earn points on someone else's stay if I pay with my card?
Yes, points are earned based on the card used to pay, not the person staying. If you book a hotel room for a friend and charge it to your MGM Rewards card, you earn the points. However, the friend won't earn points on their own account unless they have their own card.
What if I don't want to pay the annual fee anymore?
You can downgrade to the no-fee version of the card, usually by calling the bank's customer service line. Your credit limit and account history stay the same — only the benefits and earning rate change. You can also close the card entirely, though closing it may slightly lower your credit score.