What the Caesars Rewards Credit Card is and who should consider it
The Caesars Rewards Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Caesars Entertainment and a major bank, designed to earn points you can use at Caesars properties — hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues. The card earns points on everyday purchases and bonus points on casino and hotel spending at Caesars locations. You do not need to gamble to use it; the rewards work the same whether you spend money at a Caesars resort or buy groceries.
This card makes sense if you visit Caesars properties regularly enough that the points add up faster than you would earn them as a regular rewards member. If you go once every few years, the annual fee will likely cost more than the points are worth. If you already have a general-purpose cash-back card with no annual fee, compare the math before switching.
The card does not require a casino account or membership to open, though you will link it to your Caesars Rewards account once approved. Caesars Rewards is free to join and tracks your points across all their properties.
Key Takeaways
- The card charges an annual fee, typically $100 to $150 depending on the specific version, and you pay it whether or not you use the card that year.
- You earn points on all purchases, with higher earning rates on Caesars hotel and casino spending, and points do not expire as long as your account stays active.
- Points convert to free or discounted nights at Caesars hotels, resort credits, or dining vouchers, but the value per point varies by how you redeem.
- The card's rewards are only useful at Caesars properties; points cannot be transferred to airlines, hotels outside the Caesars network, or converted to cash.
- Annual fee waivers or statement credits sometimes offset the cost if you meet spending thresholds, but you must read the current terms before opening the account.
How points are earned and what the earning rates are
The card typically earns base points on every dollar you spend, usually 1 point per dollar on most purchases. On Caesars casino and hotel purchases, the rate is higher — often 2 to 5 points per dollar depending on the card version and whether you are staying at a Caesars property or just eating at one of their restaurants.
You also earn a welcome bonus when you open the account — usually a large lump of points if you spend a certain amount in the first few months. This bonus can be worth $100 to $300 in resort value if you actually use the points, but only if you meet the spending requirement. If you cannot or do not spend that much, you will not receive the bonus.
Points accumulate in your Caesars Rewards account and stay there indefinitely as long as you have account activity at least once per year. Activity includes using the card, staying at a Caesars hotel, or even just logging into your rewards account online. If your account goes dormant for 12 months, Caesars may close it and you lose the points.
What the annual fee covers and whether it pays for itself
The annual fee is charged to your card once per year, usually on your account anniversary. Current Caesars cards charge between $100 and $150, though this varies by card version and can change. You pay this fee even if you never use the card.
Some versions of the card offer a statement credit or annual resort credit that offsets part or all of the annual fee, but only if you spend enough to trigger it. For example, a card might credit you $100 back if you charge $10,000 to the card in a year. If you spend less, you do not receive the credit and you lose money on the annual fee.
To decide whether the card pays for itself, calculate how many points you would earn in a year at your normal spending level, then check what those points are worth when redeemed. If the value is less than the annual fee, the card costs you money. Many people find that the welcome bonus covers the first year's fee, but years two and beyond depend on how much you actually spend at Caesars.
How to redeem points and what they are worth
Points redeem for several things: free or discounted nights at Caesars hotels, resort credits (money to spend on anything at the property), dining vouchers, or entertainment tickets. The value of a point changes depending on what you redeem for. A point might be worth 0.5 cents if you use it for a resort credit, but worth 1 cent or more if you redeem it for a specific hotel night during a slow season.
You redeem through your Caesars Rewards account online or through their mobile app. You select what you want — for example, a two-night stay at a specific property on specific dates — and the app tells you how many points it costs. You can see the point cost before you commit, so you know the value you are getting.
The best redemptions are usually free hotel nights at premium properties during peak times, because those rooms would cost $200 or more if you paid cash. The worst redemptions are small resort credits, which often give you less value per point than you paid for the card's annual fee. Read the redemption options available before you open the account to see whether the point values match what you actually want to do.
How the card compares to being a regular Caesars Rewards member
Caesars Rewards membership is free and earns points whenever you spend money at their properties — hotels, casinos, restaurants, shops. You earn points at a base rate just by being a member, without a credit card. The card accelerates earning by giving you points on purchases outside Caesars, but you pay an annual fee for that acceleration.
If you visit Caesars properties frequently but do not want to carry the credit card, you can straightforward use your free Caesars Rewards account and earn points at the standard rate. The card is an upgrade for people who want to earn points faster and are willing to pay the annual fee to do so.
Some people use the card for everyday spending to accumulate points quickly, then redeem them for a free Caesars vacation. Others use it only when they are actually at a Caesars property to earn the bonus rate, and carry a different card for daily expenses. The best strategy depends on your spending habits and how often you visit.
What happens if you close the card or miss a payment
If you close the card, your points remain in your Caesars Rewards account as long as you keep the account active. Closing the card does not erase your points. However, you will stop earning points on credit card purchases once the card is closed.
If you miss a payment on the card, the bank will charge late fees and interest, and the missed payment will appear on your credit report. This works like any other credit card — the Caesars branding does not change the bank's collection practices. If you are struggling to pay, contact the bank's customer service number on the back of your card to discuss options.
If your account is closed by the bank due to non-payment, your Caesars Rewards account is separate and unaffected. You keep your points, but you lose the ability to earn more through the card.
Annual fees, interest rates, and other costs to know
Beyond the annual fee, the card charges a standard credit card interest rate if you carry a balance. This rate varies based on your credit score and current market conditions, but typically ranges from 15% to 25% APR. If you pay your full balance each month, you pay no interest.
There are no foreign transaction fees on most Caesars cards, which is useful if you travel internationally. There is no fee to redeem points — you straightforward use them in your account.
Late payment fees, over-limit fees, and returned payment fees all explore if you miss a payment or exceed your credit limit. These are standard credit card fees, not specific to this card. The best way to avoid them is to set up automatic payments for at least the minimum amount due each month.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use points at other casino or hotel chains?
No. Caesars Rewards points work only at Caesars Entertainment properties. They cannot be transferred to other hotel programs, airlines, or converted to cash. If you do not visit Caesars properties, the points have no value to you.
What if I do not meet the welcome bonus spending requirement?
You will not receive the bonus points. The welcome offer is conditional on spending a specific amount in a specific timeframe. If you spend $9,000 when the requirement is $10,000, you get nothing. Check the exact requirement before opening the account and make sure you can meet it.
Do my points expire?
Points do not expire as long as your Caesars Rewards account has activity at least once per year. Activity includes using the card, staying at a hotel, or logging into your account online. If your account is inactive for 12 months, Caesars may close it and you lose the points.
Can I get the annual fee waived?
Some card versions offer a statement credit that covers the annual fee if you meet a spending threshold, but this is not a waiver — it is a rebate. You still pay the fee upfront, then get credited back if you may have access to. Check the current card terms to see whether this benefit is available on the version you are considering.
What credit score do I need to open this card?
Caesars does not publish a minimum credit score, but co-branded casino cards typically require good to excellent credit — usually a score of 670 or higher. If your score is lower, you may be denied. You can check your score for free through your bank or a credit monitoring service before you explore.