I’m always in pursuit of new credit cards that will deliver value whether that be discounts, points, cashback, etc.
As a Vegas regular, I often wondered if the MGM Rewards or Caesars Rewards branded credit cards are worth adding to the Las Vegas regular’s wallet.
With that in mind, I figured it would be fun to compare the benefits of both side by side to which which, if any, make sense.
I need to note upfront that I’m not affiliated with either Mastercard or Visa, and receive no financial benefit if you apply for either.
MGM Rewards MasterCard
The MGM Resorts’ branded credit card allows you to accumulate “MGM Mastercard Points” that can be redeemed for either Slot Dollars (free play) or MGM Rewards Points which can be used for purchases at MGM’s properties.
Points are earned at a rate of 3x for each dollar spent with an MGM Resorts property, 2x for each dollar spent on gas and groceries, and 1x on all other purchases.
Key Benefits of the MGM Rewards MasterCard:
- 10,000 reward points after you spend $1,500 in the first 3 billing cycles ($100 Value).
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Earn MGM Rewards tier credits based on spending to increase status within the program. Tier credits are awarded at the same rate (3x at the resort, 2x on gas/groceries, 1x on everything else) as reward points.
- Automatic Upgrade to MGM Rewards Pearl Status, which entitles you to free self-parking, the ability to skip buffet lines, priority hotel check-in, and a 10% bonus on Reward Points earned while gaming.
Should you consider the MGM Rewards MasterCard?
It depends.
How often do you frequent MGM properties? If you are a regular who parks on the property then this card along with your automatic elevation to Pearl status could be a great fit due to free self-parking, saving you $18-$23 daily at Bellagio.
Big spenders at the resort also benefit by taking advantage of the 3x point category (essentially 3% cashback) and the 10% boost to rewards points earned via gambling.
If you travel to Vegas infrequently, don’t park, or don’t do much spending at the resort, there are likely better options on the market for you.
If the previous sentence pertains to you, you’re likely better off using a typical cashback credit card that offers a similar return that doesn’t tie your rewards spent to a particular resort chain.
If intriguing, you can explore the MGM Rewards Mastercard here.
Caesars Rewards Visa Card
Caesars Entertainment’s branded credit card allows you to build reward credits that are redeemable for free play in the casino or comps on Caesars Rewards properties.
Generally, each reward point is worth 1 cent in comps, although certain dining outlets will charge a less advantageous ratio.
Reward credits are earned at a rate of 5x for each dollar spent within a Caesars property, 2x for each dollar spent on travel, restaurants, and entertainment, and 1x on all other purchases.
The card also offers the ability to earn tier credits (detailed below), which help you earn status within the Caesars Rewards program.
Key Benefits of Caesars Rewards Visa Card:
- Earn 2,500 tier credits after you activate your card and make your first purchase outside of a Caesars resort.
- Earn 10,000 reward credits ($100 Value) and an additional 2,500 tier credits after you spend $1,000 in 90 days.
- Earn 5,000 tier credits with $5,000 annual spend in the year.
- Earn rewards credits on everyday purchases which can be used to make purchases at Caesars resorts. You’ll earn 5x for purchases at a Caesars resort, 2x on travel, entertainment, and restaurants, and 1x on all other purchases/cash advances.
- Reward credits earned don’t expire as long as you earn at least one reward credit every 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Automatic Upgrade to Platinum Status after your first purchase which entitles you to free self-parking, discounted hotel rooms, a monthly $10 free bet via Caesars Sportsbook, and pre-sale access to select shows.
Should I get the Caesars Rewards Visa?
Once again, if you are in Las Vegas frequently and plan to spend time and money at Caesars Rewards properties this card could be a strong option offering 5x points (essentially 5% cashback) redeemable for comps and free play.
Free parking alone, worth $20-$25 per day at Caesars Palace, is a valuable benefit from a card with no annual fee.
At 2 points for purchases on restaurants, entertainment, and travel, and 1 point per dollar for all other purchases, the benefits of this card are comparable to other cashback cards on the market.
If self-parking is not of interest or you don’t spend a hefty amount at Caesars properties I would advise opting for a traditional cashback card that won’t limit your reward spending to a particular brand.
Note that the Caesars Rewards Visa does NOT offer free foreign transactions like its MGM Rewards counterpart. Leave this card at home if traveling abroad.
You can learn more about the Caesars Rewards Visa card here.
Are Casino Credit Cards Worth It?
Casino loyalty branded credit cards are NOT for everyone’s wallet. In summary, you should consider one or both options if you:
- Plan to park in Las Vegas – With no annual fee, receiving free self-parking is cash in your pocket.
- Spend money at the resort. Charges for rooms, meals, and merchandise at the property are rewarded at a healthy 3x (MGM Rewards) or 5x (Caesars Rewards).
- Don’t mind being restricted to redeeming your points for comps and purchases with one set of properties.
- Have an upcoming trip and would like to earn either card’s 10,000 point bonus ($100) after meeting the spending requirements.
I personally spend more time at Caesars Rewards properties than MGM Rewards, so the Caesars Rewards Visa made sense due to the bump in tier status, free parking, and 5x reward credits for purchases made at one of their properties.
See Also: Where are the loosest slots in Las Vegas? Let us guide you with real-world data!
I’m a former software salesman turned Vegas aficionado. While the craps table is my preferred habitat, I pull myself away to explore new attractions, shows, restaurants, and outdoor activities around Las Vegas with the intent of sharing my experiences.
Ultimately, I just want to help folks plan a better trip and save a few bucks in the process.
pat
Tuesday 31st of October 2023
The TIER POINTS, not the Reward points, are what count as to comp Rooms. MGM offers one tier credit point for every dollar spent year round on the card/wherevever spent, But Caesars caps it at 5000 Tier points for every dollar spend/wherever but it's Capped at that 5,000 per year. Big difference in favor of MGM if you want to keep or raise Tier level through day-to-day spending on the card.
Jake Hoffman
Friday 3rd of November 2023
Tier Credits on their own aren't going to earn you complimentary rooms, though... just status within a loyalty program. Room comps are moreso tied to what you're doing on the casino floor. Obviously, earning status within a program by accumulating tier credits helps in that quest, but you're still going to have to run a few bills through a table or machine.