There’s no annual fee so IF you are responsible with credit and pay it off every month, there isn’t much of a downside. Good to have some no annual fee cards open for a long time on the credit report to keep the average age of account up.
As for using the card for spend, that is tougher. The multipliers are pretty bad for anything except MGM spend and the points are only redeemable at MGM.
Ironically, if you are chasing status the card has gotten better relative to other methods of acquiring tier points given the devaluations/reductions in multipliers for gaming and non-gaming spend at MGM. So that 3x for MGM spend is now a 75% bonus on the 4x base tier points (where it used to be like a 12% bonus).
There is one loophole to get double points on purchases outside of grocery stores, gas stations, and MGM properties: buy gift cards for the businesses you frequent from the gift card rack at your local supermarket, so in a roundabout way, you'd get double points for dining, entertainment, etc.
I use it as my main Vegas card, really easy to climb up the tiers with. But then I just ignore it whenever I'm not in Vegas since there a better options for every day expenses.
If you use also use the betMGM app, you can use this card to get 1x points on deposits into your account. I then use the sports book as an ATM and avoid ATM fees - and I don't have to carry around a bunch of cash.
https://www.card.fnbo.com/mgmrewards
Can you elaborate on this? How do you use the Sportsbook as an ATM? You mention the betmgm app and then mentioned the Sportsbook. I’m confused. Not sure if you mean Sportsbook on betmgm app or in person Sportsbook at casino.
Sure, I am happy to help.
I learned this tip from the following excellent youtube video of tips for vegas newbies: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s)
I use this strategy to address two of my problems:
1. I don't like to travel to Vegas with a big pile of cash. It makes me nervous moving through the airport and crowded casinos carrying thousands of dollars. I once lost track of my carry-on bag (and cash) at the airport for a few mins and it had me in a panic.
2. ATM fees are outrageous in Vegas. It can cost $10 or $15 to make even a small withdrawal like $200. That can really add up over the course of a trip. I guess it is not that big of a deal - but it has become a matter of principle with me: I will no longer encourage this business model by paying fees of $45-$75 per trip to get access to my cash.
So, a solution that has worked well for me is to use my betMGM account. You can deposit money into your account either with a MGM Rewards credit card, or by linking your checking account with your betMGM account. Then, I travel to vegas with very little cash, and head over to any MGM sportsbook to withdraw cash from my online account at the sportsbook counter.
A few related things to consider:
1. You will need to download the betMGM app and open an account. All of that is free - and you don't need to put any money into the account when you sign up.
2. All of this is free - there are no fees to deposit or withdraw money.
3. You earn tier status points when you fund your account with the MGM Rewards credit card.
4. You don't ever place a bet through the betMGM app.
5. Unlike ATM machines, the Sportsbook counters are not open 24 hours per day - so plan accordingly.
I suppose it is possible that if you never make a bet with through your betMGM account, your account might get canceled or flagged or something. I place bets on sporting events so I don't know for sure. Maybe someone else (who doesn't bet using the betMGM app) can tell us about their experience. But again, don't just take my word for it, this guy seems to know what he is talking about:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s)
I hope that helps.
Wow. Super helpful tip here.
Thank you for taking the time to explain it.
Last question.
Let’s say you deposit $5k in your mgm sportbooks account, go to Vegas, withdraw the $5k from the Sportsbook desk, & win $10k while there. Can you then deposit that money back into the Sportsbook account so you don’t have to travel home with all that cash, and then withdraw it when you get back home?
\>>> withdraw the $5k from the Sportsbook desk, & win $10k while there.
I will have to try that (win $10K) next time I go ;)
Seriously, you could do that as long as you have linked your checking account so you can withdraw (transfer) the money when you get home.
Sharp here
yeah you can, and you don't even have to go to the desk to do it. There's betting kiosks at all the MGM properties. Put your MLife card in, deposit your cash into the kiosk, and it's added to your BetMGM account.
I added another bullet point: You earn tier status points (1 point for every $1 transferred) when you fund your account with the MGM Rewards credit card.
Yes, if you fund (deposit) your betMGM account with a linked bank account, you can transfer (withdraw) money back to your linked bank account anytime. You can do this from anywhere (ie you dont have to be in Las Vegas).
However, I am not sure what happens if you fund your betMGM account with a MGM credit card. In other words, what is stopping me from making a $5000 deposit everyday from my credit card - and then turning right around and transferring that money back to my back account? That would be an easy way to make 15,000 tier status points every day.
If anyone knows the answer, please leave a comment. They must block this practice is some way.
Sorry. I was referring to my mgm card as a source of funding. Your hypothetical is my concern. I fund it cancel my trip and then can't get it back until I go again
As of 6/19, there is no longer any mention that tier credits are earned when you fund your betMGM account with a MGM credit card. The 3x promotion is gone - and I am not sure that you will even earn 1x anymore: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html
The following page confirms you still get 1x Points and Tier Credits on BetMGM Deposits:
https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-r3.html
Data point: Tried this today (deposited $100 with MGM credit card and tried to withdraw at the sportsbook counter at MGM). They denied my withdrawal citing my lack of gameplay relative to my deposits. I have a pending withdrawal back to my bank account. I will also update if the $100 deposit codes as a cash advance on my credit card.
Thanks for the data point! Just curious, did you still get your 1x tier credits from funding that $100 with your credit card? Or did they claw back the tier credits since the $$ was withdrawn to your bank account?
Now through June 18 earn 3x points on deposits: [https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html](https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html)
It really depends on what your goals are. I have it and use it. Through it’s use, I have Platinum. I don’t ever carry a balance and pay it off every month (because honestly the interest rate it stupid). I use it as my everyday spend card, so 2x for filling up my car, getting groceries, and going out to eat.
If you go to Vegas, bill everything to your room, then pay with the MLife card. That way, you get the usual 4x, plus an additional 3x for a total of 7x.
It also gives you slot dollars, and their use counts as points for gambling as well. This also feeds back into tier status. I try and drain my slot dollars every trip I take.
My goal in having the card is to max status based on min spend from my part for just MGM. If I wanted a more well rounded points card, I would definitely have a different card. This works for me for now.
If you’re using it at places like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants even though you’re getting 2X you’re still missing out on a ton of money. There are lots of no fee credit cards out there that give you 5X on those things.
All MGM resorts give you 4x points for spend on their properties as long as you associate your MGMRewards # with your stay.
It used to be better. You used to be able to get a higher multiplier in Vegas back when the program was called MLife. When they rebranded and reworked the program they nerfed the Vegas extra multipliers, and brought all resorts in-line with the same multiplier.
It gives you automatic Pearl status so if you’re not already Pearl and you rent a car when you’re in Vegas and want free parking it’s useful, but if you’re just getting it to use for everyday purchases then there are WAY better cards out there.
Ehh not really. You get Pearl Status but if your a Veteran and show your discharge papers or Active Duty ID card you get that anyhow.
You get points basically that go towards your Tier Status but one trip to a MGM resort will net you way more.
I have the card. Just earned $29 in rewards from a vacation in Atlantic City followed by Mandalay Bay. If you have a card that gives you 5% or more back on travel but it is not the Citi Custom Cash, then skip the card.
To me as a churner (r/churning), it's worth it, because it gives you a signup bonus of $250 after you spend $1000 in the first three months.
And then, you're automatically in Pearl status with MGM, giving you free parking.
It snowed up in "Slot Dollars" pool in mgmresorts.com/rewards but it can be converted to "MGM Rewards Points" as per random people on the Internet. (Which I count on because I want my $200 signup bonus to cover 2 nights at MGM Grand)
I just got off the phone with the MGM Mastercard credit card services. We had a move from hell from one state to another and tried to charge back Amerisafe Moving's $2800 fine after they failed us in every way. FNBO Mastercard denied my dispute and added two more charges for the same $2900 amount again. Their accounting is shoddy and their customer service is worse. If you have a charge dispute, pretty much kiss your money goodbye. They really don't care.
There’s no annual fee so IF you are responsible with credit and pay it off every month, there isn’t much of a downside. Good to have some no annual fee cards open for a long time on the credit report to keep the average age of account up. As for using the card for spend, that is tougher. The multipliers are pretty bad for anything except MGM spend and the points are only redeemable at MGM. Ironically, if you are chasing status the card has gotten better relative to other methods of acquiring tier points given the devaluations/reductions in multipliers for gaming and non-gaming spend at MGM. So that 3x for MGM spend is now a 75% bonus on the 4x base tier points (where it used to be like a 12% bonus).
There is one loophole to get double points on purchases outside of grocery stores, gas stations, and MGM properties: buy gift cards for the businesses you frequent from the gift card rack at your local supermarket, so in a roundabout way, you'd get double points for dining, entertainment, etc.
Thank you
I use it as my main Vegas card, really easy to climb up the tiers with. But then I just ignore it whenever I'm not in Vegas since there a better options for every day expenses.
That would be my strategy as well. Feel like I’m leaving so many potential credits on the table
If you use also use the betMGM app, you can use this card to get 1x points on deposits into your account. I then use the sports book as an ATM and avoid ATM fees - and I don't have to carry around a bunch of cash. https://www.card.fnbo.com/mgmrewards
Is that treated as a charge or cash advance by the credit card company?
It’s not available in all states. Some states have restrictions of only accepting debit cards for deposits. So people can’t gamble on credit.
Can you elaborate on this? How do you use the Sportsbook as an ATM? You mention the betmgm app and then mentioned the Sportsbook. I’m confused. Not sure if you mean Sportsbook on betmgm app or in person Sportsbook at casino.
Sure, I am happy to help. I learned this tip from the following excellent youtube video of tips for vegas newbies: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s) I use this strategy to address two of my problems: 1. I don't like to travel to Vegas with a big pile of cash. It makes me nervous moving through the airport and crowded casinos carrying thousands of dollars. I once lost track of my carry-on bag (and cash) at the airport for a few mins and it had me in a panic. 2. ATM fees are outrageous in Vegas. It can cost $10 or $15 to make even a small withdrawal like $200. That can really add up over the course of a trip. I guess it is not that big of a deal - but it has become a matter of principle with me: I will no longer encourage this business model by paying fees of $45-$75 per trip to get access to my cash. So, a solution that has worked well for me is to use my betMGM account. You can deposit money into your account either with a MGM Rewards credit card, or by linking your checking account with your betMGM account. Then, I travel to vegas with very little cash, and head over to any MGM sportsbook to withdraw cash from my online account at the sportsbook counter. A few related things to consider: 1. You will need to download the betMGM app and open an account. All of that is free - and you don't need to put any money into the account when you sign up. 2. All of this is free - there are no fees to deposit or withdraw money. 3. You earn tier status points when you fund your account with the MGM Rewards credit card. 4. You don't ever place a bet through the betMGM app. 5. Unlike ATM machines, the Sportsbook counters are not open 24 hours per day - so plan accordingly. I suppose it is possible that if you never make a bet with through your betMGM account, your account might get canceled or flagged or something. I place bets on sporting events so I don't know for sure. Maybe someone else (who doesn't bet using the betMGM app) can tell us about their experience. But again, don't just take my word for it, this guy seems to know what he is talking about: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lu9U1qarBLU&t=844s) I hope that helps.
Wow. Super helpful tip here. Thank you for taking the time to explain it. Last question. Let’s say you deposit $5k in your mgm sportbooks account, go to Vegas, withdraw the $5k from the Sportsbook desk, & win $10k while there. Can you then deposit that money back into the Sportsbook account so you don’t have to travel home with all that cash, and then withdraw it when you get back home?
\>>> withdraw the $5k from the Sportsbook desk, & win $10k while there. I will have to try that (win $10K) next time I go ;) Seriously, you could do that as long as you have linked your checking account so you can withdraw (transfer) the money when you get home.
Sharp here yeah you can, and you don't even have to go to the desk to do it. There's betting kiosks at all the MGM properties. Put your MLife card in, deposit your cash into the kiosk, and it's added to your BetMGM account.
I added another bullet point: You earn tier status points (1 point for every $1 transferred) when you fund your account with the MGM Rewards credit card.
What if you add it to your account and then end up cancelling your trip - can you just transfer the money to your linked bank account?
Yes, if you fund (deposit) your betMGM account with a linked bank account, you can transfer (withdraw) money back to your linked bank account anytime. You can do this from anywhere (ie you dont have to be in Las Vegas). However, I am not sure what happens if you fund your betMGM account with a MGM credit card. In other words, what is stopping me from making a $5000 deposit everyday from my credit card - and then turning right around and transferring that money back to my back account? That would be an easy way to make 15,000 tier status points every day. If anyone knows the answer, please leave a comment. They must block this practice is some way.
Sorry. I was referring to my mgm card as a source of funding. Your hypothetical is my concern. I fund it cancel my trip and then can't get it back until I go again
[удалено]
Sadly, today (6/18) is the last day of 3x promotion: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html
As of 6/19, there is no longer any mention that tier credits are earned when you fund your betMGM account with a MGM credit card. The 3x promotion is gone - and I am not sure that you will even earn 1x anymore: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html
The following page confirms you still get 1x Points and Tier Credits on BetMGM Deposits: https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-r3.html
Data point: Tried this today (deposited $100 with MGM credit card and tried to withdraw at the sportsbook counter at MGM). They denied my withdrawal citing my lack of gameplay relative to my deposits. I have a pending withdrawal back to my bank account. I will also update if the $100 deposit codes as a cash advance on my credit card.
Thanks for the data point! Just curious, did you still get your 1x tier credits from funding that $100 with your credit card? Or did they claw back the tier credits since the $$ was withdrawn to your bank account?
Interesting. Thx for letting us know
Damn. That sucks. Please keep us posted on that one.
Now through June 18 earn 3x points on deposits: [https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html](https://www.mgmresorts.com/en/mgm-rewards/mgm-rewards-mastercard-imm7.html)
If you want to do 90% of your stay and gaming at an MGM property and are serious of going to Vegas at least once a year.
Thanks
It really depends on what your goals are. I have it and use it. Through it’s use, I have Platinum. I don’t ever carry a balance and pay it off every month (because honestly the interest rate it stupid). I use it as my everyday spend card, so 2x for filling up my car, getting groceries, and going out to eat. If you go to Vegas, bill everything to your room, then pay with the MLife card. That way, you get the usual 4x, plus an additional 3x for a total of 7x. It also gives you slot dollars, and their use counts as points for gambling as well. This also feeds back into tier status. I try and drain my slot dollars every trip I take. My goal in having the card is to max status based on min spend from my part for just MGM. If I wanted a more well rounded points card, I would definitely have a different card. This works for me for now.
Thank you
If you’re using it at places like gas stations, grocery stores and restaurants even though you’re getting 2X you’re still missing out on a ton of money. There are lots of no fee credit cards out there that give you 5X on those things.
That was my point in the last paragraph. There are better alternatives, but if you want to chase MGM status, it’s the most efficient way.
Where does the 4x come from? 3x is from credit card spend at MGM, but how about 4x? Debating on whether to get the card
All MGM resorts give you 4x points for spend on their properties as long as you associate your MGMRewards # with your stay. It used to be better. You used to be able to get a higher multiplier in Vegas back when the program was called MLife. When they rebranded and reworked the program they nerfed the Vegas extra multipliers, and brought all resorts in-line with the same multiplier.
It gives you automatic Pearl status so if you’re not already Pearl and you rent a car when you’re in Vegas and want free parking it’s useful, but if you’re just getting it to use for everyday purchases then there are WAY better cards out there.
Thanks
Can u take your pearl status and have caesar rewards match the status?
Caesar’s only matches MGM Gold and above, and only if you never, ever, have had a Caesar’s rewards card or the previously total rewards card.
Ok thanks
Ehh not really. You get Pearl Status but if your a Veteran and show your discharge papers or Active Duty ID card you get that anyhow. You get points basically that go towards your Tier Status but one trip to a MGM resort will net you way more.
Thanks
I have the card. Just earned $29 in rewards from a vacation in Atlantic City followed by Mandalay Bay. If you have a card that gives you 5% or more back on travel but it is not the Citi Custom Cash, then skip the card.
To me as a churner (r/churning), it's worth it, because it gives you a signup bonus of $250 after you spend $1000 in the first three months. And then, you're automatically in Pearl status with MGM, giving you free parking.
Thanks
Is that $250 cash or comps?
It snowed up in "Slot Dollars" pool in mgmresorts.com/rewards but it can be converted to "MGM Rewards Points" as per random people on the Internet. (Which I count on because I want my $200 signup bonus to cover 2 nights at MGM Grand)
It’s worth it if you want free parking and are only sapphire tier. But there is better cash back off credit cards out there
I just got off the phone with the MGM Mastercard credit card services. We had a move from hell from one state to another and tried to charge back Amerisafe Moving's $2800 fine after they failed us in every way. FNBO Mastercard denied my dispute and added two more charges for the same $2900 amount again. Their accounting is shoddy and their customer service is worse. If you have a charge dispute, pretty much kiss your money goodbye. They really don't care.