MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard Review: Worth a Look for Those Who Love Las Vegas MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard Review: Worth a Look for Those Who Love Las Vegas

MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard Review: Worth a Look for Those Who Love Las Vegas

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MGM Rewards has quickly become one of the strongest loyalty brands on the Las Vegas Strip. With 13 properties in Las Vegas and several others across the U.S., it's easy to see how engaging with the program could save you money during your stay. MGM's first credit card is the MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard®, designed for frequent guests of the Strip who want extra perks and rewards on both gaming and non-gaming spend.

In this post, we'll go over all the details of the MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard® and help you decide if it deserves a place in your wallet.

MGM World Elite Card Pros

  • No annual fee
  • Automatic Pearl status as long as your account remains open and in good standing
  • Solid earnings on spend at MGM properties
  • Access to World Elite Mastercard benefits

MGM World Elite Card Cons

  • Perks are mostly limited to Las Vegas
  • Weak bonus categories outside of MGM spending
  • Rewards can only be redeemed at MGM properties

MGM World Elite Card Welcome Bonus

As a new applicant for the MGM World Elite Card, you can earn 10,000 bonus points ($100 value) after spending $1,000 in the first 3 billing cycles of account opening.

MGM Rewards points are redeemed at a flat rate of one cent per point, so this bonus is effectively worth 10% back on your first $1,000 in spend if you meet the offer requirements. Just keep in mind that points can only be redeemed at MGM Rewards properties, most of which are located in Las Vegas. More on redemptions below.

Sign for the MGM Grand in Las Vegas.
Credit: Yoav Aziz/Unsplash

MGM World Elite Card Benefits

The MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard® offers a number of valuable benefits when visiting an MGM property, along with additional perks that come from its World Elite Mastercard status. These benefits are fairly strong, especially considering the card has no annual fee.

Automatic Pearl status with MGM Rewards

Pearl is the first elite tier in MGM Rewards and is normally earned after accumulating 20,000 Tier Points in a status year. With the MGM World Elite Card, you get Pearl status automatically, which comes with several perks that can save you both time and money.

The most notable benefit is free self-parking at all MGM Rewards locations. That can save you around $20 per day on weekdays and $25 per day on weekends at many MGM resorts.

Pearl members also get access to a priority check-in line at MGM hotels. In Las Vegas, where check-in lines can get long, this can be a helpful time-saver. That said, MGM’s digital check-in process is also very efficient.

Other perks of Pearl status include a priority reservation line, exclusive offers at MGM Rewards hotels, a 10% bonus on SLOT DOLLARS earned when playing slots, 10% off at participating retail locations, and complimentary tickets to select MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas. You’ll also get access to a dedicated buffet line at some properties.

Pearl status even gets you matched to Marriott Bonvoy® status, though only to the lowest-level tier of Silver Elite.

Fraud and theft protection

As a World Elite Mastercard, the MGM World Elite Card offers zero liability for unauthorized purchases. Your account is also monitored for suspicious or fraudulent activity, and Mastercard provides access to a resolution specialist if any issues arise.

Travel benefits

At more than 700 airports, you can enjoy a 15% discount on airport meet and greet services through Mastercard Airport Concierge™. In some locations, expedited immigration and security may also be available. For more information, call 1-800-MASTERCARD.

You’ll also receive golf benefits through Mastercard’s Golf Concierge, a $30 statement credit on any $200 ResortPass purchase, and 7% back on prepaid hotel stays booked through Booking.com.

Large airport terminal from the air
Credit: Tomas Williams/Unsplash

HealthLock

HealthLock is a service available to World Elite Mastercard holders that monitors medical bills for errors. This service is available free of charge, plus you will receive a one-time 90-day upgrade to include all the services HealthLock offers.

World Elite Concierge

The World Elite Concierge is available 24/7 and acts as a “relentless personal assistant.” The service can help you book restaurant reservations, find hard-to-get items, and more. They can also help you book Priceless Experiences, which is a benefit of holding a World Elite Mastercard.

Transit benefits

When you take three Lyft rides in a month using your Mastercard, you’ll earn a $5 Lyft credit. You can also save 10% on all pre-scheduled airport rides within the U.S. This benefit is available through January 31, 2026.

If you commute in Chicago, Boston, Miami, Philadelphia, or Dallas, you can tap to pay for transit in those cities and save $2.50 when you spend $10 or more each month. This benefit is available through December 31, 2025.

Shopping and entertainment benefits

World Elite Mastercard perks also include benefits like Instacart and Peacock. However, these are always evolving. So, make sure to check the latest benefits.

MGM World Elite Card Earning Rates

The MGM World Elite Card offers strong earnings at MGM properties, but not much else. You'll earn:

  • 3x points and Tier Credits per $1 spent at MGM Rewards Destinations
  • 2x points and Tier Credits per $1 spent at gas stations and grocery stores
  • 1x points and Tier Credits per $1 spent on everything else

Tier Credits are what MGM Rewards uses to determine elite status. The next level beyond Pearl is Gold — which requires 75,000 Tier Credits in a status year. To earn that through spending, you’d need to put $25,000 on your MGM World Elite Card at MGM Rewards destinations each year. Alternatively, you might be able to reach Gold through a status match opportunity.

Redeeming MGM Rewards Points

When it’s time to redeem your MGM Rewards Points, the process is simple while on property. Points can be used for eligible expenses at MGM Rewards destinations. Just stop by an MGM Rewards desk and ask to apply your points toward your bill.

You can also redeem points at select dining venues or convert them into SLOT DOLLARS at various gaming machines.

Remember, MGM Rewards points are redeemed at a flat rate of one cent per point, no matter what you use them for. MGM Rewards points can't be transferred to airline or hotel partners — unlike some general travel cards.

Application Restrictions

There are a few application restrictions to keep in mind, which make sense given the nature of the MGM World Elite Card Mastercard. You must be at least 21 years old, have an MGM Rewards account, and hold a strong enough credit score to be approved for the card.

Cards That Compete With the MGM Rewards Credit Card

If you’re a frequent visitor to Las Vegas and want a credit card that rewards your travel and spending, but you’re not sure the MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard® is the right fit, here are a few alternatives to consider:

  • If you’re looking for other options in Las Vegas, the Caesars Rewards Visa Signature® offers perks when staying with MGM’s biggest competitor, Caesars. You’ll earn both Tier and Rewards Credits with the card, though overall, the MGM Rewards card provides stronger benefits. The Caesars card is issued by Comenity Bank. Learn more in our full review.
  • If you're looking for a good all-around card that can reward you in Las Vegas and beyond, consider the Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees), which earns 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining at restaurants and drugstores, and 1.5% on other eligible purchases. Better yet, this card has no annual fee. Learn more in our full review of the Freedom Unlimited.
  • If you like to splurge on shows and other live entertainment, the Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card is a fantastic choice. This card is a surprisingly strong option for live entertainment, which can be especially useful for the many high-priced shows on the Las Vegas Strip. The card has a $95 and earns 8% cash back on Capital One Entertainment purchases. Learn more in our full review of the Capital One Savor Cash.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Bonus Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$0Rates & Fees
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • Earn 5% on purchases through Chase Travel℠
  • Earn 3% on dining at restaurants
  • Earn 3% on drugstore purchases
  • Earn 1.5% on all purchases
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card
New Cardmember Bonus $200 Cash Back after you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Annual Fee$0
Credit ScoreExcellent, Good
  • 8% cash back on purchases made via the Capital One Entertainment ticketing platform
  • 5% cash back on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel (terms apply)
  • 3% cash back on dining and entertainment
  • 3% at grocery stores (excluding superstores like Walmart® and Target®)
  • 3% on popular streaming services
  • 1% on all other purchases

Bottom Line

The MGM Rewards™ World Elite Mastercard® is clearly designed for those who love Las Vegas. Earning 3x on all eligible purchases at MGM Rewards destinations is one of the best features of the card. And so is the automatic Pearl status and a few surprising World Elite Mastercard perks, all from a card with no annual fee. But if you’re hoping to redeem your rewards outside of Las Vegas, this likely isn’t the right card for you.

For rates and fees of the cards mentioned in this post, please visit the following links: Chase Freedom Unlimited® (Rates & Fees)

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