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Two of the biggest loyalty programs on the Las Vegas Strip are constantly jockeying for your attention — and your dollars. MGM Rewards, one of the key players, just rolled out a series of updates that could make its program even more appealing in 2025 and beyond.
From a new set of Milestone Rewards and expanded cruise perks to a long-awaited status match with Marriott Bonvoy, MGM is adding a bunch of new benefits for members. And with a new credit card and discounted eGift cards also in the mix, there’s a lot to unpack. Let's dig into all the changes announced!
MGM Rewards Makes Changes to Its Loyalty Program
It wasn't too long ago that MGM launched a revamped loyalty program, adding key benefits like waived resort fees for Gold members. Now, the loyalty program is adding “Milestone Rewards” at certain Tier Credit earning levels to further reward players.
Similar structures have been added by other loyalty programs outside of the casino world in the recent past. American Airlines has “Loyalty Point Rewards,” Alaska has “Milestone Rewards,” and Hyatt also has “Milestone Rewards” as well. Speaking of which, Hyatt was once a major partner of MGM, but that partnership ended in 2023.
Tier Credits are earned as a member wager in the casino and spend money at MGM properties on rooms, dining, and entertainment. Nothing is changing in how you earn status with MGM, which is earned at the following levels:
- Pearl: 20,000 Tier Credits
- Gold: 75,000 Tier Credits
- Platinum: 200,000 Tier Credits
- Noir: Invite only
MGM Milestone Rewards
The first Milestone Reward is earned at 50,000 Tier Credits. Here, members will earn 7,500 “rollover” tier credits that help with status earning in 2026. As of now, this Milestone Reward is just for the 2025 status year.
At 75,000 Tier Credits, members earn Gold status, but also a $100 Tier Celebration Credit. This used to be only for dining, but now can be used on hotel, dining, spa, or entertainment while at an MGM Resort.
At 125,000 Tier Credits, members can roll over an additional 17,500 Tier Credits for 2026 status earning. This benefit is also only for the 2025 status year at this time.
At 200,000 Tier Credits, Platinum status is earned, but so is a $200 Tier Celebration Credit. In addition, a $600 air travel credit to Las Vegas, the Beau Rivage, or the Borgata.
Finally, earning invite-only Noir status will earn a $500 Tier Celebration Credit, as well as a $1,200 air travel credit to Las Vegas, the Beau Rivage, or the Borgata.
Overall, MGM Rewards members should be thrilled with these changes. For one, status earning became easier during the 2025 status year for folks earning 50,000 Tier Credits or more. Those earning 125,000 Tier Credits or more will earn a total of 25,000 rollover Tier Credits, meaning you'll requalify for Pearl at the very least in 2026.
MGM and Royal Caribbean Group Broaden Partnership
MGM and Royal Caribbean have enjoyed a partnership for several years at this point. Members in both programs enjoy reciprocal perks, including status match opportunities. Now, all MGM Rewards members will enjoy perks on board.
Onboard credits
The first category is onboard credit, where Sapphire, Gold, Platinum, and Noir members will receive a certain amount on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises voyages based on their status level. This is only available if sailing on an MGM Rewards loyalty offer, certificate offer, or group cruise. The onboard credit amounts are:
- Sapphire: $25 onboard credit
- Pearl: $50 onboard credit
- Gold: $75 onboard credit
- Platinum: $100 onboard credit
- Noir: $200 onboard credit
Annual cruise benefit
Even more interesting is an annual cruise benefit for Gold members and above. This benefit was previously just for Platinum elites and above. The type of cruise and cabin that you may book depends on your status level. The annual cruise benefits on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ships are:
- Gold: Up to 5 nights in an oceanview cabin, or a trade-in value of up to $750
- Platinum: Up to 7 nights in a balcony cabin, or a trade-in value of up to $1,500
- Noir; Up to 10 nights in a junior suite, or a trade-in value of up to $3,000
This could be a potentially lucrative perk for Gold members, as Royal Caribbean has doubled down on shorter voyages on newer ships like Utopia of the Seas out of Port Canaveral, Florida.
Status Match Between MGM and Marriott Bonvoy
One major weakness of the still-new Marriott-MGM partnership was the lack of a status match opportunity for MGM Rewards members. While these status match changes were announced in February 2025, it's still a new benefit worth mentioning. Here are the new status match options for MGM Rewards members:
- MGM Rewards Pearl: Matches to Marriott Bonvoy Silver
- MGM Rewards Gold: Matches to Marriott Bonvoy Gold
- MGM Rewards Platinum: Matches to Marriott Bonvoy Gold
- MGM Rewards Noir: Matches to Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Noticeably absent is a match to Marriott Bonvoy Platinum for MGM Rewards Platinum members. Likely, there are too many MGM Platinums to justify a match to Marriott Platinum — which includes free breakfast, standard suite upgrades, and other premium benefits. The happiest of this group will be Noir members, who are matched to Ambassador status in Marriott Bonvoy. That normally requires 100 nights and $23,000 in spending.
At this time, it's still not possible for Marriott members to match to MGM Rewards status, a feature that was available for Hyatt members when that partnership was active.
Credit Cards and eGift Cards
The press release teased a new credit card coming to the program which should help members earn more Tier Credits for status. No other details are available, but could we see a premium credit card offering in the future?
Finally, MGM Rewards has released eGift cards that are usable on property for hotel stays, participating retail, restaurants, bars, and spas. Members who buy a $300 or more eGift card before March 28th receive a 5% discount. So, if you have a future Vegas trip in the near term, it might make sense to take advantage of this offer.
Final Thoughts
MGM Rewards has been evolving quickly, and these latest updates continue that trend — with benefits that reward both current loyalty and future engagement. The new Milestone Rewards offer a clever way to motivate members to keep climbing through the tiers, while expanded cruise perks and Marriott Bonvoy status matches increase the program’s value outside the casino.
We’re still waiting on more details about the new credit card and whether Marriott members will eventually get a path to MGM status. But even without those answers, there’s clear upside here — especially if you’re already an MGM fan or planning a Vegas trip soon. Between the new rollover credits, cruise perks, and hotel status benefits, 2025 might be the best time yet to double down on MGM Rewards.
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