Waived resort fees and more: MGM Resorts unveils new "reimagined" loyalty program
Editor’s note: This post has been updated with new information.
A few days ago, my colleague Benji Stawski wrote about how MGM is significantly devaluing its M Life Rewards program. In that piece, he noted that MGM was using the name "MGM Rewards" interchangeably with "M Life." Well, this morning, MGM Resorts announced plans to launch what it calls a "reimagined loyalty program" on Feb. 1, 2022. under the new name MGM Rewards.
The major highlights of the new program, aside from the new name, are new ways to earn and an improved guest experience. Here's what you need to know.
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New ways to earn
M life Rewards currently offers Points, Express Comps and Tier Credits. You earn Tier Credits on most spending with M life Rewards. Meanwhile, Points can be earned on M life credit card spend and select gaming. And Express Comps can only be earned on select gaming.
However, once the new MGM Rewards program begins on Feb. 1, 2022, members will be able to earn MGM Rewards Points on gaming and non-gaming activity. In particular, MGM Resorts notes members will "earn Points on nearly all expenditures at MGM Resorts destinations," including directly booked rooms, food, beverage, slots, video lottery terminals, video poker and table games. When gaming, MGM says you'll "earn MGM Rewards Points based on your time played, average bet, and game type."
Members will also earn Slot Dollars (previously called PointPlay in the M life program) in addition to MGM Rewards Points when playing slots, video lottery terminals and video poker machines. Slot Dollars earned will be based on length of play, average bet and game type.
MGM Resorts says you'll be able to redeem MGM Rewards Points for rewards, including food, beverage, entertainment, spa experiences and hotel stays.
The current five elite tier levels at MGM will continue as Sapphire, Pearl, Gold, Platinum and NOIR.
The Tier Credits required under the MGM Rewards program will stay the same as before with the exception of Pearl status which will now only require 20,000 Tier Credits. This is 5,000 Tier Credits less than is required under the current program M Life Rewards program.
The breakdown for tier qualification will be as follows:
- Sapphire: None
- Pearl: 20,000 Tier Credits
- Gold: 75,000 Tier Credits
- Platinum: 200,000 Tier Credits
- NOIR: Invitation only
From Feb. 1, 2022 to April 30, 2022, MGM will be offering a Tier Credit multiplier promotion at its Las Vegas resorts. During this promotion, members will get double Tier Credits. However, the Tier Credit earning rates for non-gaming activities in the new MGM Rewards program is considerably lower than it was in the M life Rewards program. For example, you'll earn just 4 Tier Credits per dollar spent on nongaming activities starting Feb. 1, 2022. This is a significant drop from the 25 Tier Credits per dollar spent you can currently earn on non-gaming spend at Las Vegas MGM Resorts with the M life Rewards program.
Finally, MGM Rewards will count Tier Credits earned by members between Jan. 1, 2023 and Jan. 31, 2023, toward both 2022 and 2023 Tier Status earning. However, typically you'll have a qualification year of Jan. 1 to Dec. 31 to qualify for your tier beginning Feb. 1. Of course, once you reach a higher tier, you'll enjoy those benefits for at least one year.
Related: You can get discounted rooms and free cruises with these Las Vegas casino loyalty programs
Improved guest experiences
Speaking of elite tier levels, MGM has stated that MGM Rewards will offer the following new perks:
- Complimentary tickets to exclusive MGM Rewards concerts in Las Vegas for Pearl members and higher
- MGM Rewards Points and Slot Dollars won't expire due to account inactivity for Pearl members and higher
- Waived resort fees for Gold members and higher (for up to two rooms, when booking direct)
- Access to exclusive tier appreciation events and experiences for Gold members and higher
- Annual air travel credits to Las Vegas for Platinum members and higher (up to $600 for qualifying Platinum members and up to $1,200 for qualifying NOIR members)
- One advanced suite upgrade for up to three nights each year if you are a Platinum member or higher
- 4 p.m. late checkout (based on availability) for Platinum members and higher
Additionally, members who earn Gold status or higher — based on 2022 spending — will unlock "New Tier Advancement Celebration Dinners and access to exclusive tier appreciation events." MGM Resorts also noted that it will offer an "enhanced MGM Rewards app" and "smart integration between MGM Rewards and BetMGM."
In announcing the new MGM Rewards program, MGM Resorts noted partnerships with Hyatt Hotels, Southwest Airlines, Avis Rental Cars, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises.
As a World of Hyatt Globalist who earns MGM status by matching Hyatt status to MGM, I'm pretty excited about several of the improvements noted above. Since World of Hyatt Explorist and Globalist will match to MGM Rewards Gold (as they currently do with M Life Gold), I'll get waived resort fees and complimentary tickets to MGM Rewards concerts as long as I hold World of Hyatt Explorist or higher status. Although it's unclear what the concert perk will look like, waived resort fees will be extremely useful in Las Vegas.
Finally, many of the perks of M life Rewards will remain. For example, Pearl members and higher will still get access to complimentary self-parking at participating MGM Rewards Destinations, subject to availability. And Gold members and higher are eligible for a complimentary enhanced room upgrade at check-in, based on availability.
Related: Be careful how you book MGM hotels in Vegas; My mistake cost me a valuable Hyatt perk
Bottom line
Anil Mansukhani, MGM Resorts' Vice President of Loyalty Marketing, said, "MGM Rewards was developed as a direct result of customer feedback and now offers more ways to earn, more ways to redeem, and more exclusive benefits at MGM Resorts' 20+ destinations nationwide."
As a World of Hyatt loyalist who matched to MGM and will occasionally use the perks to stay in Las Vegas, I'm hopeful about the new program. After all, not paying resort fees in Las Vegas when staying with MGM is huge. However, if you got a lot of value from earning 25 Tier Credits per dollar spent on non-gaming activities in Las Vegas with the M life Rewards program, it's likely you'll be disappointed with the upcoming changes.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.