MGM Rewards is launching new and enhanced cruise and tier benefits
In 2022, MGM Rewards launched a new loyalty program. Now, MGM Rewards is announcing new and enhanced benefits for its members, especially those with elite status. Keep reading to learn more about the additional elite status perks, cruise benefits and a new MGM Rewards credit card.
MGM Rewards launches enhanced benefits based on tier credits
MGM Rewards is offering new and enhanced benefits based on the number of tier credits you accrue. For the 2025 tier status earning year, members can earn rollover tier credits toward the 2026 tier credit earning year at two milestones. Plus, MGM Rewards is introducing enhanced perks at select status tiers.
Here’s a look at the calendar year requirements for each status tier, the promotional rollover tier credits and the enhanced perks at select tiers:
- 20,000 tier credits: Pearl
- 50,000 tier credits: 7,500 rollover tier credits for the next year (promotional benefit only for the 2025 tier status earning year)
- 75,000 tier credits: Gold (plus a $100 tier celebration credit)
- 125,000 tier credits: 17,500 additional rollover tier credits for the next year (promotional benefit only for the 2025 tier status earning year)
- 200,000 tier credits: Platinum (plus a $200 tier celebration credit and an up to $600 air travel credit)
- By invite: Noir (plus a $500 tier celebration credit and an up to $1,200 air travel credit)
If you earn 125,000 tier credits during the 2025 tier status earning year, you’ll carry over 25,000 tier credits for the 2026 tier status earning year.
When asked whether rollover tier credits might be available as an ongoing benefit in future years, Anil Mansukhani, MGM Resorts’ vice president of loyalty marketing, told TPG that “Rollover Tier Credits is a promotion for the 2025 Tier Status Earning Year (Jan 1-Dec 31). We will evaluate whether to extend the promotion in future years later this year.”
The tier celebration credit replaces the previous tier achievement celebration dining experience. This is an improvement, as the tier celebration credit lets members choose hotel, dining, spa or entertainment experiences at MGM Resorts.
Meanwhile, the air travel credit improved in the second half of 2024 when MGM Rewards let qualifying members redeem the credit for Beau Rivage Resort & Casino in Biloxi, Mississippi, and Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in addition to Las Vegas MGM Resorts properties.
Related: 13 best hotels in Las Vegas for a Sin City getaway
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Elevated benefits on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises
Benefits on Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are improving for all MGM Rewards members.
All MGM Rewards members can now enjoy an Onboard FreePlay benefit when sailing with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises on an MGM Rewards loyalty offer, certificate offer or group cruise. The Onboard FreePlay benefit is based on the member’s MGM Rewards tier status as follows:
- Sapphire: $25
- Pearl: $50
- Gold: $75
- Platinum: $100
- Noir: $200
The new Onboard FreePlay credit is in addition to the existing onboard credits available to Gold ($125), Platinum ($200) and Noir ($300) members when sailing on both cruise lines.
The annual cruise benefit for qualifying MGM Rewards members is also improving. Now, qualifying members can enjoy upgraded cabins, access to a greater choice of itineraries and better onboard benefits with Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises. Plus, now Gold members can also enjoy an annual cruise benefit. Here’s a look at the new options for qualifying members:
- Gold: Oceanview cabin on an eligible voyage of up to five nights (or up to $750 toward a cruise of their choice)
- Platinum: Balcony cabin on an eligible voyage of up to seven nights (or up to $1,500 toward a cruise of their choice)
- Noir: Junior suite cabin on an eligible voyage of up to 10 nights (or up to $3,000 toward a cruise of their choice)
MGM Rewards members who have already booked their annual cruise benefit can still enjoy the new benefits by calling Royal Caribbean at 800-762-0702 or Celebrity at 855-227-2537 and providing their booking number.
Related: Cruise ship casinos: Everything you need to know about gambling at sea
Enhanced Marriott Bonvoy status match
In February 2025, MGM Rewards improved how its members match their status to Marriott Bonvoy. As a result of these improvements, MGM Rewards members can now match their status to Marriott Bonvoy status as follows:
- Pearl: Marriott Silver Elite status
- Gold: Marriott Gold Elite status
- Platinum: Marriott Gold Elite status
- Noir: Marriott Ambassador Elite status
Marriott Bonvoy members can’t match their status to MGM Rewards, so this is a one-way match. However, Marriott Bonvoy members can enjoy benefits and earnings when they book MGM Resorts destinations through Marriott Bonvoy.
Related: How much value does the Marriott Bonvoy program provide when you book directly?
E-gift cards
MGM Rewards is now selling e-gift cards. To celebrate the launch, MGM members who purchase e-gift cards of $300 or more by March 28 will receive a 5% discount.
Members can use e-gift cards toward room nights for hotel stays and at participating retail locations, restaurants, bars and spas at MGM Resorts properties. To purchase an e-gift card, you must provide the recipient’s name and email address.
Related: What credit cards should you use to purchase gift cards?
New MGM Rewards credit card
Finally, MGM Rewards will soon launch a new credit card.
According to MGM Rewards, “The new credit card will unlock an enhanced level of rewards and travel perks and allow members to earn points and Tier Credits faster than ever before.”
Mansukhani confirmed to TPG that the new card will not replace the existing MGM Rewards Mastercard. However, he stopped short of sharing any other details about the new card, only noting that MGM Resorts is “very excited about the product.”
The information for the MGM Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Related: The best rewards credit cards to add to your wallet
Bottom line
Some of the benefits and enhancements highlighted in the article aren’t brand-new but were introduced by MGM Rewards in late 2024 or early 2025. Still, it’s nice to see a program adding benefits for its members. The improvements to the annual cruise benefit should make the perk much more valuable to qualifying members, and the tier celebration credit is much more flexible than the dining credit it replaced.
I’m eager to see what benefits the new MGM Rewards credit card will bring, so stay tuned along with us to learn more. And if you have an upcoming trip planned to an MGM Rewards destination, it may be worth grabbing an e-gift card at a 5% discount before the promotion ends March 28.
