Following changes in status matching, MGM exiting its partnership with Hyatt, and the lack of status challenges or matches, status with MGM has been more difficult to attain. However, the often overlooked MGM Mastercard offers a promising, guaranteed path to earned status year after year.
Although the MGM Mastercard lacks a large signup bonus or welcome offer, it shines because it offers a way to spend towards MGM Gold and Platinum statuses. For several years, I spent my way to MGM Gold status, and in the last two years, I have taken the extra steps toward earning MGM Platinum status. I only play online Blackjack and in-person Texas Hold ‘Em with MGM, so earning status through spending on a credit card is extremely appealing. Rather than giving up a likely 5-10% house edge on Slots or playing hours of table games for possible low tier earnings, I can shift some of my spending toward the MGM Mastercard.
The MGM Mastercard always earns 2x tier and comps or free play when spending in the grocery and fuel categories. With the MGM Mastercard, I mainly buy gambling and prepaid gift cards at grocery stores in Pennsylvania, including Giant, Weis, Acme, and ShopRite. Sometimes, I also earn bonus fuel points and grocery rewards to add more value and a better return for my time going in-store. I will even wait for particular promos rather than buying a prepaid or gaming gift card with no additional bonus. Spending just $10,000 in one month on prepaid and gaming gift cards at grocery stores will earn 20,000 tier and $200 in free play or comps, so MGM Gold status, without in-person gambling, is very achievable.
3x Tier and Comps or Free Play
Sometimes, the MGM Mastercard offers 3x tier and comps or free play when using the MGM Mastercard to load directly to BetMGM online casino with no cash advance fee. This is a fantastic proposition for online Blackjack play because, even after playing through the deposit one time, you’re giving up only about a half percent to the house with the optimal basic strategy on a Multi-hand Surrender game while you’re earning 3x tier and comps or free play. For $10,000 playthrough, you’re giving up $50 in expected value, but earning 30,000 tier (almost halfway to MGM Gold status) and $300 in comps or free play.
With large credit limits and/or strategic timing on deposits, it’s entirely possible to spend and play a significant amount towards MGM Platinum status. Let’s pretend the MGM Mastercard will offer a 3x promotion loading to BetMGM from March 15th through April 15th. If your credit card statement closed around April 1st, you can max your credit limit from March 15th through the end of March, pay the credit card off in full, and then max the credit limit once again, loading between April 2nd through the 15th.
With a $15,000 credit limit, maxed twice in two different statements (avoiding credit limit cycling, which may lead to adverse action), this strategic loading to BetMGM would earn you 60,000 tier and $600 in comps or freeplay for a low expected value cost of $100 playing Blackjack.
Gamble Responsibly
As always, gamble and use credit cards responsibly and intelligently to challenge the false maxim of ‘the house always wins’ and turn the odds in your favor, combining the worlds of gambling, casino loyalty, and miles and points.
For a deeper dive into earning MGM Gold and Platinum status, listen to an episode of my Hurdy Gurdy Travel Podcast episode ‘Earning MGM Status in 2025!’
