In a move poised to redefine hospitality-focused financial products, MGM Resorts International has launched the MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard, developed in partnership with First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) and Mastercard. This premium credit card, carrying an annual fee of $250, delivers compelling rewards, including 6X points on MGM spending, resort credits, elite-tier benefits, and access to exclusive experiences. By aligning spend-based incentives with hospitality perks, the card seeks to deepen customer engagement across MGM’s 20+ properties in the U.S. The card also integrates Mastercard’s global network and concierge services, positioning it as a luxury tool for both leisure and lifestyle.

MGM Resorts Partners with FNBO and Mastercard for New Premium Offering

MGM Resorts International has teamed up with FNBO and Mastercard to unveil a high-end rewards credit card tailored for its hospitality-centric clientele. According to Anil Mansukhani, Vice President of Loyalty Marketing at MGM, the card represents a strategic advancement in their guest rewards ecosystem. It offers an integrated experience for both gaming enthusiasts and lifestyle seekers who frequent MGM properties.

FNBO’s Executive VP Jerry O’Flanagan highlighted the personalized nature of the offering, positioning the card as a “gateway to dream experiences” for members of the MGM Rewards program. Meanwhile, Mastercard's Co-President, John Levitsky, underscored the card’s enhanced value through Priceless Experiences and robust payment security.

A Closer Look at the MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard

The card comes with a Rs 20,800 ($250) annual fee and unlocks an extensive suite of perks for cardholders, particularly those who spend at MGM destinations across the United States. These destinations include iconic properties in Las Vegas and nationwide, from the Bellagio to MGM Grand.

Rewards are structured based on spending categories:

6X Points & Tier Credits per Rs 83 ($1) spent at MGM Rewards destinations

2X Points & Tier Credits per Rs 83 ($1) spent on hotels, dining, gas, and groceries

1X Point & Tier Credit per Rs 83 ($1) spent elsewhere

This structure offers robust incentives for loyal guests to concentrate their spending within the MGM ecosystem.

Sign-Up and Annual Bonuses Enhance the Value Proposition

New account holders receive a Rs 16,640 ($200) resort credit upon activation and another Rs 16,640 credit every year on their cardholder anniversary. This effectively reduces the net cost of the annual fee, especially for travelers who frequent MGM properties.

In addition, high spenders are rewarded with elite-tier perks. Spending Rs 20.8 lakh ($25,000) or more annually earns the cardholder:

10,000 Tier Credits, boosting loyalty status

A complimentary one-night stay valued up to Rs 20,800 ($250), redeemable at participating resorts

This tiered incentive system aligns closely with the behavior of affluent travelers and gaming patrons.

Integration with Mastercard's Global Network of Services

Beyond points accumulation, cardholders gain access to the Mastercard World Elite suite, which includes a global 24/7 concierge service. This service functions as a personalized assistant for bookings, reservations, and bespoke requests across travel, dining, and lifestyle.

Security and travel benefits are also included, leveraging Mastercard’s advanced fraud protection protocols and insurance coverage for eligible purchases and travel mishaps. This integration ensures the card remains functional and beneficial beyond the confines of MGM properties.

Positioning MGM as a Lifestyle Loyalty Brand

This new credit card cements MGM’s shift from a purely hospitality and gaming company into a broader lifestyle brand. By bridging traditional loyalty programs with everyday spend categories—like gas, groceries, and dining—MGM strengthens its relevance to consumers outside vacation periods or casino visits.

Moreover, the inclusion of Mastercard’s exclusive benefits and FNBO’s robust banking infrastructure allows MGM to offer a seamless, secure, and aspirational financial product.

Strategic Implications for the Hospitality and Financial Sectors

The launch of this co-branded card suggests a broader trend in hospitality toward fintech-driven customer engagement. As resorts look beyond room bookings and casino floors to capture greater wallet share, financial products offer a gateway into the consumer's everyday life.

For financial institutions like FNBO, partnerships with experiential brands create lifestyle-oriented revenue streams, combining credit usage with loyalty stickiness. It’s a playbook that reflects how hybridization between travel, payments, and digital rewards is becoming a norm in customer relationship management.

More Than a Credit Card—A Gateway to Experiential Living

The MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard represents a bold step in experiential finance. It’s not merely a credit product, but a holistic loyalty tool designed to enhance the MGM customer lifecycle—from booking suites to shopping for groceries. Backed by Mastercard’s security framework and FNBO’s infrastructure, the offering serves as a potent blend of financial utility and luxury access.

As other hospitality giants explore fintech synergies, MGM’s initiative may well set the benchmark for how resorts and casinos evolve into experiential lifestyle ecosystems.