FNBO's MGM Rewards Iconic Card: 45,000 Points and a $200 Annual Resort Credit

If you're a regular at MGM properties or spend time on BetMGM, a new card from FNBO might catch your eye. The MGM Rewards Iconic World Elite Mastercard just launched with a sizable sign-up bonus and some ongoing perks that could make the $249 annual fee worth it for the right person. Let's break down what you actually get and whether it makes sense for your wallet.

What You Get With the MGM Rewards Iconic Card

The headline is the sign-up bonus: 30,000 points after you spend $5,000 in the first three billing cycles. That's worth about $300. Then, if you push your total spend to $7,500 within the first six billing cycles, you'll snag another 15,000 points — another $150 in value. So the full 45,000-point bonus requires a bit more spending than the initial threshold, but it's a nice extra if you're already planning to use the card for everyday purchases.

Beyond the bonus, the card comes with a $200 resort credit that hits upon account opening and repeats every card anniversary. That alone helps offset the $249 annual fee if you stay at MGM properties. There's also a complimentary night stay (up to $250 value) each year at your card anniversary, but you'll need to spend $25,000 on the card to unlock it. Same spend requirement for a 10,000 Tier Credit bonus annually.

You'll also get a Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four years, and automatic MGM Rewards Pearl Status. Pearl gets you priority hotel check-in, free self-parking at participating MGM Destinations, and a few other perks. If you're not familiar, Pearl is the entry-level tier in MGM's loyalty program, so it's a nice little boost but not top-tier.

• 6X Points & Tier Credits per $1 spent at MGM Rewards Destinations
• 2X Points & Tier Credits per $1 at hotels, dining, gas stations, and grocery stores
• 1X Point & Tier Credit per $1 on BetMGM deposits
• 1X Point & Tier Credit per $1 everywhere else

Is the $249 Annual Fee Worth It?

This card is clearly aimed at people who frequent MGM resorts or bet on BetMGM. If you fall into that camp, the math can work. The $200 resort credit is easy to use if you're booking a stay at an MGM property each year. That brings your effective annual fee down to $49, and you still get Pearl Status and the other perks.

But if you don't visit MGM destinations regularly, that resort credit becomes a hassle. It's not a general travel credit — it's specifically for MGM resorts. So unless you have a trip planned, you might struggle to extract value. The free night and Tier Credit bonus require $25,000 in annual spending, which is a high bar for most casual cardholders. That's $2,083 per month on this card alone. If you're a big spender and a loyal MGM customer, it could be worth it. Otherwise, the ongoing benefits might not justify the fee.

• $200 resort credit effectively lowers the annual fee to $49 if you use it
• Free night and 10,000 Tier Credits require $25,000 annual spend
• Pearl Status is useful but not a huge differentiator

Who Should Consider This Card

The ideal cardholder is someone who stays at MGM properties a few times a year, maybe enjoys a Vegas trip, and wants to earn points faster on those stays. If you also deposit money into BetMGM, the 1X earning on deposits is a small bonus, though not spectacular.

The sign-up bonus is competitive for a hotel co-brand card, especially with the tiered structure. But before you apply, think about whether you'll actually use the resort credit and other benefits year after year. If not, you might be better off with a more flexible travel card that doesn't lock you into one brand.

Also keep in mind that FNBO isn't as well-known as the big issuers like Chase or Amex. Their customer service and app experience might differ, so it's worth reading up on others' experiences before committing. And as always, don't apply for a card just for the bonus if you can't meet the spending requirements comfortably.

• Best for frequent MGM visitors and BetMGM users
• Consider if you can use the $200 resort credit annually
• Evaluate FNBO's service reputation before applying

Bottom Line

• Earn 45,000 points total: 30,000 after $5,000 spend in 3 months, plus 15,000 more at $7,500 total spend in 6 months.
• $249 annual fee, but $200 annual resort credit can offset most of it if you stay at MGM properties.
• Complimentary night and 10,000 Tier Credits require $25,000 in annual spending.
• Automatic MGM Rewards Pearl Status includes priority check-in and free self-parking.
• Offer is available until 1/5/27.

Common Questions