One of the best benefits of the Caesars Rewards Credit Card was earning Platinum Status just by spending. Before the program was split into two cards – a no annual fee version and a $149 version – $5,000 in annual spending earned 5,000 tier points every calendar year.
Unfortunately, that benefit will go away next year. Comenity – the issuer of the Caesars Rewards credit cards – announced in September 2025 that cardholders will only earn 2,500 tier points for spending $5,000 or more annually with the card in 2026. On the face, it’s a 50% devaluation in points earning. It also represents an even bigger loss for Caesars’ regulars.
Caesars Rewards’ Platinum status comes with several key benefits. Members are gifted one free night for every 5,000 tier credits earned in Atlantic City, Lake Tahoe, Las Vegas, Laughlin or Reno, free parking at Caesars properties, and a discounted rate at Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas (formerly free). For no annual fee, the card came with good value for Caesars’ regulars with a favorite property nearby. But without the ability to earn Platinum status from the card alone, the card’s value goes down significantly.
So How Can I Earn Caesars Rewards Tier Points and Rewards Points Now?
For many Caesars’ fans, tier points hold more long-term value than rewards points. Using rewards points for hotel stays values them at one cent each, while redeeming them for free gaming drops the value to 0.5 cents each. And at some restaurants on Caesars’ properties, the value can drop even further. Unless you regularly stay at Caesars properties where you can take advantage of the bonus categories (5x points at Caesars Rewards destinations, 2x on dining, travel, and entertainment), your spend may be rewarded better with other cards.
The good news is there’s still ways you can earn Platinum status in one day, but you will have to pay for it. Earning 2,500 tier points from a single promotional day’s activity comes with a bonus of 5,000 tier points, granting you instant Platinum status for a year. And if you can earn 5,000 tier points in the promotional day, you’ll get a bonus of 10,000 tier points to step up to Diamond status.
What Are My Alternative Choices?
Your alternate options depend on a couple of factors. Most importantly:
- How much time do you want to spend at Caesars’ properties?
- How often are you going to Las Vegas (or Atlantic City, or another gambling hub)?
- What type of rewards are you looking for?
If you are a Caesars’ regular: It might be time to consider upgrading to the Caesars Rewards Prestige Visa Signature card. For the $149 annual fee, you get a $50 annual Slot Play credit and a $100 dining credit, delivering immediate annual value. You also get one complimentary hotel night annually (up to $300) and 7 points per $1 spent at Caesars Rewards destination.
If you are a Las Vegas or Atlantic City regular: If you’re just looking for the basic benefits that used to come with the Caesars Rewards Visa Signature card, an alternative is the MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard. The basic, no annual fee card comes with an automatic upgrade to MGM Rewards Pearl status, which you will keep as long as you have the card. Normally granted after earning 20,000 tier points, Pearl status comes with FREE self parking (where available) at MGM destinations and bonus Slot Dollars. Outside of special events, the free parking alone is a value of $20 to $25 per day. The MGM Rewards World Elite Mastercard also comes in an upgraded version, but that’s a review for another article.
If gaming resort rewards don’t matter to you: There are some people who enjoy staying on the Las Vegas Strip or Atlantic City Boardwalk and can absolutely take advantage of the benefits that come with the Caesars or MGM credit cards. For everyone else, your effort (and spending) is better rewarded with other credit cards. Those looking for simple rewards should consider a cash-back credit card, while those who want advanced travel rewards should consider a points-earning credit card. As with all things, your value may vary based on what you want most out of your travel experience.
Editor’s note: PlayingPoints.com does not have affiliate relationships with any product mentioned, and will not earn a commission on any of the above links. While every effort is made to keep an article updated, products are subject to change without notice.
Featured photo by Jeremy Sheppard on Unsplash
