Caesars Rewards Visa: Review

Formerly the Total Rewards Visa card, the Caesars Rewards Visa card is a free way to snag Platinum status. However, the card’s simplicity makes it underwhelming when compared to competitor co-branded credit cards. Let’s take a look at the key benefits and some more fun alternatives.

Bonuses

The Caesars Rewards Visa card has no annual fee and offers 10,000 rewards credits after spending $750 in first three months. 100 Caesars Rewards credits = $1, so this is $100 in value without breaking a sweat. Rewards credits can be redeemed at most Caesars restaurant, spa, and entertainment venues and retail locations. They can also be redeemed in the form of freeplay at a 2 to 1 ratio.

The card offers three tiers of spending bonuses:

• 5x rewards credits for purchases at Caesars venues and event tickets through Caesars Rewards Live Events.
• 3x rewards credits for purchases on airlines, gas, and at grocery stores.
• 1x rewards credits for everything else

These are actually useful categories. The big question is whether Caesars rewards credits are more valuable to you than points from other programs or cashback from comparable bank credit cards.

Perks

I would assume many potential applicants are thinking about applying for this card for the upgrade to Platinum status. The upgrade isn’t automatic, but it is easy. All you have to do is make a purchase in the first 90 days. The key perk for aspiring Platinum members is complimentary parking. It’s a negligible benefit, but with a $0 card, any usable feature puts you ahead. Not to be ignored is the free 3 night stay at the Atlantis resort in the Bahamas.

New cardholders also get a free buffet pass after making that initial purchase. I’m not much of a buffet guy, but they’re essentially a Vegas vacation right of passage–you have to go at least once.

Cardholders get a couple additional perks for concentrating spend on the card. By making $5000 worth or charges in a calendar year you’ll be able to maintain your Platinum status. $10,000 worth of charges allows for VIP line access at hotel check-in, participating restaurants, and oontz oontz clubs.

Alternatives

Overall, the Caesars Rewards Visa card is completely adequate if you’re looking for a simple, straightforward way to get Platinum status and a few Caesars perks. However, if you’re looking for Diamond status and some increased flexibility, there are a few non-Caesars options to consider.

Thanks to the Wyndham/Caesars partnership, elite status earned at various hotel brands can help you achieve Caesars Diamond, a valuable proposition, fairly inexpensively. Our buddy Dave over at MilesTalk explains how this status match merry go round works:

The Status Match Merry Go Round – MilesTalk

Any hotel card that grants elite status in their relevant program that can match to Wyndham Diamond works. There are expensive options worth considering. Despite its high fee, the Amex Platinum card has remained in my wallet and was responsible for helping me get Diamond. I’m also partial to the Hilton Honors Surpass American Express card. It has a $95 annual fee, but that’s offset by a good sign-on bonus and other Hilton specific perks. Most importantly, it automatically grants Hilton Gold, good for Wyndham and Caesars Diamond. The $90 IHG card, which offers a free anniversary night and point redeemable rooms in Vegas (Venetian/Palazzo), is another good option.

Good Credit Cards for Casino Enthusiasts – TFB

I find those co-branded hotel and bank credit cards to be more flexible than casino focused alternatives. Rewards credits aren’t necessarily bad, but I get far more value out of bank points. The Caesars Rewards Visa is useful if you’re just looking to pad your rewards credit balance and get some free parking. If you don’t mind paying a little, Diamond status and a couple free hotel nights are within reach.

The information herein should not be considered prescriptive financial advice. Travel Fanboy receives no commission or compensation from any links on this site. The opinions expressed are the author’s alone.

For information on how the churn and burn process can impact your credit score: Churn and Burn Credit Score Guide