Total Rewards Visa and Platinum Tier

In prior years if you signed up for a Total Rewards Visa you were automatically a Platinum Tier.
My January statement had this at the top
"When you use your Total Rewards Visa and spend $5000 this year, you will maintain Platinum Tier status in 2016!"
It also said
"And, when you spend $10,000 you will earn the all new unlimited VIP Access Pass in Las Vegas".
I have no idea what the VIP Access Pass is and have sent an email asking about it.

Check out your statement. All the info about the VIP pass is in there. Hard to say if it's really worth it. It's mainly (only?) for Vegas & the biggest benefit I see, is being able to check in using the Diamond line. You DO NOT get Diamond Lounge access or comped resort fees.

I did check out my statement even before I posted this and emailed TR asking about the "VIP Pass". They replied to my query with the same info that was on the statement. The only advantages to the pass might be that you will get access to any of the pools even if you are not staying at one of their properties and the pass is valid for one year from when it is issued.

I have to admit, if I don't get to keep Platinum Status with being a card holder, I'm going to cancel the card. I know I'm not going to spend $5000 on a card with one of the highest interest rates around. I'm already close to a gold tier with mLife without a credit card. Never even came close to Total Rewards without the card and I gamble more at Total Rewards because I'm close to Harrah's Rincon.

As far as the value of the card to me its keeping my points active. Of course, that hasn't been a problem in the last 18 months with my many visits to their properties. I only use it for casino reservations and havn't had a charge on it in over a year.
Of course, the intial activation and the two 24hr buffet passes was very nice.

I noticed that on my statement yesterday. The main benny I've seen of being Platinum is that more times than not it seems to get a host over to my machine when they see the card inserted. I figure this may pay off in the long run, otherwise I'm like Captain Bill, I got the card to keep my points/comps alive as I don't live close to a CET prop. I pay it off every month, so the high interest rate isn't an issue. I guess I could do some 5k on it, but I liked the automatic upgrade better

I pay it off every month too but I do use it a lot. I carry very little cash anymore.

I pay it off every month too but I do use it a lot. I carry very little cash anymore.

I use it to maintain the points, earn points (don't earn much playing VP) and bypass the often long lines to check in or at the buffets.

I also enjoy my platinum status for the line passes in LV and the deals at the local casino. I am a low level player who has a hard time getting the 5,000 pts, but this year I plan to use the card to maintain my tier status. Since I have already had a car repair and bought new tires, I am on my way. Because I pay it off every month this will be cheaper than putting my money at risk at the casinos. I also get RCs, so this is a win-win for me.