If you’re someone who enjoys traveling or frequently uses Amtrak for long-distance journeys, then you might have heard of the Amtrak Credit Card. This card is specifically designed for Amtrak customers, offering unique perks and rewards tailored to train travel. As someone who has used the card, I’m here to break it down for you in detail, covering everything from the benefits to the fees and how to get the most out of it. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the Amtrak Credit Card.
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What Is the Amtrak Credit Card?
The Amtrak Credit Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Chase in partnership with Amtrak. This card allows you to earn points for every purchase, which you can redeem for free train travel on Amtrak routes across the U.S. Whether you’re booking a ticket for yourself or paying for a friend’s, this card can help you earn rewards quickly. There are two versions of this card: the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard and the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard.
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard is the standard version, while the World Mastercard offers enhanced benefits, such as higher earning potential and travel-related perks. Let’s take a closer look at both options and explore their differences.
Types of Amtrak Credit Cards
The two main types of Amtrak Credit Cards are the Guest Rewards Mastercard and the Guest Rewards World Mastercard. Both offer a variety of benefits, but the World Mastercard offers more premium features.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard
- Earning Rate: Earn 2 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases.
- Annual Fee: $0
- Sign-Up Bonus: 10,000 points after making a purchase within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Benefits: Includes a points-earning structure focused on Amtrak purchases.
Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard
- Earning Rate: Earn 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases, and 2 points per $1 spent on travel-related purchases (e.g., hotels, car rentals).
- Annual Fee: $79
- Sign-Up Bonus: 20,000 points after making a purchase within the first 90 days of account opening.
- Benefits: Includes the same Amtrak points structure as the Guest Rewards Mastercard but with a higher points earning rate on Amtrak and travel purchases. Also includes complimentary access to travel benefits, including baggage insurance and car rental insurance.
How Do Amtrak Credit Card Points Work?
Amtrak’s reward system revolves around their loyalty program called Amtrak Guest Rewards. With every purchase you make using your Amtrak Credit Card, you earn points that can be redeemed for train travel or other travel perks. Here’s a closer look at how the point system works.
Earning Points
Points accumulate based on your spending. As mentioned earlier, you earn 2 points for every $1 spent on Amtrak purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases with the basic Guest Rewards Mastercard. The World Mastercard boosts this rate by offering 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases and 2 points per $1 spent on travel-related purchases like hotels and car rentals.
Redeeming Points
Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, but most commonly, they are used to book train travel. The value of each point varies depending on the route, time of booking, and other factors. Here’s a rough idea of how many points you’ll need for different types of rewards.
| Reward Type | Points Required |
|---|---|
| One-way Amtrak ticket (short route) | 3,000-4,000 points |
| One-way Amtrak ticket (long route) | 15,000-25,000 points |
| Upgrade to Business Class | 10,000-20,000 points |
| Hotel Stays (select properties) | 12,000-20,000 points |
You can also use your points for travel-related purchases, including car rentals, hotels, and even some Amtrak gift cards.
Example Calculation of Amtrak Points
Let’s say you spent $1,000 on Amtrak tickets using your Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard. Based on the earning structure, you would earn:
- 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak purchases
- 1,000 x 3 = 3,000 points
If you then used your points for a one-way ticket on a short route requiring 4,000 points, you would be just 1,000 points shy of the redemption requirement.
Value of Points for Train Travel
In general, Amtrak points are valued between 2 to 3 cents per point, depending on how you use them. This makes the Amtrak Credit Card a good option if you frequently travel on Amtrak. However, if you’re not a regular Amtrak rider, the value of the card’s rewards might not be as high as other credit cards that offer cash back or travel points.
Amtrak Credit Card Benefits Beyond Points
Aside from earning points for every purchase, the Amtrak Credit Card also comes with a range of benefits designed to make your travel experience more enjoyable.
Travel Benefits
- Travel Protection: The World Mastercard version includes travel protection, such as trip cancellation insurance and baggage delay coverage, which can be a valuable perk if you’re someone who frequently travels on Amtrak.
- Access to Amtrak Lounges: If you’re using the World Mastercard, you may be eligible for discounts on access to Amtrak’s premium lounge facilities, which can make your wait more comfortable.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: The Amtrak Credit Card doesn’t charge foreign transaction fees, making it a great option for international travelers.
- Amtrak’s Annual Companion Voucher: As a cardholder, you can earn a free companion voucher each year after spending a certain amount on the card. This is a fantastic perk if you’re traveling with a friend or family member.
Is the Amtrak Credit Card Right for You?
Before deciding whether to apply for the Amtrak Credit Card, consider the following:
Pros of the Amtrak Credit Card
- Good for Frequent Amtrak Riders: If you travel on Amtrak often, the card’s rewards program can help you save on tickets and upgrades.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees: This feature makes the card ideal for international travel, especially if you plan to use it for hotel stays or car rentals abroad.
- Easy to Earn Points: The card has a straightforward earning structure, with 2 to 3 points per dollar spent on relevant purchases, which adds up quickly.
Cons of the Amtrak Credit Card
- Points May Not Be Valuable for Occasional Riders: If you rarely ride Amtrak, you may not see significant value from the points you earn.
- Annual Fee on World Mastercard: While the Guest Rewards Mastercard has no annual fee, the World Mastercard charges $79 annually, which may not be worth it if you don’t regularly use the card.
- Limited Redemption Options: Points are mainly useful for Amtrak travel, so if you’re looking for a versatile card that can be used across different travel programs, you may want to consider alternatives.
Comparing the Amtrak Credit Card with Other Travel Cards
To give you a better perspective on whether the Amtrak Credit Card is worth it, here’s a comparison with other popular travel credit cards:
| Feature | Amtrak Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred | Capital One Venture Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points per $1 on Travel | 3 points (World) | 2 points | 2 miles |
| Points per $1 on Other Purchases | 1 point | 1 point | 2 miles |
| Sign-Up Bonus | 20,000 points (World) | 60,000 points | 75,000 miles |
| Annual Fee | $79 (World) | $95 | $95 |
| Foreign Transaction Fees | None | None | None |
As you can see, while the Amtrak Credit Card offers some great travel-related benefits, cards like the Chase Sapphire Preferred and Capital One Venture Rewards may offer more flexibility, especially if you want to earn points for a wider range of travel expenses.
Final Thoughts
The Amtrak Credit Card is a great option for anyone who frequently travels with Amtrak. With its generous points earning system, especially for Amtrak purchases, and the added benefits like travel protection, this card can be a useful tool for reducing your travel expenses. However, for those who don’t travel often with Amtrak, the value of the rewards may not be as significant, and you may want to look into other travel credit cards that offer more general rewards. Ultimately, it comes down to how often you use Amtrak and whether you can take full advantage of the card’s perks.
