Amtrak, the well-known U.S passenger rail service, offers its customers the opportunity to make their travel experience even better with their Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard. This credit card provides numerous benefits to train enthusiasts, from casual travelers to the most frequent Amtrak passengers. By reviewing the features of this card, potential cardholders can determine if it suits their needs and aligns with their travel preferences.

There are two versions of the Amtrak credit card with different fees and reward structures: The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard with no annual fee and the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard, which comes with a $99 annual fee. Both cards offer points for Amtrak travel, dining, and everyday purchases, but they cater to different traveler profiles. The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard is better suited for casual travelers, while the Preferred version targets frequent Amtrak customers with enhanced perks and rewards.

Before committing to an Amtrak credit card, it is crucial to compare these options’ rewards, fees, and benefits. Potential cardholders must consider factors like how often they plan to use Amtrak services, what they typically spend on dining and other purchases, and their credit score. By evaluating these elements, one can make an informed decision about which card might be the best fit.

Amtrak Credit Card Overview

Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard, issued by the Bank of America, is a no-annual-fee credit card specifically tailored for Amtrak commuters. This card allows cardholders to accumulate Amtrak Guest Rewards points, which can be redeemed for train travel, upgrades, and more.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard offers 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak purchases, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases, and a 20% rebate on food and beverage purchases onboard Amtrak trains. Additionally, new cardholders can enjoy a sign-up bonus by meeting a specific spending target within the first few months of opening the account.

Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard

For those looking for a more premium credit card option, the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, also issued by Bank of America, comes with a $99 annual fee. This card provides additional benefits and an enhanced rewards structure compared to the no-annual-fee version.

Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard holders earn 3 points per dollar on Amtrak purchases, 2 points per dollar on other qualifying travel purchases, and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Members also receive a 20% rebate on food and beverages onboard Amtrak trains, as well as a complimentary companion coupon and one-class upgrade on their Amtrak ticket each year.

This card also offers a more substantial sign-up bonus for new cardholders who reach the required spending threshold within the first few months of account opening. Additionally, the World Mastercard comes with travel and purchase protection features, enhancing its overall value for frequent Amtrak travelers.

Both the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard and the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard provide commuters with opportunities to earn points and enjoy benefits related to their train travel, making them a valuable option for Amtrak enthusiasts.

Rewards and Benefits

Earning Points

With the Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card, cardholders earn points for every dollar spent on purchases. The points earning structures vary based on the type of purchase made:

• 3 points per $1: Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases.
• 2 points per $1: Other qualifying travel purchases.
• 1 point per $1: All other purchases.

In addition to the points earned from the purchase, Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card holders can also receive 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening the account.

Redeeming Points

Amtrak Guest Rewards points can be easily redeemed for various rewards, including:

• Amtrak travel: You can redeem as few as 1,000 points for Amtrak travel, making it a convenient option for regular Amtrak passengers.
• Travel purchases: Points can also be used for other travel purchases, like hotels and car rentals.
• Gift certificates: Cardholders can choose to redeem their points for gift certificates to leading retailers and restaurants.

When you apply the points for travel, your point redemption value is higher, which means you get more value for your earned points. There are no blackout dates, and the points don’t expire as long as your account is open, and you keep it in good standing.

Apart from the points, the Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card also offers other perks and benefits, such as a companion coupon and other Amtrak travel discounts. These additional benefits make the card an attractive option for people who frequently use Amtrak for travel.

Fees and Rates

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard comes with an annual fee of $0, making it a no-cost card for users who want to earn rewards on their Amtrak travels. On the other hand, the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard has an annual fee of $79, which provides cardholders with additional benefits and increased reward earnings.

When it comes to interest rates, both cards have a variable Purchase APR. The ongoing APR for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard is 15.99%, while for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, the APR is not specified.

There are no foreign transaction fees for either the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard or the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, so cardholders can confidently use the cards abroad without worrying about extra charges.

For balance transfers, the Amtrak Guest Rewards cards may have fees associated with them, although specific information about these fees is not readily available. Cardholders should check with Bank of America for detailed information on any fees related to balance transfers.

It is important to note that the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard does not offer an intro APR, while information about possible intro APR offers for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard is again not specified.

In summary, the Amtrak Guest Rewards credit cards come with varying fees and rates, depending on the card version. The no-annual-fee Mastercard offers a competitive APR and no foreign transaction fees, while the World Mastercard has a $79 annual fee but provides additional benefits and rewards. Cardholders should examine their specific needs and preferences when choosing the right Amtrak card for them.

Sign-up Bonuses and Offers

The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard comes with a welcome offer of 20,000 bonus points, which can be earned after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles of account opening. These bonus points can be used for Amtrak travel, offering significant value to cardholders.

In addition to the sign-up bonus, the Amtrak credit card offers a rewards rate of 1X to 3X points, depending on the category. Cardholders can earn 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, 2 points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare services, and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.

The credit card’s annual fee of $79 should be considered when evaluating the card’s potential value. However, the rewards rates and additional benefits can offset the annual fee for frequent Amtrak travelers.

Apart from the welcome offer and rewards rates, Amtrak credit card users can also enjoy other benefits like an annual companion coupon worth up to $300 in Amtrak travel, an annual upgrade coupon worth up to $150 in Amtrak travel, and a rebate of 5% of Amtrak Guest Rewards points redeemed for Amtrak travel. These perks can provide even more value for account holders, enhancing their overall travel experience with Amtrak.

The Amtrak credit card, with its generous sign-up bonus, rewarding offers, and additional perks, can be an excellent option for individuals who frequently travel via Amtrak. By using the card strategically for Amtrak-related expenses and other spending categories, cardholders can maximize their rewards and get the most value out of their credit card.

Extra Perks and Features

The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard offers a variety of exclusive perks and features you should know about. Some of them include statement credit, preferred Mastercard, lounge pass, dining, and one-class upgrade, among others.

Everyone loves saving money. With this credit card, you can earn a 10% rebate on Amtrak food and drink purchases. This can make your onboard dining experience more enjoyable and budget-friendly. Furthermore, you can expect a 5% points rebate when you redeem points for Amtrak travel.

Another attractive perk is the round-trip companion coupon that cardholders receive annually. With this coupon, every time you book an Amtrak trip, you get a free ticket for your travel companion. This could save you significant money if you regularly travel with a loved one.

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard also provides its users with special access to Amtrak’s station lounges. Cardholders get an annual station lounge pass, allowing them to relax and unwind in the comfort of the lounges before embarking on their journey.

When it comes to onboard purchases, this credit card offers cardholders 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel. This point accumulation applies to ticket purchases and any modifications, including upgrades, cancellations, or rebookings.

Amtrak’s generous one-class upgrade is another perk worth noting. This benefit enables cardholders to enhance their travel experience by upgrading from standard class to business class or from business class to first class, depending on the train and availability.

Lastly, for loyal Amtrak customers, the TQPs (Tier-Qualifying Points) feature helps you achieve higher membership status faster. You can earn 1,000 TQPs for every $5,000 spent on qualifying purchases, up to a maximum of 4,000 TQPs per calendar year.

In summary, the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard offers a range of valuable perks and features, making it an excellent choice for regular Amtrak travelers who want to make the most of their journeys.

Credit Requirements and Approval

When considering applying for the Amtrak credit card, it’s important to understand the credit requirements and approval process. Applicants typically need a good to excellent credit score to be considered for approval. This translates to a FICO score of around 670 or higher, with higher scores increasing the likelihood of being approved.

The Amtrak credit card is issued by Bank of America, which considers various factors during the application process such as your credit history, income, and existing debt. It is crucial to have a clean credit history, minimal recent inquiries, and a low debt-to-income ratio for a successful application. This will improve your chances of being granted a higher credit limit and better terms on your card.

As with most credit card applications, proof of identity, Social Security number, and financial information, such as employment and income, are required. Once you’ve submitted your application, Bank of America may take a few days to review and send a response regarding approval or denial. You may also receive a response instantly, depending on the information provided.

In summary, having a good to excellent FICO score, a strong credit history, and maintaining a low debt-to-income ratio are essential factors for approval when applying for the Amtrak credit card. Ensuring you meet these requirements will significantly improve your chances of obtaining the card to enjoy the various benefits it offers.

Comparing Amtrak Credit Cards with Competitors

Amtrak offers two credit card options for consumers: the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard with a $0 annual fee and the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard with an annual fee of $99. Both cards feature rewards and benefits tailored to Amtrak travelers, including points for train travel, dining, and shopping.

When considering alternatives, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® credit card stands out as a strong competitor. This card’s rewards can be applied to various travel expenses, including Amtrak tickets. Its 3x points on travel and dining expenses make it a versatile option for individuals who travel frequently for various means, not just by train.

Another alternative is the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card. This card earns 2x miles on all purchases, making it a flexible choice for travelers. While it may not have Amtrak-specific benefits, its rewards structure allows cardholders to redeem miles for various travel expenses, including train travel.

Here’s a brief comparison of the four cards:

It’s essential to weigh the benefits of each card against the annual fee and consider individual travel habits. Frequent Amtrak travelers may highly value the Amtrak-specific rewards offered by the Guest Rewards cards, while those with more varied travel preferences may benefit from the flexibility provided by cards like Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Credit score requirement?

To qualify for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, you will generally need a good to excellent credit score. This typically means a credit score in the range of at least 670 and above. However, other factors such as your income and credit history will also be taken into consideration during the application process.

Discontinued?

While there may have been changes in the past, the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard is currently available and not discontinued. To stay updated on the card’s status, you can always check the official Amtrak website or contact their customer service.

Issuing bank?

The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard is issued by Bank of America. As a cardholder, you will be subject to Bank of America‘s terms and conditions and can manage your account through their online banking portal.

Point value?

With the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, you will earn 1 point per $1 spent on purchases and 2x points on Amtrak purchases. The point value varies depending on the redemption option you choose, but using points for Amtrak travel typically provides the best value. There may also be other redemption options like gift certificates for retailers and restaurants.

Reward benefits?

Some of the reward benefits of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard include earning 20,000 bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles, 2x points on Amtrak purchases, and 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases. Additionally, there are other perks such as no fees for foreign transactions and access to special offers and discounts.

Application process?

You can apply for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard online through the Bank of America or Amtrak websites. The application process typically requires personal information such as your name, address, Social Security number, and employment details. Upon submission, you will receive a decision on your application, which could be instant or take a few days, depending on your credit profile.