Whether you’re aiming for reduce your carbon footprint or simply removing some of the hassles that can come with traveling by plane on shorter trips, you may find yourself choosing to travel by train more often than before.
And when booking train travel, you’ll want to pay attention to the credit card you use. Many of our favorite travel cards also offer great returns in this space, but train travel also unlocks the unique benefits of an Amtrak credit card.
Recently, the cards formerly known as Bank of America Amtrak credit cards became the first National Omaha Bank (FNBO) Amtrak credit cards.
And after a period of closure with new subscribers, these cards are back now. In addition to a new bank, they also have new looks and new bonuses.
If you find yourself traveling by train, it’s a good idea to take a look at these cards and determine if they’re a worthwhile addition to your wallet.
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
Sign up bonus: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three billing cycles from account opening. TPG . Value Amtrak is at just 2.5 cents per person, making this bonus worth $750.
Annual fee: 99 dollars.
Exclusive right: Earn 3 points per dollar for traveling on Amtrak (including in-flight purchases), 2 points per dollar for dining, commuting, transit and carpooling, and 1 point per dollar for all other purchases. Cardholders also receive a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit for in-flight food and beverage purchases with this card as well as a 5% discount when redeeming points with Amtrak. They receive a terminal lounge pass, one class upgrade, and one round-trip companion coupon. In addition, they are exempt when points expire.
Information about Amtrak’s Favorite Guest Rewards has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
Sign up bonus: Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three billing cycles from account opening. TPG . Value Amtrak is at just 2.5 cents per person, making this a $300 bonus.
Annual fee: $0.
Exclusive right: Earn 2 points per dollar when traveling on Amtrak including onboard purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Cardholders receive a 10% discount as a statement credit on in-flight food and beverage purchases, a 5% discount on points redemption for travel on Amtrak, and a complimentary charge when points expire.
Information about the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
The best pass for train travel
Of course, the Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card isn’t the only way to earn points on the train. Here’s how they compare to some other great options for travelers exploring the world by rail:
| Card | Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® | Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred Card | American Express® Green Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0. | 99 dollars. | 95 dollars. | 95 dollars. | $150 (see rates and fees). |
| Earning rate | 2 points per dollar for travel on Amtrak, 2 points per dollar for dining, 1 point per dollar for all other purchases. | 3 points per dollar on Amtrak travel, 2 points per dollar on other travel, and 1 point per dollar on everything else. | 2 miles for every dollar spent daily. | A total of 5 points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards; 3 points per dollar for dining, including eligible delivery, takeout and dining out services; 3 points per dollar on select streaming services; 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. | 3 points per dollar for travel and restaurant dining, 1 point per dollar for everything else. |
| Signup Bonus | 12,000 points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three billing cycles since account opening. | 30,000 points after purchasing at least $1,000 in the first three billing cycles from account opening. | 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening. | 40,000 points after you spend $2,000 on purchases in the first six months |
| TPG Point Value * | 2.5 cents. | 2.5 cents. | 1.85 cents. | 2 cents. | 2 cents. |
| Benefit | 10% discount on food and drink purchases on board, 5% discount when booking Amtrak with points. | One free station lounge pass per year; annual companion, upgrade voucher; and 5% discount when booking Amtrak travel by accumulating points. | Transfer miles to Adventure Rewards partners; up to $100 credit for Global Pre-Check/TSA. | Transfer points to partners Ultimate Rewards; Travel insurance and purchase protection. | Points transfer to Amex Membership Rewards partners, $100 annual statement credit to CLEAR. |
* Bonus pricing based on TPG . Valuation and not provided by the publisher.
Information about the Amex Green Card has been independently obtained by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Key point
If you often travel by train, an Amtrak credit card in your wallet is a smart choice.
The extra points per dollar earned traveling Amtrak along with the train-related perks that come with it make the Amtrak card a smart choice for getting on the rails. While other cards may correspond to points per dollar earned, Amtrak points are worth more than many other types of points. This means that, for example, earning 3 of those points per dollar will be more profitable than earning 3 points per dollar on Amex Green Card.
That means, to realize that added value, you’ll need to redeem your Amtrak travel points (though you can also redeem them for hotels, car rentals, cruises, dining, entertainment and gift cards). If you’re worried about lengthy delays or cancellations, count on various card’s built-in trip protections When booking your train tickets may well be wise.
So, for frequent Amtrak travelers, it makes a lot of sense to have and use an Amtrak credit card with rewards, especially when booking train trips. However, using a top travel card with a more flexible bonus that could be a good call for those who don’t go Amtrak very often.
For Amex Green Card rates and fees, please click here.
Additional reporting by Benét J. Wilson.
