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Update 4/3/24: This increased welcome offer on the Amtrak credit card has been around for the last six weeks or so. If you’d been putting off applying for it, there’s not long left to get it as it ends today.
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The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard is once again featuring an increased bonus of 40K points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. While the Amtrak cards don’t get a ton of attention since there aren’t really any great uses of Amtrak points beyond Amtrak trains, the bottom line is that this offer can get you over $1,000 worth of train travel, so it can definitely be worth a look for those who live along the rail lines.
The Offer & Key Card Details
Click the card name below to learn more about this card and find a link to apply.
| Card Offer and Details |
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35K points ⓘ Non-Affiliate 35K points after $2K spend in the first 3 billing cycles (Offer Expires 12/4/2024)$99 Annual Fee Information about this card has been collected independently by Frequent Miler. The issuer did not provide the details, nor is it responsible for their accuracy. Recent better offer: 30K points after $1K spend in the first 3 billing cycles + 2 companion certificates, 2 upgrade certificates and 2 lounge passes Earning rate: ✦ 3X Amtrak ✦ 2X qualifying travel, dining, transit, and rideshare ✦ 1X elsewhere Card Info: Mastercard World issued by FNBO. This card has no foreign currency conversion fees. Big spend bonus: Earn 1,000 Tier Qualifying Points towards elite status for each $5K spent in a calendar year. Limit 4,000 TQPs per year. Noteworthy perks: ✦ 5% Amtrak Guest Rewards point rebate on redemptions ✦ Complimentary companion coupon ✦ One-Class Upgrade and a single-day ClubAcela pass each year. ✦ 20% rebate for onboard food & beverage purchases as a statement credit See also: Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card review |
Quick Thoughts
Keep in mind that on top of the intro bonus, this card offers a round trip companion, one class upgrade, and station lounge pass every year, including during the first year after initial approval. I’ve never used those benefits and can’t speak to how much they are worth, but it’s worth knowing about them.
Beyond that, Amtrak points can sometimes be worth up to 2.9c per point toward train travel. The value can vary based on what you’re booking, but there are plenty of situations where you can get north of 2c per point, which means that this bonus should easily get you $800 and possibly north of $1,000 worth of train travel. That’s a solid bonus without a huge amount of spend.
I don’t imagine that this bonus would draw anyone out of the woodwork to apply for an Amtrak card, but if you’re someone who occasionally takes the train and/or lives in an area that is well-served by Amtrak, this could certainly be worth a look.
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Can points be combined between spouses? Looking to book a family room.
Does FNBO have any 5/24 rules?
If I had the amtrak card (which I closed awhile ago before the switch) when it was issued by Bank of America, can I apply for this one? Do I have to wait a certain amount of time from when previous one was closed or bonus posted?
No wait. You can apply now.
50-60k will get two people in a roomette on the Empire Builder, California Zephyr, or Southwest Chief during off-peak times. We combined an increased SUB on the CC, plus a mailer that offered 20k Amtrak points to switch our gas service for three months, to book the California Zephyr from Oakland to Chicago. A bucket list journey for anyone that loves gorgeous scenery.
What was the increased mailer SUB?
SUB on the credit card (at the time) was 50k. SUB on the gas mailer was 20k.
Also worth noting that points haven’t devalued. That was many people’s (and my) assumption when the Delta exec took over. I though points would become SkyPesos. Didn’t happen and it’s been long enough that I don’t think it will. Cabin comfort has also not devalued and, also surprising, the new coach cabins they installed are better than the old ones and roomier.
Speaking as a user, you are right about the value except that if you book far in advance you can get cheap cash fares (but not proportionally cheaper points cost). In terms of the benefits, the companion pass can more than pay the cost of the card if you travel with someone. Biz upgrade not worth much since the coach seats are so nice anyway. Lounges aren’t great (especially compared to airports) so that has no real value, but the card is definitely worth it. Also there is a hidden bonus: every November they seem to send out a spending bonus. This year it was spend 250 get 2500 pts. That basically gave me a free ticket from DC to NY just by charging $250. Points are worth so much that if I needed more points I would use this card instead of a 2x for non bonused spend.
NYC lounge is decent.
Yes, that seems to be the one good one. But I don’t see the incentive to use it. With airports you have transfer waits or arrive early to get through security and have time to kill. With Amtrak most people take a direct train and there’s no reason to arrive too early.