Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard Review
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The countryside sweeps by you, and time doesn't exist. It's just you, the coastline, and the rumble of the rails beneath you. This is how I experienced my first long-distance Amtrak trip.
My husband and I signed up for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard card and used our thousands of points for an epic train trip. We started in Kansas City. Then we traveled up the coast of California, Portland, and Glacier National Park through the southwest. (And yes, we splurged on the roomette so we could sleep at night.)
The scenery was amazing. But honestly, if I was paying 100% out of pocket for the trip, I don't think I could have justified the expense. That's where the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard comes in. (Hello, 12,000 bonus points that never expire!)
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What is the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard?
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard is a Bank of America credit card that offers Amtrak travel rewards. Because it's a Mastercard, it can be used anywhere plastic payment is accepted.
The Amtrak part means you use rewards for train travel in the U.S. You can redeem points for booking tickets and onboard purchases like food and beverages. (The steak is amazing, by the way.)
I'm excited about these rewards because traveling by train is scenic, comfortable, and stress-free. Plus, you'll meet and talk to the most interesting people in the dining and observation cars.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
How does the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Platinum Mastercard® work?
I knew I wanted an Amtrak rewards credit card, so I went straight to the Amtrak Guest Rewards website. If you select the "Apply Now" link under this card, you'll land on Bank of America's application page.
The application is pretty straightforward. You can prefill your application if you're already a Bank of America customer. If you already have an Amtrak Guest Rewards Member number, get it and put it in your application. If not, you'll get a number after you apply for the credit card. Besides that, be prepared to provide your standard demographic and contact information.
You'll also need to provide your citizenship, employment, and financial information. Then, agree to the Terms and Conditions and submit your application.
You might get an immediate response on the same screen telling you if you're approved or denied for the card.
If you don't get an immediate response, you'll get an answer in the mail in 7 to 10 business days. You can also check your application status online by visiting the website two hours after you apply.
If approved for the card, you'll need to enroll in an online account through Bank of America. If you don't already have one, you'll also want to sign up for the Amtrak Guest Rewards program. That will allow you to buy, transfer, and redeem the points you earn with your Amtrak card.
How much does the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard cost?
One of the best things about this card? If you're not planning an epic train trip this year, you can tuck it away in your wallet without paying a thing. That's because this card has a $0 annual fee.
There are costs associated with actually using the card. If you carry a balance, you'll pay a regular APR of 25.99% for purchases and balance transfers. For cash advances, you'll pay up to 28.24% APR, and if your payment is late, you'll pay a fee of up to $40.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard features
No foreign transaction fees
If you're traveling outside the U.S., you won't pay any pesky foreign transaction fees when you use this card.
Earn 1X points
You can earn 1 point for every $1 you spend on regular purchases and 2 points for every $1 on Amtrak travel purchases.
5% point rebate
When you redeem your travel points by booking an Amtrak ticket, you'll get a 5% point rebate.
10% rebate
When you use the Amtrak card to buy food and beverages onboard, you'll get a 10% rebate as a statement credit.
No point limits
There are no limits or expiration for points as long as your account is open. Because of this and the $0 annual fee, you could rack up a ton of points over several years and essentially go on a dream trip for free.
Who is the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard best for?
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard caters to people who use Amtrak frequently and don't want to pay an annual fee. It's ideal for commuters in the Northeast. You could use your points to book trips on the high-speed Acela train, which is more of a business-class experience. Or you can save points and go on a more extended trip like I did.
Who shouldn't use the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard?
This card's points are best used for Amtrak redemption. So if you're NOT a fan of rail travel, you should skip it.
Pros and cons
Pros
- There is no annual fee.
- You'll earn 1X points on all purchases.
- Your points never expire.
Cons
- Redeeming points for hotels or car rentals isn't as good of a deal.
- It can take a long time to earn enough points for a single long-distance train ticket.
- There aren't as many perks as other travel rewards cards.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard vs. other travel credit cards
Card | Annual Fee | APR |
Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard | $0 | 25.99% |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | $95 | 21.49%-28.49% |
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card | $0 | 19.99% - 29.99% |
Bank of America Travel Rewards | $0 | 17.74% - 27.74% |
American Express Green Card | $150 | 20.99% to 28.99% |
Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard
The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard is a worthwhile step up from the Platinum if you don't mind paying an annual fee. The World card offers 2X points on qualifying travel (not just Amtrak travel).
Perks include one complimentary Companion Coupon and a One-Class Upgrade coupon per cardholder each year your account is open. Plus, when you open an account, you'll also get one complimentary Single-Visit Station Lounge Pass.
You'll also earn 1,000 Tier-Qualifying Points (TQP) each time you spend $5,000 on eligible purchases during a calendar year. TQPs help you get to a more elite status of rewards like coupons, upgrades, and the potential to earn a 50% point bonus on Acela First Class travel.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Card Name
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
APR
21.49%-28.49%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$95
Special Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.
Rewards Rate
Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
Terms
Why We Like It
- Generous bonus points offered.
- High points for travel and dining purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards® and points on all purchases.
- Complimentary one-year access to DashPass.
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
Card Name
Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card
APR
19.99% - 29.99%
Recommended Credit Score
Excellent, Good
Annual Fee
$0
Special Offer
20,000 Miles
Special Offer Terms
once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening
Rewards Rate
1.25 Miles per dollar on every purchase, every day. 5 Miles per dollar on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel.
Terms
Why We Like It
- No annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees.
- Miles never expire and there is no limit to miles earned.
- Over 15 travel loyalty programs where you can transfer your miles.
Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
Card Name
Bank of America® Travel Rewards
APR
19.24% - 29.24%
Annual Fee
$0
Intro Offer
25,000 Online Bonus Points, a $250 travel or dining statement credit value, after making at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening
Rewards Rate
Earn unlimited 1.5 points for every $1 you spend on all purchases everywhere, every time.
Why We Like It
- Unlimited 1.5 points on all purchases
- 25,000 online bonus points
- No annual fee
- No foreign transaction fees
American Express® Green Card
American Express® Green Card
Card Name
American Express® Green Card
APR
See Pay Over Time APR
Recommended Credit Score
Good, Excellent
Annual Fee
$150
Special Offer
Earn 60,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Special Offer Terms
after you spend $3,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Plus, earn 20% back on eligible travel and transit purchases made during your first 6 months of Card Membership, up to $200 back in the form of a statement credit.
Rewards Rate
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on travel including airfare, hotels, cruises, tours, car rentals, campgrounds, and vacation rentals. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® Points on transit purchases including trains, taxicabs, rideshare services, ferries, tolls, parking, buses, and subways. Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide, including takeout and delivery in the US.
Why We Like It
- Solid rewards
- Strong welcome bonus
FAQs
Can I buy or transfer points?
Yes. You can buy points or share points with others. You can also transfer points from other loyalty programs into your Amtrak Guest Rewards account.
Can I redeem points on anything other than Amtrak travel?
Yes. You can redeem points for hotel stays and car rentals. You can also redeem points for gift cards. Think: Celebrity Cruises, Disney, shopping, restaurants, and entertainment.
Can I earn bonus points on balance transfers?
No. You have to make purchases using the card to get the bonus points.
Raise Your Credit 80 points*
- 5 star service trusted by over 450,000 members
- Have processed over $11,000,000 in bill payments for members
- No deposit, no credit check, no interest
- New member promotions available
*Potential increase based on StellarFi member data. StellarFi numbers observed an average of 80 points VantageScore® 3.0 increase during a member’s lifetime. Score increase based on members with an incoming score range of 300-499 pts, who made regular on-time payments, with regular on-time payments. Results may vary.
The bottom line
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard is a great card for people who love (or need) to travel by train. The $0 annual fee makes it easy to keep for the long term while you earn points for regular train travel or even a grand, long-distance adventure.
For people who aren't that into trains, though, the point redemption for hotels and car rentals is kind of a bummer. And unfortunately, you can't transfer points to other loyalty programs with this card.
If more points, perks, and redemption options are essential to you—and if you can pay an annual fee—opt for the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard. But if you like the "free" aspect of carrying a decent rewards card and enjoy booking train trips with points, I recommend the Amtrak Guest Rewards Platinum Mastercard.
For rates and fees of American Express® Green Card, please click here. The information for the American Express® Green Card has been collected independently by JoyWallet.com and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.
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Writer
A veteran wordsmith and research nerd, Brittany Wren spent a decade working in higher education where she helped people overcome challenges to chart a path forward. These days, she writes about personal finance, careers, parenting and education. Her content has been published by a wide variety of brands including T-Mobile, Intuit, LifeLock, Reliant Fund Administration and CURO Financial Technologies Corp.
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