Last updated on September 11th, 2023
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Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
- 27.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Regular Purchase APR
- 27.99% variable based on the Prime Rate Balance Transfer APR
- 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate Cash Advance APR
At a Glance
For those who prefer to travel with Amtrak, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® is a smart piece of plastic to have around, as it rewards cardmembers early and often.
- Best Benefits
- Rates & Fees
- Why Should You Apply?
- Earn 2X points on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, and dining
- Earn 1X points on all other purchases
- No annual fee
- Regular Purchase APR: 27.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer APR: 27.99% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Balance Transfer Transaction Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater
- Cash Advance APR: 29.49% variable based on the Prime Rate
- Cash Advance Transaction Fee: Either $15 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater
- Late Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $40
- Return Payment Penalty Fee: Up to $35
- You travel often by train
- You frequently make purchases with Amtrak
- You're looking for a travel credit card with no foreign transaction fees
- You wish to earn points through the Amtrak Guest Rewards® program
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® Review
The Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® is a quality credit card for both rail-enthusiasts and casual commuters alike.
Introductory Bonus Offer
New Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® cardholders earn 12,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening an account. That bonus is redeemable via the Amtrak Guest Rewards® program.
How to Earn Points with the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard
While working towards reaching that $1,000 mark within the first three months, cardholders will also be accumulating additional points. Cardholders earn 2X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases. That 2X category also applies to dining purchases, meaning the Amtrak Card – which charges no annual fee – is great for everything from travel to date nights. All other purchases with the card earn 1X points per $1 spent.
How to Redeem Points with the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard
Amtrak Guest Rewards offers several redemption options for members. The simplest way to redeem points is by booking award travel with Amtrak. Members can book travel with Amtrak from as low as 800 points, providing scenic access to more than 500 stops across the United States.
Beyond Amtrak fares and upgrades, travel-conscious cardholders can also use their points to redeem for hotels, car rentals, and even cruises. In addition to travel, points apply towards event bookings and experiences, gift cards, or merchandise through the Amtrak Guest Rewards shopping portal.
Amtrak Guest Rewards
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Card earns points towards the Amtrak Guest Rewards loyalty program. While that program might not be familiar to many, it offers significant value. Amtrak Guest Rewards points are among the most valuable rewards points, with a current value of approximately 2.5 cents per point.
The best option for redeeming points with the program is towards free travel on the Amtrak network. Points also apply for upgrades, services, and other options. Amtrak Rewards transfer to a variety of other programs, including Choice Hotels, Hertz, Hilton Honors, and Wyndham Rewards. Cardholders also benefit from a 5% award travel rebate when they book their redemption travel through Amtrak.
Other Card Features
Other card features include no annual fee, Mastercard card protection, and free FICO Score alerts. Plus, cardholders can make purchases internationally or in foreign currencies without incurring any foreign transaction fees.
Moreover, cardholders can enjoy savings on Amtrak purchases. This card provides a 10% statement credit rebate for onboard food and beverage purchases, plus a 5% rebate when redeeming points for Amtrak travel.
Should You Apply for the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®?
Is the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® worth applying for? That depends on the travel preferences of the potential applicants. For those who love to ride the rails or use the Amtrak system to commute to work, the card offers fairly exceptional value.
The card – and the Amtrak Guest Rewards program – also provide value on everyday travel. The addition of 2X points on dining purchases is another nice perk for those who want a card that gets them to their next free at a discount – or even for free.
For those who don’t use the Amtrak system, however, there are more relevant offers available from First Bankcard.
