What the Amtrak Credit Card is and who issues it
The Amtrak Credit Card is a rewards card issued by Bank of America that lets you earn points on purchases, which you can redeem for Amtrak train tickets and other travel-related expenses. You use it like any other credit card — swipe it at stores, use it online, pay a monthly bill — but the rewards go toward Amtrak travel instead of cash back.
Bank of America handles the account, billing, and customer service. Amtrak (the National Railroad Passenger Corporation) sets the redemption rates and decides what you can buy with your points. The two companies share the relationship, so if you have questions about your card itself, you contact Bank of America; if you have questions about redeeming points for a ticket, you contact Amtrak.
This card is different from a general travel rewards card because the points are locked into Amtrak redemptions — you cannot convert them to cash or use them with other airlines or hotels. That makes it most useful if you already take Amtrak trains regularly or plan to.
Key Takeaways
- The Amtrak Credit Card earns points on all purchases, with bonus points on Amtrak tickets and certain travel categories, and you redeem points directly for train tickets.
- There is an annual fee, and the card requires you to go through a credit check, so your credit score and history matter for approval.
- Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and active, but closing the account will cause you to lose any remaining points.
- You can use points to cover the full cost of a ticket or part of it, and points have a fixed redemption value set by Amtrak.
- The card works best if you take multiple Amtrak trips per year or spend enough on other purchases to offset the annual fee through points earned.
How to earn points with the Amtrak Credit Card
You earn points on every dollar you spend, regardless of what you buy. The base earning rate is typically 1 point per dollar on most purchases. When you buy an Amtrak ticket directly through Amtrak's website or ticket office using the card, you earn bonus points — the exact rate varies and Amtrak updates it periodically, so check the current offer when you explore.
Some cards also offer bonus points in other travel categories like hotels, rental cars, or gas stations. These bonus categories change, so read the terms carefully before you open the account. You earn points on both the purchase price and any taxes or fees added to your bill.
Points accumulate in your Amtrak Rewards account, which is linked to your credit card. You do not have to do anything to collect them — they post automatically after your purchase clears. You can check your point balance anytime through your Bank of America online account or the Amtrak website.
Annual fee and other costs
The Amtrak Credit Card charges an annual fee, which Bank of America bills to your card once per year. The amount varies depending on the specific card product, so confirm the exact fee before you explore. This fee is separate from any interest charges or late fees — it happens automatically whether you use the card or not.
If you carry a balance and do not pay it off in full each month, you will also pay interest. The interest rate (called the APR) is set by Bank of America based on your credit score and history. Paying interest on purchases defeats the purpose of earning rewards, so treat the card like a debit card and pay the full balance when the bill arrives.
Late payments trigger a late fee, and missing a payment can damage your credit score. Set up automatic payments or calendar reminders so you do not miss a due date.
How to redeem points for Amtrak tickets
You redeem points through the Amtrak website or by calling Amtrak directly. Log into your Amtrak Rewards account, search for the route and date you want to travel, and Amtrak will show you the point cost for that ticket. You can pay the full cost in points, or you can pay part of it in points and the rest with cash or another payment method.
Amtrak sets a fixed point value for each ticket based on the route, distance, and class of service. A short regional route costs fewer points than a long-distance route. A coach seat costs fewer points than a sleeper car. Amtrak publishes these rates, so you can see exactly what a ticket will cost before you commit your points.
Once you redeem points, the ticket is issued when ready (or held for your travel date if you book in advance). You cannot get your points back if you change your mind, so make sure your travel plans are firm before you redeem. Amtrak's cancellation and change policies explore to tickets bought with points the same way they explore to tickets bought with cash.
Credit requirements and the process process
Bank of America will run a credit check when you explore. This means they will pull your credit report and look at your credit score, payment history, and existing debts. If your score is too low or your history shows missed payments or high debt, your process may be denied.
You explore online through Bank of America's website or through Amtrak's website (which directs you to Bank of America). You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, address, and income information. The process takes about 10 minutes. Bank of America usually tells you whether you are approved or denied within seconds of submitting.
If you are approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You set up it through Bank of America's website or by calling the number on the back of the card. Once activated, you can use it when ready.
What happens to your points if you close the account
If you close the credit card account, Amtrak will close your Rewards account as well, and you will lose any points you have not yet redeemed. This is a hard rule — there is no grace period or way to transfer points to another account. Before you close the card, redeem any remaining points for a ticket or check whether Amtrak offers any other redemption options.
Points do not expire as long as your account stays open and you use the card at least once per year. Some cards require you to use the card to keep the account active; check your card's terms. If your account goes inactive for a long time, Bank of America may close it, which would also close your Rewards account and forfeit your points.
If you want to keep your points but do not want to use the card, keep it open and make a small purchase once a year (or set up a recurring charge like a subscription) to maintain activity. This keeps your Rewards account alive without requiring you to pay the annual fee again if you close it.
Comparing the Amtrak card to other travel rewards cards
The main trade-off with the Amtrak card is flexibility. A general travel rewards card lets you redeem points for any airline, hotel, or cash back. The Amtrak card locks you into Amtrak only. If you take Amtrak trains several times a year, the Amtrak card's bonus points on Amtrak purchases make it worthwhile. If you rarely take Amtrak, a general travel card gives you more options.
The annual fee also matters. Some general travel cards have no annual fee, which means you can keep them open and earn rewards without paying anything. The Amtrak card charges an annual fee, so you need to earn enough points to justify it. If you take one or two Amtrak trips per year and spend money on other purchases, the points you earn might cover the fee. If you take no Amtrak trips, the fee is a pure cost.
Calculate your own situation: add up how much you spend per year on Amtrak tickets, multiply that by the bonus earning rate, and see if the points you earn exceed the annual fee. If they do, the card pays for itself. If not, a general travel card might be better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my Amtrak credit card points to buy tickets for someone else?
Yes. When you redeem points, you can book a ticket for any passenger — you do not have to be the one traveling. The ticket will be issued in the passenger's name, and they can use it to board the train. You can also buy a ticket for yourself and give it to someone else to use, as long as the name on the ticket matches the person boarding.
What if I have points left over after I book a ticket?
Your remaining points stay in your Amtrak Rewards account and do not expire. You can use them toward your next trip. There is no minimum number of points you need to redeem, so even a small balance can be applied to a future ticket purchase.
Do I earn points on the annual fee itself?
No. The annual fee does not earn points. Only purchases and the interest charges you pay (if you carry a balance) count toward earning rewards. This is why paying your balance in full each month is important — interest charges earn points but cost you far more than the points are worth.
What happens if I miss a payment on my Amtrak credit card?
A missed payment will be reported to the credit bureaus and will damage your credit score. Bank of America will charge you a late fee and may increase your interest rate. If you miss multiple payments, Bank of America can close your account and send it to a collection agency. This also closes your Amtrak Rewards account and forfeits your points.
Can I transfer my Amtrak points to another rewards program?
No. Amtrak points can only be redeemed for Amtrak tickets and Amtrak-related travel expenses. You cannot convert them to airline miles, hotel points, or cash. This is one reason to think carefully about whether the card fits your travel habits before you explore.