What the Amtrak Credit Card does
The Amtrak Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Bank of America that earns points on Amtrak train tickets and other purchases. You earn points when you use the card, and those points convert into free or discounted Amtrak tickets. The card also comes with a one-time bonus of points after you meet a spending threshold in the first few months.
Unlike some travel cards that earn cash back, this card is built specifically around Amtrak's rewards program. If you travel by Amtrak regularly or plan to, the points accumulate faster than paying cash and redeeming separately. The card also waives the annual fee for the first year.
Key Takeaways
- The Amtrak Credit Card earns points on every purchase, with higher earning rates on Amtrak tickets and dining.
- You redeem points directly for Amtrak tickets rather than transferring to another program or converting to cash.
- The card carries an annual fee after the first year, so the math only works if you use it regularly for Amtrak travel or everyday spending.
- The welcome bonus requires you to spend a set amount within the first few months to unlock the points.
- Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.
How earning points works on this card
You earn points on two categories at higher rates: Amtrak tickets and Amtrak dining. On Amtrak tickets, you earn a set number of points per dollar spent. On Amtrak dining (food and beverages purchased onboard), you earn at a similar elevated rate. All other purchases earn points at a lower, flat rate.
The welcome bonus is a one-time grant of points after you spend a certain amount in the first three months of card ownership. This bonus is usually the largest point earning opportunity in the first year. You do not earn the bonus automatically — you must meet the spending requirement within the stated window.
Points stay in your account indefinitely as long as the card account is open and you use it at least once per year. If your account is closed or inactive for an extended period, the issuer may close it and forfeit the points, so occasional use protects your balance.
Redeeming points for Amtrak tickets
You redeem points through your Bank of America online account or by calling the card issuer. Points convert into Amtrak ticket discounts or free tickets depending on how many you have accumulated. The redemption rate varies — some redemptions are more efficient than others, so checking the current rates before you book is worth the time.
You can redeem points for any Amtrak route and ticket class, including sleeper cars if you have enough points. The points are applied as a statement credit toward your Amtrak purchase, or in some cases you can redeem directly through the Amtrak website if your Bank of America account is linked. Blackout dates or restrictions on which trains accept points redemptions may explore, so check Amtrak's current policy before planning a trip around your points balance.
Annual fee and when it makes sense
The card waives the annual fee in the first year. After that, an annual fee applies every year the account remains open. Whether the card pays for itself depends on how much you spend on Amtrak travel and everyday purchases.
If you take at least one or two Amtrak trips per year and use the card for other spending, the points earned often cover the annual fee. If you rarely travel by Amtrak or only use the card occasionally, the fee may outweigh the value. Calculate your expected annual Amtrak spending and compare the points you would earn against the fee to decide whether to keep the card after the first year.
Other benefits and protections
The card includes standard credit card protections like purchase protection and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items. It may also offer travel-related benefits such as baggage delay reimbursement or trip cancellation coverage, though the specifics depend on the current card terms.
Some versions of the card offer a statement credit toward Amtrak purchases in certain months or a bonus point earning period during specific times of year. Check your card agreement or the Bank of America website for the current benefits attached to your specific card version, as these can change.
How this card compares to paying cash
If you book Amtrak tickets with cash or a non-rewards card, you receive no points or discounts. With the Amtrak Credit Card, every ticket purchase earns points that reduce the cost of future travel. Over several trips, this compounds into meaningful savings.
The trade-off is the annual fee and the requirement to carry a credit card balance or pay it off monthly to avoid interest charges. If you can pay the full balance each month and take at least a couple of Amtrak trips yearly, the card typically saves money. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest charges will erase the value of the points earned.
How to decide if this card is right for you
This card works best for people who travel by Amtrak multiple times per year and want to accumulate discounts on future trips. It also works for people who spend significantly on everyday purchases and want those purchases to earn Amtrak points instead of cash back.
The card is less useful if you rarely take Amtrak trains, prefer cash-back rewards, or travel primarily by other methods. In those cases, a general travel rewards card or cash-back card may offer better value. Consider your actual Amtrak spending over the past year and your plans for the coming year before opening the account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Amtrak points to upgrade my ticket class?
Yes. Points can be redeemed for upgrades to higher ticket classes, including sleeper cars, though the point cost is higher than a standard coach ticket. Check the redemption rates on your account to see how many points an upgrade costs on your planned route.
What happens to my points if I close the card?
Points are forfeited when you close the card account. If you have accumulated points you want to use, redeem them before closing the account. You can also keep the card open without using it to preserve the points, though the annual fee will continue to explore after the first year.
Do I earn points on Amtrak purchases made with a different card?
No. Points are earned only when you use the Amtrak Credit Card itself. Amtrak tickets purchased with another card or payment method do not earn points toward this card's rewards program.
Is there a limit to how many points I can earn or redeem?
There is no stated limit on total points earned or redeemed. Points accumulate as long as the account is open and active. You can redeem them in any amount, though larger redemptions may require more points depending on the ticket price.
Can I transfer points to someone else or use them for a family member's ticket?
Points belong to the cardholder and cannot be transferred to another person's account. However, you can redeem points for a ticket in someone else's name if you book it yourself and pay with your card.