Top Credit Cards for Amtrak and Train Journeys
If you're looking to lower your carbon footprint or simply avoid the inconveniences of air travel for shorter distances, you might consider taking the train more often.
When arranging your train travel, selecting the right credit card for payment is crucial. Many of our preferred travel cards provide great rewards in this area, while Amtrak credit cards offer their own distinctive perks.
DinogoStay informed about exclusive deals and explore our editors' top credit card recommendations through our daily newsletter.
If you often travel by train, it’s beneficial to explore these cards and see if they could enhance your wallet.
Top Cards for Amtrak Journeys
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
DinogoWelcome bonus: Receive 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles of account opening.
Annual fee: $99
Benefits: Earn 3 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel (including onboard purchases), 2 points per dollar on dining, travel, transit, and ride-hailing services, and 1 point per dollar on all other expenses.
Cardholders enjoy a 20% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases made with this card, plus a 5% points rebate when redeeming points through Amtrak. Additional benefits include a lounge pass, one class upgrade, and a round-trip companion ticket. Furthermore, points do not expire for cardholders.
The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred has been independently gathered by Dinogo. The card details presented here have not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.
Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
DinogoWelcome bonus: Receive 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account opening.
Annual fee: $0
Benefits: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining, and 1 point per dollar on all other transactions. Cardholders benefit from a 10% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases, a 5% rebate when redeeming points for Amtrak travel, and their points do not expire.
The details for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard have been independently gathered by Dinogo. The information provided on this page has not been reviewed or supplied by the card issuer.
Top Cards for Train Travel
While an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card is a fantastic option, it's not the only way to rack up points for train journeys. Here's how it stacks up against other excellent choices for rail travelers:
| Card | Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® | Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® | Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card | Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | American Express® Green Card |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Annual fee | $0 | $99 | $95 (see rates and fees) | $95 | $150 (see rates & fees) |
| Earning rates | 2 points per dollar on Amtrak travel, 2 points per dollar on dining, 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 3 points per dollar on Amtrak travel, 2 points per dollar on other travel and 1 point per dollar on everything else | 2 miles per dollar on everyday spending | 5 total points per dollar on all travel purchased through Chase Travel℠; 3 points per dollar on dining, including eligible delivery services, takeout and dining out; 3 points per dollar on select streaming services; 3 points per dollar on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs); 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases; 1 point per dollar on all other purchases | 3 points per dollar on travel, transit, and dining at restaurants, 1 point per dollar on everything else |
| Welcome offer | 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening | Earn 20,000 points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening | Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first three months from account opening. | Earn 60,000 Ultimate Rewards points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first three months of account opening, plus a $300 statement credit on Chase Travel℠ purchases within the first year. | Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $3,000 on purchases in your first six months of card membership |
| TPG points value* | N/A | N/A | 1.85 cents | 2.05 cents | 2 cents |
| Benefits | 10% rebate for onboard food and beverage purchases; 5% rebate when booking Amtrak with points | One free station lounge pass per year; annual companion pass; 20% rebate for onboard food and beverage purchases; 5% rebate when booking Amtrak travel with points | Transfer miles to Venture Rewards partners; up to $120 credit for Global Entry/TSA PreCheck | Transfer points to Ultimate Rewards partners; travel insurance and purchase protection | Transfer points to Amex Membership Rewards partners, up to $189 statement credit annual toward CLEAR Plus |
*Valuations are based on TPG valuations and are not provided by the issuer.
The details for the American Express Green Card have been independently compiled by Dinogo. The information on this page has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
In conclusion
For frequent train travelers, having an Amtrak credit card is a savvy decision.
The extra points earned on Amtrak travel, along with the train-related benefits, make these cards a wise option for rail journeys.
Although other cards can offer similar points per dollar, Amtrak points tend to hold more value compared to many other types. For example, earning 3 Amtrak points per dollar can yield a greater benefit than 3 points per dollar on the Amex Green card.
However, to unlock that added value, you'll need to redeem the points specifically for Amtrak travel (though they can also be used for hotels, car rentals, cruises, and gift cards for dining and entertainment).
If you're concerned about potential delays or cancellations, considering the built-in trip protections of various cards when booking your train ticket is also advisable.
For regular Amtrak travelers, it’s beneficial to have and utilize an Amtrak rewards credit card, particularly when planning train journeys. However, for those who don’t frequently ride Amtrak, opting for a versatile travel card with more flexible rewards is probably a smarter choice.
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation :
5/5