The Best Credit Card for Amtrak: Ride the Rails to Rewards in 2023

Amtrak spans 46 states plus Washington D.C., has an estimated 21,000 miles of routes, and operates more than 300 different trains each day. Because you can take Amtrak to get to more than 500 different destinations across the U.S. — and even a few in Canada — it should come as no surprise that traveling on Amtrak is a popular transportation option.

Whether you take Amtrak to work on a daily basis or are taking it for the first time for a fun trip, it's important to consider what the best credit card for Amtrak is. Cards like the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card card can help you earn miles that you can use for future travel on Amtrak or elsewhere.

By choosing a card that provides extra credit card points and miles or special perks for Amtrak trips, you can get rewarded for the spending you're doing as you enjoy a pleasant, safe, and energy-efficient journey.

Key Takeaways

• If you want a well-rounded travel card, the Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card or the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card are good choices.
• Amtrak offers two cards. The Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^® offers significantly more benefits for a relatively low annual fee of $99.

The 5 best cards for Amtrak

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

The Bank of America Travel Rewards credit card offers a $0 annual fee. Where it really stands out, though, is with its simple rewards structure: 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases.

The Travel Rewards card has a lower welcome offer than the Autograph Card. You can earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.

The advantage of the Travel Rewards card is that you don’t have to worry about specific earning categories, and you can earn more if you’re a Preferred Rewards member.

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards card review.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

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Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

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Annual Fee

$0

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees

Drawbacks

• Best for Bank of America customers

Card Details

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
• If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

The Autograph Card has a generous welcome offer where you can earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $300 cash redemption value; limited time offer), which is especially impressive for a $0-annual-fee card.

It’s a great fit for frequent Amtrak travelers because you earn 3X on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans along with 1X on other purchases.

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review.

Awesome Rewards Rates + Intro APR

Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

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Rates and fees

Current Offer

Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $300 cash redemption value. You must select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Limited Time Offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $300 cash redemption value. You must select "Apply Now" to take advantage of this specific offer
• Earn unlimited 3X points on restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans; plus earn 1X points on other purchases
• Intro APR on purchases
• $0 annual fee

Drawbacks

• No intro APR on balance transfers

Card Details

• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Limited time offer: Earn 30,000 bonus points when you spend $1,500 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $300 cash redemption value.
• Earn unlimited 3X points on the things that really add up - like restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans. Plus, earn 1X points on other purchases.
• $0 annual fee.
• 0% intro APR for 12 months from account opening on purchases. 20.24%, 25.24%, or 29.99% variable APR thereafter.
• Up to $600 of cell phone protection against damage or theft. Subject to a $25 deductible.
• Redeem your rewards points for travel, gift cards, or statement credits. Or shop at millions of online stores and redeem your rewards when you check out with PayPal.
• Find tickets to top sports and entertainment events, book travel, make dinner reservations and more with your complimentary 24/7 Visa Signature® Concierge.

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card is a great card if you travel on Amtrak but also want to earn rewards for other trips you take. In addition to offering 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, it offers 2X points on other travel purchases, and also 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and eligible online grocery purchases. So you'll get bonus rewards both for buying your train tickets as well as for any food you purchase on the train.

New cardmembers can earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. Each year on your card anniversary, you will also earn bonus points equal to 10% of the total purchases you made in the previous year.

Make sure to check out our Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Review.

Great for Flexible Travel Rewards

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$95

Rewards Rate

5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and eligible online grocery purchases; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• 5X points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• 25% more value when redeeming rewards for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards
• 10% anniversary point bonus each year
• $50 annual credit on hotel stays booked through Ultimate Rewards
• Premium travel protection benefits

Drawbacks

• Has annual fee

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards®, 3x on dining, and 2x on all other travel purchases, and $50 annual Ultimate Rewards Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $750 toward travel.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Get complimentary access to DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees and lower service fees for a minimum of one year when you activate by December 31, 2024.
• Member FDIC

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

This Chase Sapphire Reserve Card comes with a $550 annual fee, so it’s best used by those who will fully take advantage of its benefits — including travel not only with Amtrak but also other travel purchases including plane tickets, hotels, cruises, rental cars, and more.

This premium travel card is ideal for Amtrak users because you get 5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve also opens up the door to airport lounges in more than 500 cities with complimentary lounge access. So if you fly as well as take the train, you can relax in style at the airport.

You'll also earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. This alone is worth up to $900 in free travel when booked through Chase Ultimate Rewards.

Get more details at our Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Review.

Premium Travel Benefits

Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Chase Sapphire Reserve^®

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Current Offer

Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening

Annual Fee

$550

Rewards Rate

5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually; 3X points on other travel and dining & 1X points per dollar on all other purchases

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening
• Earn 10X points on hotels and car rentals purchased through Ultimate Rewards® (after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually)
• Priority Pass airport lounge access
• $300 annual travel credit
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs

Drawbacks

• High annual fee
• Excellent credit required

Card Details

• Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $900 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Ultimate Rewards®
• $300 Annual Travel Credit as reimbursement for travel purchases charged to your card each account anniversary year.
• Earn 5x total points on flights and 10x total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards® immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3x points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases
• Get 50% more value when you redeem your points for travel through Chase Ultimate Rewards®. For example, 60,000 points are worth $900 toward travel
• 1:1 point transfer to leading airline and hotel loyalty programs
• Access to 1,300+ airport lounges worldwide after an easy, one-time enrollment in Priority Pass™ Select and up to $100 application fee credit every four years for Global Entry, NEXUS, or TSA PreCheck®
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more
• Member FDIC

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

The Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard is a co-branded card issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). It has a $0 annual fee and a welcome offer that allows you to earn 12,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles.

You also earn 2X Amtrak Guest Rewards points specifically on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, and dining along with 1X everywhere else. You also get a 10% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit.

Get more details in our Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard review.

Earn Rewards Toward Train Travel

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

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Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Mastercard^®

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 12,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles

Annual Fee

$0

Rewards Rate

2X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points on dining; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 12,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles
• $0 annual fee
• 2X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points on dining; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else
• Earn a 10% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit

Drawbacks

• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Earn 12,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles
• 2X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points on dining; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

For a higher annual fee of $99 you can earn significantly more with the Preferred Amtrak credit card than the Guest Rewards Mastercard. You can earn 3X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else.

There’s also a more generous welcome offer that allows you to earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles.

You also get a 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit, a round-trip companion coupon, a station lounge pass, and a one-class upgrade coupon on account opening and on your card anniversary.

And the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard also allows you to earn 1,000 Tier Qualifying Points (TQPs) each time you make $5,000 in qualifying purchases so you can get to the next tier status faster.

Find out more in our Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard review. 

Train Lovers Can Earn Rewards

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

3.5

FinanceBuzz writers and editors score cards based on a number of objective features as well as our expert editorial assessment. Our partners do not influence how we rate products.

Amtrak Guest Rewards^® Preferred Mastercard^®

Compare Credit Cards

Current Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles

Annual Fee

$99

Rewards Rate

3X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else

Benefits and Drawbacks

Benefits

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles
• 3X rebate in the form of statement credit on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases and 2X points on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare
• Earn a 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit

Drawbacks

• $99 annual fee
• No intro APR offer

Card Details

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after making $1,000 in purchases within 3 billing cycles
• 3X points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases; 2X points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare; and 1X points per $1 spent everywhere else

The 2 best business credit cards for Amtrak

If you're an entrepreneur, using Amtrak can help keep commuting costs down for you and your employees — and a train trip is an excellent time to get work done. There are also plenty of great business cards that will help you score additional rewards for your Amtrak purchases.

Two of the best business credit cards to consider include the following.

• Ink Business Preferred^® Credit Card: This card offers 100,000 points for new cardmembers who spend $8,000 in the first 3 months. You can also earn 3X points per dollar on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases on travel, shipping purchases, internet, cable and phone services, advertising purchases made with social media sites and search engines each account anniversary year — so you can earn ample bonus points for buying Amtrak tickets. Free employee cards also enable your staff to book their train travel with their cards and supersize your rewards. The $95 annual fee is well worth these perks, especially as you get a 25% bonus when redeeming points for travel-related purchases through Chase Ultimate Rewards.
• Bank of America^® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard^® credit card: With this card, you earn 3X points on travel booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center and 1.5X points on all other purchases. You can also earn 30,000 online bonus points after you make at least $3,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of your account opening. With a $0 annual fee and a 0% APR on purchases for the first 9 billing cycles (then 18.49% - 28.49% Variable), this Business Advantage Travel Rewards credit card is one of the most affordable business cards you can use to earn points on Amtrak purchases as well as trips you take via plane or rental car.

How to choose the best credit card for Amtrak

When choosing which credit card to use for an Amtrak purchase, you'll likely want to focus on a card that rewards you for transportation or travel spending. Train tickets are typically classified by credit card issuers as travel spending, and your ticket purchase will account for the bulk of your Amtrak-related expenditure.

That said, you can get even more bang for your buck if the card you choose provides bonus points for spending on dining, in addition to travel. This can help you maximize the points you earn if you eat on the train and your food purchase is categorized as restaurant spending.

But it's not just the chance to earn bonus credit card rewards that makes a particular card a good choice for Amtrak. You also want to look at the cardholder perks. These perks can include free companion tickets, travel rebates for Amtrak spending, and other Amtrak-specific benefits. Cards that offer special perks are more common for airline travel, but there are options for those who prefer to ride the rails.

If you're a regular commuter, you take the train every day, and you spend a fortune with Amtrak, then it might make sense to get an Amtrak-focused card for the rewards program. But if Amtrak is just one of many means of transportation you use, a broader general purpose travel card may be a better bet.

Methodology

We looked for credit cards that offered special benefits for Amtrak riders, as well as cards that rewarded travel and dining purchases since your Amtrak train tickets and on-rail purchases would fit within these categories.

We also looked for cards that provided enough perks to justify their annual fees — if they charge for being a cardholder — and offer generous signup bonuses so you'll be rewarded for becoming a cardmember.

Bottom line on the best credit card for Amtrak

Picking the best travel credit cards for Amtrak isn't always easy with so many good options out there. You should consider your lifestyle and spending priorities when you pick which card is right for you.

If you only or primarily travel on Amtrak, one of the Amtrak-focused cards might be a better bet — but if you also fly or drive, then consider one of the broader travel credit cards that rewards you for every type of trip you take no matter how you get to your destination.

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card

Benefits

Card Details

• Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases
• Earn 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• Longer intro APR on qualifying purchases and balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees
• Apply Now

• Earn unlimited 1.5 points per $1 spent on all purchases, with no annual fee and no foreign transaction fees and your points don't expire.
• 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases.
• Use your card to book your trip how and where you want - you're not limited to specific websites with blackout dates or restrictions.
• Redeem points for a statement credit to pay for travel or dining purchases, such as flights, hotel stays, car and vacation rentals, baggage fees, and also at restaurants including takeout.
• 0% Introductory APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the intro APR offer ends, 18.24% - 28.24% Variable APR will apply. A 3% fee applies to all balance transfers.
• If you're a Preferred Rewards member, you can earn 25%-75% more points on every purchase. That means instead of earning an unlimited 1.5 points for every $1, you could earn 1.87-2.62 points for every $1 you spend on purchases.
• Contactless Cards - The security of a chip card, with the convenience of a tap.
• This online only offer may not be available if you leave this page or if you visit a Bank of America financial center. You can take advantage of this offer when you apply now.

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on Bank of America’s secure website

Read Card Review

Intro Offer

Earn 25,000 online bonus points after you make at least $1,000 in purchases in the first 90 days of account opening - that can be a $250 statement credit toward travel purchases

Annual Fee

$0

+ -

Why we like it

• The Bank of America^® Travel Rewards credit card is great for individuals who enjoy earning rewards and traveling.

• Cardholders will enjoy the flexibility to redeem points with no blackout dates and receive a statement credit to pay for travel and dining purchases.

• Earn 1.5X points on all purchases everywhere, every time.

• Apply Now

Author Details

Christy Rakoczy Christy Rakoczy has a Juris Doctorate from UCLA Law School with a focus in Business Law, and a Certificate in Business Marketing with an English Degree from The University of Rochester. As a full-time personal finance writer, she writes about all things money-related but her special areas of focus are credit cards, personal loans, student loans, mortgages, smart debt payoff strategies, and retirement and Social Security. Her work has been featured by USA Today, MSN Money, CNN Money and more, and you can learn more at her LinkedIn profile.

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