railroad travel card $1

Fact Check: Amtrak Does NOT Offer $1 Card For All US Residents That Lets Them Ride Trains For A Year Without Extra Fees

• Aug 23, 2023
• by: Lead Stories Staff

Does Amtrak have a promotion for a $1 card that allows every U.S. resident to ride their trains with no extra charges for a year? No, that's not true: An Amtrak spokesperson told Lead Stories that the card is a scam offer.

The claim appeared in a post (archived here ) on Facebook on August 16, 2023. The caption of the post read:

🇺🇸Amtrak is running a promotion, where all U.S. residents have the opportunity to receive a card for just $1, which can be used to ride trains without any charges or limits for an entire year 🤩 Click on "Learn More" and answer a few questions to increase your chances of obtaining one ⤵️ This promotion is valid in every state❗️

This is what the post looked like on Facebook at the time of writing:

(Source: Facebook screenshot taken on Wed Jul 23 14:54:03 2023 UTC)

There is no such Amtrak card

Lead Stories searched for information on a $1 card sponsored by Amtrak that allows all U.S. residents to take trips for a year without any extra charge. Amtrak's website did not show such a card on its deals , multi-ride and rail passes nor credit cards pages. We also did not find any credible results through Google search : There was mostly information about earning points on an Amtrak credit card for every dollar spent, which is not the same claim the post on Facebook is making.

Lead Stories reached out to Amtrak about the claim. In an email sent to us on August 23, 2023, Beth Toll , senior public relations manager for Amtrak's regional media relations office in Wilmington, Delaware, said:

Yes, this is a scam that was reported a few weeks ago and we are pursuing it with Facebook.

Post does not link to Amtrak's website

The post on Facebook that makes the claim includes a link that supposedly allows viewers to "Learn More" about the $1 card. The link does not lead viewers to an Amtrak webpage: Rather, it is a questionnaire page set up to appear like Amtrak's website. This is obvious when looking at the link's URL, which begins with https://siliconhill.info/ , a blog that appears to offer travel anecdotes and advice.

A screenshot of the webpage that the link leads to is included below:

Lead Stories filled out the questionnaire to find out the end result. When we finished answering the three questions, we were led to a screen offering us three attempts to win an Amtrak gift card. A screenshot of that webpage is below:

This suggests that the card "promotion" is actually some sort of gift card giveaway or scheme seeking personal information, not a program actually sponsored by Amtrak.

Other Lead Stories fact checks about Amtrak can be found here .

Lead Stories is a fact checking website that is always looking for the latest false, misleading, deceptive or inaccurate stories, videos or images going viral on the internet. Spotted something? Let us know! .

Lead Stories is a:

• Verified signatory of the IFCN Code of Principles
• Facebook Third-Party Fact-Checking Partner
• Member of the #CoronavirusFacts Alliance

WhatsApp Tipline

Have a tip or a question? Chat with our friendly robots on WhatsApp!

Add our number +1 (404) 655-4223 , follow this link or scan the image below with your phone:

@leadstories

Subscribe to our newsletter

Please select all the ways you would like to hear from Lead Stories LLC:

You can unsubscribe at any time by clicking the link in the footer of our emails. For information about our privacy practices, please visit our website.

We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Fact Check: Harris-Walz Campaign DOES Support 25% Tax On Unrealized Gains -- But ONLY For Taxpayers Worth $100 Million

Fact Check: Photo Shows Distant Nebraska Relatives of Tim Walz Supporting Trump -- 3rd & 4th Cousins

Fact Check: 'Trans Girl Samantha Hyde' Is NOT Georgia School Shooter -- Variation On Old 'Sam Hyde' Internet Hoax

Fact Check: Video Of 'National Guard Troops' In Brooklyn Does NOT Have Anything To Do With Martial Law -- That Unit Has Been Monitoring NYC's Transportation Hubs Since 9/11

Fact Check: EDITED Video Post Implies That's Tim Walz Dancing In Cowboy Hat, 2-Piece Outfit -- But It's Someone Else

Fact Check: 'Legal' Statement Does NOT Protect User Data From Meta's Generative AI -- It's Made Up

Fact Check: Farm Owner Was NOT Denied A Permit To Build A Horse Shelter

Most recent.

Fact Check: Posts With Missing Teen 'Seven Whiteman' In Multiple Locations Are NOT Authentic -- Bait & Switch For Real Estate Ads

Fact Check: Aurora, Colorado, Police Shelter-In-Place Order NOT Related To Venezuelan Gang Violence

Fact Check: Ireland's President Does NOT Have Powers To Unilaterally Decide What Government, Parliament Do

Fact Check: 'Black National Anthem' Did NOT Replace National Anthem At NFL 2024 Season Opener In Kansas City

Fact Check: FAKE Screenshot Shows Apalachee Shooting Suspect Colt Gray As Transgender And Harris Supporter

Fact Check: ABC Did NOT Sign $400 Million Deal With Tucker Carlson To Replace Jimmy Kimmel -- It's Satire

Fact Check: Photo Does NOT Show Tim Walz In Blackface -- It's Actor And From Satire Account

Share your opinion, lead stories.

• Latest News
• Fact Sheets
• Executive Leadership Team
• Board of Directors
• Introducing Amtrak Airo TM
• Amtrak Connects Us
• New Acela Trains
• New Era of Rail
• Long Distance Service Upgrades

June 8, 2021

Amtrak customers can tour the country for one low fare with usa rail pass.

For a limited time, customers can purchase the new rail pass for $299 per traveler

WASHINGTON – With the relaunch of its USA Rail Pass , Amtrak is introducing a new and affordable way to take a multi-segment train journey across America. This new offering allows customers to take up to ten rides to see the country and explore sights at many of Amtrak’s 500 destinations. Now through June 22, the USA Rail Pass is available for $299, a savings of $200 off the regular $499 price. Customers taking advantage of this special introductory offer will pay less than $30 per ride for ten travel segments over 30 days.

To make the experience as seamless and touch-free as possible, customers can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak.com and start building their itinerary on the website or on the Amtrak app . By leveraging the app, customers can also access their ticket, check train status and get boarding information prior to departure.

“We want to offer customers a truly unique way to travel this summer,” said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing and Revenue Officer Roger Harris. “With the new electronic USA Rail Pass, customers can take advantage of a great value and newly streamlined web and mobile app interfaces to make managing personalized travel plans convenient and easy.”

USA Rail Pass allows up to 10 segments in a 30-day period beginning with the customer’s first trip and is valid for use within 120 days of pass purchase. After purchasing the pass, customers can book and modify their trip itinerary and will receive an electronic ticket for each segment to present to the conductor when boarding.

USA Rail Pass is available for travel in Coach class—featuring wide, reclining seats with a big picture window, ample legroom, and no middle seat. A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak’s scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the USA Rail Pass. Upgrades to Business Class and private room accommodations are not available at this time. Amtrak Guest Rewards members will earn two points per dollar spent on each USA Rail Pass following travel on the first segment. Additional restrictions, terms and conditions apply. Learn more at Amtrak.com/USARailPass .  

Comments are closed.

For More Information

Olivia Irvin [email protected] PR Manager

Related Posts

• Amtrak and Partners Break Ground on New Connecticut River Bridge September 5, 2024
• Amtrak® Pacific Surfliner® Raises Awareness During Rail Safety Month in September August 29, 2024
• Amtrak, Capitol Corridor, California Operation Lifesaver and Rail Partners Kick Off Rail Safety Train Event in Oakland August 28, 2024

About Amtrak®

For 50 years, Amtrak has connected America and transformed transportation by modernizing train travel, and building for the future. Amtrak will continue to play an important role in the national transportation network for the next 50 years and beyond by operating a safe, environmentally efficient and fiscally responsible business by providing travelers with an experience that sets a new standard. Book travel, check train status, access your eTicket and more through the  Amtrak app . Learn more at  Amtrak.com and connect with us on Twitter , Instagram , Facebook and LinkedIn .

Register at: . Terms apply.

Mystery Offer | Guest Rewards | Amtrak

Every ride counts as an Amtrak Guest Rewards member. In addition to riding the train, there are a variety of w...

Earn Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points with the Mystery Offer! 🤫 Travel from September 10 to October 31 to rack up points toward great rewards like Amtrak travel, upgrades, gift cards and more!

Take the train to the theater — it’s NYC Broadway Week! Enjoy 2-for-1 tickets to more than 20 shows. 🎭 Learn more: http://spr.ly/6010mw7D0

Media members should contact the Media Relations Office for their region (see the map and listings here ).

Nights, Holidays & Weekends: (800) 562-1904 . A representative is available by phone 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to provide information regarding railroad operating matters. Phone calls are preferred if the request is urgent.

If you have a FOIA request, please click  here .

© 2024 Amtrak Media. National Railroad Passenger Corporation

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Newsletters
• Travel News

Amtrak Is Offering $100 Off Its USA Rail Pass in New Sale

You can ride up to 10 segments to 500 destinations across the country

Courtesy of Amtrak

If you missed out on Amtrak's latest Buy One, Get One deal on roomettes , have no fear: The national railroad service just announced a significant discount on its USA Rail Pass, one that will make your dreams of slow traveling your way through the U.S. this summer more attainable than ever.

Through March 29, 2022, you can purchase Amtrak's USA Rail Pass for $399, which is $100 less than its usual price tag of $499. You can ride up to 10 segments to 500 destinations across the country; according to Amtrak, "A travel segment occurs when a customer boards and disembarks one of Amtrak's scheduled services. If the trip involves making a connection, customers will use two segments of the pass."

And if you're an Amtrak Guest Rewards member , you'll get to take advantage of even more cost savings with your purchase, as members will earn two points for every dollar spent.

Travelers should note that the pass is valid only for 30 days after riding their first segment, and it expires within 120 days of purchase. Also, the rail pass is only eligible for coach seating (no business class or sleeping car accommodations allowed) and cannot be used to purchase tickets aboard Auto Train, Acela, Thruway bus connections, or Canadian routes operated by VIA Rail Canada.

You can purchase the USA Rail Pass on Amtrak's website or via the Amtrak app, after which you can begin reserving tickets through the confirmation of purchase.

Amtrak. "For A Limited Time Only, Amtrak Offers USA Rail Pass for $399." Accessed March 22, 2022.

Related Articles

More related articles.

The best credit cards for Amtrak and train travel

Editor's Note

Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint or simply eliminate some of the hassles that can come with air travel on shorter trips, you may find yourself opting to travel by train more frequently.

When booking train travel, you'll want to use the right credit card for payment. Many of our favorite travel cards also offer an excellent return in this space, but train travel also unlocks the unique benefits of the Amtrak credit cards.

If you find yourself traveling by train, it's worth your time to take a look at these cards and determine if they are a worthwhile addition to your wallet.

The best cards for Amtrak travel

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

Sign-up bonus: Earn 20,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening.

Annual fee: $99

Perks: Earn 3 points per dollar 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 purchases.

Cardholders also receive a 20% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases with this card as well as a 5% points rebate when redeeming points with Amtrak. They receive a station lounge pass, one class upgrade and a round-trip companion coupon. Additionally, they are exempt from points expiration.

The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®

Sign-up bonus: Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases within the first three billing cycles from account opening.

Annual fee: $0

Perks: Earn 2 points per dollar on Amtrak travel including onboard purchases, 2 points per dollar on dining and 1 point per dollar on all other purchases. Cardholders receive a 10% rebate as a statement credit for onboard food and beverage purchases, a 5% rebate when redeeming points for travel on Amtrak and an exemption from points expiration.

The information for the Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Best cards for train travel

Of course, an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card isn't the only way to earn points for train travel. Here is how they compare to some other great options for travelers exploring the world by rail:

*Valuations based on TPG valuations and not provided by the issuer.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Bottom line

If you regularly travel by train, an Amtrak credit card in your wallet is a smart choice.

The additional points per dollar earned on Amtrak travel along with the train-related perks that come with them make the Amtrak cards a smart choice for riding the rails.

While other cards can match the points per dollar earning, Amtrak points are worth more than many other types of points. This means that, for instance, earning 3 points of those points per dollar will have a greater return than earning 3 points per dollar on the Amex Green card .

That said, to realize that increased value, you'll need to redeem the points on Amtrak travel (although you can also redeem them for hotels, car rentals, and cruise, dining and entertainment gift cards).

If you are worried about lengthy delays or cancellations, factoring in various card's built-in trip protections when booking your train ticket may also be wise.

So, for frequent Amtrak travelers, it makes sense to have and use an Amtrak rewards credit card, especially when booking train trips. However, using an all-around top travel card with more flexible rewards is likely a good call for those who aren't frequent Amtrak riders.

For rates and fees of the Amex Green Card, click here .

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

How to Get Cheap Amtrak Tickets

Many, or all, of the products featured on this page are from our advertising partners who compensate us when you take certain actions on our website or click to take an action on their website. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

If you're thinking of an alternative to flying to your summer vacation spot, consider Amtrak. The railroad passenger company operates more than 300 trains daily to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and Canada. There's a good chance an Amtrak station is located where you're headed.

If you're ready to climb aboard, here's what you need to know to get Amtrak tickets at a discount.

» Learn more: Review of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard

Tips to get cheap Amtrak tickets

Some tried and true budget travel strategies — such as booking tickets on during lower travel periods — can help you snag cheap Amtrak tickets.

1. Earn travel rewards and get rewarded

Before you ride, join Amtrak Guest Rewards . Joining is free, and you'll get 500 bonus points when you take a trip within the first 90 days your account is open. You'll also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel. If you prefer to travel business or first class on high-speed Acela trains, which operate in the Northeast, you'll get a 25% point bonus on the former and a 50% bonus on the latter.

» Learn more: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you

2. Snag bonus points through partners

You can also rack up Amtrak Guest Reward when you spend money at hotels, car rental companies and other retailers Amtrak has partnered with. A few examples:

Book a stay at one of Choice Hotel's more than 6,800 locations and you'll earn 250 Amtrak points.

Rent a car through Budget and you'll earn 50 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every qualifying rental day.

Send your loved one some flowers using Teleflora and you'll add 750 Amtrak Guest Rewards points to your account.

3. Redeem points for trips

Once you have plenty of Amtrak Guest Rewards points stockpiled, get the most out of them by redeeming for Amtrak trips. Redemption rates vary by route, date and time, but you can save a ton if you combine your points with special promotions.

Parents, take note of Amtrak’s child discount , which allows infants under 2 to travel for free and additional children under 12 to travel for a 50% discount.

4. Travel when it's not as busy

You can often score a discount by planning your trips on less busy days. For example, Amtrak recently held a sale in which — as long as you traveled on Saturday — you could buy one ticket and get the next one free. A two-passenger Saturday ticket from New York to Boston was a mere $83.

5. Bring a friend — or three

Amtrak wants you to bring some friends along for your summer vacation. Its Share Fare deal gets you a discount for every plus-one. Here's the breakdown:

Passenger 1: Full price.

Passenger 2: 15% off full price.

Passenger 3: 60% off full price.

Passenger 4: 70% off full price.

That's a lot of potential savings. Pick up the phone and call some people who not only appreciate the scenic appeal of Amtrak, but also love a good deal.

6. If you're taking Acela, book early

Acela trains, which operate between Washington, D.C., and Boston, offer large leather seats, fast Wi-Fi and luggage storage for up to four bags. While Acela travel typically costs more than other trains, you can score a discount if you simply plan your trip in advance. Book a ticket on the Acela a minimum of 7 to 21 days prior to your trip, and you'll get a 25% discount.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph℠ Card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Snag these hotel loyalty perks, even if you’re disloyal Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 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 Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options

75,000 Enjoy $250 to use on Capital One Travel in your first cardholder year, plus earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within the first 3 months from account opening - that’s equal to $1,000 in travel.

Trending Stories

The Best Credit Card for Amtrak: Ride the Rails to Rewards in 2024

This article was subjected to a comprehensive fact-checking process. Our professional fact-checkers verify article information against primary sources, reputable publishers, and experts in the field.

We receive compensation from the products and services mentioned in this story, but the opinions are the author's own. Compensation may impact where offers appear. We have not included all available products or offers. Learn more about how we make money and our editorial policies .

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

The 5 best cards for amtrak, the 2 best business credit cards for amtrak, how to choose the best credit card for amtrak, methodology, bottom line on the best credit card for amtrak.

• 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.

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.

With the Travel Rewards 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 Bank of America Preferred Rewards® member.

Read our Bank of America Travel Rewards card review .

Easy-to-Earn Unlimited Rewards

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.

• $0 annual fee
• Simple, flat-rate rewards
• Flexible redemption options
• Up to 75% preferred Rewards bonus potential
• Lower earnings than category-specific travel cards
• Limited travel perks
• 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 as long as your account remains open.
• 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% Intro APR for 15 billing cycles for purchases, and for any balance transfers made in the first 60 days. After the Intro APR offer ends, a Variable APR that’s currently 19.24% - 29.24% will apply. A 3% Intro balance transfer fee will apply for the first 60 days your account is open. After the Intro balance transfer fee offer ends, the fee for future balance transfers is 4%.
• If you're a Bank of America 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 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months (that’s a $200 cash redemption value), which is especially impressive for a $0-annual-fee card.

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

Read our Wells Fargo Autograph Card review .

Awesome Rewards Rates + Intro APR

Current Offer

Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 cash redemption value

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

• Excellent earning potential for a $0 annual fee
• Offers a welcome bonus
• No spending caps on rewards categories
• Cell phone protection (subject to a $25 deductible)
• Limited options to transfer points to airlines/hotels
• Limited travel perks (secondary car rental insurance and travel and emergency assistance)
• Fewer perks than some dedicated travel cards
• Select “Apply Now” to take advantage of this specific offer and learn more about product features, terms and conditions.
• Earn 20,000 bonus points when you spend $1,000 in purchases in the first 3 months - that's a $200 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 Travel℠, it offers 2X points on other travel purchases, and also 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries. 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

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 Travel℠; 3X points on dining, select streaming services, and online groceries; 2X points on all other travel purchases, and 1X points on all other purchases

• Generous welcome offer valued at $750 when redeemed via Chase Travel
• High rewards on dining and bookings via Chase Travel
• 25% more value when redeeming points for travel through Chase Travel
• Up to $50 in annual statement credits for hotel stays booked through Chase Travel
• Receive valuable travel protections like trip delay reimbursement and primary rental car insurance
• Has a $95 annual fee
• Doesn’t offer airport lounge access or premium travel perks like Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• Doesn't offer bonus points on gas or in-person groceries purchases
• 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 Travel℠.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.
• Get 25% more value when you redeem for airfare, hotels, car rentals and cruises through Chase Travel℠. 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, 2027.
• 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 Travel℠ 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 Travel℠.

Get more details at our Chase Sapphire Reserve Card Review .

Premium Travel Benefits

5X points on flights and 10X points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ 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

• Up to $300 in annual travel credits
• Great rewards on travel purchases and dining
• Complimentary Priority Pass Select membership
• Comprehensive travel protections, including trip delay and cancellation insurance
• 50% point redemption bonus when booking through Chase Travel
• $550 annual fee
• High spending requirement for the welcome offer
• $75 annual fee for each authorized user
• 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 Travel℠.
• $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 Travel℠ 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 Travel℠. 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®

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

• 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
• Earn a 10% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit
• No intro APR offer

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

• 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
• 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
• $99 annual fee

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 90,000 bonus 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 Travel.
• Bank of America ® Business Advantage Travel Rewards World Mastercard ® credit card : With this card, you earn 3 points per $1 on travel booked through the Bank of America® Travel Center and 1.5 points per $1 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.

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.

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.

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.

Card Details

on Bank of America’s secure website

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

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.

Author Details

Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

UK Edition Change

• UK Politics
• News Videos
• Paris 2024 Olympics
• Rugby Union
• Sport Videos
• John Rentoul
• Mary Dejevsky
• Andrew Grice
• Sean O’Grady
• Photography
• Theatre & Dance
• Culture Videos
• Fitness & Wellbeing
• Food & Drink
• Health & Families
• Royal Family
• Electric Vehicles
• Car Insurance Deals
• Lifestyle Videos
• UK Hotel Reviews
• News & Advice
• Simon Calder
• Australia & New Zealand
• South America
• C. America & Caribbean
• Middle East
• Politics Explained
• News Analysis
• Today’s Edition
• Home & Garden
• Broadband deals
• Fashion & Beauty
• Travel & Outdoors
• Sports & Fitness
• Climate 100
• Sustainable Living
• Climate Videos
• Solar Panels
• Behind The Headlines
• On The Ground
• Decomplicated
• You Ask The Questions
• Binge Watch
• Travel Smart
• Watch on your TV
• Crosswords & Puzzles
• Most Commented
• Newsletters
• Ask Me Anything
• Virtual Events
• Wine Offers
• Betting Sites

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged in Please refresh your browser to be logged in

Railcards: can I get one and will it really save me money on train tickets?

Exclusive: half a century on, there’s a discount waiting for everyone – but subject to a tangle of terms and conditions, article bookmarked.

Find your bookmarks in your Independent Premium section, under my profile

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts

Get simon calder’s travel email, thanks for signing up to the simon calder’s travel email.

Railcard holders are complaining of a “stealth” price increase on train tickets . From 15 September the discount on fares for most railcard journeys will be cut from 34 per cent to 33.4 per cent. The effect is a 0.9 per cent fare rise.

Up to that date a £30 off-peak single from Coventry to London Euston on London Northwestern Railway will cost £19.80; after that, it’s £20.

The move by the Rail Delivery Group makes it a good time to assess the value of railcards – especially in the light of research from Virgin Trains Ticketing that two-thirds of consumers don’t have a discount card. Most of those people think they don’t travel by train often enough to need one.

For anyone who uses trains in the UK, there’s probably a discount waiting. Mark Plowright, director at Virgin Trains Ticketing, said: “Our research shows that 20 per cent of consumers who have a railcard are encouraged to travel by train more frequently.

“So if we want more people to choose the train over their car or domestic flight, then it’s a good idea to better educate and promote the use of railcards for eligible customers so that more passengers can get the best value on their journeys.”

But each railcard is subject to a tangle of terms and conditions – notably restrictions on when you can use them in London and southeast England.

These are the key questions and answers.

What’s the big idea?

The rail industry uses price to stimulate additional travel by rail – both encouraging passengers to switch from other modes of transport and to make more journeys than they otherwise would.

Railcards, whose ownership is restricted to specifically targeted groups, is the method the rail industry has used to try to boost revenue.

The first Student Railcard was introduced in October 1974, giving one-third off train tickets for people who could prove their student status. The aim was to tempt students away from long-distance coaches and hitchhiking, and to encourage them to make additional journeys by rail – whether to see bands in other cities, visit friends at other colleges or to take dirty laundry home to be dealt with.

In 1992, the Student Railcard became the Young Persons Railcard. It changed again in 2008 to become the 16-25 Railcard.

A family of other cards delivering discounted tickets has gradually emerged, all at a basic price of £30 per year (or £70 for three years on some cards). All are available digitally, which means they can be used instantly.

They include:

16-17 Saver : An outlier, because the discount is 50 per cent and the card can be used to buy season tickets. Anyone entitled to the card is advised to use one until their 18th birthday, since it delivers far better benefits than …

16-25 Railcard : Gives the standard one-third off (more precisely, 34 per cent rounded down to the nearest 5p, soon to be reduced to 33.4 per cent). To protect revenue earned from commuters, there is a minimum fare of £12 (single or return) for travel between 10am from Monday to Friday – though this condition is dropped in July and August.

26-30 Railcard : Known as the “Millennial railcard”, it offers similar prospect to the 16-25 card, but with slightly inferior terms (eg minimum fare rule is not lifted in summer).

Senior Railcard : One-third off, but not valid for journeys wholly in London and South East England during the morning rush-hour. Annoyingly the exact times vary from one route/train operator to another.

Status based

Disabled Persons Railcard : Travellers who have a visual or hearing impairment, receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Adult Disability Payment (ADP), or buy or lease a vehicle through the Motability scheme qualify for a one-third discount for themselves and an adult companion.

Two Together Railcard : Aimed at people who are in those tricky decades between 31 and 59. One-third off if the two people named and photographed on the railcard travel together. Morning rush-hour time restrictions apply, and train and station staff are often meticulous in checking both holders are travelling.

Family & Friends Railcard : Probably the most generous and flexible of all the discount cards. One or two adults can be named on the card. As long as they travel with a child aged between 5 and 15, the grown-ups get one-third off and children gain a 60 per cent reduction. Up to four adults can travel together with up to four kids, so long as one of the adults is named on the card is part of the group.

Veterans Railcard : You are eligible “providing you have served for at least one day or more in His Majesty’s UK Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve)”.

Most of these are strictly limited: Cotswold Line, Devon & Cornwall, and Pembrokeshire, for example. But there are two stand-outs that covers large areas.

Network Card : For travel in the old “Network SouthEast” area, which is a really odd shape: including Essex but not Suffolk, in Norfolk only the line to King’s Lynn, then bounded by Huntingdon, Long Buckby in Northants, Banbury, with a giant leap to Worcester but nowhere west of Didcot on GWR, Exeter only on South Western Railway, plus everywhere in Dorset, Hampshire, the Isle of Wight, Sussex and Kent. Strict time/minimum spend rules to discourage commuting. A passenger who qualifies for any other kind of railcard should choose that option, not this.

Club 50 (Scotland only): In some ways this ScotRail card, available to those aged 50 and above, is better value than the Senior Railcard. It costs only £15 annually. While the standard discount is only 20 per cent (and then only through ScotRail online), it allows a remarkable flat-fare deal of just £17 return between any two stations in Scotland at certain times of year. You even get half-price food and drink on board – but note ScotRail is alcohol-free.

Is it unfair that age-based railcards end at 30 and don’t resume until 60?

Yes. There is a strong argument for the Family & Friends and Two Together railcards, which seek to divert travellers in groups of two or more from road to rail.

But the current mess of 16-17, 16-25, 26-30 and 60-plus cards is out of step with reality. It is a “railcard raffle” rather than a coherent and equitable system. Reaching one’s 31st birthday does not mean one is suddenly able to pay 50 per cent more than the day before.

Also, many Senior Railcard holders are very gainfully employed: a glance at any intercity first-class carriage after the rush hour will reveal plenty of working people in their 60s and 70s who are benefiting from lower fares (and complimentary catering) at the same time as enjoying generous salaries.

Eliminating all age-based railcards and cutting fares across the board makes sense. But some people will end up paying a bit more. And that, in political terms, is toxic.

Any other options?

Yes. “National railcards” are already sold in Germany and Switzerland. The Swiss Half Fare Card costs Sfr190 (£170) for a year. It is so commonly held that the default setting for online and machine tickets assume the 50 per cent discount.

In Germany, rail passengers can choose from BahnCards offering 25 per cent or half price. The 25 per cent card in second class costs €62.90 (£53) for a year, while a 50 per cent card allowing first-class travel is €492 (£361).

Travellers can also buy a 100 per cent card, allowing free travel all year anywhere in Germany and costing €4,550 (£3,830) in second class.

The ideal country to keep the cost of travel low is Luxembourg, where public transport fares have been abolished.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calder’s podcast

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article

Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.

New to The Independent?

Or if you would prefer:

Hi {{indy.fullName}}

• My Independent Premium
• Account details
• Help centre