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If you're an Amtrak fan, you'll love the credit cards that offer rewards and benefits tailored just for you. The Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card offers 20,000 bonus miles after spending $1,000 in the first 3 months.
With these cards, you can earn points or miles on your everyday purchases, redeem them for travel, or use them to book Amtrak tickets. The Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, for example, offers 2X points on travel and dining purchases.
Some cards also offer exclusive benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and access to exclusive events. The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard, for instance, offers a free companion rail ticket with every paid ticket purchase.
Whether you're a frequent Amtrak traveler or just starting to explore the benefits of credit card rewards, there's an Amtrak credit card out there for you.
Application and Approval
To apply for the Amtrak Credit Card, you'll need to head online, either by clicking the "Apply Now" button on WalletHub or by visiting First National Bank of Omaha's website directly.
You'll need to have good credit, which translates to a 700+ credit score for the best approval odds.
Applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which might temporarily ding your credit.
First National Bank of Omaha may use Experian to check your credit, but it's possible they'll use TransUnion or Equifax instead, according to some anecdotal evidence.
If you've frozen any of your credit reports, you'll want to unfreeze them before applying for the card.
Benefits and Features
You'll earn 20,000 bonus points after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles of account opening. This is a great way to get started with rewards.
The rewards rate is pretty high, with 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, 2 points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare, and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else. You'll also get a 5% point rebate when you redeem your points for Amtrak travel.
One of the coolest benefits is the 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit. This can really add up if you're a frequent traveler.
Rewards
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The rewards program is where the Amtrak Credit Card really shines. You can earn 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, 2 points per $1 spent on dining, travel, transit, and rideshare, and 1 point per $1 spent everywhere else.
With the Amtrak Credit Card, you can earn a 20,000-point bonus after making at least $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles of account opening. Additionally, you can earn 1,000 TQPs (Tier Qualifying Points) each time you make $5,000 in qualifying purchases.
One of the best perks of the Amtrak Credit Card is the 5% point rebate when you redeem your points for Amtrak travel. This means that you can get more value out of your points and make your travel dollars go further.
You can also earn a 20% rebate on onboard food and beverage purchases in the form of a statement credit. This is a great way to save money on your travels and enjoy the amenities that Amtrak has to offer.
Here are some key rewards details:
Overall, the rewards program on the Amtrak Credit Card is designed to help you earn points and redeem them for travel-related expenses. With the 5% point rebate and 20% rebate on onboard purchases, you can get more value out of your points and make your travel dollars go further.
Pros & Cons
The Amtrak Credit Card has its advantages and disadvantages. No intro APR on purchases is a notable con.
The card requires good or excellent credit to be approved. This can be a challenge for those with lower credit scores.
Elevated Welcome Offer
The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard has an elevated welcome offer that's too good to pass up. You can earn a whopping 35,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points after making at least $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles of your account opening.
This offer is significantly higher than the standard introductory offer of 20,000 points. The bonus points can be worth around $280 to $1,050, depending on the value of your Amtrak points, which range from about 0.8 to 3 cents per point.
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The welcome offer ends on December 4, 2024, so be sure to apply before then if you're interested in taking advantage of it. If you're a frequent Amtrak rider, this offer could be a great way to rack up points and enjoy some rewards.
Here are the details of the welcome offer:
- 35,000 Amtrak Guest Rewards bonus points after making at least $2,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles of your account opening
- Offer ends on December 4, 2024
Frequently Asked Questions
What bank issues Amtrak credit cards?
The Amtrak credit card is issued by First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO). For more details about the card's terms and conditions, see the Summary of Credit Terms.
What credit score do I need to get an Amtrak credit card?
To qualify for an Amtrak credit card, you typically need a good credit score of at least 670, but other factors are also considered. Check the issuer's requirements for a more detailed understanding of their eligibility criteria.
Does Amtrak count as travel for credit cards?
Yes, Amtrak purchases can be considered travel for credit card rewards, earning you points or miles on many rewards credit cards. Check your card's terms to see how you can maximize your rewards on train travel.
Sources
- https://wallethub.com/d/amtrak-credit-card-422c
- https://upgradedpoints.com/news/amtrak-guest-rewards-preferred-card-new-offer/
- https://thepointsguy.com/credit-cards/best-credit-cards-for-train-travel/
- https://frequentmiler.com/amkworld/
- https://www.mightytravels.com/2024/05/maximize-your-amtrak-guest-rewards-with-the-right-credit-card-a-comparative-analysis/
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