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Usually once a year, the bonus on the Bank of America Amtrak credit card increases. Right now, the bonus is 50,000 points. That is the highest offer we’ve seen on this card!
Details on the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard
The Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard (non-affiliate link) is offered by Bank of America. Spend $2500 in the first 90 days and get 50,000 bonus points. Those are worth $1250 in Amtrak travel. The $79 annual fee is not waived.
The card earns 3X points on Amtrak purchases, 2X points on travel and 1X points on all other purchases. There are no foreign transaction fees. The card also comes with a companion coupon valued up to $300 per year as well as an upgrade coupon and station lounge pass.
Using the points can be a bit complicated. You can’t use the points to book Saver fares. You can book tickets for other people and book kids 12 and under for half the points. Peak times cost more points. See this complete guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards on Doctor of Credit.
My Experience on the Amtrak California Zephyr
As a kid, my family traveled on Amtrak all around the country. I have (mostly) fond memories of meeting other kids on board and seeing the country from a different perspective.
In 2017, I travelled on the California Zephyr with my kids from San Francisco to Denver. We had a family bedroom cabin with two bunk beds. It was quite an adventure, and my kids (even my now-17-year-old son) keep asking to go on an overnight train again.
I’d love to fly to Chicago and return to Dallas on an overnight train. I just need to find the time to do it. We have too many other trips planned right now.
Am I Getting This Card?
Unfortunately, I just applied for a different credit card from Bank of America last week (see this post). I likely would not be approved for the card since I’ve applied for 3 or more cards in the past 12 months (see this post for new card restrictions by bank).
But, I’ve had my eye on this card for years. One of these days, the timing will work out.
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Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
We loved crossing the country from Chicago to LA to Seattle in Amtrak sleeper cabins, kids still talk about this trip years later!
https://travelbloggerbuzz.com/travel-reports/megatrip-planes-trains-and-cows/
@Travelbloggerbuzz Wow! That looks like a fantastic trip. And for only 60k points!
@Travelbloggerbuzz Wow! That looks like a fantastic trip. And for only 60k points!
We’re booked on the Zephyr via points from Denver to San Francisco in November. Rescheduled from March 2020.
@wendydarling33 That’s so exciting! I loved the scenery on the route. I hope you have a great train ride!
Hmmmm… I’m tempted, but only because I could turn it into 150k Choice points. LOL
@projectx I thought you had to be at “select” level with Amtrak to make the transfer? If you are, then go for it!
Looks like both Hilton and choice points transfers are dead: https://frequentmiler.com/amtrak-discontinues-point-transfers-to-hilton-and-choice/?utm_source=BoardingArea&utm_medium=BoardingArea
@Tammie Thanks. That’s a bummer for some folks.
Just got approved! Waffled on the 30k offer a couple times and never pulled the trigger. Glad I waited now.
@Ian Woohoo! Glad you go approved. Do you have plans for the points yet?
Nothing in particular, although I’ve eyed a trip to Chicago on the Coast Starlight -> Empire Builder. That’s the most likely candidate.
I would love to take the kids on an overnight train ride in US, but the opportunity has not presented itself so far. I agree that it’s a neat way to see the country. One of my most vivid childhood memories is taking a train to Karelia ( Russian province) via St. Petersburg to visit my estranged grandfather. A long few days, but I loved it.
@Leana Sounds like a great memory!