If you’ve been reading this blog for a while, you probably already know that my family has enjoyed some overnight cross-country trips on Amtrak. Traveling by train in a sleeper cabin is such a unique experience that my kids keep asking to repeat. Currently, two Amtrak credit cards have elevated welcome bonuses that could help you book an overnight train trip for free.
Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard
This card is offered through First National Bank of Omaha (FNBO) and is not part of our affiliate network. The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard (see offer on Amtrak page) has a limited elevated welcome bonus of 40,000 bonus points. Apply by 4/3/24.
- 40,000 bonus points after spending $2000 in the first 3 billing cycles (worth ~$1000 or more of Amtrak travel)
- 3X points on Amtrak travel
- 2X points on dining, travel, transit and rideshare
- 1X points on all other spending
- 20% rebate for onboard food and drink purchases (through statement credit)
- Round-trip companion coupon upon card opening and card anniversary
- One class grade upgrade upon card opening and card anniversary
- Station lounge pass upon card opening and card anniversary
- Earn tier status faster (1000 Tier Qualifying Points for every $5000 in spending)
- Points don’t expire
- 5% point rebate when you redeem for Amtrak travel
- No foreign transaction fees
- $99 annual fee
The no annual fee version of this card (Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard) offers 12,000 bonus points and fewer card benefits.
Who should get this card?
Amtrak points are worth between 2.5 cents and 2.8 cents per point for train travel, depending on the train line. That means the bonus points from this card are worth at least $1000 in free travel! If you live in the northeast and use Amtrak for commuting, this card gives you many free trips and benefits (like companion coupon, class upgrade, lounge pass).
However, if you don’t use Amtrak regularly, you could still use these points as part of an epic family trip. The California Zephyr train between Emeryville (near San Francisco) and Denver has some of the most fantastic scenery in this country. My kids and I stayed in a Family Bedroom for this journey (see my review here).
The price of this journey in a sleeping compartment is not cheap. Depending on the dates, the price for just 2 people is almost $1000. So, for a family of 4, you would need a spouse or Player 2 to also apply for the credit card to get 80,000 total bonus points. See below for example pricing in June for 2 people.
The Texas Eagle train between Chicago and Dallas is also a fun overnight adventure (see my review here). Rolling by the St. Louis Arch was incredible!
I recommend flying one way and taking the train one way. One night in the train cabin is plenty!
Final Thoughts
If you’re interested in traveling on Amtrak using points, now is a great time to sign up for the credit card while the welcome bonus is elevated.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Hello, can you combine points with spouse for 80,000 points to use for a Family room?
@Bonnie Yes you can, but it costs money to share points. I believe it’s $10 for every 1000 points.