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Here at AwardWallet, we typically focus on the hotels and airlines side of things when it comes to buying points and miles. But they're not the only travel companies that run promotions. Amtrak is out with a brand-new offer of its own, letting Guest Rewards members buy Amtrak points with up to a 30% bonus.
Without a bonus or discount, Amtrak sells points at 3.77¢ each. But this bonus drops the price to as low as 2.90¢ per point. This promotion is valid until 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2025.
But is buying Amtrak points a bright idea? Here's what to know about this 30% bonus promotion.
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Buy Amtrak Points Promotion Details
If you are in a crunch for time and could use just a few more Amtrak points to get you where you need to go, it could make sense to grab some with this 30% bonus promotion, which is available through May 30, 2025.
Key terms
- This promotion is valid until 11:59 p.m. EST on May 30, 2025.
- Points may be purchased in increments of 500.
- Members may buy or receive up to 50,000 points in a calendar year.
- Select Executive members have no annual point purchase limit.
- Must purchase at least 1,000 points to receive any bonus (15%).
- Buy at least 5,500 points to receive the maximum bonus (30%).
- Buying points does not count toward Select, Select Plus, or Select Executive elite status.
- Purchased points will be posted to your account within 72 hours of your completed transfer.
- Full terms and conditions can be found here.
This promotion has four different tiers, with three of them providing a bonus. Here is how the tiers break down:
- 500 points: No bonus (3.77¢ per point)
- 1,000–3,500 points: 15% bonus (3.28¢ per point)
- 4,000–5,000 points: 20% bonus (3.14¢ per point)
- 5,500–50,00 points: 30% bonus (2.90¢ per point)
When Does It Make Sense To Buy Points and Miles?
Before buying Amtrak points, it's important to note that buying points should typically be the last option for loyalty members. Programs tend to sell points at a price far more expensive than the value they can deliver when you redeem them. If there isn't a bonus or discount available, you'd be better off keeping your wallet tucked away and building your balance using organic methods.
However, there are a couple of scenarios in which buying points and miles makes sense. For example, grabbing the few remaining points can be quick and easy if you're just on the edge of having enough points for a sweet redemption. Moreover, if you have your heart set on booking a premium cabin, buying enough points for a redemption can sometimes be cheaper than paying the cash rate.
While a promotional bonus or discount will always be cheaper than paying the base price, you shouldn't necessarily buy points just because there is a promotion on offer. Discounts and bonuses for buying points are constantly changing, so it's possible that a future promotion will provide better value than the current one.
Amtrak Buy Points History
Amtrak only recently began selling points with a promotion. Points typically cost 3.77¢ apiece, but these promotions can slightly drop that rate.
This current promotion isn't the best rate Amtrak has ever sold its points for. But if you're in a pinch and need the last few points to top off your account for a redemption, then it's not a bad time to pull out your wallet.
| Promotion Ended | Max Bonus | Min Cents per Point | Targeted? |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-05-30 | 30% Bonus | 2.9 | No |
| 2025-02-17 | 50% Bonus | 2.51 | No |
| 2024-12-31 | 40% Bonus | 2.69 | No |
| 2024-10-31 | 30% Bonus | 2.9 | Yes |
| 2024-08-30 | 50% Bonus | 2.51 | Yes |
| 2024-06-30 | 50% Bonus | 2.51 | No |
| 2024-05-08 | 30% Bonus | 2.9 | No |
| 2024-02-29 | 30% Bonus | 2.9 | No |
Buy Amtrak Points With the Right Credit Card
Like many other loyalty programs, Amtrak partners with Points.com to sell points. As Points.com is a third party, the purchase won't code as travel. So instead of using one of the best cards for travel purchases, consider using:
- A credit card where you're currently working on a sign-up bonus. These are the best welcome offers available right now.
- A credit card with perks you can earn from spending thresholds, such as hotel free night awards, hotel elite status, or airline elite status.
- Your best credit card for everyday spending, such as the Citi Double Cash® Card or Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card.
Related: Which Credit Card Should You Use To Buy Points and Miles?
Amtrak Credit Card Offers
If you want to stock up on Amtrak points, applying for a co-branded card might present a better deal than buying points outright. Amtrak offers two credit cards, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® and the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®.
- Amtrak Guest Preferred Card: Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending $2,000 on purchases in the first three billing cycles of account opening. $99 annual fee.
- Amtrak Guest Rewards Card: Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 on purchases in the first three billing cycles of account opening. $0 annual fee.
Related: Do Amtrak Guest Rewards Points Expire?
Bottom Line
We're getting used to a steady train (pun intended) of buy-Amtrak points promotions. Trains are often overlooked in the points-and-miles world simply due to the ease and low cost of flying these days. However, train travel can be a great way to see the country while moving from Point A to Point B.
If you're looking to grab a train ticket sometime soon, this might be a good opportunity to grab some points at a cheaper rate for your next redemption. Bear in mind that this 30% bonus promotion will end on May 30, 2025, so make sure to have your travel plans figured out before then.
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