Even if you're not a big Amtrak spender, this card has some really nice advantages:

• 2:1 transfers to Hilton and 3:1 transfers to Choice
• The ability to book some of the most aspirational hotels in the world through Choice's relationship with Preferred Hotel Group
• When paired with the Chase Sapphire Preferred, opens up the same transfer opportunities for Ultimate Rewards
• Excellent MasterRental car rental coverage, including coverage in countries not covered by other cards (Isreal, Ireland, etc.)
• Incredible redemptions on Amtrak sleeper accommodations, including family bedrooms for the same number of points as a normal bedroom
• Lounge access, free meals, and other perks when redeeming for sleeper accommodations (because Amtrak's sleepers are considered "first class")
• Bonus points for a no-annual-fee card!

To give you an idea of what you can do with 13,000 Amtrak points (the bonus plus $1000 spend):

Take a midwest train journey...

• Take a round trip ride on the Pere Marquette from Chicago to/from Grand Rapids, MI. (often $50 each way) -AND-
• Stay at the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel, debatably the top hotel in Grand Rapids. (normally $200+ per night with tax)

-OR-

Go to Ireland...

• Stay at the highly rated Clarion Dublin for 2 nights (normally $132 per night = $264) -AND-
• Go down to Cork for a night and stay at the brand new top-rated Clarion Cork (normally $156 per night)
• Use your 3000 left over Amtrak points to ride the train and use your 6000 extra Choice points to redeem for another free hotel night at home.

-OR-

Live it up in the Bahamas...

• Stay a night at the Comfort Suites Paradise Island with full access to the waterpark, pools, beaches, and amenities at Atlantis Resort (normally $300+ with taxes).
• Redeem your left over choice points for free subscriptions to Conde Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure to dream about your trip.
• Use your 3000 left over Amtrak points to ride the train.

Obviously, there are many other possibilities that could easily yield $400+ of value. Then again, I've seen signup bonuses on this card of 32,000 points or more, so 12,000 points is pretty weak.