Sep 13, 2015, 8:16 am
Last edit by: beltway
Beginning September 12, 2015, two new Amtrak-branded credit cards are available through Bank of America:
Both cards offer the following benefits:
The World MasterCard offers these additional benefits:
If my application is not instantly approved, is there a special contact number for Bank of America?
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
When will I receive my World MC Companion Coupon/Upgrade Coupon/ClubAcela Pass?
"Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade Coupon are available online through your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. Your ClubAcela pass will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of account opening."
How soon will my AGR points post after I complete the required spend?
Bank of America transfers your signup bonus points to Amtrak a day or two after the end of the monthly billing cycle in which you complete the required spend.
Are these cards churnable?
TBD
- World MasterCard (20K pts for $1K spend in 3 months; $79 AF, not waived)
- Platinum MasterCard (12K pts for $1K spend in 3 months; no AF)
Both cards offer the following benefits:
- Earn 1 AGR point for non-Amtrak purchases
- Earn a bonus for Amtrak ticket and on-board purchases
- World MC earns a total of 3 AGR pts/$
- Platinum MC earns 2 AGR pts/$
- Receive a 5% points rebate on award redemptions for Amtrak travel
- No forex fee on purchases outside the US
- Your AGR points will never expire as long as you hold either card
The World MasterCard offers these additional benefits:
- Earn 2 AGR pts/$ on non-Amtrak travel purchases
- Per the T&C, this includes airlines, car rental agencies, hotels, motels, inns, resorts, and steamship/cruise lines. In cases where the merchant of record is not Amtrak, this 2pts/$ category also includes travel agencies, passenger railways, and commuter railways. (The last two were originally excluded, but are included as of 2021 or possibly earlier.)
- Earn 1,000 TQPs for every $5,000 in eligible purchases, up to 4,000 TQPs in any calendar year
- Purchases are credited for the year of the statement on which they are billed. For an account that closes on the 20th of each month, purchases after Dec. 20 will count in the following year.
- On account opening, receive a single-day pass for access to ClubAcela, Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge or First class lounges
- Per T&C, "ClubAcela pass valid for bearer and one guest, or bearer's spouse/domestic partner and children under the age of 21. No same-day ticket required for use."
- On account opening and at each anniversary renewal, receive a Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade
- "Companion Coupon valid for one (1) free companion rail fare with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult rail fare. Free companion and paying passenger must reserve at the same time and travel together at all times. Valid for travel as one (1) one-way or one (1) roundtrip on one reservation per coupon. For roundtrip usage, both directions of travel must be reserved at the same time. Travel blackout dates apply."
- Blackout dates for 2016: Jan. 2-3; Feb. 12; Feb. 15; Mar. 24-25; Mar. 28; May 27; May 30; Jul. 1; Jul. 4; Sept. 2; Sept. 5; Oct. 10; Nov. 22-23; Nov. 26-28; Dec. 21-24; Dec. 26-30.
- Blackout dates for 2017: Jan. 1-2; Feb. 17; Feb. 20; Apr. 13-14; Apr. 17; May 26; May 29; Sept. 1; Sept. 4; Oct. 9; Nov. 21-22; Nov. 24-27; [other dates TBD].
- "One-Class Upgrade Coupon valid for one (1) space-available, one-way, one-class upgrade. Valid only from Coach to Business class, or from Acela Business class to Acela First class, on a single travel segment or leg. Not valid for upgrade to sleeping car accommodations. Travel blackout dates apply."
- "Companion Coupon valid for one (1) free companion rail fare with the purchase of one (1) regular (full) adult rail fare. Free companion and paying passenger must reserve at the same time and travel together at all times. Valid for travel as one (1) one-way or one (1) roundtrip on one reservation per coupon. For roundtrip usage, both directions of travel must be reserved at the same time. Travel blackout dates apply."
If my application is not instantly approved, is there a special contact number for Bank of America?
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
When will I receive my World MC Companion Coupon/Upgrade Coupon/ClubAcela Pass?
"Companion Coupon and One-Class Upgrade Coupon are available online through your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. Your ClubAcela pass will be mailed to you within 2 weeks of account opening."
How soon will my AGR points post after I complete the required spend?
Bank of America transfers your signup bonus points to Amtrak a day or two after the end of the monthly billing cycle in which you complete the required spend.
Are these cards churnable?
TBD
New Amtrak Guest Rewards MasterCard arriving Fall 2015
May 27, 2018, 3:52 pm
#451
Join Date: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,269
Back in 2015 there was a post from someone who said they were able to get 5 BofA cards on the same day seven months before getting denied for an Amtrak Guest Rewards card for too many recent inquiries. The poster asked if BofA was tightening up or if there was something about the Amtrak card that made it harder to get approval for. I am asking a similar question. I've been churning a lot of cards for a long time, so I'm at lol/24, and BofA has rejected me twice for this card over the past six months. Credit score is around 800. I was successful in getting a couple of the $200 MLB cards in October 2016 and the ML card in March 2017. Since then, no BofA apps, but a lot with Amex and Citi. Is there a consensus that BofA is now a lot more sensitive to hard pulls than they were in the past?
May 29, 2018, 3:32 pm
#452
Join Date: Apr 2015
Programs: United Global Services, Amtrak Select Executive
Posts: 4,098
Back in 2015 there was a post from someone who said they were able to get 5 BofA cards on the same day seven months before getting denied for an Amtrak Guest Rewards card for too many recent inquiries. The poster asked if BofA was tightening up or if there was something about the Amtrak card that made it harder to get approval for. I am asking a similar question. I've been churning a lot of cards for a long time, so I'm at lol/24, and BofA has rejected me twice for this card over the past six months. Credit score is around 800. I was successful in getting a couple of the $200 MLB cards in October 2016 and the ML card in March 2017. Since then, no BofA apps, but a lot with Amex and Citi. Is there a consensus that BofA is now a lot more sensitive to hard pulls than they were in the past?
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cred...-programs-599/
Jun 29, 2018, 9:25 pm
#453
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
I'm interested in getting the card, I'm weighing World vs. Platinum (additional points and $100 statement credit), gauging additional benefits of World, I'm seeing the World Card worth paying the annual fees for 4 years.
Given many cases of people not getting $100 statement credit and difficulty of downgrading, I'm not sure if I want World Card anymore, especially 1-class upgrade not eligible from coach to sleeper (even the cheapest roomette).
Given many cases of people not getting $100 statement credit and difficulty of downgrading, I'm not sure if I want World Card anymore, especially 1-class upgrade not eligible from coach to sleeper (even the cheapest roomette).
Last edited by vincewy; Jun 29, 2018 at 9:59 pm
Jun 30, 2018, 4:19 am
#454
Join Date: May 2015
Location: Philly suburbs
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards, BOA Travel Visa,
Posts: 56
I have the no fee platinum. I find the extra rewards not worth the price unless you are a heavy user of Amtrak. Another thing to consider is since the new point redemptions started most sleeper trips cost alot more points than previously.
Jul 24, 2018, 8:40 am
#455
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
The wiki in this thread states:
When calling both of these numbers, there is just a recording "You have reached a non-working number at card services"...
If my application is not instantly approved, is there a special contact number for Bank of America?
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
Try calling 888-221-6262 or 866-811-4108. (M-F 8am-7pm EST)
Aug 1, 2018, 10:13 am
#456
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 22
BoA - does having a checking/savings with them help with approval?
For the Amtrak credit card, I spoke to BoA reconsideration now two times at (800) 354 0401. Both times, was not approved.
The reasons stated are 1) "Your credit references have not been established for a sufficient length of time" (only in US for 3 years, starting in Jan 2016 with two secured cards, before in March 2017 I applied for Chase, Amex etc, according to BoA reconsideration they cannot take into account the Capital One secured one from 2016, or the local credit union credit card from 2016, so my credit history is too short according to them)
2) "There are too many inquiries on your credit file" (5 in 2017, 4 in 2018 - I like to travel, so co-branded credit cards are great ;-) )
3) "Limited deposit and/or investment balances with us and/or our affiliates" (I am not a BoA customer, I do not have checking or savings with them, and no BoA card)
It seems like also the 100% on-time payment performance or 736 score did not help with BoA approving me now. I hope maybe this data point helps someone else who might be in a similar situation.
About 2), what is the amount of inquiries on the credit file that BoA does not consider "too many"?
About 3), does anyone know if there is an actual increase in likeliness that BoA would approve f.e. in a year if I opened up a checking or savings with them?
Thank you for anyone who has info about how to get an approval for the Amtrak World Mastercard...
The reasons stated are 1) "Your credit references have not been established for a sufficient length of time" (only in US for 3 years, starting in Jan 2016 with two secured cards, before in March 2017 I applied for Chase, Amex etc, according to BoA reconsideration they cannot take into account the Capital One secured one from 2016, or the local credit union credit card from 2016, so my credit history is too short according to them)
2) "There are too many inquiries on your credit file" (5 in 2017, 4 in 2018 - I like to travel, so co-branded credit cards are great ;-) )
3) "Limited deposit and/or investment balances with us and/or our affiliates" (I am not a BoA customer, I do not have checking or savings with them, and no BoA card)
It seems like also the 100% on-time payment performance or 736 score did not help with BoA approving me now. I hope maybe this data point helps someone else who might be in a similar situation.
About 2), what is the amount of inquiries on the credit file that BoA does not consider "too many"?
About 3), does anyone know if there is an actual increase in likeliness that BoA would approve f.e. in a year if I opened up a checking or savings with them?
Thank you for anyone who has info about how to get an approval for the Amtrak World Mastercard...
Aug 15, 2018, 9:04 pm
#457
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: DTW
Programs: TK E+, WY, Radisson R
Posts: 2,360
For a limited time (until Sept 30th), World MasterCard has a sign-on bonus of 30,000 points, use hte link below, not sure how one can combine statement credit with this offer.
https://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/
Note: previous link provided doesn't work, need to log into Amtrak Guest Rewards and see if the offer is on the front page.
https://www.amtrakguestrewards.com/
Note: previous link provided doesn't work, need to log into Amtrak Guest Rewards and see if the offer is on the front page.
Sep 24, 2019, 1:41 am
#458
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,457
Current offer is 40k + $100 until Sept 27
According to the Doctor of Credit blog, this is the best offer ever for this card: https://www.doctorofcredit.com/bank-...-40000-points/
Puts the value of the offer over $1000, up to almost $1200
I don't take Amtrak much these days but every time I do, I'm frustrated that I don't have many points, so I got in on the deal.
No other cards or accounts with BoA, just a Merrill Edge account I never got around to funding. Application went pending then was approved by the next day with no input from me. Have been focused on business cards lately so was only 2/24 new accounts and maybe 5-6 hard pulls this year.
Offer expires in a few days.
Puts the value of the offer over $1000, up to almost $1200
I don't take Amtrak much these days but every time I do, I'm frustrated that I don't have many points, so I got in on the deal.
No other cards or accounts with BoA, just a Merrill Edge account I never got around to funding. Application went pending then was approved by the next day with no input from me. Have been focused on business cards lately so was only 2/24 new accounts and maybe 5-6 hard pulls this year.
Offer expires in a few days.
Dec 2, 2019, 7:27 pm
#459
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, Hyatt Globlist, Hilton Silver, Amtrak Select Plus, UA Silver
Posts: 2,025
My daughter applied for the 40K bonus CC 3 months ago. Does anyone remember what the spend requirements were? Was it 2K? I know we paid the annual fee for it. Thanks!
Dec 2, 2019, 8:16 pm
#460
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 1,932
Mine was spend $2500 in 3 months for 40k plus $100 statement credit. I signed up in August.
Last edited by murphy; Dec 2, 2019 at 8:17 pm Reason: Add quote
Jul 29, 2020, 1:07 pm
#461
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DTW
Programs: Alaska, Delta, Southwest
Posts: 1,663
The Platinum (no-fee) Mastercard has an increased sign-up bonus - 20,000 points (up from 12,000 and same as the normal World Mastercard bonus) plus $100 statement credit for spending $1000 in the first 90 days.
My points are set to expire in September so I was going to sign up for the card anyway, but this made the decision easy to go ahead and do it now.
My points are set to expire in September so I was going to sign up for the card anyway, but this made the decision easy to go ahead and do it now.
Jul 30, 2020, 5:29 pm
#462
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 2,407
AGR World MasterCard holders now get a pair of 50% off coupons for an Acela business class one-way journey. Must book at least 3 days before travel (travel must be on or before Oct 2) and book before August 29.
I do not know if a new card between now and then would get these coupons, but they do blunt the AF a little.
I do not know if a new card between now and then would get these coupons, but they do blunt the AF a little.
Aug 2, 2020, 11:32 am
#463
Join Date: Dec 2014
Posts: 86
AGR World MasterCard holders now get a pair of 50% off coupons for an Acela business class one-way journey. Must book at least 3 days before travel (travel must be on or before Oct 2) and book before August 29.
I do not know if a new card between now and then would get these coupons, but they do blunt the AF a little.
I do not know if a new card between now and then would get these coupons, but they do blunt the AF a little.
Nov 16, 2020, 1:37 pm
#464
Join Date: Oct 2019
Programs: Flying Blue, Hilton Honors, Amtrak Guest Rewards
Posts: 2,407
Got a promo offer for current holders (I got it for my World card, no idea if the Platinum card or new holders would receive it) in the mail today, for a 5.99% promo APR on new purchases for 9 months.
May 3, 2021, 1:25 pm
#465
Moderator: Chase Ultimate Rewards
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 2P, MR LT Plat, IHG Plat, BW Dia, HH Au, Avis PC
Posts: 5,457
Bonus 2% cash back on up to $7500 spending thru June 30 2021 for existing cardholders
Almost missed this in my e-mail last week... seems to be a widely targeted offer for an additional 2% cash back on top of the AGR points earned:
E-mail subject "Your Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard®" with text:
E-mail subject "Your Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard®" with text:
LIMITED-TIME OFFER
Earn up to $150
statement credit
and create your own
“before and after”
To be eligible, you first must activate this offer. Once activated, you will earn 2% cash back, in the form of a statement credit, up to $150, when you use your account to make purchase transactions (exclusive of any fees, returns and adjustments) from the date you activate the offer through June 30, 2021.
Earn up to $150
statement credit
and create your own
“before and after”
To be eligible, you first must activate this offer. Once activated, you will earn 2% cash back, in the form of a statement credit, up to $150, when you use your account to make purchase transactions (exclusive of any fees, returns and adjustments) from the date you activate the offer through June 30, 2021.
Last edited by MDtR-Chicago; May 3, 2021 at 10:17 pm Reason: Not so widely targeted after all...