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
Sep 12, 2015, 6:24 pm
#181
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: DCA/RIC
Programs: HH LTD, AA LTG
Posts: 1,015
Thanks Anthony.
I just applied, hoping that they fixed their issues. At least did not get denied (yet), instead got the following.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Will update when I get notice.
I just applied, hoping that they fixed their issues. At least did not get denied (yet), instead got the following.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Will update when I get notice.
Sep 12, 2015, 6:47 pm
#182
Join Date: Aug 2015
Posts: 311
Thanks Anthony.
I just applied, hoping that they fixed their issues. At least did not get denied (yet), instead got the following.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Will update when I get notice.
I just applied, hoping that they fixed their issues. At least did not get denied (yet), instead got the following.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Will update when I get notice.
Sep 12, 2015, 7:33 pm
#183
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BDL
Programs: AA, DL, HA, WN, UA, B6, KX, Amtrak, HHonors Silver, SPG
Posts: 132
Not biting on the new BOA AGR MasterCard because I've had some issues with BOA in the past and not eager to repeat the experience. Will stick with my Amex HHonors and CapitalOne QuickSilver Visa. I've stopped using my Chase Amtrak MC and will keep the account going only until I'm sure the last bill payment has cleared and my AGR points have posted.
To AGR's credit:
It's a MC instead of the rumored Visa card (I try to just have one of each)
There's a no annual fee version
Unlike Chase AGR there's an EMV chip (although someone posted Chase is rolling those out)
Unlike Chase there's zero foreign transaction fees. Impressive since many card issuers only give that on their top tier high annual fee cards.
The fee version card has some enhanced AGR benefits the Chase card did not have.
To AGR's credit:
It's a MC instead of the rumored Visa card (I try to just have one of each)
There's a no annual fee version
Unlike Chase AGR there's an EMV chip (although someone posted Chase is rolling those out)
Unlike Chase there's zero foreign transaction fees. Impressive since many card issuers only give that on their top tier high annual fee cards.
The fee version card has some enhanced AGR benefits the Chase card did not have.
Sep 12, 2015, 7:38 pm
#184
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
In all sincerity, thank you for doing your best to loop us in on this. Believe me, I'm grateful for an acknowledgment of what's going on and whatever efforts are being made to work this out on your end.
Sep 12, 2015, 8:25 pm
#185
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 23
This has been a great thread so far. Very excited for this card! Is my math correct with the following?
I am getting a 2016 point value of 2.625 cents a point avg. I am basing this on my usual route only costing $21 each way or 800 points. Including 5% redemption bonus. (this is awesome for me as its usually 1500 each segment and I always book early!).
As a AGR member you earn 3 points on top of the existing 2, so 5 points per dollar spent direct with amtrak on the AF version, or 4 points per dollar with the no AF version?
So my actual travel value from the AF version would be $446 after the AF subtracted from bonus. Not including companion pass or anything else. And if I hit my bonus before 2016 can I redeem the 20k points at 2015 value?
and $315 on the no AF version.
I think with either one its going to be hard to beat earning 10.5 cents per dollar on the no AF and 13.1 cent per dollar on the AF version if my math is right.
If I do apply I will also be applying for a Better Balance Rewards under the same inquiry. I have even considered attempting at applying for BOTH versions of the AGR card and a 3rd card being the BBR. That way I end up with 32000 points (like the sign on bonus was at one point with chase) and the ability to close whichever one doesnt work out without product change hassle. What do you guys think about that?
Lastly, could folks that are getting approved please include your three fico scores and your number of inquiries in the last year. And also your starting limit and whether you have a relationship with BOA or not. Not sure if it would be allowed but it may be helpful to edit the first post and include all that as a list? Maybe not include user names just to be polite!
Thank you for your time and glad to be a new member here!
I am getting a 2016 point value of 2.625 cents a point avg. I am basing this on my usual route only costing $21 each way or 800 points. Including 5% redemption bonus. (this is awesome for me as its usually 1500 each segment and I always book early!).
As a AGR member you earn 3 points on top of the existing 2, so 5 points per dollar spent direct with amtrak on the AF version, or 4 points per dollar with the no AF version?
So my actual travel value from the AF version would be $446 after the AF subtracted from bonus. Not including companion pass or anything else. And if I hit my bonus before 2016 can I redeem the 20k points at 2015 value?
and $315 on the no AF version.
I think with either one its going to be hard to beat earning 10.5 cents per dollar on the no AF and 13.1 cent per dollar on the AF version if my math is right.
If I do apply I will also be applying for a Better Balance Rewards under the same inquiry. I have even considered attempting at applying for BOTH versions of the AGR card and a 3rd card being the BBR. That way I end up with 32000 points (like the sign on bonus was at one point with chase) and the ability to close whichever one doesnt work out without product change hassle. What do you guys think about that?
Lastly, could folks that are getting approved please include your three fico scores and your number of inquiries in the last year. And also your starting limit and whether you have a relationship with BOA or not. Not sure if it would be allowed but it may be helpful to edit the first post and include all that as a list? Maybe not include user names just to be polite!
Thank you for your time and glad to be a new member here!
Sep 12, 2015, 9:44 pm
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,572
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
Where in FL? Using points or miles? UA has a hub at IAD; AA at DCA; and WN at BWI.
Originally Posted by GrayAnderson
So, while we're on this...in the event that I can't get this mess sorted out, can anyone recommend a passable airline from Virginia (the DC area is acceptable) to Florida?
Sep 12, 2015, 10:18 pm
#187
Join Date: Jan 2014
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards (SE), Virgin America Elevate, Hyatt Gold Passport (Platinum), VIA Preference
Posts: 3,134
I'd assume I'd be paying cash; my most likely choice would be (as much as I hate to confess it, for I truly hate the airline in question) DL so I could at least drag status on VS out of the deal.
Sep 12, 2015, 10:30 pm
#188
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Not here; there!
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold
Posts: 29,572
Wirelessly posted (BlackBerry: BlackBerry8530/5.0.0.1030 Profile/MIDP-2.1 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/417)
I'm what you might call "destination flexible": MCO should work fine (the hotel staff at the airport Hyatt know me well). Until this mess my rule was that I'd take the train into Deland (there are nice times both ways; when it had a diner, the Star would arrive just in time to still offer me dinner). However, I've got nothing against dealing with South Florida at this point. If VX went from DCA (or, God help me, IAD) to anywhere in Florida that would be an immediate sale. The main issue is that getting up to JFK to go to FLL is just a little absurd in terms of net cost.
I'd assume I'd be paying cash; my most likely choice would be (as much as I hate to confess it, for I truly hate the airline in question) DL so I could at least drag status on VS out of the deal.
For cash travel, you just have to see who offers the best value, taking into account the possibility of achieving status. But for award travel, it's hard to beat redeeming just 4,500 BA Avios for the AA/US nonstop from DCA to JAX. Nonstops from DCA to more-distant FL destinations would cost 7,500 Avios.
Amex MR, Chase UR, and SPG Starwood points can all be converted to BA Avios.
Originally Posted by GrayAnderson
I'd assume I'd be paying cash; my most likely choice would be (as much as I hate to confess it, for I truly hate the airline in question) DL so I could at least drag status on VS out of the deal.
Amex MR, Chase UR, and SPG Starwood points can all be converted to BA Avios.
Sep 13, 2015, 7:52 am
#189
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan USA
Programs: Marriott lifetime Titanium, Delta Platinum
Posts: 5,472
I just applied, hoping that they fixed their issues. At least did not get denied (yet), instead got the following.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Your application is in review. Thanks for choosing Bank of America. We're carefully reviewing your application and need to check a few more things. We appreciate your patience.
We'll also send you a letter in the mail after we've completed processing your application. If we have any questions, we'll call you.
Sep 13, 2015, 8:51 am
#190
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 2
I applied last night and got auto-approved for the World. $6,500 CL. High credit scores, a few apps in the last 6 months.
Sep 13, 2015, 9:42 am
#191
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Orlando, FL
Programs: Amtrak Guest Rewards, HH Honors, Marriott
Posts: 12
Sep 13, 2015, 10:15 am
#192
Join Date: Jun 2011
Posts: 39
I applied this morning and got auto-approved. Have an excellent credit score and a good paying job. I got the same CL as my Chase AGR account. Last credit card application was over a year ago...for the Chase card.
Sep 13, 2015, 10:44 am
#193
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: WAS
Programs: AA EXP2M, DL 1MM DM ext, UA PP <=> HH G/Marr PE/Hyatt G/IHG P FT RA ( Recovering Addict)
Posts: 4,596
error
Sep 13, 2015, 11:13 am
#194
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 23
Ok, not to be rude, but saying same limit, or same APR isnt very quantitative. Could you folks please start saying your starting limits, APR, fico scores, # of inquiries, and whether you have a previous relationship with BOA or not?
Also you guys realize every hard inquiry with Bank Of America lets you combine apps. Grab a better balance rewards under the same inquiry for $100-$120 free a year!
Also you guys realize every hard inquiry with Bank Of America lets you combine apps. Grab a better balance rewards under the same inquiry for $100-$120 free a year!
Sep 13, 2015, 11:21 am
#195
Join Date: Aug 2012
Programs: AGR Select/Amtrak Unlimited Discussion Forum
Posts: 102
Looks like a mixed bag from BOA's crack Credit Card team. I applied on-line yesterday on the link from the AGR web site and have heard nothing so far.
Like others I have excellent credit, the AGR MC from Chase and a Sapphire Preferred. I am retired, but have a, Pension, Social Security and work part-time so my Income is adequate for where I live. ( Texas)
Perhaps they are getting flooded with applications and don't have adequate staff to handle the work load even though most of it is automated??
Well see??
.
Like others I have excellent credit, the AGR MC from Chase and a Sapphire Preferred. I am retired, but have a, Pension, Social Security and work part-time so my Income is adequate for where I live. ( Texas)
Perhaps they are getting flooded with applications and don't have adequate staff to handle the work load even though most of it is automated??
Well see??
.