Heads up about earning Guest Reward points through car rentals. It's not like the airline car rental partnerships You accrue Amtrak Guest Reward points ONLY if you actually book the car rental through Amtrak. The hotel program works the same way. You must book through Amtrak I did a comparison recently on a trip out west and it was significantly less expensive to book the car through a big box store travel arm than Amtrak. So just be sure to comparison shop if you're considering earning points this way.
I want to thank you both for doing this channel. I just finished taking Amtrak from StLouis to Washington, DC through Chicago both ways and the tips you both offer in your videos made that trip so nice. It was my first time ever riding long distance on Amtrak and I was able to experience Business class, roommette and bedroom accommodations; plus what gear to bring on my trip to record it. So appreciative of the work you both put into your videos!
This is a great refresher video. I've been a Guest Rewards member for years. I'm at executive level, and I so enjoy the Viewliners that I almost can't remember what the coach layout looks like
My input on the Guest Rewards is to compliment the agents you encounter on the phone. I dont know how Amtrak does it but over the last 8 years I have never had better trained(excuse the pun) agent. They are always pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. They take their time, always trying to find the best deal and use of your points
Thank you for clarifying the Amtrak guest rewards. I never signed but I have traveled quite a bit on Amtrak. I am going to sign up. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
Just back from Amtrak Olympia, WA to Denver, CO via Sacramento, CA. Beautiful weather and perfect conditions for some of the most beautiful scenery you could want to see. Watched many of your videos to get my mind ready for the trip. Now I'm here to see what the points situation is. Thanks. Great work.
We're thinking of taking the train from Syracuse, NY to Springfield, IL for our cousins wedding next April. The company I work for one of the perks is hotel discount at select hotels. Amtrak is on my mothers bucket list.
I’ve got to say I just stayed in a hotel booking through amtrak and I got my points almost immediately after the trip was over. 7000 points for three nights in a hotel, not too shabby. It’s possible they’ve fixed it since this video. Also I don’t drive so I can’t speak about car rentals. (I wrote this as a reply to someone else but thought it might be helpful to leave it as its own comment as well)
Thanks for making this clearer. Im just a base member right now, but am looking forward to getting those free trips by next year. Because of your videos, im starting my train journey this year! You guys are awesome!😁
This was very helpful. I got the world MC and used it to book the legs of my very first big trip in April. (Buffalo, Denver, San Francisco, San Diego, Albuquerque, St. Louis, Chicago, Buffalo) Hovering just under Select status. I've enjoyed many of your videos and they helped me plan the trip. I can't wait!
@greeneggslamb9336 great trip although it got cut short by wildfires. I did Buffalo to SF to San Diego. Time aboard Amtrak as a sleeper car passenger was fantastic. Highly recommend
Wow, you have just made my daughter and I traveling on a few train trips a lot easier. BTW, I’ve been enjoying watching some of your trips. You also answered my question as to how could they afford all of those trips. 😀
Another great video. Planning to do cross country. Lake Shore Limited from NY to Chicago. California Zephyr to Emeryville. Then do return trip east. Will hopefully do this early April. All your videos have been great help.
Like your series. Retired airline employee now travelling low enough to identify the trees. Rode recently with a railroad fan on a Vermont run. He had an smartphone app that showed current train speed. Did you know that between Albany and Schenectady (~20 miles) train will routinely reaches 110 MPH? Do you know of anywhere (outside Acela) where you go that fast?
Really appreciate the video! Sad to say that Bank of America and Amtrak are no longer offering the MasterCard. It seems like the Amtrak points can still be used and gained through the app.
Thank you so much for your videos! They are SO helpful! I became a rewards member this year and bought what I thought would be enough points for a trip, but could you please go over or give me advice on how many points a roomette vs a bedroom costs and the different "zone" thing...I don't know anything about this. We just got back from a trip on the Cardinal train and we had such a great and relaxing time! Thank you again so much for your videos!
Great topic. Love Guest Rewards Do you know if you get points buying Amtrak merch? I recently got a cool 50 yr anniv jacket (very nice), a SuperLiner Long Sleeve Tshirt (very stylish) and a Cali Zephyr lapel pin (very cool). Not that it's a lotta bucks, but wondered if I got points (cuz the process goes thru Staples for fulfillment)
How long do you get to keep your Guest Reward points before you lose them? I do not have the Amtrak MasterCard. Since it is not available does that mean I am going to lose my points soon?
I’m confused! I am a guest rewards member, have the Mastercard, have made reservations for a trip in May. I got 20,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days on the card. My guest rewards says I have 21,500 points, 2 companion and 1 upgrade 12 hour, but then also says 5,000 TQPs to SELECT. I can’t find anywhere on the guest rewards app or website what my status actually is. Also, on the app, it says to add my address to redeem points, but my address is in there. I’ve tried to edit it, putting the info back in, logging out, etc. but it won’t change. Any suggestions?
I read on one of your pages that going on the Zephyr westbound, its better to have a roomette on the left side - But is it possible, when booking to book the left side over the right? < I read that doing this in Feb /March is a good time to go. If I come back from LA to Chicago, I might take the South west chief - which side should I be on OR should I take the train that goes to Texas, before going to north to Chicago? I presume the trains are heated well in winter? Is there a train from SF (or nearby) to LA ? -it seems there is none. thank you
Hello Friends. Is Amtrak's BOGO promo only for, one passenger buys a ticket, the other rides free, or can you buy a ticket one way, and your return ticket is free. Buy one ticket, get one free.
Thanks for the video. I had booked quite a big trip through Amtrak vacations. Is there any way I con use that trip towards points if I sign up for guest rewards now? My husband had signed up for the program but I booked the trip I am assuming he would not be able to get the points or can he? Apologies for the long question.
Do you know or can you find out if TQP points and spend points accrue when booking through Amtrak Vacations. Have tried multiple time to get an answer. Thank you.,
I’m almost to the Select Level, what are Class Upgrades and how do they work? Also are available points are the actual points I have or when it mentions X TQPs to select?
It is to bad that they didn't stay with the rewards zone , there was 3 zones in USA at a set number of pints per zone so you always new how many points you needed to set up your trip it was great for last minute trips vs now you always need to book early because the number or points needed based on the price at the time of booking . It's like buying your ticket for the airline price goes up fast as it fills up. I m one of the old timers with rewards an just miss there past points system.
Hi there! I'm planning on riding Amtrak a lot more in the future, and I need to know if the rewards tiers ever reset? Like, if I accrue enough points for select plus, for instance, does that only apply for the calendar year? Basically, is it going to make me accrue 5k TQPs every year to reach Select? LOVE your content, thanks so much!
I buy most of my points, save them up over time & use them for free Amtrak travel all the time. Buying the points though doesn't count for tier upgrades to Select status and such though.
I once tried to get points for a motel stay, and neither the desk host or manager had a clue. The next morning, the cook for complementary hot breakfast was a no show, The room had cobwebs from lack of cleaning. I will never stay at that chain again.
do you lose all your tier qualify points points (TPQs) at the end of each year and go back to member status? I know you don't loose your regular points as long you keep your account active. @Grounded Life Travel
As of January 2022, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® is no longer available on the websites of both Amtrak and Bank of America®. Neither the railroad nor the bank has indicated whether the card will resume accepting applications.
My son is in college and we want to sign up to buy him tickets when he comes home. Can we do that with this card, and get points, or would he have to buy his own tickets on his own card?
We are hoping it will come back. They just switched providers so there is a chance it returns later in the year. Everyone that has a card is being issued a new one soon.
I’ve got to tell you I just booked a hotel through a Amtrak and I got the points almost immediately after maybe they’ve gotten better since this video was made
Would be nice if they upgraded the train system in the US to decrease the number of cars and have a different mode of transportation. Amtrak is just not that great or fast enough for people.
Heads up about earning Guest Reward points through car rentals. It's not like the airline car rental partnerships You accrue Amtrak Guest Reward points ONLY if you actually book the car rental through Amtrak. The hotel program works the same way. You must book through Amtrak
I did a comparison recently on a trip out west and it was significantly less expensive to book the car through a big box store travel arm than Amtrak. So just be sure to comparison shop if you're considering earning points this way.
Thanks for this info, I'll be sure to compare. I didn't know!
I want to thank you both for doing this channel. I just finished taking Amtrak from StLouis to Washington, DC through Chicago both ways and the tips you both offer in your videos made that trip so nice. It was my first time ever riding long distance on Amtrak and I was able to experience Business class, roommette and bedroom accommodations; plus what gear to bring on my trip to record it. So appreciative of the work you both put into your videos!
Gateway transportation center sucks, I wish Union station was still used.
This is a great refresher video. I've been a Guest Rewards member for years. I'm at executive level, and I so enjoy the Viewliners that I almost can't remember what the coach layout looks like
My input on the Guest Rewards is to compliment the agents you encounter on the phone. I dont know how Amtrak does it but over the last 8 years I have never had better trained(excuse the pun) agent. They are always pleasant, helpful and knowledgeable. They take their time, always trying to find the best deal and use of your points
New subscriber who is really enjoying all the info. I have never traveled with Amtrak but am thankful to you for showing all the possibilities! 👍🌹
Thanks for watching!
Thank you for clarifying the Amtrak guest rewards. I never signed but I have traveled quite a bit on Amtrak. I am going to sign up. Thank you again for taking the time to create this video.
Just back from Amtrak Olympia, WA to Denver, CO via Sacramento, CA. Beautiful weather and perfect conditions for some of the most beautiful scenery you could want to see. Watched many of your videos to get my mind ready for the trip. Now I'm here to see what the points situation is. Thanks. Great work.
We're thinking of taking the train from Syracuse, NY to Springfield, IL for our cousins wedding next April. The company I work for one of the perks is hotel discount at select hotels. Amtrak is on my mothers bucket list.
I’ve got to say I just stayed in a hotel booking through amtrak and I got my points almost immediately after the trip was over. 7000 points for three nights in a hotel, not too shabby. It’s possible they’ve fixed it since this video. Also I don’t drive so I can’t speak about car rentals.
(I wrote this as a reply to someone else but thought it might be helpful to leave it as its own comment as well)
Fixed what? Thanks!
I got my 50,000 points from getting the Mastercard! Cha-Ching! Now I just have to decide where to go!
Awesome! Where did you go with those points?
Thanks for making this clearer. Im just a base member right now, but am looking forward to getting those free trips by next year. Because of your videos, im starting my train journey this year! You guys are awesome!😁
Tons of great info, as always. Thanks for your continued great content!
Grounded~Thans. you created beautiful ! goodbye!, 🤞
This was very helpful. I got the world MC and used it to book the legs of my very first big trip in April. (Buffalo, Denver, San Francisco, San Diego, Albuquerque, St. Louis, Chicago, Buffalo)
Hovering just under Select status.
I've enjoyed many of your videos and they helped me plan the trip.
I can't wait!
How was it? What was the best thing(s) about your travel?
@greeneggslamb9336 great trip although it got cut short by wildfires.
I did Buffalo to SF to San Diego.
Time aboard Amtrak as a sleeper car passenger was fantastic. Highly recommend
@@robertkinkaid4732 Thanks so much! I'm sorry about the wildfire situation.
How great of you doing this video. I just joined today for a fall trip round trip on Empire Builder.
So glad I found your channel!!! Cruising and railing in my future 💛
You 2 really provide a lot of value, thank you!
Great info. Thx for laying it out so clearly.
Wow, you have just made my daughter and I traveling on a few train trips a lot easier. BTW, I’ve been enjoying watching some of your trips. You also answered my question as to how could they afford all of those trips. 😀
Another great video. Planning to do cross country. Lake Shore Limited from NY to Chicago. California Zephyr to Emeryville. Then do return trip east. Will hopefully do this early April. All your videos have been great help.
Thanx for Answering All my Questions and they don't Expire
Thank you for sharing your experience. This is a priceless video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very informative and very entertaining......great job!!
I just saw that Amtrak is doing their annual BOGO till Feb 16th!
Don't forget the shopping portal. There are some very good points ratios there for online purchases.
Really helpful. Thank you!
This information is greatly appreciated!
Very good! Thank you SSOO very much!
You are very welcome
you are doing good works for culture! thank you
Like your series.
Retired airline employee now travelling low enough to identify the trees.
Rode recently with a railroad fan on a Vermont run.
He had an smartphone app that showed current train speed.
Did you know that between Albany and Schenectady (~20 miles) train will routinely reaches 110 MPH?
Do you know of anywhere (outside Acela) where you go that fast?
All I want is a woman who looks at me the way she looks at him while he explains Amtrak points 😂❤
Really appreciate the video! Sad to say that Bank of America and Amtrak are no longer offering the MasterCard. It seems like the Amtrak points can still be used and gained through the app.
Thank you so much for your videos! They are SO helpful! I became a rewards member this year and bought what I thought would be enough points for a trip, but could you please go over or give me advice on how many points a roomette vs a bedroom costs and the different "zone" thing...I don't know anything about this. We just got back from a trip on the Cardinal train and we had such a great and relaxing time! Thank you again so much for your videos!
These videos are helping my wife and I plan some trips. Does Amtrak have coffee stations on the trains? I’m a coffee drinker. Thanks!
Before Covid 19, there were coffee stations on board.
I'm not quite sure what the situation is with Covid being less prevalent.
Do the points expire? Can you use points or companion coupons on bedrooms? Great video!
Great topic. Love Guest Rewards Do you know if you get points buying Amtrak merch? I recently got a cool 50 yr anniv jacket (very nice), a SuperLiner Long Sleeve Tshirt (very stylish) and a Cali Zephyr lapel pin (very cool). Not that it's a lotta bucks, but wondered if I got points (cuz the process goes thru Staples for fulfillment)
The last 3 train trips I did in 2021, I was not signed up. Amtrak have sent email telling me how many points I had.
Can't find the Amtrak Guest Rewards information that you refer to. Please help us find it. Thank you!
How long do you get to keep your Guest Reward points before you lose them? I do not have the Amtrak MasterCard. Since it is not available does that mean I am going to lose my points soon?
It seems that purchasing our coach AutoTrain tickets with points made us not eligible for upgrade? Does that sound accurate?
I’m confused! I am a guest rewards member, have the Mastercard, have made reservations for a trip in May. I got 20,000 points for spending $1,000 in the first 90 days on the card. My guest rewards says I have 21,500 points, 2 companion and 1 upgrade 12 hour, but then also says 5,000 TQPs to SELECT. I can’t find anywhere on the guest rewards app or website what my status actually is. Also, on the app, it says to add my address to redeem points, but my address is in there. I’ve tried to edit it, putting the info back in, logging out, etc. but it won’t change. Any suggestions?
Good to know. Thank you.
I read on one of your pages that going on the Zephyr westbound, its better to have a roomette on the left side - But is it possible, when booking to book the left side over the right? < I read that doing this in Feb /March is a good time to go. If I come back from LA to Chicago, I might take the South west chief - which side should I be on OR should I take the train that goes to Texas, before going to north to Chicago? I presume the trains are heated well in winter? Is there a train from SF (or nearby) to LA ? -it seems there is none. thank you
Hello Friends. Is Amtrak's BOGO promo only for, one passenger buys a ticket, the other rides free, or can you buy a ticket one way, and your return ticket is free. Buy one ticket, get one free.
Hey guys, where can I find good soup dumplings? You guys travel frequent and maybe eat at a lot of different places. I'm dying to try a soup dumpling.
Thanks for the video. I had booked quite a big trip through Amtrak vacations. Is there any way I con use that trip towards points if I sign up for guest rewards now? My husband had signed up for the program but I booked the trip I am assuming he would not be able to get the points or can he? Apologies for the long question.
Do you know or can you
find out if TQP points and spend points accrue when booking through Amtrak Vacations. Have tried multiple time to get an answer. Thank you.,
How to get a reservation on the auto train
I’m almost to the Select Level, what are Class Upgrades and how do they work? Also are available points are the actual points I have or when it mentions X TQPs to select?
It is to bad that they didn't stay with the rewards zone , there was 3 zones in USA at a set number of pints per zone so you always new how many points you needed to set up your trip it was great for last minute trips vs now you always need to book early because the number or points needed based on the price at the time of booking . It's like buying your ticket for the airline price goes up fast as it fills up. I m one of the old timers with rewards an just miss there past points system.
Very informative and useful information. How can I contact you for a quick conversation regarding using one of your video in a project?
So say I reach Select Plus in June, do I only have until the end of the same year to use the companion tickets?
Used my point for my Scout Troop, when some Scouts could make the trip. AMTRAK refused to refund my points, VERY UNFAIR
Call again and speak to the manager
How to get a reservation on Amtrak auto train
Hi there! I'm planning on riding Amtrak a lot more in the future, and I need to know if the rewards tiers ever reset? Like, if I accrue enough points for select plus, for instance, does that only apply for the calendar year? Basically, is it going to make me accrue 5k TQPs every year to reach Select? LOVE your content, thanks so much!
Yes, they reset and you'll have to get them over every year
I buy most of my points, save them up over time & use them for free Amtrak travel all the time. Buying the points though doesn't count for tier upgrades to Select status and such though.
Great idea!
I'm a cruise person where I've been on,7 cruises just paying tax/port fees.
I once tried to get points for a motel stay, and neither the desk host or manager had a clue. The next morning, the cook for complementary hot breakfast was a no show, The room had cobwebs from lack of cleaning. I will never stay at that chain again.
Amtrak BOGO sale is on right now through February 16.
Thanks for the info!
They are not offering cards right now from what I could find.
On their website, you have an option to apply for a credit card.
Do points expire? Thank you!
Is the World Mastercard currently closed for new applications?
Yes, it seems to be
They are no longer taking applications
do you lose all your tier qualify points points (TPQs) at the end of each year and go back to member status? I know you don't loose your regular points as long you keep your account active. @Grounded Life Travel
You do have to earn the TQP points every year to keep the status, and you are correct, you keep your regular points
@@GroundedLifeTravel thank you so much
Do you get a free ticket with every 800 points on Amtrak ? Can you use that on the NE Corridor?
It says you can start redeeming at 800 points so you can try using it for your destination
Any idea how to get the World credit card? I just went on the Amtrak site and read about it but did not see a button to apply anywhere. Hmmmmm...
As of January 2022, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® World Mastercard® is no longer available on the websites of both Amtrak and Bank of America®. Neither the railroad nor the bank has indicated whether the card will resume accepting applications.
How do I find out how many points I have. I see no correspondence from Amtrak about points!
My son is in college and we want to sign up to buy him tickets when he comes home. Can we do that with this card, and get points, or would he have to buy his own tickets on his own card?
You mean with the Amtrak credit card?
I just Apply Yesterday want to know the Benefits. I spend over 2K on Amtrak last year
Is it worth buying point? Presently it costs $1885 for 65K points
How long does it take for your points to show up?
I have a question. Is there an actual card for Guest Rewards that's NOT a Master Card?
It is just the 2 cards, which are just the regular and preferred.
@@GroundedLifeTravel Ok good. I asked because I'm on the guest rewards program, but I don't have an actual card to carry with me.
Appears the Amtrak World Mastercard is no longer taking applications. :(
We are hoping it will come back. They just switched providers so there is a chance it returns later in the year. Everyone that has a card is being issued a new one soon.
This Master Card is no longer available.
I would see this AFTER booking a car and hotel through Amtrak, in hopes of gaining points😭
I’ve got to tell you I just booked a hotel through a Amtrak and I got the points almost immediately after maybe they’ve gotten better since this video was made
Would be nice if they upgraded the train system in the US to decrease the number of cars and have a different mode of transportation. Amtrak is just not that great or fast enough for people.
Looks like the MasterCard isn’t offered anymore
With all the respect , just curious, Is your wife Puerto Rican ?