How to Use Amtrak’s Points & Cash Program

Many of us have been waiting to utilize this program for several years. This program gives you greater flexibility when booking your next Amtrak adventure. Amtrak’s Points & Cash program allows you to book travel using a combination of Amtrak Guest Rewards points and cash.

How can you use Amtrak’s Points & Cash program?

Amtrak has discussed the possibility of split payment between point and cash for many years, and it is now available. I believe there are numerous ways to utilize this program.

In the past, if you didn’t have enough points or didn’t want to use all your points, you had to purchase additional Amtrak points.

This program provides an easier way to split the bill when traveling with a friend or when you prefer not to use points to cover the cost for the other person. Using this program may be more manageable for you and your travel buddy than having them buy or transfer points to you.

When I book, I like to maximize my points. I frequently split my tickets to avoid using points for cheaper sections of my trip, such as the Hiawatha, which costs around $20, depending on when I book.

This program is a great way to utilize Amtrak points that are about to expire while still earning new ones.

Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

You can only use this program through the Amtrak website or app, but you can also cancel by calling or doing it online.

1. Log In: Sign in to your Amtrak Guest Rewards account on Amtrak.com or the app.
2. Search & Select: Use the “Use Points” filter while searching for your trip.
3. Customize Payment: At checkout, select the dropdown to choose your points and cash split.
4. Book & Travel: Complete your booking using Points & Cash and enjoy your journey.

FAQs on Amtrak’s Points & Cash Program

• Minimum Points: You need at least 100 points to use this feature.
• Booking Options: Available exclusively on Amtrak.com and the Amtrak app.
• Make Changes: You cannot modify a trip booked with Points & Cash bookings, but you can cancel.
• Cancellation Policy: You can cancel, and Amtrak will refund the points and cash separately.
• Earning points: You will earn Amtrak Guest Rewards Points and TQP (Tier qualifying points) for the section you paid for.
• Booking options: You cannot use the Points & Cash over the phone or at a staffed station.

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Is Amtrak’s Points & Cash program right for you?

If you don’t have enough points to cover your trip, Amtrak’s cash and points program offers an easy way to complete your purchase without additional steps. This program is ideal for occasional travelers or anyone seeking to utilize their limited points efficiently.

You can also buy points through Amtrak’s point purchase program, which may be more economical than using the cash and points option in some cases. You can calculate to see which option gives you the better deal. Occasionally, Amtrak offers sales on points, and buying points can be a more cost-effective choice if you’re willing to invest the time.

The point value for this program appears to be flexible, making it a versatile choice.

For more details, visit the Amtrak Points & Cash page.