Blog

Life can be unpredictable, and we often find ourselves unable to travel as much as we want. However, did you know that if you have previously traveled and accumulated points, those points can expire? You certainly don’t want your hard-earned Amtrak points to go to waste!

While Amtrak points can indeed expire, there are strategies to prevent this. These strategies allow you to use them for future travel or redeem them in other ways. This article will explore those options.

The value of Amtrak Guest Reward points

This information may or may not be relevant to some of you, but it can be helpful.

When you book Amtrak travel, you earn 2 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every dollar spent, as long as you enter your membership number during the booking process. Points appear in your account within 7 to 10 days after the conductors scan your tickets.

Amtrak points redemption Value.

According to The Points Guys, an Amtrak point is worth 2.67 cents for travel, while the average airline point is 1.7 cents (Nerdwallet).

If my calculations are correct, points will convert to 1 cent for gift card redemption.

When do Amtrak points expire?

Amtrak Guest Rewards points may expire after two years of inactivity.

However, there are ways to remain active and save your points, even if you can’t travel before they expire.

Here are ways you can keep your points:

Here are a few ways that Amtrak suggests you do to keep your points active.

• Book a trip and travel before your expiration date. While this doesn’t fit the “can’t travel right now” theme, it’s the easiest way to get points.
• ​Redeeming points for Amtrak travel​ will keep your account active. In other words, if your points are about to expire, book a trip to use some, and then you can keep the balance. Amtrak allows you to book a trip eleven months out.
• Get the​ Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®​. If you do this, your points will not expire while you have the card.
• You can redeem points for ​Amtrak coupons and lounge passes​; the info is at the bottom of the page.
• There is a ​survey program​ you can join that will keep your account active.
• You can redeem points for gift cards. Amtrak offers dining and entertainment, shopping, or carbon offsets. You can use your points to shop at places like Amazon!
• ​Buy points for yourself or gift or transfer your points​ to others! Travels with Kev accepts points, haha.
• Use one of ​Amtrak’s retail partners​.
• Book a trip for someone else using your points, and you can give the gift of travel while keeping your remaining points.

You have to do something, but the nice thing is that it is often not hard to do.

Do you find this information helpful?

• Join my newsletter list for the latest travel tips, Amtrak insights, and exclusive content delivered to your inbox.
• Join Patreon for more content, and joining at $5 or more, you’ll receive a postcard! There are other ways to help keep Travels with Kev on track.
• Follow Travels with Kev on my Facebook page for updates and travel discussions.

Where to Find Assistance with Amtrak Guest Rewards

If you want to book using points or have questions, call the Amtrak Guest Rewards service center at 1-800-307-5000. It is open seven days a week from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. EST.

Wrap-up

If you are a member and have not traveled in a while, it wouldn’t hurt to see when your points expire and you know that you know how to renew them.

If you don’t travel frequently, consider setting a calendar reminder for 23 months after your last points activity. This reminder will help you use or redeem some of your points before they expire. While it may be better to lose a few points than them all, your strategy should align with your personal preferences.

I hope you find this information helpful. You can use your Amtrak Guest Rewards points to enjoy as many miles of “free” travel as I have.

I’m so glad to help you with your Amtrak adventures! For more travel suggestions, please check out the rest of the site. If you want to stay updated with train travel news and tips, sign up for the email list below!

Safe Travels and Happy Planning.

Kev