The earning structure for Amtrak Guest Rewards credit cards depends on which version of the card you hold. The Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred Mastercard (which has a $99 annual fee) typically earns 3 points per $1 spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases. It also earns 2 points per $1 on dining and other travel expenses like transit and rideshare, and 1 point per $1 on all other qualifying purchases. In contrast, the no-annual-fee Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard usually offers 2 points per $1 on Amtrak travel and dining, and 1 point per $1 on all other purchases. These points are highly valuable for rail enthusiasts, as there are no blackout dates for redemptions, and the points can be used for coach, business, or even private roomette stays. Furthermore, cardholders often receive a 5% point rebate when they redeem their points for Amtrak travel, effectively stretching the value of every point earned. This makes the card a powerful tool for frequent commuters or those planning a long-distance cross-country rail adventure.