Is being an Amtrak member free?

Amtrak Guest Rewards | Join for Free & Start Earning Today.



Yes, joining Amtrak Guest Rewards, the official loyalty program for the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is entirely free of charge. In 2026, the program remains one of the most accessible ways for travelers to earn value from their rail journeys. Upon signing up for free on the Amtrak website or mobile app, members earn points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel. These points can be redeemed for future train tickets, seat upgrades, or even gift cards and hotel stays through partner networks. The program features different "Elite Tiers"—Select, Select Plus, and Select Executive—which are reached by earning TQPs (Tier Qualifying Points) through frequent travel. While the basic membership costs nothing, the higher tiers offer premium perks like lounge access, companion coupons, and point bonuses. For the occasional traveler or the daily commuter, the free membership provides a way to track travel history and eventually "bank" enough points for a complimentary trip, making it a high-value, zero-cost safety net for anyone who uses the U.S. rail system.

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Amtrak Guest Rewards | Join for Free & Start Earning Today.

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The $99-annual-fee Amtrak credit card features a limited-time welcome offer: Earn 40,000 bonus points after you spend $1,000 in the first three billing cycles (as of March 2023).

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YOUR ROUTE TO REWARD TRAVEL Redeeming your points is easy and exciting—with reward travel starting at just 400 points to over 500 destinations. Ready to ride?

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Getting government funding for railways that is comparable to air travel and roads is difficult. Amtrak trains are also slower and more expensive to operate than they are in other countries, but without a big investment to fund major upgrades, it's going to be hard to fix that.

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With a variety of benefits and perks, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® and Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® are your tickets to new experiences. Use your card everywhere you shop, dine or travel to earn rewards faster.

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Earn With Status Miles Member: Earn 2 Amtrak Guest Rewards for every dollar spent. Select: Get 25% more Amtrak Guest Rewards for every dollar spent. Select Plus: Get 50% more Amtrak Guest Rewards for every dollar spent. Select Executive: Get 100% more Amtrak Guest Rewards for every dollar spent.

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For a truly unique experience when traveling in First Class, Amtrak offers private rooms on many routes across the country. A private room is the perfect option for customers seeking privacy and space on a short trip and added comfort and amenities when traveling overnight.

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Amtrak operates passenger trains across a national system consisting of three service lines: Northeast Corridor (NEC), Long-Distance and State-Supported.

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The best place to sit in Amtrak Coach Class is on the upper level. It's all about the view on the upper level. This is the biggest advantage of sitting in the upper level. You can also move from car to car more freely as there is access from each car on the upper level.

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First Class passengers enjoy priority boarding, premium amenities, complimentary onboard food and beverage services and privileged access to station lounges in Boston - South Station, New York - Moynihan Train Hall, Philadelphia - William H Gray III 30th Street Station and Washington, DC - Union Station.

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In almost all cases, Amtrak seats are not assigned. The exception is Acela Express route seats and business class seating on the Northeast Regional, Carolinian, Palmetto, and Vermonter. Otherwise, Amtrak has a first-come, first-serve seating policy for coach seats.

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Before you start clicking links, make sure to check Amtrak's Weekly Specials, on sale between Tuesday and Friday each week. These are deeply discounted fares (often up to 80% off) that can be for any train in the country.

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The average Amtrak Coach seat measures 23 inches in width (compared to around 17 inches for airplane equivalent seating) with exceptional legroom and the ability to recline for an even more comfortable sleeping position.

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Trains consume less energy and produce less harmful pollutants than either car or air travel. Hopping on an Amtrak train will save you gas and daily wear and tear on your car. It also reduces the ever-increasing traffic congestion on the roads and in the skies.

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You may bring your own food and beverages onboard for consumption at your seat or private Sleeping Car accommodations. However, you can only consume food and beverages purchased in Dining and Lounge Cars in those cars. Personal food and beverages are allowed in the upper level of Superliner Sightseer Lounges.

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Each traveler can check up to 4 bags (2 free and 2 at $20 per bag). Size/weight limitations apply.

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