Do Amtrak Points Expire?

If you are a regular traveler using Amtrak’s Guest Rewards program, you have probably asked, “Do Amtrak points expire?” The answer is yes, but it’s not necessarily the end of the road for your rewards. Your points will expire after 24 months of account inactivity, meaning if you have not earned or redeemed any points in that two-year period, your balance could be at risk. Staying active in the program is key to keeping your points safe. Luckily, there are simple ways to do this, so you can continue enjoying the perks and rewards of your travels without losing your hard-earned points.

10 Simple Ways to Prevent Your Amtrak Points From Expiring

Keeping your Amtrak points from expiring is easier than you might think. The main idea is to stay engaged with the program through various activities. Here are ten practical strategies to ensure your points remain safe and your rewards continue to grow.

• Travel with Amtrak: Earn 2 points for every dollar spent on train travel. Booking business class or Acela First class can earn you bonus points, 25% and 50%, respectively.
• Redeem Your Points: Use your points to book train trips, upgrade to a higher class, or get station lounge passes. Each redemption activity resets the clock on your points’ expiration.
• Use Your Amtrak Guest Rewards Credit Card: Holding and using your Amtrak Guest Rewards Mastercard ensures your points do not expire as long as your card account remains active.
• Earn Points Through Partners: Earn points by booking hotels, renting cars, or shopping through Amtrak’s partner programs and portals.
• Complete Online Surveys: Sign up for surveys and earn bonus points. Completing your first survey grants you 250 bonus points, with more available for subsequent surveys.
• Join the Rail Passengers Association: Membership can earn you up to 1,000 points, plus discounts on qualifying travel.
• Buy, Gift, or Transfer Points: Purchasing or gifting points is a quick way to keep your account active and boost your balance.
• Redeem for Coupons and Passes: Use points to get lounge passes or upgrade coupons, which also count as activity to prevent expiration.
• Support NRG and Earn Points: Switching energy providers to NRG can earn you thousands of points, another way to stay active in the program.
• Enjoy Exclusive Retail Offers: Earn points by shopping for flowers, gifts, or special items during holidays or special occasions.

Special Note for Amtrak Credit Card Holders: If you have an Amtrak Guest Rewards credit card, your points will not expire as long as your card account remains open and in good standing. This provides a great way to maintain your points indefinitely, provided you keep your credit card active.

So, to answer the big question, do Amtrak points expire? Yes, they do if your account stays inactive for over 24 months. But don’t worry, keeping your points alive is pretty simple. Whether you are booking a trip, shopping through partners, using your Amtrak credit card, or earning points in other ways, just stay active. Keep in mind, Amtrak does not send automatic alerts before your points expire, so it’s up to you to check your account regularly. Staying engaged means you can keep enjoying the rewards, benefits, and the chance to explore the country with your hard-earned points still safe and sound.