The Secret Way to Transfer Credit Card Points to Amtrak

Amtrak Guest Rewards points are very valuable. TPG values ​​them at a whopping 2.5 cents each, the highest of any prize currency. The only problem is that it is not as easy to earn as other currencies.

The two main ways to earn Amtrak points are by taking the train or using a co-branded Amtrak credit card. Points cannot be transferred directly from any major flexible points program. While it is possible to transfer points from some hotel programs and Hertz Gold Rewards, the transfer rate usually means a loss of value. However, there is a lesser-known and useful transfer option, first discovered by Miles to Memories.

Learn how to transfer points from JetBlue TrueBlue to enhance your Amtrak Guest Rewards account. The two programs are not official partners, so there are steps required to transition. But as you can see, it’s worth the effort.

JetBlue is a transfer partner for American Express Membership Rewards, Chase Ultimate Rewards and Citi ThankYou Rewards, allowing transfers from most major Flexible Points programs to Amtrak.

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Transfer JetBlue Points to Amtrak

Amtrak Guest Rewards and JetBlue TrueBlue are not official partners, but you can send money through the third party site Points.com. Although its main business is the sale of points and miles, the site operates as a points redemption and clearing house that allows members to transfer points and miles to another loyalty program or redeem them for gift cards. also works.

Only through Points.com if you need to prevent your miles from expiring or if you need to post your miles in a very short period of time and have no other option, such as transitioning from a flexible points program. We recommend transferring your points. This is because the value obtained is generally low. JetBlue’s switch to Amtrak is a notable exception, though.

Related: The Complete Guide to Amtrak Guest Rewards

Points are transferred from JetBlue to Amtrak at a 2:1 ratio. Such transfer ratios are usually not very attractive. However, given that TPG values ​​JetBlue points at 1.3 cents and Amtrak points at 2.5 cents, these transfers could be worth it if you need to top up your account for future rewards. I have.

For reference, a Northeast Regional ticket from New York City to Washington DC is worth 2,450 Amtrak points or 4,900 JetBlue points. At $65 for this ticket, you get about 1.3 cents worth of JetBlue points. This is equivalent to TPG’s valuation.

This method only works for converting JetBlue points to Amtrak points. Reverse transfers have a ratio of 1,000:319, which is significantly worse ($21.50 to $4.15).

step by step guide

Joining Points.com is free and the interface is easy to use.

Simply sign up for ‘Points Loyalty Wallet’, click ‘Add Program’ and link your Amtrak and JetBlue accounts.

Linking your accounts is as easy as providing your frequent traveler number and name.

Next, go to the “Point Exchange” page. Select JetBlue as your transfer program and Amtrak as your transfer program.

Redemption is at a 2:1 ratio and can be done in increments of 1,000 points. As with any point transfer, these exchanges are irreversible. As mentioned earlier, transfers in the opposite direction have much lower conversion rates.

RELATED: Best credit cards for train travel

Increase your JetBlue TrueBlue balance

If you want to increase your JetBlue Points balance (and ultimately your Amtrak Guest Rewards balance), consider purchasing a co-branded JetBlue credit card. Alternatively, you can transfer points from the following programs:

Here are some of the top cards that earn these types of rewards.

• Chase Sapphire Reserve ($550 annual fee): Earn 60,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account.
• Chase Sapphire Preferred Card ($95 annual fee): Earn 60,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months of account opening.
• American Express Platinum Card® ($695 annual fee; see Fees & Fees): Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend $6,000 on card purchases during the first 6 months of card membership.
• City Premier® Card ($95 annual fee): Earn 80,000 bonus points when you spend $4,000 within the first 3 months of opening your account.

Related: How to Earn Points with the JetBlue TrueBlue Program

Click here for Amex Platinum Card Fees

Conclusion

Amtrak and JetBlue are not official partners, but points can be redeemed between programs with a 2:1 transfer ratio through Points.com. This opens a unique path for transferring points from major credit card rewards programs to Amtrak Guest Rewards.