Fliers, sound familiar? New Amtrak loyalty program will allow you to redeem points based on ticket prices

Like some airlines, Amtrak is changing its customer loyalty program to allow members to redeem points based on the price of a ticket rather than a zone chart of the U.S.

An announcement from the rail agency last week says new rules for the Amtrak Guest Rewards, which include other changes as well, will begin Jan. 24.

Amtrak’s frequent riders can earn 2 points per dollar spent, with upper-tier members earning 2.5 points to 4 points per dollar. Business-class tickets earn .5 points per dollar, and first class earns 1 point per dollar.

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FOR THE RECORD

Sept. 4, 4:50 p.m.: An earlier version of this article said Amtrak would award loyalty club members based on the money you spend, not on how far you’re traveling. Amtrak’s current program allows members to earn points based on money spent. The new program would allow members to redeem points based on ticket price rather than how many zones of the country they would cross.

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There also are bonus points for riders on Acela Express high-speed trains that link Boston, New York, Baltimore, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.

The Points Guy provides a good comparison of how you earn and use points under the existing program and under the revised program. The website also notes that not all rail fares will qualify for redemption, specifically the inexpensive Saver tickets.

Under Amtrak’s revised rewards program, loyalty members will be able to:

--Redeem starting at 800 points.

--Redeem points for multi-ride tickets and monthly passes.

--Manage their own rewards reservations online and buy tickets for others.

--Use a cash-plus-points option to obtain tickets.

Also, points won’t expire as long as you are earning or redeeming them within 36 months.

Info: Amtrak Guest Rewards

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