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Find the best credit card for you

The best credit cards to use for all your amtrak and international train travels, whether you’re riding the rails at home or abroad, these cards will reward you for your train trips..

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.

There's nothing like watching the world pass you by from a train window, seeing the landscapes change, contemplating the vast scenery around you and passing the time curled up with a good book or chatting with your fellow travelers in the dining car. There's an old-school sort of wonder to it all, whether you're traveling around the U.S. on Amtrak — some journeys are more scenic than others — or riding the rails internationally.

Of course, the whole experience feels a lot more magical when it's a free (or nearly free) one — or if you're earning rewards points or cash-back that you can use to fund even more of your travels.

Below, CNBC Select details the best credit cards to use for train travel wherever you are, plus a few tips for saving money on U.S. and international train trips.

Best credit cards for train travel

• Best for travel protections : Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Best for casual Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®
• Best for frequent Amtrak travelers : Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard®
• Best for international train travel : Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
• Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel : Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
• Best for earning flexible travel rewards points : Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
• Best business card : Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Best for travel protections

Chase sapphire reserve®.

Earn 5X total points on flights and 10X total points on hotels and car rentals when you purchase travel through Chase Travel℠ immediately after the first $300 is spent on travel purchases annually. Earn 3X points on other travel and dining & 1 point per $1 spent on all other purchases plus, 10X points on Lyft rides through March 2025

Welcome bonus

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $1,125 toward travel when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Regular APR

22.49% - 29.49% variable

Balance transfer fee

5%, minimum $5

Foreign transaction fee

Credit needed.

Terms apply.

Read our Chase Sapphire Reserve® review.

Who's this for? The Chase Sapphire Reserve® stands out for offering an up to $300 annual travel credit, which can be used to cover rail trips. Not only that, cardholders earn a generous 3X points per dollar on other travel, including train tickets.

Beyond that, cardholders can earn 5X points per dollar on flights and 10X points on hotels and rental cars when they're booked through Chase Travel℠ (after your first $300 in travel-related purchases), making it an ideal pick for frequent travelers. You'll also earn 10X points per dollar through Chase Dining, 10X points on Lyft rides through Mar. 31, 2025, 3X points per dollar for all other travel and dining purchases including takeout and delivery and 1X point per dollar for any other spending.

Points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through Chase Travel℠, meaning the 75,000-point welcome bonus you can earn after spending $4,000 in the first three months is worth $1,125 in travel. 

While you can't use Ultimate Rewards® points to book train tickets, you can still transfer them to any of Chase's many airline and hotel partners such as Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, IHG, Marriott and Hyatt to enhance your travels, especially if you're flying to a particular country or locale to begin your rail adventure or need hotels to stay in — or a car rental — before or after your train trip.

There is a high $550 annual fee, but in turn, cardholders receive the $300 annual travel credit; a suite of travel and purchase protections; a  Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit ;  Priority Pass airport lounge access ; extra benefits when you book a rental car with Avis, National Car Rental or Silvercar;  VIP access  to events and experiences; and special perks such as free daily breakfast, late checkout and room upgrades when you book a stay through The Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.

Best for casual Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® mastercard®.

2X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard), 2X points on dining and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 12,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

25.24% to 27.49% (variable)

5% of the amount being transferred or $10, whichever is greater

Excellent/Good

See rates and fees, terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're someone who plans the occasional rail journey with Amtrak, the new Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard® issued by First National Bank of Omaha makes a great choice, as it lets you earn 2X points on travel with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard) and dining and 1X points for all additional purchases. You'll also receive a 10% rebate on food and beverage purchases made onboard the train (as a statement credit) and a 5% points rebate when your points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

The card has no annual fee, no transaction fees and new cardholders can pick up 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles after opening an account, giving you a great head start toward free (or nearly free) train rides considering that Amtrak reward travel starts at just 800 points.

Best for frequent Amtrak travelers

Amtrak guest rewards® preferred mastercard®.

3X points on travel booked with Amtrak (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases.

Earn 30,000 bonus points after spending at least $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership.

Who's this for? For those who travel frequently aboard Amtrak trains, the Amtrak Guest Rewards® Preferred Mastercard® offers similar benefits, but for a reasonable annual fee of $99 provides more perks. For starters, you'll be earning 3X points for Amtrak travel (including purchases made onboard); 2X points on travel, dining, public transit and ride-share services; and 1X points for all other purchases. You'll also score a 20% rebate on food and beverages purchased onboard, in the form of a statement credit, and a 5% points rebate whenever points are redeemed for travel on Amtrak.

As far as additional benefits, cardholders receive several special perks upon account opening as well as on their card's anniversary date, including a round-trip companion coupon, one-class upgrades and station lounge passes. You'll also earn 1,000 tier-qualifying points whenever you spend $5,000 in qualifying purchases with the card.

Now through Dec. 2, 2022, new card members can earn 30,000 bonus points (instead of the usual 20,000) after spending $1,000 within the first three billing cycles of account membership. If you've been a fan of U.S. train travel and are looking for a card that'll help you earn points towards more trips on the rails, this could be a great addition.

Best for international train travel

Chase sapphire preferred® card.

Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases, and $50 annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, plus more.

Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

21.49% - 28.49% variable on purchases and balance transfers

Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater

Read our Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card review .

Who's this for? If your primary goal is to earn bonus points on train rides abroad and you don't want to pay a high annual fee, the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card might be a good choice.

The card has no foreign transaction fees and lets you earn 2X points per dollar on general travel purchases, including train tickets. It also offers 5X points per dollar on travel booked via  Chase Travel SM ; 5X points per dollar on Lyft rides now through Mar. 31, 2025; 3X points per dollar spent with certain streaming services, as well as on dining and online grocery shopping (except Target®, Walmart® and other wholesale clubs); and 1X point per dollar on all other purchases.

With a $95 annual fee, this card packs a punch, offering additional travel benefits such as a $50 Annual Chase Travel Hotel Credit, collision damage waivers for car rentals, trip cancellation and interruption insurance, baggage delay insurance, a 10% points boost to celebrate each card anniversary and special discounts for shopping with  Instacart+ , and  DoorDash , among other perks.

New cardholders can earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

Best for earning cash-back rewards on travel

Blue cash preferred® card from american express.

6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%), 6% cash back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back at U.S. gas stations, 3% cash back on transit (including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more) and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.

Earn a $250 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new card within the first 6 months. 

$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.

0% for 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening

19.24% - 29.99% variable. Variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%.

Either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater.

See rates and fees , terms apply.

Who's this for? If you're interested in earning cash-back rewards for your travel purchases and having a 0% intro APR for the first 12 months on purchases from the date of account opening (after, 19.24% - 29.99% see rates and fees ; variable APRs will not exceed 29.99%), consider applying for the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express .

This card lets you earn 6% cash back for shopping at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year, then 1%), 6% cash back on certain U.S. streaming subscriptions, 3% cash back on transit (including trains) and U.S. gas station purchases and 1% cash back on all other purchases, making it a great card to use during your travels and when you're using trains closer to home. Terms apply.

Three things to note about this card: While there is an $0 introductory annual fee for the first year, it'll be $95 after that ( see rates and fees ); the cash back you'll earn from using this card is offered to cardholders as Reward Dollars, which can be redeemed as statement credits; and unlike many cards on this list, you'll have to pay foreign transaction fees of 2.7% for using this card outside the U.S.

New cardholders also have an opportunity to earn a welcome bonus of a $250 statement credit after spending $3,000 within the first six months of account membership.

Best for earning flexible travel rewards points

Capital one venture rewards credit card.

5 Miles per dollar on hotel and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 2X miles per dollar on every other purchase

Earn 75,000 bonus miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening

N/A for purchases and balance transfers

19.99% - 29.99% variable

$0 at the Transfer APR, 4% of the amount of each transferred balance that posts to your account at a promotional APR that Capital One may offer to you

Who's this for? While most travel rewards cards focus heavily on earning points for flights and hotels, the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card lets you earn 2X miles for every purchase — plus, 5X miles on hotels and rental cars when you book them directly with Capital One Travel — making it easier to rack up the rewards you'll need to book your train tickets by buying the things you need to buy anyway.

The welcome bonus is pretty decent, too — new cardholders can currently earn 75,000 bonus miles after spending $4,000 within the first three months of card membership — and the card's annual fee of $95 is quite reasonable considering you're also getting a statement credit up to $100 to cover Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® membership and two complimentary visits per year to any Capital One Lounges (or any of the more than 100+ Plaza Premium Lounges through the Partner Lounge Network).

You'll also receive a range of travel-related benefits, including no foreign transaction fees, auto rental collision damage waivers for rental cars and travel accident insurance, as well as access to extra perks through Capital One Dining and Capital One Entertainment .

While you can't transfer miles to Amtrak, you can use them to "erase" recent travel purchases, including those made with Amtrak, at a fixed value of one cent per point. You can also use the miles to cover hotels, flights, rental cars, and other parts of your trip either by booking through Capital One Travel or transferring and redeeming them through any of Capital One's airline or hotel partners, including Accor, Aeroplan, Qantas, Etihad and Singapore Airlines, among others.

Best business card

Ink business preferred® credit card.

Earn 3X points per $1 on the first $150,000 spent in combined purchases in select categories each account anniversary year (travel; shipping purchases; internet, cable and phone services; and advertising purchases with social media sites and search engines), 1X point per $1 on all other purchases

Earn 100,000 bonus points after you spend $8,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

21.24% - 26.24% variable

Good/Excellent

Read our Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card review.

Who's this for? Similar to the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , the Chase Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card can be used to rack up Ultimate Rewards® points — 3X points per dollar on your first $150,000 worth of spending in business categories such as travel; shipping; cable, phone and internet services; and advertising expenses, then an unlimited 1X points per dollar for all other purchases.

You can then use those points to cover additional elements of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars by booking travel directly through the Chase Travel SM — your points will be worth 25% more that way — or by transferring and redeeming them with any of Chase's many airline and hotel travel partners, including World of Hyatt, IHG, JetBlue and British Airways, among others.

New cardholders can currently earn a welcome bonus of 100,000 bonus points after spending $8,000 within the first three months of account opening, which translates to about $1,250 in travel when redeemed through Chase Travel SM . There is a modest annual fee of $95, but there are no foreign transaction fees for using it abroad. The card also offers fraud and purchase protections and additional employee cards to help you stay on top of all your business needs.

More ways to save money with Amtrak

In general, the earlier you can book your ticket, the better, especially on Amtrak, which releases its schedule 11 months in advance so you'll have plenty of time to plan. You can also save more by making some obvious choices, such as traveling in coach instead of business or first class, or toughing it out long-distance in a regular seat rather than splurging on private Roomette or Bedroom accommodations. Otherwise, here are some more things to be aware of if you're trying to stick to a budget-friendly ride.

Choose your fare class wisely

Amtrak offers several ticketing options depending on your route and what's available when you're booking (which is why buying your tickets early is so important), and each of them offers different perks and policies regarding changes and cancellations.

• Saver: Non-refundable fares, usually the cheapest, with fees that may apply for changing or canceling your ticket
• Value: Fares with refund options and no change fees; often second-cheapest
• Flexible: Fully refundable fares before departure, with no fees for changes or cancellations; typically the most expensive option

Depending on your travel needs and financial situation, it might be worth splurging for a more refundable ticket if you think there might be a need to change or cancel it. On the other hand, budget-conscious travelers might be more apt to risk it all for a cheaper, non-refundable Saver fare.

Take advantage of Amtrak Guest Rewards perks

Don't forget to sign up for Amtrak Guest Rewards , the train company's free loyalty program, which gives you access to perks such as a 25% points bonus on business class travel and Acela business class travel, a 50% points bonus on travel in Acela first class, the ability to earn 2X points per dollar on Amtrak purchases and points-earning opportunities through its partners.

From there, if you travel on Amtrak often and earn enough tier-qualifying points, you can earn status :

• Select: Starting at 5,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll score all the perks of being a regular member, plus a 25% bonus on Amtrak travel, two one-class upgrades, two 10% discount coupons, exclusive offers, priority call handling and two single-visit passes to Amtrak Lounges
• Select Plus: Starting at 10,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll get the same perks as the previous tier, with a few differences — a 50% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades and two companion coupons.
• Select Executive: Starting at 20,000 tier-qualifying points, you'll have the same perks as the previous tier, but with a 100% points bonus on Amtrak travel, four one-class upgrades (plus another one every time you hit the 3,000 tier-qualifying points mark) and one coupon for Auto Train Priority Vehicle Offloading.

Unfortunately, most loyalty programs no longer let you transfer points to Amtrak Guest Rewards , so your only real option is to call 1-866-313-9635 and transfer Audience Rewards ShowPoints at a 1:1 ratio in 1,000-point increments.

Otherwise, you can earn more points by shopping through the Amtrak Guest Rewards shopping portal or booking hotels and rental cars through Amtrak's partners and, of course, booking Amtrak tickets or signing up for one of its co-branded credit cards. You can also pick up more points by shopping with a litany of retail partners including 1-800-Flowers, Teleflora, Apple, Survey Points Club, QVC, The Home Depot, eBags, NRG Home, Vinesse Wines, Audience Rewards or the Rail Passengers Association.

Find the best credit card for you by reviewing offers in our  credit card marketplace  or get personalized offers via  CardMatch™ .

Keep an eye on Amtrak's deals and promotions

Amtrak is known for having sales, so it's a good idea to check its deals page from time to time, which lets you search for specials by region. Amtrak recently offered a double points promo on fall travel , for instance, while other deals are related to newly launched routes, buy-one-get-one-free specials on certain segments or 30% off Acela bookings made at least 14 days in advance, among others. In general, though, you'll typically save 20% by booking your tickets at least a week or two ahead.

Save with group or multi-ride rail passes

If you're going to be traveling in a group —with family members, friends or co-workers — you might be able to save by booking your tickets with Amtrak's Share Fares feature, which offers discounts ranging from 17% off for groups of three to 60% off for groups of eight when you book at least two days ahead.

Another option, if you're going to be doing several trips back and forth to the same place within a certain timeframe, is to opt for multi-ride passes — monthly, 10-ride or 6-ride — which allow you to pay a discounted fare and commute more often between two cities.

For those who want to go big or go home with Amtrak, the USA Rail Pass allows you to ride 10 segments over the course of 30 days on many of its most scenic routes for $499 per person. Use the pass to plan a few weekend getaways from your hometown or plan an epic rail journey from coast to coast with a few stops in between — it's up to you.

Another option, the California Rail Pass , offers access to The Golden State's most beautiful train rides for a flat rate of $159 per adult and $79.50 per child, letting you travel anytime for 7 days within a consecutive 21-day period.

How to save more on international train travel

When booking train rides abroad, remember to be flexible. In some places, rail lines frequented by locals might be slower-paced but can save you a few bucks compared to faster trains along popular tourist routes. Try to book in advance whenever you can and consider investing in a rail pass — it's worth checking websites such as Eurail or Rail Europe if you'll be visiting multiple European countries, for instance — if you know you're going to be spending a lot of time on trains during your trip.

Check for deals and discounts, especially if you're a student, senior or traveling with children, and see if regional passes are available if you're sticking to one country or a particular area within a country. Start by checking the tourism websites of the places you're going to see what is recommended since every destination is different.

Bottom line

Though not every travel rewards card allows you to transfer your points directly to Amtrak — except of course for the two Amtrak co-branded credit cards on this list — you can still use flexible rewards-earning cards to rack up enough points to pay for other portions of your trip, such as flights, hotel stays or rental cars. By using certain cards to pay for your Amtrak tickets, you'll be able to earn even more points to help fund future travels.

Before signing up for a new credit card, it's a good idea to check your credit score so you can identify any issues and get a better idea of what your chances are for approval. Make sure you're able to spend within your budget, especially if the card you're interested in has a steep annual fee and think about whether or not you'll be able to use all of its benefits enough to justify adding it.

Why trust CNBC Select?

At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every credit card review is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of credit card products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics. See  our methodology  for more information on how we choose the best train travel credit cards.

Our methodology

To determine which cards offer the best value for train travel,  CNBC Select  analyzed 234 of the most popular credit cards available in the U.S. We compared each card on a range of features, including: rewards, welcome bonus, introductory and standard APR, balance transfer fee and foreign transaction fees, as well as factors such as required credit and customer reviews when available. We also considered additional perks, the application process and how easy it is for the consumer to redeem points.

Catch up on Select's in-depth coverage of  personal finance ,  tech and tools ,  wellness  and more, and follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram  and  Twitter  to stay up to date.

For rates and fees of the Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express, click here .

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Amtrak Booking: 14 Tips & Tricks To Know When Planning A Train Trip

• Research Amtrak routes, amenities, and prices to plan a comfortable trip and save money on tickets. Use the Amtrak Trip Map to understand the train's journey.
• Take advantage of Amtrak's everyday discounts for various groups, such as children, students, veterans, and people with disabilities. Check the "Everyday Discounts" page for eligibility.
• Look for time-sensitive deals on Amtrak's dedicated deals page. These deals offer discounts on tickets, double points, and special offers for specific destinations or times. Choose from a variety of deals to save money on ticket prices.

One of the finest ways to tour the United States is via Amtrak train. Whether seeing scenic views along the most beautiful Amtrak route or enjoying one of the many amazing Amtrak routes for foodies , passengers enjoy a greater standard of luxury than they would on a bus or some airlines.

There are a few things first-timers should be aware of with Amtrak if they are considering traveling in the United States by train. The following tips and tricks will help travelers book their Amtrak tickets in the easiest way at the most affordable price, as well as help them boost their comfort and convenience levels on their vacation. There's no better travel than via a train!

UPDATE: 2023/10/02 21:28 EST BY REENA JAIN

Four More Tips & Tricks For Amtrak Booking

Amtrak stands out as one of the more affordable modes of transportation, and there are a number of ways to save money while making reservations. In light of this, we have updated this list to include four more tips and tricks every passenger should be aware of before booking Amtrak tickets. Have fun, and enjoy the ride!

Related: California Zephyr Vs. Southwest Chief: Which Amtrak Train Route Is More Scenic?

Research For Amtrak Train Routes And Prices

Get a thorough understanding of Amtrak train routes and prices before purchasing a ticket. Discover how to take the train from the starting point to the destination by exploring the Amtrak Trip Map . Learn about the locations and cities the train will travel through. Also, acquire a full picture of the amenities and services offered at the stations, such as checked baggage, Wi-Fi, accessibility, and more, and become acquainted with them. This allows one to plan a comfortable trip while also saving money on tickets.

Check Out For Everyday Discounts

Another surefire way to save money on ticket prices is to take advantage of Amtrak's numerous discounts based on a passenger's age or for membership in different organizations. Child tickets, students, veterans, military people and their families, government employees, and Rail Passengers Association members are all eligible for discounts. People with disabilities are also eligible for discounts. People with disabilities also get discounts. So, passengers must check Amtrak's " Everyday Discounts " page before reserving their tickets to see if they are eligible for any discounts.

Look For Bargains On Dedicated Deals Page

Amtrak regularly posts time-sensitive bargains on its dedicated deals page . And, believe it or not, some of these bargains are simply superb! These deals are unquestionably the best way to save money on Amtrak ticket prices. Some of these deals include discounts on purchasing a good number of tickets; some offer double points on Amtrak Guest Rewards; and others offer discounts to a particular location or at a particular time. There are a great number of deals to choose from. Aren't these deals incredible?

Bring Own Food And Alcoholic Beverages

Many trains provide one or more onboard eating options. Plus, passengers who use their Amtrak Guest Rewards Preferred MasterCard to make food and beverage purchases onboard receive a 20% discount in the form of a statement credit. Thus, enjoying the onboard food is also rewarding. But those wishing to save money must bring their own food, water, and beverages (alcoholic stock as per Amtrak guidelines). Passengers can eat their food and non-alcoholic beverages in their seats, in their personal Sleeping Cars, and in the Sightseer Lounges. Nevertheless, they can only enjoy private stock in their Sleeping Car accommodations.

Book Amtrak Tickets In Advance & Purchase In The First "Buckets"

Amtrak offers a distinctive way to purchase train tickets that works well for early-bird tourists. Amtrak offers tickets in 'buckets,' with the lowest rates going on sale first, as opposed to the dynamic pricing matrix used by the majority of airlines. The next bucket, with a higher ticket price, is opened up after the allowed number of tickets for that price in the bucket has been sold out.

It is also preferable to schedule a trip as soon as travelers can because inexpensive tickets on busy days sell out the quickest (this is especially true for the most popular and busiest Amtrak routes ). Amtrak even offers discounts for travel up to two weeks in advance. If travelers make their reservations 14 days in advance, they may still be able to save up to 25% on their Amtrak fare.

An Amtrak rail ticket can be booked up to 11 months in advance.

Opt For The Best Days Of The Week To Book An Amtrak Ticket

Amtrak Train has special offers every week ; it is recommended to check to see what sales are being offered by the company on Tuesdays and Fridays. However, according to Money Saving Expert , purchasing train tickets 12 weeks before the departure date can potentially result in further savings.

Therefore, travelers are recommended to continuously check the offers and ticket prices to get the cheapest tickets!

• Cheapest days to book Amtrak: Tuesday and Friday

Be Flexible When Buying Amtrak Tickets

Similarly to other means of travel, flexibility is necessary if travelers are looking for the lowest fares. Sometimes, buying an Amtrak ticket on a certain day can cost them additional fees than the day before or after.

Consequently, if travelers are not limited by time and can postpone or schedule their trips earlier, it is guaranteed that their flexibility will pay off and save them some money.

Related: Empire Builder: What Makes This Amtrak Route One Of The Most Scenic In The U.S.

Book Tickets On The Official Amtrak Website Or App

One of the many things to know about Amtrak is that the easiest way to buy a train ticket is online at Amtrak.com . Travelers can also use their Amtrak mobile app. If they are old school or just like speaking to real people and find it easier, they may still buy their tickets at the ticket counter at any Amtrak station.

Also, not only is it easier to buy Amtrak tickets online or via the app, but it's also cheaper since travelers normally get the best rates. In addition, passengers can sometimes avail of discounts and special deals when they use the official Amtrak website and Amtrak app. Waiting until one gets to the station typically entails paying the highest price since Amtrak tickets increase in cost as seats are booked and the departure date gets closer.

Study All Amtrak Seating Options Before Purchasing A Ticket

Travelers may choose from a variety of seating arrangements while traveling by Amtrak train. Additionally, there are several alternatives for sleeping cars. They can select a Roomette, a Bedroom, an Accessible Bedroom, a Bedroom Suite, or a Family Bedroom according to the train they are on.

Travelers may also browse images and the specifications of each seat or sleeper car on the Amtrak official website to know more about their seating options.

• Some seat types on Amtrak trains: First Class, Business, Coach, and Sleeper Cars

Book The Appropriate Trip Duration When Buying An Amtrak Ticket

When travelers buy their tickets, they have a lot of various scheduling options accessible to them. One train, for instance, may go to its final station in just ten hours and without any stops. However, there may also be a few different itineraries that take 15 to 20 hours and have layovers.

Therefore, Amtrak riders should decide on the destinations they would like to visit before booking their tickets. That way, they can make a sightseeing vacation out of their train journey. Alternatively, if they want to get straight to their destination, booking an Amtrak train with minimal stops is better.

Related: The Joy Of Train Travel: Unwind & Relax With These Top 10 Amtrak Sleeper Train Routes

Download The Amtrak App

If travelers want to make their trip more efficient, they can install the Amtrak application on their smartphones. It is a useful tool for booking an Amtrak ticket and later showing it instead of printing it, finding a station at a certain location, and checking the status of a train.

Additionally, travelers will never need to be concerned about losing out on crucial information.

• Mobile operating systems: The Amtrak app is compatible with Android, Windows, and iPhone.

Participate In The Amtrak Guest Rewards Program

A terrific method to get free class upgrades, hotel and rental car savings, and access to travel bargains is through Amtrak's free rewards program. Getting started with the program is free and just takes a few minutes.

Even if travelers do not book a trip frequently, it is a good idea to join up for Amtrak Guest Rewards since any points they earn are valid for two years as long as there is activity on their account.

Know Amtrak Baggage Limits

Before travelers get to the train station to book a ticket and board, it is crucial to be aware of how much luggage they may carry. In this manner, they steer clear of snags and unanticipated costs. There are baggage allowances of two personal items and two carry-on bags per Amtrak traveler.

Each traveler is also permitted to carry up to 4 checked baggage with them . The first two items are free with the purchase of admission. However, any extra bag after that will cost extra fees.

• Amtrak Baggage Cost: $20 per additional bag

Choose An Amtrak Sleeper Bedroom Or Roomette For The Most Comfortable Experience

Although there are several booking options, as mentioned earlier, the most comfortable way to travel on long-distance trains is to reserve an Amtrak Roomette or Bedroom (and there are differences between the two) .

Travelers should know that all dining car meals, free bottles of water, hot showers, soft drinks with ice, and hot coffee are all included in their reservations. A special sleeping car attendant will also be assigned to them.

Travelers should make sure to tip the sleeping car attendant.

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How to Get Cheap Amtrak Tickets

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If you're thinking of an alternative to flying to your summer vacation spot, consider Amtrak. The railroad passenger company operates more than 300 trains daily to hundreds of destinations in the U.S. and Canada. There's a good chance an Amtrak station is located where you're headed.

If you're ready to climb aboard, here's what you need to know to get Amtrak tickets at a discount.

» Learn more: Review of the Amtrak Guest Rewards World Mastercard

Tips to get cheap Amtrak tickets

Some tried and true budget travel strategies — such as booking tickets on during lower travel periods — can help you snag cheap Amtrak tickets.

1. Earn travel rewards and get rewarded

Before you ride, join Amtrak Guest Rewards . Joining is free, and you'll get 500 bonus points when you take a trip within the first 90 days your account is open. You'll also earn 2 points for every dollar spent on Amtrak travel. If you prefer to travel business or first class on high-speed Acela trains, which operate in the Northeast, you'll get a 25% point bonus on the former and a 50% bonus on the latter.

» Learn more: Baffled by points and miles? Let the 80/20 rule guide you

2. Snag bonus points through partners

You can also rack up Amtrak Guest Reward when you spend money at hotels, car rental companies and other retailers Amtrak has partnered with. A few examples:

Book a stay at one of Choice Hotel's more than 6,800 locations and you'll earn 250 Amtrak points.

Rent a car through Budget and you'll earn 50 Amtrak Guest Rewards points for every qualifying rental day.

Send your loved one some flowers using Teleflora and you'll add 750 Amtrak Guest Rewards points to your account.

3. Redeem points for trips

Once you have plenty of Amtrak Guest Rewards points stockpiled, get the most out of them by redeeming for Amtrak trips. Redemption rates vary by route, date and time, but you can save a ton if you combine your points with special promotions.

Parents, take note of Amtrak’s child discount , which allows infants under 2 to travel for free and additional children under 12 to travel for a 50% discount.

4. Travel when it's not as busy

You can often score a discount by planning your trips on less busy days. For example, Amtrak recently held a sale in which — as long as you traveled on Saturday — you could buy one ticket and get the next one free. A two-passenger Saturday ticket from New York to Boston was a mere $83.

5. Bring a friend — or three

Amtrak wants you to bring some friends along for your summer vacation. Its Share Fare deal gets you a discount for every plus-one. Here's the breakdown:

Passenger 1: Full price.

Passenger 2: 15% off full price.

Passenger 3: 60% off full price.

Passenger 4: 70% off full price.

That's a lot of potential savings. Pick up the phone and call some people who not only appreciate the scenic appeal of Amtrak, but also love a good deal.

6. If you're taking Acela, book early

Acela trains, which operate between Washington, D.C., and Boston, offer large leather seats, fast Wi-Fi and luggage storage for up to four bags. While Acela travel typically costs more than other trains, you can score a discount if you simply plan your trip in advance. Book a ticket on the Acela a minimum of 7 to 21 days prior to your trip, and you'll get a 25% discount.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2024 :

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

Planning a trip? Check out these articles for more inspiration and advice: Find the best travel credit card for you Snag these hotel loyalty perks, even if you’re disloyal Earn more points and miles with these 6 strategies

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

75,000 Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's over $900 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-5% Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

Up to $300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day. Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options.

75,000 Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel.

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3 dream trips you can take with 100,000 Amex Membership Rewards Points

Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit  americanexpress.com  to learn more.

Let’s say you recently applied for one of the most legendary cards on the market— the Platinum Card by American Express —and scored a hefty, six-figure welcome bonus. 

As a well-informed credit card aficionado, you know that those American Express Membership Rewards Points are worth a measly 0.6 cents per point if you opt for a cash-back redemption, but can be worth a lot more if saved toward your next vacation. But where should you go? 

Amex has so many transfer partners that it can be genuinely tricky to a) consider which partners will maximize the value of your points and b) plan out your next adventure from there. That’s why Fortune Recommends decided to do the hard work for you. From petting wombats outside Sydney to neon-soaked tours of Tokyo, here are three dream trips you can take with 100,000 Membership Rewards Points.

The Platinum Card® from American Express

See Rates and Fees

Intro bonus

Reward Rates

• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year)
• 5X Earn 5x Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel
• 1X Earn 1x points on other eligible purchases
• Packed with valuable potential credits for digital entertainment, Uber Cash, Walmart+ membership, and more.
• Airport lounge access with a larger network than any other card
• Membership Rewards are valuable due to their flexibility.
• The multiple potential credits can be cumbersome to track.
• Sky-high annual fee
• Some of the perks can be hard to use if they don’t align with your lifestyle.

Other benefits

• Travel benefits including hotel and car rental chain statuses, car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection
• Consumer protections including extended warranty and return protection

1. Order life-changing ramen in Tokyo

If you’ve read our guide on the best redemption options for Membership Rewards, you’ll know that your best option—by far—is to transfer your points to an airline or hotel loyalty program. 

Amex has 21 transfer partners as of this writing, including 18 airlines and three hotel chains (complete list below). Unless otherwise stated, you can transfer 1,000 Membership Rewards Points (MRP) in exchange for 1,000 partner points, meaning a 1:1 transfer rate.

Airline partners

• AeroMexico (1,000 MRP to 1,600 AeroMexico Rewards Points)
• AIR FRANCE KLM
• ANA Mileage Club
• Avianca LifeMiles
• British Airways Executive Club
• Cathay Pacific
• Delta Air Lines
• Emirates Skywards
• Etihad Guest
• HawaiianMiles
• Iberia Plus
• JetBlue TrueBlue (250 MRP to 200 TrueBlue points)
• Qantas Frequent Flyer (500 MRP to 500 Qantas Points)
• Qatar Airways Privilege Club
• Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer
• Virgin Atlantic Flying Club

Hotel partners

• Choice Privileges
• Hilton Honors (1,000 MRP to 2,000 Hilton Honors Points)
• Marriott Bonvoy

Now, how does this chart help you order comfortingly hot, gloriously authentic ramen in Tokyo? 

Well, the trick to redeeming Membership Rewards Points is to know which partner has the most valuable points. Japan’s largest airline ANA, for example, has points that can sometimes be worth well over 2 cents per point (CPP) each. That means a flight from JFK to Tokyo—which would normally cost you well over $800—may cost you as little as 40,000 ANA Mileage Club Miles round trip . See the example from my own research below:

That means if you have 100,000 Membership Rewards points at your disposal–and you’re flexible on dates–you and a companion could fly all the way around the world with 20,000 Membership Rewards points to spare. 

From there, you can take a Mt. Fuji tour by day…

… and explore the world’s largest city by night, sipping tonkotsu broth before you embark on your Winter Illumination Tour.

Of course, 100,000 Membership Rewards Points won’t cover 100% of your expenses the entire time you’re in Tokyo—but speaking from firsthand experience, getting to Tokyo is by far the most expensive part. Once you’re there, you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find that an authentic bowl of ramen costs around ¥1200 or roughly $7.60. 

Oh, and if you’re looking to earn a generous rate of 4X Membership Rewards Points per dollar spent as you satisfy your inner foodie, remember to bring your American Express Gold Card for its dining rewards.

American Express® Gold Card

• 4x Earn 4X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants (including takeout and delivery in the U.S.)
• 4x Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points at U.S. supermarkets (on up to $25,000 per calendar year in purchases, then 1x).
• 3x Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked directly with airlines or on amextravel.com booked directly with the airline or on amextravel.com.
• 1x Earn 1X points on all other eligible purchases
• High rewards at U.S. supermarkets, dining in and dining out.
• Up to $120 a year in credits for eligible dining ($10 each month).
• Up to $120 a year in Uber Cash ($10 each month), good for Uber rides or Uber Eats.
• The $250 annual fee might be unpalatable to some.
• The dining credits and Uber Cash credits are doled out monthly, in $10 increments.
• Outside of dining, U.S. supermarkets and airfare, the card’s earnings are plain vanilla.
• Travel benefits including car rental insurance, trip cancellation/interruption and travel delay protection

All that being said, if you’d prefer to explore a sprawling, adventure-rich metropolis closer to home, why not spend your hard-earned MRP in the Big Apple? Here’s how.

2. Explore NYC, starting five blocks from Central Park

With New York being as expensive as it is, you might already be wondering: how far can 100,000 MRP really take you once you’re there? 

Turns out, it can get you within shouting distance of Central Park—and you won’t have to live like the cast of Rent, either. 

Thanks to a 1,000-to-2,000 transfer ratio, your 100,000 Membership Rewards Points can instantly become 200,000 Hilton Honors points. If you can save a mere 500 more Membership Rewards Points/1,000 Hilton Honors points, you’ll have exactly enough in the bank to book a three-night stay at the New York Hilton Midtown based on what my research turned up. 

Among the seemingly billions of hotel options in New York, what makes the New York Hilton Midtown special? 

Well, not only is it insanely good value for New York lodging—it’s also within a roughly 10-minute walk of Times Square, Rockefeller Center and Central Park. 

That means you and your companion can follow in the footsteps of Carrie Bradshaw, Joey Tribbiani and Buddy the Elf without ever having to hail a cab. And while a three-nighter in a New York Hilton will quickly wipe out the stash of Membership Rewards you’re working with in this example, you don’t have to pay another penny to enjoy the natural splendor of Central Park in autumn. 

Now, maybe you’re thinking Tokyo and New York are fine—but you want to spend your 100,000 Membership Rewards Points on something you feel is truly unique and special. Something you’ve never done before. Something you can tell your friends about and they’ll go you did WHAT?

If so, allow me to introduce you to the mighty Australian wombat. 

3. See the opera in Sydney and maybe pet a wombat

Beyond ANA and Hilton, another Amex partner with favorable transfer ratios is Australia’s own Qantas Airways Limited. 

After a quick search, I found a flight option from San Francisco to Sydney for $1,152 or 41,900 Miles plus $99 cash. That means 41,900 Miles covered $1,053 of the fare, or provided over 2.5 CPP each. 

Now, to set expectations, that’s 41,900 Miles one-way—so you’ll likely have to pay something out of pocket to fly both you and a companion “down under,” as well as cover lodging. 

But 100,000 Membership Rewards points (transferred 1:1 to Qantas) will still foot a massive chunk of the bill, and for further consideration, look who will be waiting for you: 

Yes, in addition to ‘roos and snakes, Australia is home to the adorable, friendly wombat. You can take a day tour from Sydney to meet both kangaroos and wombats up close before enjoying a lunch that I’d guess must involve some degree of vegemite. 

Then, in the evening, why not a twilight cruise through Sydney harbor? 

Yes, I confess again that 100,000 Membership Rewards Points won’t get you and your plus-one all the way to Australia and back, nor will it fully cover lodging while you’re there. But I wanted to highlight this option nonetheless to show just how much value Qantas is willing to give you for your Membership Rewards Points—and point out that a wombat-filled Aussie adventure could be well within your financial reach. 

The takeaway

Amex’s long list of transfer partners is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, it gives you tons of options. But on the other hand, it gives you tons of options , which can make choosing and planning the perfect trip rather tricky. 

Hopefully one day AI will help us spend our credit card rewards like a robot travel agent, running endless calculations to find the ideal redemption path. But until then, it’s a more manual process. 

At least it’s a massively rewarding one, with wombats, cherry blossoms and $1 New York slices awaiting our arrival. 

About the author

Chris is a two-time author, keynote speaker and credit card nerd helping Gens Y and Z build better lives through financial fluency and positive psychology. His writing has been featured in Fortune, Fortune Recommends, Forbes Advisor, U.S. News, ConsumerAffairs, Money Under 30 and Investor Junkie. Chris got his start in 2015 when he decided to quit his corporate job, travel to 41 countries and ask 1,000 people what happiness means to them. In 2019 he did a TEDx talk revealing his findings, and still speaks to college students today through a partnership with CAMPUSPEAK. Chris lives in Atlanta with his partner Holly and his rescue pup, Joy.

EDITORIAL DISCLOSURE : The advice, opinions, or rankings contained in this article are solely those of the Fortune Recommends ™ editorial team. This content has not been reviewed or endorsed by any of our affiliate partners or other third parties.

What counts as travel on the Amex Green card?

Editor's Note

The American Express® Green Card is a decent option for travel purchases.

New cardholders can now get a welcome bonus of 40,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after they spend $3,000 on purchases on your new card in the first six months of card membership.

The Amex Green earns 3 points per dollar on travel, transit and dining at restaurants. For all other purchases, you'll earn one point. Terms apply.

But exactly which purchases count as "travel" and earn 3 points per dollar? Here's what you need to know.

The information for the American Express Green Card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Here are the travel purchases that will earn bonus points, according to the Amex Green Card's terms:

• Car rentals
• Campgrounds
• Third-party travel websites (i.e., Orbtiz, Expedia, Priceline)
• Travel booked through amextravel.com
• Vacation rentals (with exceptions—see below)

That's a pretty strong list — but let's see what purchases won't count as travel with your Amex Green card.

What doesn't count as travel on the Amex Green?

Amex's terms clearly specify that timeshare purchases will not count as travel.

Additionally, whether or not something counts as travel depends on how the merchant codes when you make your purchase. According to Amex's terms:

Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. A purchase will not qualify for additional points if the merchant's code is not eligible.

This won't be an issue for most purchases, but it could be, depending on where you make the transaction. For instance, if you purchased a tour ticket from a convenience store, it likely wouldn't code as travel and would not earn any bonus points.

Another common area of confusion when it comes to determining travel purchases is home-sharing and vacation rental sites such as Airbnb , Homeaway and VRBO .

These will usually code as travel and earn bonus points, but some TPG staffers and readers have reported inconsistent experiences with these purchases.

Bottom line

The Amex Green Card has impressive bonus-earning on travel, transit and dining purchases . But before you put a big travel purchase on this card, ensure it falls under Amex's travel category and know that vacation rentals are hit-or-miss.

Fortunately, the travel category is broadly defined for the Amex Green card — great news for earning the most points possible.

For more information, read our full review of the Amex Green .

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Nvidia, Powered by A.I. Boom, Reports Soaring Revenue and Profits

The Silicon Valley company was again lifted by sales of its artificial intelligence chips, but it faces growing competition and heightened expectations.

• Share full article

By Don Clark

Reporting from San Francisco

Nvidia, which makes microchips that power most artificial intelligence applications, began an extraordinary run a year ago.

Fueled by an explosion of interest in A.I., the Silicon Valley company said last May that it expected its chip sales to go through the roof. They did — and the fervor didn’t stop, with Nvidia raising its revenue projections every few months. Its stock soared, driving the company to a more than $2 trillion market capitalization that makes it more valuable than Alphabet, the parent of Google.

On Wednesday, Nvidia again reported soaring revenue and profits that underscored how it remains a dominant winner of the A.I. boom, even as it grapples with outsize expectations and rising competition.

Revenue was $26 billion for the three months that ended in April, surpassing its $24 billion estimate in February and tripling sales from a year earlier for the third consecutive quarter. Net income surged sevenfold to $5.98 billion.

Nvidia also projected revenue of $28 billion for the current quarter, which ends in July, more than double the amount from a year ago and higher than Wall Street estimates.

“We are fundamentally changing how computing works and what computers can do,” Jensen Huang, Nvidia’s chief executive, said in a conference call with analysts. “The next industrial revolution has begun.”

Nvidia’s shares, which are up more than 90 percent this year, rose in after-hours trading after the results were released. The company also announced a 10-for-1 stock split.

Nvidia, which originally sold chips for rendering images in video games, has benefited after making an early, costly bet on adapting its graphics processing units, or GPUs, to take on other computing tasks. When A.I. researchers began using those chips more than a decade ago to accelerate tasks like recognizing objects in photos, Mr. Huang jumped on the opportunity. He augmented Nvidia’s chips for A.I. tasks and developed software to aid developments in the field.

The company’s flagship processor, the H100, has enjoyed feverish demand to power A.I. chatbots such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. While most high-end standard processors cost a few thousand dollars, H100s have sold for anywhere from $15,000 to $40,000 each, depending on volume and other factors, analysts said.

Colette Kress, Nvidia’s chief financial officer, said on Wednesday that it had worked in recent months with more than 100 customers that were building new data centers — which Mr. Huang calls A.I. factories — ranging from hundreds to tens of thousands of GPUs, with some reaching 100,000. Tesla, for example, is using 35,000 H100 chips to help train models for autonomous driving, she said.

Nvidia will soon begin to ship a powerful successor to the H100, code-named Blackwell, which was announced in March. Demand for the new chips already appears to be strong, raising the possibility that some customers may wait for the speedier models rather than buy the H100. But there was little sign of such a pause in Nvidia’s latest results.

Ms. Kress said demand for Blackwell was well ahead of supply of the chip, and “we expect demand may exceed supply well into next year.” Mr. Huang added that the new chips should be operating in data centers late this year and that “we will see a lot of Blackwell revenue this year.”

The comments may ease fears of a slowdown in Nvidia’s momentum.

“Lingering concerns investors had in the short term regarding an ‘air bubble’ for GPU demand seem to have vanished,” Lucas Keh, an analyst at the research firm Third Bridge, said in an email.

Wall Street analysts are also looking for signs that some richly funded rivals could grab a noticeable share of Nvidia’s business. Microsoft, Meta, Google and Amazon have all developed their own chips that can be tailored for A.I. jobs, though they have also said they are boosting purchases of Nvidia chips.

Traditional rivals such as Advanced Micro Devices and Intel have also made optimistic predictions about their A.I. chips. AMD has said it expects to sell $4 billion worth of a new A.I. processor, the MI300, this year.

Mr. Huang frequently points to what he has said is a sustainable advantage: Only Nvidia’s GPUs are offered by all the major cloud services, such as Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure, so customers don’t have to worry about getting locked into using one of the services because of its exclusive chip technology.

Nvidia also remains popular among computer makers that have long used its chips in their systems. One is Dell Technologies, which on Monday hosted a Las Vegas event that featured an appearance by Mr. Huang.

Michael Dell, Dell’s chief executive and founder, said his company would offer new data center systems that packed 72 of the new Blackwell chips in a computer rack, standard structures that stand a bit taller than a refrigerator.

“Don’t seduce me with talk like that,” Mr. Huang joked. “That gets me superexcited.”

Explore Our Coverage of Artificial Intelligence

News  and Analysis

OpenAI said that it has begun training a new flagship A.I. model  that would succeed the GPT-4 technology that drives its popular online chatbot, ChatGPT.

Elon Musk’s A.I. company, xAI, said that it had raised $6 billion , helping to close the funding gap with OpenAI, Anthropic and other rivals.

Google’s A.I. capabilities that answer people’s questions have generated a litany of untruths and errors  — including recommending glue as part of a pizza recipe and the ingesting of rocks for nutrients — causing a furor online.

The Age of A.I.

After some trying years during which Mark Zuckerberg could do little right, many developers and technologists have embraced the Meta chief  as their champion of “open-source” A.I.

D’Youville University in Buffalo had an A.I. robot speak at its commencement . Not everyone was happy about it.

A new program, backed by Cornell Tech, M.I.T. and U.C.L.A., helps prepare lower-income, Latina and Black female computing majors  for A.I. careers.

Publishers have long worried that A.I.-generated answers on Google would drive readers away from their sites. They’re about to find out if those fears are warranted, our tech columnist writes .

Amtrak Revives Hope for Texas Bullet Train

Also today: New York and London top new global cities ranking, and a new report on the future of net zero.

A Central Japan Railway Company Shinkansen bullet train passes through Odawara Station, in Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan, in 2010.

Amtrak has revived hopes of bringing bullet trains to Texas, with recent a wave of publicity for a long-stalled project . The bullet train, already enjoyed by commuters in Asia and Europe, would cut travel time between Dallas and Houston from over three hours by car to less than 90 minutes.

It's one of a number of projects slowly inching forward in a bid to bring a “high-speed rail revolution” to the US. But enormous financial and political hurdles remain, contributor Benjamin Schneider reports. Today on CityLab: The Dream of Texas High-Speed Rail Lives On

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Life with Amex​

From money-saving ideas to travel inspiration and daily life tips, get inspired to do great things and make your life more rewarding..

From getting out of town for the day to getting away from it all for a well-earned break, see what great things you can do on your travels.

FINANCIAL WELLBEING

From helpful ways to get on top of your Credit Card bill to simple steps to save on your weekly groceries, learn what great things you can do to help you save money.

From the tastiest places to dine out to activities that keep the kids active and happy over the holidays, discover what great things you can do day in, day out.

LIFE MOMENTS

From helping you get prepared to bring a new puppy home to guiding you through buying your first home, find out what great things you can do for the moments that matter most.

EVENTS AND EXPERIENCES

Dive into experiences you’ll never forget. From pre-sale tickets and lounge access at the most sought-after shows, to exclusive benefits at exhibitions and movies, you can spend your nights out in style.

Enjoy the best foodie experiences your city has to offer this May

Whether you live in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide or Perth, get ready to love your city even more, thanks to American Express delicious. Month Out (AEDMO), the annual month-long food and experiences festival.

The Paris 2024 Olympics

The Paris 2024 Olympics is set to be one of the biggest global sporting events this year. Attending the Summer Olympics is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for most people, and with this year’s games set in one of the world’s most iconic cities it’s going to be extra special.

Maximise Velocity Points with the AMEX Velocity Platinum Card

Unlock an exceptional travel experience with the American Express Velocity Platinum Credit Card, for the modern traveller who seeks more from their credit card. Elevate your journey and transform the way you experience travel rewards. From airport lounge passes to complimentary insurance coverage, this premium Card opens the door to endless travel benefits and extraordinary opportunities.

Unforgettable Journeys with Rail Europe and Belmond Luxury Trains

When it comes to exploring Europe, Rail Europe is your trusted partner to unlock the magic of train travel. With an extensive network of railways, connecting the most sought-after destinations, Rail Europe offers an experience that combines convenience, comfort, and luxury.

Moving in together: simple tips for couples

Moving in together checklist: things to do that can make your relationship even better Moving in with your partner for the first time is exciting and it gives you the chance to do more things together. From decorating your new place, to shopping for furniture and exploring your new neighbourhood, there’s a world of fun awaiting. If you’re moving in with a partner, the following tips will help make the transition smoother.

Life Moments

How to prepare for a new dog

Things to do before getting a puppy to help them settle in their new home. Getting a new puppy is exciting, but there's a lot to think about. Aside from needing your unconditional love, your puppy needs your time, understanding, training, vet care, and so much more. To help the transition, follow these simple tips on how to get ready for a puppy.

Sydney To Byron Bay: Road Trip With Friends

Make your way up the east coast with friends on one of Australia’s most iconic drives, Sydney to Byron with so many stops to explore along the way.

Financial Wellbeing

How to save electricity when working from home and reduce your bill

How To Reduce Energy Consumption When Working From Home. Small changes to your home’s energy usage can help lower your bill when working from home. Here are some simple tips to keep your electricity costs down.

Emergency fund: money-saving tips to get ahead with your finances

Having an emergency fund provides a financial safety net if something unexpected happens to you or your family. But when should you start saving, do you need to pay off your debt first, and how much should you put away for an emergency fund? Research has found that one in five Australians don’t put away a portion of their income for a rainy day. If you’re part of that statistic, or you are looking to increase your savings, the following are our top emergency fund tips to help you start saving money to cover urgent or unexpected expenses.

Create Financial Goals With Your Monthly Budget

Saving money is always a great idea in theory. Unfortunately, budgeting has a bad reputation because people think it means no more spending money on anything fun ever again. But once you learn how to create financial goals and track your finances.

Creating your green oasis: Best indoor plants for beginners

Add some green to your living space with our easy guide to houseplants for beginners, from choosing the right plants to simple care and watering tips.

Key strategies to help achieve a better work-life balance

Finding a positive work-life balance can be challenging at times. Find some simple tips to help you stay efficient, healthy and enjoy time with loved ones.

Summer bucket list: top things to do to make this summer sizzle

Summer is the time of year to get out and amongst it. It’s the perfect time to start checking off the warmer weather activities you shouldn’t miss and top things to do. If you’re wondering what to add to your list of things to do this summer, here is the ultimate summer to do list.

Best Ideas for weekend getaways Adelaide to explore for a little time out

From wine tasting to beaches and river journeys, the Adelaide region in South Australia is brimming with ideas to make your weekend memorable. Here are a few of our top suggestions to think about.