Bilt Adds Amtrak as a Transfer Partner at a 2:1 Ratio

However, these factors do not influence our editors' opinions or ratings, which are based on independent research and analysis. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews. Here is a list of our partners. Bilt is the only transferable point currency to offer transfers to Amtrak. Meghan CoyleEditor/Content Strategist & Smart Travel Podcast Host Published Sep 23, 2026Fact CheckedHow is this page expert verified?NerdWallet's content is fact-checked for accuracy, timeliness and relevance. It undergoes a thorough review process involving writers and editors to ensure the information is as clear and complete as possible.More on our editorial rigorAddas a preferred source on Google NerdWallet is committed to editorial integrity.Helpful ResourcesThe Best Travel Credit Card Welcome Offers Right Now11 Credit Cards That Provide Travel InsuranceChase Sapphire Preferred Review: Strong Option for Travel RewardsBilt Rewards’ network of transfer partners is expanding beyond airlines and hotels to trains. As of Sept. 23, 2026, Bilt members can transfer their Bilt Points to Amtrak Guest Rewards at a 2:1 ratio, meaning 5,000 Bilt points would become 2,500 Amtrak points.While the transfer ratio isn’t the more favorable 1:1, it’s still a solid option, since Amtrak Guest Rewards can often be redeemed for more than 2 cents apiece. According to Amtrak, train tickets can cost as few as 400 Amtrak points (or 800 points transferred from Bilt).There is, however, a 1,000-point minimum for Bilt transfers to Amtrak Guest Rewards, and points can only be transferred in 1,000-point increments. Bilt Blue members have an even higher 2,000-point minimum for transfers.Here’s a quick introduction to the Amtrak Guest Rewards program for Bilt members.How many Amtrak points do you need for a ticket?You can run a search on the Amtrak website or app to find the exact number of points you might need for a train ticket. Make sure the “Use Points” field is toggled on.You’ll get a list of different trains that meet your search parameters. In one example, the cheapest train from Washington, D.C.’s Union Station to New York’s Penn Station in October would cost about 5,213 Amtrak points for a business class ticket on the high-speed Acela train.That same ticket would cost $139 in cash, giving a cent-per-point redemption value of 2.67 cents per point.When you factor in the 2:1 transfer ratio, the cent-per-point value of your Bilt points drops to 1.33 cents per point. That’s not bad. In fact, it’s higher than the median value of economy ticket redemptions with some 1:1 Bilt transfer partners like United Airlines.If you are debating transferring points to Amtrak Guest Rewards, consider the opportunity cost. You might get better value with other Bilt partners, such as World of Hyatt or Atmos Rewards. Premium cabin tickets or suite redemptions also tend to provide more value.Other redemption options with Amtrak pointsIf you don’t have enough points for a full train ticket or you have extra points left over from your transfer, you could also consider some of the other Amtrak Guest Rewards redemptions:li>ol]:pl-4 [&>li>ul]:pl-4 [&>li]:mt-2">An upgrade from coach to business class or Acela business class to Acela first class starting at 2,500 points.A single-visit lounge pass for an Amtrak lounge in New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, Portland and Washington, starting at 1,500 points.A train ticket bought with a combination of points and cash, starting at just 100 points.These probably don’t represent the best value. For example, a single visit lounge pass for the Washington lounge is $35. That would make your Bilt points redemption about 1.2 cents each with the 2:1 transfer ratio. Still, it’s better than not redeeming your points at all.🤓Nerdy TipAmtrak Guest Rewards points expire after 24 months of inactivity if no points were earned or redeemed during that time.How to earn Amtrak points with credit cardsBilt Rewards is currently Amtrak’s only transfer partner. To earn more Bilt points for future train travel, consider a Bilt credit card.Amtrak Guest Rewards also has its own branded credit cards issued by First National Bank of Omaha. Those cards earn Amtrak Guest Rewards points exclusively.Top photo courtesy of Amtrak.How to maximize your rewardsYou want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:li>ol]:pl-4 [&>li>ul]:pl-4 [&>li]:mt-2">Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® CardNo annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit CardBonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve® Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit CardExplore more onTravelAddas a preferred source on Google NerdWallet Compare, Inc. NMLS ID# 1617539NMLS Consumer Access |Licenses and Disclosures California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #60DBO-74812 Insurance Services offered through NerdWallet Insurance Services, Inc. (CA resident license no.OK92033) Insurance Licenses California: California Finance Lender loans arranged pursuant to the Department of Financial Protection and Innovation Finance Lenders License #603L288 You also can open a Cash Account offered by Atomic Brokerage which allows you to earn interest on your cash through a cash sweep program. View Important Cash Account Disclosures. Neither Atomic Invest nor Atomic Brokerage, nor any of their affiliates is a bank. Investments in securities: Not FDIC Insured, Not Bank Guaranteed, May Lose Value. Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. Before investing, consider your investment objectives and the fees and expenses charged. NerdWallet™ | 4150 N Drinkwater Blvd, Suite 200, Scottsdale, AZ 85251

---

Source: NerdWallet

This article has been carefully curated and reformatted for educational and informational purposes. Full credit goes to the original publisher.

---

📚 Visit more helpful articles on Joab Peters Blog