Passenger Trains > AGR Redemption: Chase Bonus Still in Effect

I just booked a bedroom on Train 6, SAC-DEN, for September 2016, using 25,000 AGR points, and was pleasantly surprised to still receive the instant 5% Chase point rebate that one gets for holding the Chase AGR credit card, bringing the net points redeemed down to just 23,500 AGR points.  I had thought this Chase perk would vanish as of 9/30 along with the termination of Chase's relationship with AGR.

On a value basis, this redemption works out to just over 4 cents per redeemed point, with an estimated total fare of $984 if the award had been purchased today, including the NARP or AAA discount for the transportation (coach) portion of the fare.  Those who favor credit card products offering 1% or even 2% cash back on transactions should take note as to why some of us prefer travel awards that allow more leveraging of points into higher value awards, although the changes to the redemption regime may make leveraged redemptions less favorable in the future.

Soon it will be time to cancel Chase's replacement Freedom card and apply for the new AGR Bank of America card.  The bonus from the new card should be sufficient for another free Amtrak sleeper trip down the road.

Enjoy the Journey.

Posted from Android