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Amtrak’s new NextGen Acela trains hit the tracks today, and if you frequently commute between Washington, D.C., New York City and Boston, your travel just got speedier.
The sleek new trains can reach up to 160 mph—up from the previous fleet’s 150 mph—cutting down travel times as you sip your coffee or catch up on emails.
With new train options on the track, now might be a worthwhile time to ask whether you’re making the most of the rewards from your occasional Amtrak trip or morning commute—and what credit cards can help you earn even more.
Hybrid Work Is Here To Stay—and Commutes Are Changing
The launch of the NextGen Acela trains couldn’t be more timely. Even after the pandemic, hybrid work isn’t going anywhere.
According to Robert Half’s “Remote Work Statistics and Trends for 2025,” about one in four job postings now offer hybrid schedules, while only 13% are fully remote. That means many professionals still head into the office a few days a week or hop between co-working spaces, and a long commute can quickly consume time and energy.
That’s where the faster, upgraded Acela steps in. With top speeds, free high-speed Wi-Fi and plenty of outlets, your commute can go from stressful to productive—or at least more comfortable. You can check emails, prep for meetings or just relax without feeling like you’re wasting hours stuck in traffic.
Maximize Your Commute: Credit Cards That Make Travel Cheaper
If you’re commuting regularly on the Acela, taking public transit or planning a spontaneous weekend getaway, these solid credit cards for transit can make your ride cheaper and more rewarding:
- Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card: A simple and straightforward option, this card gives cardholders 5 miles per dollar on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5 miles per dollar spent on Capital One Entertainment purchases through 12/31/25 and an unlimited 2 miles per dollar spent on other purchases. Whether you’re spending on coffee, groceries or even the train ticket itself, you’ll earn rewards to redeem for future travel. Plus, there’s a nice welcome bonus of 75,000 miles after spending $4,000 on purchases within three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card: This card is built for travelers who desire flexibility. Cardholders earn 5 points per dollar on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3 points per dollar on dining, select streaming services and online grocery purchases (excluding Walmart, Target and wholesale clubs), 2 points per dollar on all other travel purchases and 1 point per dollar on other purchases. New cardholders can also earn 75,000 bonus points after spending $5,000 on purchases in the first three months from account opening.
- Chase Sapphire Reserve®: If you’re thinking about going premium, the Chase Sapphire Reserve® offers 8 points per dollar on all purchases through Chase Travel℠, including The Edit℠, 4 points per dollar on flights and hotels booked direct, 3 points per dollar on dining worldwide and 1 point per dollar spent on all other purchases. For frequent Acela riders, the perks pay off quickly: plenty of point redemption options, built-in travel insurance and even lounge access for the occasional business flight. New cardholders can also earn 125,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
Aside from all-purpose travel cards, if your heart—and your commute—belongs to the rails, the $0 annual fee Amtrak Guest Rewards® Mastercard®* is made for you.
You’ll earn 2 points per dollar spent on Amtrak travel, including onboard purchases, 2 points per dollar spent on dining and 1 point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. On top of that, the card comes with 12,000 bonus points after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first 3 billing cycles of account opening.
Bottom Line
Amtrak’s NextGen Acela isn’t just faster—it’s a more comfortable, innovative way to travel, especially now that hybrid work is here to stay. Using the right credit card can save you money, help you earn rewards and make your morning commute from point A to point B feel more first class.