In all cases, the Amtrak polices pertaining to identification requirements apply when using a credit card for purchase of tickets or services.

Amtrack Requires ID and it is right on their webpage

Amtrack

They didn't make it clear, but they have the policy regardless of payment form
Photo ID Required
Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when:

*
Obtaining, exchanging, and refunding tickets

They didn't make it clear, but they have the policy regardless of payment form
Photo ID Required
Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when:

*
Obtaining, exchanging, and refunding tickets

The following rules govern the acceptance of credit cards at Amtrak ticket counters:

We accept the following credit cards at ticketing locations:

- American Express
- Diners Club/MasterCard
- Discover® Network
- MasterCard
- VISA

Ticket agents and Quik-Trak kiosks accept debit cards ("check cards") with a credit card logo.

Only ticket agents and Quik-Trak kiosks accept debit cards (ATM cards) without a credit card logo. A PIN is required.

Amtrak ticket agents accept only valid, unexpired credit and debit cards.

The person whose name is embossed on the front must sign the credit card on the back of the card. Unsigned credit cards are not accepted.

The signature on the back of the card must match the signature on the ticket or charge form.

Credit cards are accepted for the amount of the sale only and may not be used to obtain cash.

In all cases, the Amtrak polices pertaining to identification requirements apply when using a credit card for purchase of tickets or services.

Amtrak has undertaken heightened security measures for the benefit of our customers.

Valid Photo Identification Required

Photo ID Required

Amtrak customers 18 years of age and older must produce valid photo identification when:

Obtaining, exchanging, and refunding tickets
Storing baggage at stations
Checking baggage
Sending Amtrak Express shipments
Onboard trains, in response to a request by an Amtrak employee

Please note that unaccompanied children 15 and older must also produce valid photo ID when purchasing tickets.

Random Ticket/ID Checks

Following federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines, we regularly conduct random ticket verification checks onboard trains to ensure that passengers are properly ticketed. Please be prepared to show valid photo identification to a member of the onboard crew upon request.

What is a Valid ID?

To be valid, your identification must be current and in-force. The following forms of identification are acceptable for persons 18 and older:

One piece of photo identification issued by a government authority, or
Two pieces of identification, at least one of which is a non-photo ID issued by a government authority

Examples of acceptable forms of ID include:

State or provincial driver's license
Passport
Official government-issued identification (federal, state or county government or legitimate foreign government)
Canadian provincial health card ID card with photo
Military photo ID
Student identification (university, college or high school photo ID)
Job Corps photo ID

What is not clear? See the info in bold.

I think when they say "In all cases, the Amtrak policies pertaining to identification requirements apply...." they mean "Even IF you use a credit card". They recognize the fact that Visa/MC both have policies such as cards must be signed, that signatures must match, and they cannot refuse the sale solely based on the fact that the purchaser won't show id. However, they mandate the showing of identification for everybody purchasing a ticket regardless of payment method - even if paying cash. Thus, "Amtrak policies pertaining to identification requirements apply when using a credit card for purchase of tickets or services."

This would probably be similar to purchasing alcohol at a store, the identification is required regardless of payment method. In my opinion, this would not be a violation since they require it for ALL purchases, Cash, Credit, Checks, Debit, etc...

I'm pretty sure what they mean is that a credit card is not considered a form of ID to them. Some people would say their credit card is their ID and they do not need any additional ID. What Amtrak is saying here is that they need photo ID from ALL customers, period. A credit card will not be considered a form of ID. All customers must show ID- cash, credit, people with a free ticket...