The New Haven RR Image Page -- New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Card

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The New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Card

August 1st, 2000

The New Haven Railroad was the only railroad company in America to administer its own credit card system. The unique "New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Card" was honored by the New Haven from mid-1954 up until the end of the railroad's corporate existance effective January 1st, 1969. In fact, there is some evidence that the New Haven's charge cards continued to be honored for a short time by the Penn Central Transportation Company. All materials from the collection of Marc Frattasio.

The New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Cards were a passenger service innovation of the McGinnis administration. The charge cards could be used to pay for New Haven and Pullman tickets, on-board refreshments, and car rentals. Card holders were also allowed to cash personal checks at ticket offices. The brochure at left was printed during April 1955 to inform ticket agents of some minor changes to the card's appearance and processing procedures.

This folder from late 1955 contains instructions and an application form for obtaining a New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Card.

This credit card application form was used throughout the late 1960s. Other railroads used credit cards issued by an organization called the Rail Travel Credit Bureau but the New Haven continued to use its own credit cards to the very end.

The New Haven heavily promoted its credit cards in timetables and other print advertising. This small flyer dates from 1962.

The original New Haven Railroad Rail Charge Cards were made of cardstock. During the late 1950s the New Haven switched from cardstock to plastic. This is an actual credit card issued during the early 1960s.