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AAA Credit Card Review

Written by Mike Pearson
Updated June 8, 2023

If you’re in search of a cashback credit card with no annual fee and solid rewards, the AAA Credit Card may be the right choice for you. Designed to cater to the needs of frequent travelers and AAA members, this credit card offers a range of rewards and benefits, making it an attractive financial instrument. In this article, we will be taking a closer look at the AAA Credit Card and providing an in-depth review for those considering this option for their cashback and travel needs.

The AAA Credit Card is a Visa Signature card, which means that it comes with a suite of perks and protections offered by Visa, enhancing the overall value of the card. With competitive rewards rates on purchases such as gas, groceries, restaurants, and travel, the AAA Credit Card stands out as a versatile financial tool. Moreover, the card offers added benefits specifically for AAA members, such as discounts on selected AAA services and products.

In the following sections of this article, we will delve into the various aspects of the AAA Credit Card, including its rewards structure, fees, and overall value proposition. By the end of this review, you should have a comprehensive understanding of whether the AAA Credit Card is the right fit for your financial needs and spending habits.

AAA Credit Card Overview

Bank of America AAA Credit Card

The Bank of America AAA Credit Card, also known as the AAA Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card, offers a variety of benefits with no annual fee. This card is suitable for those with good to excellent credit. Cardholders can earn a $150 intro offer after making qualifying purchases and enjoy a rewards rate of 1X – 3X on various categories.

The rewards structure is as follows:

  • 3% cash back on AAA purchases and travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

In addition, this card includes travel accident coverage and has no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for frequent travelers. However, it is important to note that rewards expire and there is a minimum redemption requirement.

AAA Comenity Credit Card

The AAA Comenity Credit Card is another option for AAA members with good to excellent credit, focusing primarily on cash back rewards. This card offers:

  • No annual fee
  • A $200 welcome offer for new cardholders
  • An intro 0% APR on balance transfers

While both the Bank of America AAA Credit Card and the AAA Comenity Credit Card provide solid benefits for cardholders, it’s essential to compare and choose the most suitable option based on individual financial needs and spending habits.

Card Features and Offers

Rewards Program

The AAA Credit Card offers a competitive rewards program with cash back on various categories of purchases. Cardholders can earn:

  • 3% cash back on AAA purchases and travel expenses
  • 2% cash back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

This cashback program is designed to be low-maintenance and has no annual fee, making it an attractive option for those looking for a flexible rewards card.

Sign-up Bonus

New cardholders can benefit from a sign-up bonus in the form of a $75 statement credit. To qualify for this bonus, cardholders must spend $500 within the first 3 months of opening the account.

Purchase and Balance Transfer APRs

The AAA Credit Card offers a variety of APRs for both purchase and balance transfers transactions. While there is no intro APR for purchases, the card does feature a 0% for 12 months offer on balance transfers, which can make consolidating high-interest debt more manageable.

The ongoing APR for purchases and balance transfers ranges from 13.74% to 23.74%, depending on the cardholder’s creditworthiness. This APR is variable and may change according to the market conditions.

Earning and Redeeming Rewards

Rewards Rate

With the AAA Member Rewards Visa Signature® Card, cardholders can enjoy a competitive rewards rate on their spending:

  • 3% cash back on AAA purchases and travel purchases
  • 2% cash back on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases

These rewards rates apply to all eligible purchases, allowing cardholders to earn cash back easily on everyday spending.

Redemption Options

The rewards earned with the AAA Member Rewards Visa Signature® Card can be redeemed in various ways:

  • As a statement credit to offset card balances
  • For travel bookings through the AAA travel agency
  • As a gift card from participating merchants
  • As an AAA voucher towards membership fees, merchandise, or services

This flexibility in redemption makes it easy for cardholders to use their rewards according to their preferences.

Points Expiration

The good news for AAA Member Rewards Visa Signature® Card users is that the rewards points do not expire as long as the card account remains open and in good standing. This allows cardholders to accumulate points over time and use them at their convenience without worrying about any expiration dates.

Detailed Rewards Breakdown

Everyday Spending Categories

The AAA Member Rewards Visa card offers cash back rewards in various everyday spending categories. Cardholders can earn:

  • 3% cash back on eligible AAA purchases.
  • 2% cash back on gas, grocery store purchases, and drugstore purchases.
  • 1% cash back on all other purchases.

This rewards structure makes the card suitable for those who frequently shop at grocery stores, fill up at gas stations, and make AAA-related purchases.

Travel Purchases

When it comes to travel purchases, cardholders can earn cash back on a variety of categories, including:

  • 2% cash back on car rentals and air travel.
  • 1% cash back on other travel-related purchases, such as hotels and cruises.

These rewards rates make the AAA Member Rewards Visa card appealing to frequent travelers, especially those who rent cars and book airfare regularly.

AAA Purchases

The card offers a generous 3% cash back rate on eligible AAA purchases, such as:

  • AAA membership renewals
  • AAA travel agency bookings
  • Select AAA-branded merchandise

This feature makes the AAA Member Rewards Visa card an excellent choice for AAA members who want to maximize rewards on their AAA spending.

Fees and Penalties

Balance Transfer Fee

AAA Credit Card offers a balance transfer option, with an introductory 0% APR for the first 12 months. After this period, the ongoing balance transfer APR ranges from 13.74% to 23.74%. The balance transfer fee is 3% of the transferred amount or a minimum of $10, whichever is greater.

Cash Advance Fees

For cash advances, AAA Credit Card has a cash advance APR of 13.74% to 23.74%. The fee for cash advances is 5% of the total transaction or $10, whichever is greater.

Foreign Transaction Fees

Travelers can benefit from AAA Credit Card as it does not charge any foreign transaction fees. This makes the card suitable for international purchases and travel expenses.

Penalty Fees

The AAA Credit Card imposes penalty fees in certain situations, such as late payments or returned payments.

  • Late Payment Fee: A late payment fee of up to $40 may be charged if your payment is not received by the due date.
  • Returned Payment Fee: If a payment is returned, a returned payment fee of up to $29 may be applied.
  • Penalty APR: AAA Credit Card has a penalty APR of up to 30.49%. This higher interest rate may be imposed if you make a late payment or have a returned payment.

It’s crucial to stay on top of your payments and avoid any penalty fees to maintain a healthy credit history and maximize the benefits of your AAA Credit Card.

Benefits and Protection

Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver

The AAA credit card offers an Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver benefit. This means that if you rent a car using your AAA credit card, you can receive coverage for any damage that may occur. This can be quite beneficial and could potentially save you money on rental car insurance.

Statement Credits

One of the highlights of the AAA credit card is its statement credits feature. New cardholders can earn a $100 statement credit after spending a certain amount on their card within a specified time frame. This is a great way to offset the costs of your purchases and enjoy savings just by using your card.

Insurance and Help Services

The AAA credit card provides various insurance and help services, making it a valuable choice for those seeking added protection and peace of mind. Some of the insurance benefits include:

  • Free Credit Score: As a cardholder, you can access your credit score for free, helping you monitor and maintain good credit health.
  • Emergency Support: The card offers 24/7 emergency support, meaning you can rely on it during times of need.
  • Zero Fraud Liability: If your card is lost or stolen, you will not be held responsible for any unauthorized charges, thanks to the zero fraud liability policy.

In addition to the above benefits and protection features, the AAA credit card offers a range of rewards and cashback options on various categories such as travel, gas, groceries, and more. These features make the AAA credit card an attractive option for those who want both financial benefits and protection services.

AAA Membership and AAA Vouchers

AAA Membership Fee

AAA Membership comes with different levels and associated costs which vary depending on the chosen plan. In general, AAA offers three membership tiers: Classic, Plus, and Premier. The Classic plan typically starts around $56 per year, the Plus plan is around $91 per year, and the Premier plan can cost up to $119 per year. These fees grant members access to various benefits and discounts, including those on the AAA Member Rewards Visa® Credit Card.

Incremental Redemption Bonus

An incremental redemption bonus is a feature where cardholders can receive additional rewards for redeeming their points for certain items or services, such as AAA vouchers. AAA Member Rewards Visa® Credit Cardholders earn rewards at different rates depending on their spending categories:

  • 3X points on eligible AAA purchases and travel purchases
  • 2X points on gas, grocery, and drugstore purchases
  • 1X points on all other purchases

Cardholders can redeem their earned points for AAA vouchers or other redemption options like cashback, merchandise, gift cards, or travel rewards.

Credit Score and Eligibility

When considering applying for an AAA credit card, it is crucial to be aware of the credit score and eligibility requirements. This will help to ensure you have the best chances of being approved for the card.

Minimum Credit Score

The minimum credit score to qualify for an AAA credit card is generally considered to be good credit. This typically falls within the range of 670 to 739 on the FICO score scale. However, it is important to note that approval does not solely depend on your credit score, as other factors, like your income and credit history, will also be taken into consideration.

Recommended Credit Scores

To maximize your chances of being approved for an AAA credit card and receiving favorable terms, such as low APRs and higher credit limits, it’s best to aim for an excellent credit score. This generally falls within the range of 720 to 850 on the FICO score scale. With an excellent credit score, you are likely to benefit from a more competitive min APR and access to the full range of rewards and benefits offered by the AAA credit card.

It’s essential to keep in mind that meeting the minimum or recommended credit score ranges does not guarantee approval, as various other factors are considered during the application process. By maintaining a good credit score, coupled with a responsible credit history, you can increase your chances of obtaining an AAA credit card and enjoying its associated benefits.

Comparing to Other Credit Cards

The AAA Rewards Credit Card offers several benefits and features that set it apart from other credit cards in the market. However, when comparing it to other cards, it’s essential to consider the rates, fees, and rewards that each card offers.

One aspect where the AAA credit card shines is its lack of an annual fee. This can be a significant advantage for people looking for a low-maintenance cashback card. Many other cashback cards in the market may charge annual fees, so this offering from AAA can be a cost-effective option for potential cardholders.

The AAA Rewards Credit Card’s regular APR ranges from 13.99% to 22.99%, depending on your creditworthiness. When comparing this to other cards, consider your credit score, as it will impact the interest rate you receive. It is important to compare this rate to other cards within your desired credit score range (e.g., good/excellent, fair, or poor).

In terms of rewards, the AAA credit card offers a cashback program that may differ from other cards. While comparing, ensure you take a comprehensive look at the rewards structure and how it might align with your spending habits. For instance, the card may offer higher cashback rates on specific spending categories such as travel, gas, and dining.

Another feature worth noting is the card’s introductory offers, such as a 0% intro APR for balance transfers or purchases. These offers can provide short-term financial relief or help cardholders consolidate debt from other cards. Compare the duration and terms of these offers with other cards to determine which one suits your financial needs better.

In conclusion, when comparing the AAA Rewards Credit Card to other cards, consider factors like annual fees, regular APR, rewards structure, and any introductory offers. By carefully analyzing these factors, you can make an informed decision on which credit card is ideal for your financial situation.

Pros and Cons

The AAA Credit Card has several advantages that make it a popular choice among consumers. Firstly, it does not charge an annual fee, which allows cardholders to enjoy the benefits of the card without incurring any additional costs. This is particularly advantageous for those who may not use the card extensively but still wish to benefit from the rewards program.

Another significant advantage of the AAA Credit Card is the absence of foreign transaction fees. This feature makes the card an excellent option for frequent travelers who want to avoid the extra charges associated with using a credit card abroad.

Moreover, the card offers a generous signup bonus that can boost its value for new users. Coupled with travel accident coverage, the AAA Credit Card becomes an attractive option for frequent travelers who wish to protect themselves during their journeys.

On the downside, one of the main disadvantages of the AAA Credit Card is the expiration of rewards. Cardholders must be mindful of the expiration date to avoid losing any earned rewards. Additionally, there may be minimum redemption amounts in place, which could limit the flexibility of using the rewards for smaller purchases.

While the card has several appealing features, it also has some drawbacks that potential applicants should keep in mind. The overall suitability of the card will largely depend on individual preferences and spending habits.

Conclusion

The AAA Rewards Credit Card is an attractive cash back card offering a variety of rewards for cardholders. With no annual fee and a competitive rewards structure, this card is geared towards AAA members and frequent travelers who can take advantage of the rewards program.

The card offers a $100 statement credit when you spend $1,000 within the first 90 days of account opening. Cardholders can earn 5% cash back on grocery store purchases, 3% cash back on gas & electric vehicle-charging stations, wholesale clubs, streaming services, pharmacy, and AAA purchases.

As for the cardholder experience, Bank of America, the issuer of the AAA Rewards Credit Card, ranked fifth out of 11 national credit card issuers in J.D. Power’s 2020 U.S. Credit Card Satisfaction Study. This ranking indicates that, while there is room for improvement, the card offers a decent experience for its users.

In summary, the AAA Rewards Credit Card is a solid option for those who want a low-maintenance cashback card, especially for AAA members and individuals looking for rewards on travel purchases, groceries, gas, and more. It may not be suitable for all types of card users, but for those who fit its target demographic, it can provide valuable cash back and convenience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the credit score requirement?

The AAA credit card typically requires a good to excellent credit score. This means you’ll usually need a credit score of 680 or higher to qualify for the card.

Which bank issues the AAA card?

Bank of America issues the AAA Member Rewards Visa card.

Does the AAA card have an annual fee?

No, the AAA Member Rewards Visa card has no annual fee.

What rewards does AAA card offer?

The AAA credit card offers a cash back rewards program that focuses on travel purchases, gas, groceries, and more. The rewards are provided as points, which can be redeemed for cash back, AAA vouchers, statement credits, or other offers.

How to apply for AAA credit card?

You can apply for the AAA credit card by visiting the official AAA website or any AAA branch offices. Alternatively, you can apply through Bank of America‘s website or by visiting a Bank of America branch.

What are AAA card benefits?

Some of the benefits that come with the AAA card include:

  • 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within the first 60 days of account opening.
  • Cash back rewards for travel, gas, grocery, and other purchases.
  • Benefits like zero fraud liability, extended warranties, and travel accident insurance.
  • Access to the benefits from your AAA membership, such as roadside assistance and travel discounts.

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Mike Pearson


Mike is a recognized credit expert and founder of Credit Takeoff. His credit advice has been featured in Investopedia, CreditCards.com, Bankrate, Huffpost, The Simple Dollar, Reader's Digest, LendingTree, and Quickbooks. Read more.