AARP credit cards have gained popularity among consumers looking for valuable rewards and cash-back options without the burden of an annual fee. These co-branded cards cater to a wide range of individuals, offering noteworthy rewards and incentives in everyday spending categories. They’re not only useful for AARP members but also open to anyone interested in advantageous earning potential.

The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays, for instance, boasts an attractive welcome bonus and cash-back rewards on gas and drugstore purchases. With no annual fee and a variable APR that is comparatively reasonable, this card has become a preferred choice for those looking to maximize returns on everyday expenses.

By examining the diverse perks offered by AARP credit cards, prospective cardholders can make informed decisions about whether these financial products align with their spending habits and financial goals. This article provides a comprehensive review of AARP credit cards, highlighting their rewards structures, fees, and other relevant features an interested applicant should consider.

AARP Credit Card Basics

Chase AARP Card

The Chase AARPCard is a cash-back credit card that offers valuable rewards and benefits for AARP members. This card is designed to provide bonus rewards in everyday spending categories. The main benefits of the Chase AARP card include:

• No annual fee
• Earn cash back on various categories
• Easy-to-earn welcome bonus

The drawbacks of this card include a low everyday cash back rate and no introductory APR offer on purchases.

Barclays AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard

The Barclays AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard is another credit card option for AARP members. This card stands out with its rewards in unique healthcare spend categories. Key features of this card include:

• No annual fee
• Introductory APR period on balance transfers
• Reward points for healthcare spending

However, this card has a 3% foreign transaction fee along with a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 5% of the transfer amount.

Barclays AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard

The Barclays AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard is geared towards AARP members who want to earn rewards on their travel-related expenses. Some of the primary benefits of this card are:

• No annual fee
• Bonus rewards on travel-related spending
• Reward points for various categories

It is important to note that the Barclays AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard also has some drawbacks, such as no intro APR offer on purchases and a 3% foreign transaction fee.

Rewards and Benefits

Cash Back Rewards

The AARP Credit Card allows cardholders to earn cash back on their everyday purchases. The card offers 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 2% cash back at restaurants, including takeout and delivery services. All other purchases will reward you with 1% cash back. In this way, the AARP card covers essential categories that are valuable for most people.

Travel Rewards

While the AARP Credit Card’s primary focus is on cash back rewards, it does offer some benefits for travelers. Although it doesn’t have a specific rewards system for airfare, hotel stays, and car rentals, you may still redeem your cash back as a statement credit to offset some of your travel expenses.

Bonus Categories

The AARP Credit Card rewards its users with an attractive welcome bonus. New cardholders who spend $500 on purchases within the first 90 days of opening their account will receive a $100 cash back bonus. This bonus can be applied towards your account to reduce the balance or spent as cash-back.

The main advantage of this card is its bonus rewards for essential spending categories like gas, drug stores, and dining. This makes it suitable for everyday users who prioritize utility over luxury spending. The rewards rate and redemption options are quite competitive for a card with no annual fee, making it a great option for consumers looking to minimize their costs while still earning rewards on their everyday expenses.

Fees and Rates

Annual Fee

The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays comes with no annual fee. This makes it a cost-effective option for those seeking rewards on their everyday spending without the burden of added costs.

APRs

The APRs for the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard vary depending on your credit score. There are three ranges:

• 21.49% variable
• 25.49% variable
• 29.99% variable

Your actual APR will be determined after your credit history and other factors are taken into account.

Balance Transfer Fee

There is an introductory APR period on balance transfers for this card. During this time, you will receive an introductory 0% APR for 15 months. Once this period is over, the balance transfer APR will range between 21.49% and 30.49% variable.

When transferring a balance, you will incur a fee. The balance transfer fee is 5% of the transferred amount with a minimum fee of $5.

Foreign Transaction Fee

When using the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard for transactions made in a foreign country, you will be charged a foreign transaction fee of 3% of each transaction. Be mindful of this fee if you plan to travel or make online purchases from international vendors.

Eligibility and Application

Credit Score Requirements

To be eligible for the AARP Credit Card, applicants typically need to have a good to excellent credit score. This usually means a credit score range of about 670 to 850. It’s important to know that a higher score will likely increase the chances of approval, but there are no guarantees since other factors may also be considered, such as income and credit history.

Applying for the Card

Applying for the AARP Credit Card is a straightforward process. You can complete the application online by visiting the card issuer website. The information you’ll be asked to provide includes your:

• Personal details (name, address, contact details)
• Social Security number
• Employment and income data
• Housing expenses.

In addition to the standard application, some card issuers may offer a preapproval tool on their website. This allows you to input some basic information and check if you’re likely to qualify for the card without a hard inquiry on your credit report. Keep in mind that preapproval isn’t a guarantee you’ll be approved for the card – it simply indicates that your chances are higher.

Overall, it’s essential to consider your credit score, financial situation, and spending habits to determine if the AARP Credit Card is a suitable fit for you. Make sure to read all the terms and conditions before applying to ensure you understand the card’s features, benefits, and fees.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Cash back rewards: The AARP Credit Card offers 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and 1% cash back on all other purchases¹. This is a decent earning rate, especially for a card with no annual fee.
• Introductory offer: New cardholders can earn a $100 cash back bonus after spending $500 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening¹.
• 0% introductory APR: The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays offers a 0% introductory APR for the first fifteen billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to the account within 45 days². This can be helpful for those looking to pay off debt or finance a large purchase.
• No annual fee: This card comes with no annual fee, making it a low-cost option for those looking to maximize rewards.

Cons:

• Limited rewards categories: Although the 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases is a nice perk, the card’s rewards are limited, especially when compared to other cards that offer broader categories or higher earning rates.
• Interest rates: The ongoing APR for this card ranges from 16.24% to 22.99% Variable³. Although this is comparable to other cards, it may not be the best option for those who carry a balance, as the interest can quickly offset any rewards earned.
• Balance transfer fee: While the 0% introductory APR is a nice feature, the card does come with a balance transfer fee of either $5 or 3% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater³. This can add up if you’re transferring a large balance.
• Foreign transaction fee: The card charges a foreign transaction fee, which can make it less than ideal for frequent international travelers.

Using and Managing AARP Credit Card

Redeeming Rewards

The AARP Rewards Credit Card offers a competitive rewards rate, allowing cardholders to earn 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases, 2% back on medical expenses, and 1% back on all other purchases. Cardholders can also earn a $200 initial bonus after spending $1,000 in the first 90 days.

Rewards can be redeemed in several ways, including:

• Bank deposit to a U.S. checking or savings account
• Statement credit
• Gift cards
• AARP memberships
• Merchandise

In order to redeem your rewards, log in to your account and select the redemption method that best suits your needs.

Maximizing Rewards

To get the most out of your AARP Credit Card, consider the following tips:

• Focus on high-reward categories: Gas, drugstore, and medical expenses purchases have the highest rewards rate. Make the majority of your purchases in these categories to maximize cash back.
• Take advantage of the initial bonus offer: Spend at least $1,000 within the first 90 days to qualify for the $200 initial bonus. This is an easy way to boost your rewards balance.
• Use the card for everyday purchases: Use the AARP Credit Card for all your regular spending to accumulate rewards on every purchase.

Customer Service

AARP offers customer service support to its cardholders through various channels. If you have questions or concerns regarding your AARP Credit Card, consider the following options:

• Phone support: Call the customer service number provided on the back of your card or on your statement.
• Online support: Log in to your account and access the Help Center, which provides information on common questions and issues. You can also send a secure message to the customer service team.
• Mobile app: AARP offers a user-friendly mobile app, available for both iOS and Android devices, which allows cardholders to manage their account on the go.

With these options available, managing your AARP Credit Card and taking advantage of the rewards program is simple and efficient. By understanding how to redeem rewards, maximize rewards, and utilize customer service resources, you can effectively use your AARP Credit Card and enjoy the benefits it offers.

Alternatives and Comparisons

Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a good alternative to the AARP® Credit Card, especially for seniors who wish to maximize cash back rewards.

Like the AARP® Credit Card, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card offers a sign-up bonus. New cardholders can earn a $200 cash rewards bonus after spending $1,000 in purchases within the first three months of account opening.

While the AARP® Credit Card offers 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases (excluding Target and Walmart), the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card takes it a step further by offering a flat 2% cash back on all purchases. This makes it an appealing option for those who prioritize simplicity in their reward structure.

Furthermore, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card has no annual fee similar to the AARP® Credit Card, making it easy for seniors to maintain without added expenses.

However, one aspect where the AARP® Credit Card excels is its focus on giving back to the community through charity-based initiatives. A portion of each purchase made with the AARP® Credit Card supports donations to the AARP Foundation, which helps seniors address essential needs like affordable housing and income assistance.

While the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card doesn’t have a direct focus on charity, it does offer numerous benefits that may be more appealing to seniors seeking simplicity and high cash back rates.

In summary, the Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card is a strong alternative to the AARP® Credit Card for seniors who are less concerned about charity affiliations and more interested in earning a straightforward cash back rate on all purchases.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bank issues AARP card?

The AARP Credit Cards are issued by different banks depending on the card type. The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® is issued by Barclays, while the AARP® Rewards Credit Card is issued by Chase.

Credit score requirement?

To qualify for the AARP Credit Cards, you should generally have a good to excellent credit score. While there is no specific credit score requirement mentioned, a score of 670 or higher is recommended for a higher chance of approval.

AARP card for seniors?

Although AARP is an organization focused on advocating for the interests of people aged 50 and over, the AARP Credit Cards are not exclusively for seniors. The cards can be used by anyone who meets the credit score and other qualifying requirements.

Who owns AARP card?

The AARP Credit Cards are co-branded by AARP and the issuing banks – Barclays for the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® and Chase for the AARP® Rewards Credit Card.

AARP Travel Rewards benefits?

The AARP Credit Cards focus more on everyday rewards in categories such as gas, drug store purchases, and medical expenses. However, they do not have specific travel rewards benefits. For travel rewards, it is recommended to look into other travel-focused credit cards.

Customer service contact?

For the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard®, you can contact Barclays Card Services at 1-877-523-0478. For the AARP® Rewards Credit Card, you can reach Chase customer service at 1-800-283-1211. Alternatively, you may also contact AARP for general inquiries related to the credit cards at 1-800-424-3410.