American Eagle is a popular clothing brand with a loyal customer base that seeks both style and value. To further engage and reward their shoppers, American Eagle offers a credit card that provides various perks and benefits to cardholders. This article will provide an overview of the American Eagle Credit Card, discussing its key features, rewards, and potential alternatives.
The American Eagle Credit Card, issued by Synchrony Bank, offers a range of incentives for frequent shoppers. These include a 20% off discount on the cardholder’s first in-store or online purchase at ae.com or aerie.com, and the opportunity to earn points for every dollar spent at American Eagle and elsewhere. Cardholders receive 15 points per dollar spent on AEO purchases and 5 points per dollar spent at other locations where Visa is accepted.
It’s important for potential cardholders to carefully consider the benefits and drawbacks of this card, as well as any possible alternatives, in order to make an informed decision. This article will delve into the specifics of the American Eagle Credit Card’s rewards program, discuss any fees or APR associated with the card, and explore comparable options available from other retailers or financial institutions.
American Eagle Credit Card Overview
Card Types: Visa vs. Store Card
The American Eagle Credit Card is available in two variations:
- Visa Card: This version can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, allowing cardholders to earn rewards points on all purchases made, including those outside of American Eagle and Aerie stores.
- Store Card: This version is only accepted at American Eagle and Aerie stores, or for online purchases through their websites.
Both cards offer the same rewards structure, with 15 points earned per $1 spent at AEO/Aerie stores, and 2,500 points equivalent to a $10 reward. Additionally, cardholders are granted access to exclusive benefits like free standard shipping, a 20% off birthday coupon, and special cardholder events.
Acceptance and Usage
The American Eagle Visa Card offers a broader acceptance rate due to its affiliation with the Visa network. It can be used for everyday purchases and earns rewards points for spending both in AEO/Aerie stores and elsewhere.
In contrast, the Store Card can only be used in American Eagle and Aerie stores, and for online purchases through their websites. This card is ideal for frequent shoppers of these brands, as it still allows them to earn rewards points for AEO/Aerie purchases.
Issuer: Synchrony Bank
Both the American Eagle Visa Card and the Store Card are issued by Synchrony Bank. Cardholders can manage their accounts and rewards through Synchrony’s online platform. Synchrony Bank is known for issuing retail credit cards and providing financial services to a wide range of consumers. Their partnership with American Eagle ensures a seamless experience for cardholders when it comes to earning and redeeming rewards for their purchases.
Rewards and Benefits
Real Rewards Program
The American Eagle (AE) credit card allows card members to participate in the Real Rewards program. As a cardholder, you are automatically upgraded to Level 2 Real Rewards membership. This upgrade enables you to earn more points for your purchases and enjoy exclusive benefits.
Earning Points
With the American Eagle credit card, you can earn points at the following rates:
- 15 points per $1 spent at American Eagle and Aerie stores
- 5 points per dollar spent everywhere else Visa is accepted
- Cardholders who spend $350 a year at AE achieve Level 3, earning 20 points per $1 spent
Redeeming Points
Points earned through the American Eagle Rewards Program can be redeemed for rewards credits. For every 2,500 points earned, cardholders receive a $10 rewards credit. These credits can be used towards future purchases at AE or Aerie stores.
Exclusive Offers and Discounts
Aside from earning points, the American Eagle credit card also offers exclusive discounts and offers to cardholders, such as:
- 20% off on your first purchase in-store or online at ae.com or aerie.com
- A birthday coupon to celebrate your special day
- Free pair of jeans or bra for every five purchased
- Access to members-only sales and events
By taking advantage of the American Eagle credit card rewards and benefits, cardholders can enjoy significant discounts and savings on their AE and Aerie purchases.
Fees and Rates
Annual Fee
The American Eagle Credit Card does not have an annual fee. This makes it an attractive option for those who frequently shop at American Eagle or Aerie and would like to earn rewards without incurring any additional costs.
APR
The APR (Annual Percentage Rate) for the American Eagle Credit Card can vary depending on your credit score. Generally, it is considered to have a relatively high APR compared to other store credit cards. However, if you pay off your balance in full each month, you can avoid paying interest on your purchases.
Level 2 and 3 Rewards
The American Eagle Credit Card offers a tiered rewards program, which includes Level 2 and Level 3 rewards:
Level 2 Rewards:
- Earn 10 points per dollar spent at American Eagle and Aerie
- Receive a $10 reward for every 2,500 points
- Free standard shipping on all purchases
Level 3 Rewards:
- Earn 15 points per dollar spent at American Eagle and Aerie
- Receive a $10 reward for every 2,500 points
- Free standard shipping on all purchases
- Exclusive cardholder events and offers
Requirements for No Annual Fee
As mentioned earlier, the American Eagle Credit Card does not have an annual fee. In order to maintain this benefit, it is essential to maintain a good credit score and make timely payments on your account. By doing so, you can continue to enjoy the rewards and benefits of the card without incurring additional costs.
Application and Approval
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for an AEO credit card, applicants must fulfill the following eligibility criteria:
- At least 18 years old
- Have a Social Security Number or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
- Possess a physical U.S. address
A credit score in the fair to excellent range (mid-600s to 800+) may improve your chances of approval. However, meeting these criteria doesn’t guarantee approval, as factors such as income and existing credit history can impact the decision.
Impact on Credit Score
When you apply for an American Eagle credit card, a temporary hard inquiry will be made on your credit report. This may cause a slight drop in your credit score. However, if you are approved and make on-time payments, your credit score can improve over time. It’s crucial to maintain responsible credit usage to minimize any potential negative impact.
Approval Timeframe
The approval timeframe for the AEO credit card varies depending on individual circumstances. It can take anywhere from a few minutes for an instant decision to several business days for a more in-depth review. Credit limits for applicants with fair credit scores tend to be around $150, while those with good or excellent credit may receive higher limits.
Remember to provide accurate information on your application, as inaccuracies may cause delays in the approval process or even result in denial.
Additional Perks and Features
Sign-up Bonus
When applying for the American Eagle Outfitters credit card, new cardholders receive an attractive 20% discount on their first purchase. This discount acts as a sign-up bonus, incentivizing shoppers to become card members and benefit from extra savings on their favorite AEO items.
Customer Service
As an American Eagle credit cardholder, you can expect dedicated and helpful customer service. Cardmembers have access to a personalized shopping experience, ensuring they feel valued and supported in their AEO store visits or online shopping sessions.
Extra Savings
In addition to the rewards points earned by Real Rewards members, American Eagle Outfitters credit cardholders receive 15 points for every $1 spent at AEO stores. These reward points lead to $5 rewards that can be redeemed in-store or online, providing cardmembers with consistent savings opportunities.
Customer Loyalty Programs
As a cardmember, you will automatically be enrolled in the Real Rewards Membership program, earning Real Rewards points for your purchases. Some of the benefits you’ll enjoy include:
- Buy 5 jeans, get 1 free: A great perk for any denim enthusiast.
- Buy 5 bras, get 1 free: Aerie shoppers will appreciate this benefit, adding value to their lingerie purchases.
Free Shipping and Returns
Free standard shipping and returns are included for American Eagle Outfitters credit cardholders. This perk encourages online shopping and adds convenience for customers, allowing them to easily access AEO and Aerie products at their fingertips without incurring extra costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does the card build credit?
The American Eagle Credit Card, like other credit cards, can build credit when cardholders consistently make on-time payments and keep their balances low relative to their credit limits. Responsibly using this card, payment history will positively impact your credit score. However, the card’s impact on your credit will also depend on how you manage other debts or credit accounts.
What are the credit limits?
Credit limits on the American Eagle Credit Card may vary depending on the applicant’s creditworthiness, financial information, and income. Typically, the issuer assigns a credit limit after reviewing the application and considering other factors like credit history and debt-to-income ratio. It’s important to remember that responsible usage and timely payments can potentially lead to periodic credit limit increases.
Is it a hard inquiry?
Yes, applying for an American Eagle Credit Card typically results in a hard inquiry on your credit report. A hard inquiry can have a temporary, negative impact on your credit score but will eventually drop off over time.
Which bank issues it?
The American Eagle Credit Card is issued by Synchrony Bank, a large financial institution that issues various store-branded and co-branded credit cards.
Is it a good card?
The American Eagle Credit Card is a decent option for loyal customers who frequently shop at American Eagle or Aerie stores. Cardholders can earn points on eligible purchases, which can later be redeemed for rewards like discounts and exclusive offers. However, if you’re not a regular shopper at these stores or if you’re looking for a card with more versatile rewards, other general rewards or cashback credit cards may be better suited for your needs.
How does it work?
The American Eagle Credit Card rewards cardholders with points for eligible purchases made at American Eagle and Aerie stores. For each $1 spent, cardholders can receive 15 points. You can redeem the points for savings at American Eagle or Aerie stores, where 2,500 points equal a $10 reward. Additionally, cardholders may have access to exclusive sales, events, and special offers. Please note that the card can only be used at American Eagle and Aerie stores and cannot be utilized for purchases at other retailers.
