WalletHub Rating
3.5/5
AARP Rewards Credit Card has a rating of 3.5/5 according to our proprietary credit card rating system. This rating reflects how appealing AARP Rewards Credit Card's terms are compared to a pool of more than 1,500 credit card offers tracked by WalletHub. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is 'Earn Gas Rewards'. To break it down further, AARP Rewards Credit Card earned a score of 3.8/5 for Fees, 3.6/5 for Rewards, 3.4/5 for Cost, and 3.1/5 for User Reviews.Info about the AARP Rewards Credit Card has been collected by WalletHub to help consumers better compare cards. The financial institution did not provide the details.
WalletHub Rating Breakdown
User Reviews
3.1/5
246 reviewsRead and write reviews
Editor’s Review
4.6/5
John Kiernan, Credit Card EditorRead full review
Market Comparison
Market Comparison
3.4
The Market Comparison is a key component of the WalletHub Rating, as it measures how appealing the terms of a card are compared to a pool of over 1,500 credit card offers monitored by WalletHub. To ensure cards are evaluated for their most relevant purpose, we score each card across various cardholder needs and select the rating for the need with the highest score, which is “Earn Gas Rewards” for this card.
Fees
3.8
Rewards
3.6
Cost
3.4
Other Features
0.0
3.4/5
Compared against 1,500+ credit cards
KEY TERMS
Accepted Credit Scores
Accepted Credit Scores
Excellent Credit, Good Credit
Annual Fee
$0
APR on Purchases
21.99% - 29.99% (V)
Balance Transfer
0% intro APR for 15 months, 21.99% - 29.99% (V) APR after that
Balance Transfer Fee
Rewards
Earn a $100 Cash Back Bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days.
Earn 3% Cash Back on Gas and Drug Store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart); 2% Cash Back on Medical expenses; 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
There’s no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn. And they never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
Redeem rewards for an AARP membership for yourself or as a gift. Options start at $16 in rewards.
You can redeem rewards for cash back and more at BarclaysUS.com.
AARP Rewards Credit Card's Additional Info
0% Introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.
Barclays will donate $10 for every new account; and 1% of eligible purchases to AARP Foundation.
show more
Learn More
at Barclays Bank US' secure site
Editor's ReviewFact checked
Fact checked
John Kiernan, Managing Editor
July 16th, 2024
Fact Checked by Alina Comoreanu
Senior Researcher
AARP Rewards Credit Card Pros & Cons
No membership fees
0% intro APR on balance transfers
High rewards rate
$100 initial rewards bonus
No intro APR on purchases
Balance transfer fee
Foreign fee
Requires good/excellent credit
AARP Rewards Credit Card Review
4.6 / 5
- $100 initial bonus. All you have to do to earn $100 cash back is spend at least $500 within the first 90 days of opening your AARP Credit Card account. That’s only $167 a month for what amounts to 20% cash back.
- Solid rewards for gas and drugstores. You will earn 1% cash back on most purchases made with the Barclays AARP Visa Card, which is about the market average for a cash back credit card. So good but not great. The exceptions to this rule are gas and drugstore purchases, which earn 3% cash back and medical expenses, which earn 2% cash back. That means the more you spend in those two purchase categories, the more rewarding the AARP Credit Card will be.
- $0annual fee saves you money. One of the best things about the AARP Credit Card is the fact that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. That saves you $22.22 per year compared to the average credit card, according to WalletHub’s latest Credit Card Landscape Report. But if you can qualify for the AARP Mastercard, you’ll be able to get plenty of other credit cards with $0 annual fee. So your task should be to find the offer with either the best rewards or the longest 0% intro period, depending on whether you plan to pay your bill in full every month.
- Don’t mess with the regular rates. You need good or excellent credit to get approved, and the average credit cards for good and excellent credit charge 24.36% and 18.2%, respectively. That means you’re bound to overpay.
- Costly international travel companion. The AARP Card charges a 3% foreign-transaction fee, so it should not be used for international travel or purchases through merchants based abroad. There are plenty of no foreign fee credit cards for those purposes.
- Make sure your credit is good. The Barclays AARP Credit Card requires applicants to have at least good credit to get approved. So make sure to check your credit score for free on WalletHub before making up your mind.
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Compare The AARP Rewards Credit Card vs. Popular Alternatives
 AARP Rewards Credit Card |  Citi Double Cash® Card |  Capital One Quicksilver Cash Rewards Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
3.5WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 3.5 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Earn Gas Rewards." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.6 User Reviews 3.1 Market Comparison 3.4 fees: 3.8 rewards: 3.6 cost: 3.4 Other Features: 0.0 | 4.9WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.9 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Improve Credit by Paying in Full Each Month." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 5.0 User Reviews 3.4 Market Comparison 5.0 fees: 5.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 5.0 Other Features: 5.0 | 4.2WalletHub Rating WalletHub Rating 4.2 This card has been scored using WalletHub’s proprietary credit card rating system. We evaluated this card for various cardholder needs and picked the rating for the need with the highest score, which is "Finance New Purchases." A score of 5 is the best a card can receive, and the rating for the card may vary on different pages where it is compared to other cards for different needs. Editor’s Rating 4.4 User Reviews 3.6 Market Comparison 4.3 fees: 5.0 rewards: 5.0 cost: 4.3 APR: 3.8 |
annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 | annual fee$0 |
Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APRNot Offered | Purchase Intro APR0%for15 months |
transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 5% (min $5) | transfer intro apr0% for 18 months|Transfer Fee: 3% intro fee ($5 min) for each transfer in first 4 months, after that 5% ($5 min) for each transfer | transfer intro apr0% for 15 months|Transfer Fee: 3% for the first 15 months, 4% at a promo APR that Capital One may offer you at any other time |
Regular APR21.99% - 29.99% (V) | Regular APR19.24% - 29.24% (V) | Regular APR19.99% - 29.99% (V) |
rewards rate | rewards rate | rewards rate |
bonus offer | bonus offer | bonus offer |
Sponsored Apply Now | Sponsored Apply Now |
Questions & Answers
Can't find what you are looking for? Submit your question about AARP Rewards Credit Card to our community. Editorial and user-generated content is not provided, reviewed or endorsed by the issuer of this offer. Please keep in mind that it is not a financial institution’s responsibility to ensure all posts and questions are answered. In addition, WalletHub independently collected information for some of the cards on this page.
Most Popular
5
Upvotes
What rewards does the AARP Rewards Credit Card offer?
Reply
5
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The AARP Rewards Credit Card offers 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases, 2% on medical expenses and 1% on all other purchases. You can redeem your rewards for a bank deposit to a U.S. checking or savings account, statement credits, gift cards, AARP memberships, or merchandise.
How the Rewards Work for the AARP Rewards Credit Card
- Ongoing rewards: Get 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases, 2% on medical expenses and 1% on all other purchases.
- How to redeem: Log in to your online account and go to the "Rewards & Benefits Center".
- Redemption options: You can redeem rewards for a bank deposit to a U.S. checking or savings account, statement credits, gift cards, AARP memberships, or merchandise. Redemptions start at $25, with the exception of AARP memberships, which start at $16.
The rewards for the AARP Rewards Credit Card don't expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. That said, credit card rewards terms can change at any time. So, it's best to use your rewards frequently.
Upvotes
How do I apply for AARP Credit Card?
Reply
Maria Adams, Credit Cards Moderator
@m_adams
The easiest way to apply for the AARP Rewards Credit Card is online, and you can get to the online application by clicking the “phone” button on WalletHub or by going directly to Barclays's website. Alternatively, you can apply Learn More.
Keep in mind that the AARP Rewards Credit Card requires Good credit, which means you need a 700+ credit score for high approval odds. Also note that applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily hurt your...
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3
Upvotes
What is the AARP Credit Card bonus offer?
Reply
3
Jamie Thompson, WalletHub Analyst
@ExTaxMan
The AARP Credit Card does not offer initial bonus. However, cardholders can earn 3% bonus cash back on gas station and drugstore purchases, and 2% back on medical expenses 1% back on all other purchases).
You can redeem AARP Credit Card rewards for cash back, gift cards, merchandise and AARP membership dues, if applicable. However, you will need to earn at least $16 before you can redeem. AARP membership is not required in order...
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3
1
Upvote
How much is the AARP Rewards Card foreign transaction fee?
Reply
1
Mark Towers, WalletHub Credit Card Analyst
@MarkTowers
The AARP Rewards Credit Card foreign transaction fee is 3%.
Keep in mind that a foreign transaction fee is a surcharge that some credit cards add to transactions processed outside of the United States. The fee applies whether it's a purchase at a physical location in a foreign country or an online transaction through an internationally-based merchant.
If you want to make international purchases, you might want to check out our editors' latest picks for the best no foreign fee credit cards on...
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1
9
Upvotes
How do I sign up to see how many reward points I have?
Reply
9
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You can create an online account and access your rewards balance at: https://creditcards.chase.com/aarp/cardmember . Let us know if you run into any difficulties!
7
Upvotes
I also cannot get to rewards site, used to be very easy, what happened?
Reply
7
3
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Eileen, does this site work for you: https://www.chase.com/online/Credit-Cards/aarp-col-rewards-rtbl.htm?
4
Upvotes
I redeemed my reward points to be deposited to my Chase account but as of today it has not been done. How long will it to take for this transaction to be completed?
Reply
4
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
Such transactions should be processed immediately or by the next business day. If you are still waiting, we advise calling Chase's customer service at 800-283-1211. Please let us know if you have any other questions.
6
2
4
Upvotes
Is it good for transferring balances from other cards to this one?
Reply
4
2
4
Upvotes
How do I apply for this rewards card?
Reply
4
1
WalletHub
@WalletHub
You can apply for this card at https://www.aarpcreditcard.com/. Good luck!
3
Upvotes
What's the AARP Rewards Card payment address?
Reply
3
Evelyn Boros, Credit Cards Moderator
@evelyn_boros
The AARP Rewards Credit Card's payment address is:
Barclays
PO Box 13337
Philadelphia, PA 19101-3337
The payment address is the same for both the old (issued by Chase) and the new (issued by Barclays) AARP Rewards Credit Card.
Keep in mind, though, that mail payments take a long time to post, so make sure to send them well before your due date. This way, you can avoid being charged with late fees.
Alternatively, you can submit a...
show more
1
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AARP Rewards Credit Card Reviews
Share your insights and review for the AARP Rewards Credit Card
5
11%
4
15%
3
59%
2
9%
1
5%
3.1
246 reviews
246 reviews
What's Your Rating?
Most Recent
whuser16553920
@whuser16553920
5 Star Rating
I received the offer in the mail, it didn't state 'pre-approved" but, it stated I qualify for a special offer. I applied with a 692 TransUnion and 702 Equifax (Credit Karma) and was approved for $4,200 without a new inquiry on either. I haven't received the card or had any interaction with customer service yet. I gave 5 stars for the ease of applying and no inquiry. I'm 4.7 years post-bankruptcy.
Comment
Sharon P
@slprigge
1 Star Rating
I lost a good job in 2017 and ended up with an inferior credit rating. My score was in the mid-700s when I left. Most of my creditors had minimum amounts I needed to pay, so I guess nothing was better than something. Then came the late fees, for many months, and then "collections." I found that the AARP Barclays card works similarly towards destroying one's credit.
I have currently re-established some credit and have made no late payments for a couple of years. I was shocked to get a Barclays account with a $4,000 limit 13 months ago. A couple of months later, they reduced my limit by approximately $2,400 with no warning! I called to complain, so they reinstated the $4,000 limit. I have tried not to use my Barclays too often, paid on time, and always more than the minimum amount due. I have had this account for 13 months, and last week when I went online to pay my bill, they had lowered my limit by $2,350 without warning. As another review mentioned, I received my notification a week later! I keep close tabs on my accounts, so fortunately, I did not use it, avoiding some embarrassment.
Barclays' reasons for their decision were the same as their current actions caused! One of which was, "Balances too high compared to credit limits." My score went down immediately (due to their action) because suddenly I was using 92% of my Barclays limit, and my Barclays limit was decreased by $2,350. I find it interesting since losing my job in 2017, the huge part some creditors play in destroying the credit of a certain group of well-meaning customers, who have attempted to display honorable and sincere intentions. I will never understand but then, they have all the power don't they?
Comment
bcolasin
@bcolasin
1 Star Rating
The people that run the AARP Rewards Credit Card forget they are dealing with seniors. They decreased my credit limit the same day they generated a letter letting me know. I am not upset that they decreased my credit limit, their policy but they didn't bother to call or text or email or use the website's "New Message" option to let me know. They simply put a letter in the mail that took 9 days to receive. I was at a store buying food and was declined thinking I had $2600 left on this card. Rotten way to do business especially in a day and age when communicating is so easy and can be instantaneous. Paying off this card is my first priority and letting other seniors know the kind of business policies that Barclay / AARP practices is my second priority.
Comment
1
whuser75428814
@whuser75428814
1 Star Rating
Initially I was approved for $1300. I used the card off and on, always paying more than the minimum due. Paid it off before my vacation so I can use for airfare or hotel room, was almost max out . 1287.00 if I remember correctly. Paid next 2 months 150 each, more than the minimum. 3rd month paid it off completely. 2 months with a zero balance and they lower my limit to only 500 dollars. Between gas, lunch daily, and minimum expenses I charge 600 to700 a month. I can't use this card. Past year I have zero balance and all other cards increase my limits, today they cancel my card. I have never been late, never paid minimum, always more
That's on ally cards. No reason to cancel me or lower my limit. Honestly a week after they lowered my limit another card raised my limit from 1000 to 2000 and that's the one I use for my daily needs.
Comment
bksutton343
@bksutton343
1 Star Rating
Absolute disaster on the first day of the switch from Chase card to Barclay's. Followed the instructions and the new card is being rejected on three websites during sign up. Keeps telling me to check the account number, expiration date and CVV. I have been on hold to Barclay's customer service for over 1 hour and 20 minutes now. Filled out a complaint form on their website but have not received any answer. Also, cutting off our Chase AARP card three days before "activating" this one (HA! I'm still waiting on that...) Insert very mad face imoji here.
Comment
bhugg_2000
@bhugg_2000
It was a travesty. We finally got through today and another 1 1/2 wait. I bet there are a ton of cardholders left in the dark. I would love to know who thought this was a good idea.
Comment
bhugg_2000
@bhugg_2000
1 Star Rating
AARP decides to convert how many cardholders to MasterCard in one day. I know how this works, and its not an easy conversion. Just how many cardholders are being converted today? How many are senior citizens? How many can possibly understand this? My 95 yo mom got her little package with two cards in it. One is for her deceased husband. There is no way she could do this herself.
Did anyone even consider the target audience for this rollout? Did you ramp up customer service to answer phone calls? (Based on my hold time that would be a no).
I tried dialing the activate phone number and was disconnected twice. I tried to do it online but their system wouldn’t let me create a login. I dialed the customer service and have now been on hold for over two hours.
Common sense would tell you this was a bad idea. AARP is trying to spin it that MasterCard/Barclays is offering more benefits for the cardholders. Right. The only ones benefitting from this ridiculous conversion are Barclays, AARP and MasterCard.
Still waiting for a relationship manager…
Comment
Theresa Avery-Scigaj
@Tavery
3 Star Rating
I really liked the AARP chase card which I've had for 13 years. I was really upset to learn that everything is going to another card number at Barclays. There are many many automated payments and websites using the Chase card number which I now have to change. This is a royal pain. It goes to show the problem with using a co-branded card. The plan can change at any time and the consumer is stuck with making all of the adjustments. Considering this is an organization for seniors, this can be an effort for some. Or do they think seniors are so simple that they don't do automated transactions or buy online. The 3 star rating is a reflection of this change to the bank that the card is using. I give Chase 5 stars.
Comment
Robert Baskin
@robertb_100
1 Star Rating
Nothing but trouble. Seems there is a monthly late fee. I also just called to redeem my mothers "Rewards" points for her (I am POA) and Chase won't allow me to do so. We put her on Hospice about a month ago and I was going through her accounts to simplify the process (she only has a week or two left). She can;t request in writing as her motor skills are gone and she can't talk due to the effects of her pain meds. So, Chase owes a dying woman $100 and they won't give her what rightfully has earned. Stay away from those guys!!!
Comment
1
Ben White
@ben.white.56481
3 Star Rating
I do not like the international transaction fee. My other card does not charge a fee. I am traveling starting next week. I will use my other card whenever possible. You will loose money as a result.
Comment
2
2
Robinn Mcclain
@robinnm
What I really would like to know is,.Does AARP credit card go through Chase or is it a credit card of it's own? This is what I really want to know. I have seen so many AARP credit card applications, but none that are truly though AARP. Does anyone know if there is a real AARP credit card application of it's own. Please let me know. Thank You Robinn Mcclain
Comment
Alice Hafer
@alice.hafer.3
4 Star Rating
Chase has always had great customer services and their card security is pretty amazing, to the point where I have even been locked out of my own account (my own fault). But I knew that my money was safe. The only downsides are the steep international fees. I generally use the card for travel, which might not be the best way to use it, but when I withdraw any cash it costs $10 plus the 3% that adds up very quickly. Any payment in international currencies merits that 3% charge. But otherwise the no annual fee and the seemingly small late fees are a huge bonus. I've had my chase credit card for more than 5 years now and I don't really even consider going to another company because their service and helpfulness are invaluable. I suppose the only thing that could make it better would be a chase card with sky miles as a reward. That would be an ideal situation.
Comment
1
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