AARP credit card review: Both card versions offer decent cash-back earning and no annual fee, but few benefits
31.07.2024 - 21:56
/ insider.com
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The information for the following product(s) has been collected independently by Business Insider: AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard®, Citi® Double Cash Card, AARP® Travel Rewards Mastercard®. The details for these products have not been reviewed or provided by the issuer.
AARP (formerly American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans who are aged 50 or older. You don't need to be over 50 to be a member — anyone of any age can join by enrolling on the AARP website and paying the membership fee (starting at $16 per year).
Members receive discounts on a wide variety of services from hotel stays to medical care, and get access to AARP resources that can help in almost any area of their lives.
Previously, Chase issued the AARP credit card, but it's no longer available to new applicants. Now, AARP offers two different credit cards through Barclays, both of which come with no annual fee. You do not have to become an AARP member to apply, but you can use your rewards to pay for your membership fee if you prefer.
Read more: Best rewards credit cards
Both of the AARP credit cards are cash-back credit cards — one is geared to people who spend a lot of money on travel, and the other is ideal for expenses that are a little closer to home.
Here's what to know if you're considering either of the Barclays AARP credit cards.
We're focused here on the rewards and perks that come with each card. These cards won't be worth it if you're paying interest or late fees. When using a credit card, it's important to pay your balance in full each month, make payments on time, and only spend what you can afford to pay.
$0
0% intro APR for the first 15 billing cycles after each balance transfer made within 45 days of account opening
20.99%, 24.99% or 29.99% variable
Good to excellent
If you spend a lot of money on medical expenses and prescription drugs, the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® could be up your alley. This card doesn't charge an annual fee, and you'll earn 3% back on gas stations and drugstore purchases (not including Walmart and Target), 2% back on medical expenses, and 1% back on everything else.
The card offers a $100 cash bonus when you spend $500 on purchases within 90 days of account opening. The rewards you can earn are unlimited, and they'll never expire as long as your account is open. You also get free access to your FICO credit score just for being a