The AARP Essential Rewards credit card offers features 3% rebates on gas and drug store purchases, 2% on medical expenses, and 1% on all other eligible items.
Introductory Sign-Up Bonus
Receive 10,000 point good for $100 cash back after charging $500 or more to the card within 90 days of account opening
Introductory Balance Transfer Offer
0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. A balance transfer fee of 3% (minimum $5) applies as an upfront fee.
Interest Rates
- Purchases – 0% for 25 days if statement balance is zero
- Purchases – 16.74% to 25.74% if statement balance is greater than zero
- Cash Advances – 24.99%
- Balance Transfers – 16.74% to 25.74% (if available)
Fees
- Annual Fee: $0
- Balance transfer: 3% ($5 min)
- Cash advance: 5% ($10 min)
- Foreign transaction: 3.0%
- Late payment: up to $15 or $35
- Returned payment: $35
Earn Rewards
- Three Member Reward points per dollar on eligible gas stations or restaurants
- Two Member Reward points per dollar on eligible medical expenses
- One Member Reward point per dollar on all other eligible purchases
Redeem Member Reward Points
- Minimum to redeem: 2,000 points
- As a statement credit or direct deposit checking or savings account
- Gift cards such Walmart, Amazon, and more
- Travel, including flight, hotels, cruises, etc.
Purchase Services
- Theft and accidental damage protection, including cell phones
- Return protection within 90 days of purchase
- Free extended warranties
Travel Benefits
- Roadside Assistance Hotline
- Car rental and damage insurance (excludes liability coverage)
- Global Assist Hotline (doesn’t pay for third-party costs)
- Travel accident insurance on common carriers
Security Features
- Fraud Protection
- Advanced secure chip technology
- Text alerts
Other Card Benefits
- Mobile banking
- Text and/or email alerts on purchases, balances, reminders, etc.
- Monthly summaries
Notes
Medical expenses eligible for bonus rewards include
- Dentists
- Orthodontists
- Osteopathic Physicians
- Chiropractors
- Optometrists
- Ophthalmologists
- Opticians
- Optical Goods & Eyeglasses
- Chiropodists
- Podiatrists
- Hospitals
- Medical and Dental Laboratories
- Hearing Aids
- Ambulance Services
- Orthopedic Goods
- Prosthetic Devices
- Nursing and Personal Care Facilities
- Medical Services & Health Practitioners not elsewhere classified (NEC)
- Doctors not elsewhere classified (NEC)
Though co-branded with the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), you don’t have to be over 55 or even a member for this credit card.
From March 22, 2021 to March 31, 2022, Barclays Bank Delaware (Barclays) will donate $10 for every newly approved AARP-branded credit card from a Barclays account that is used within the first 90 days of account opening and 1% of all eligible electronic and telecommunications purchases made with the card to AARP Foundation, in support of efforts to increase social connection. Total maximum donation by Barclays is $1 million annually.