AARP Essential Rewards credit card

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.