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To apply for an AARP credit card account, you can visit the AARP website and click on the "Credit Cards" tab. This will take you to a page where you can select from a variety of credit card options.
AARP credit cards are issued by credit card companies such as Bank of America and Barclays, and are designed for AARP members who are 50 or older. You can choose from a range of rewards programs, including cash back, travel, and shopping discounts.
To manage your AARP credit card account, you can log in to your online account or call the customer service number on the back of your credit card. This will allow you to check your balance, make payments, and update your account information.
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Features and Benefits
The AARP Credit Card offers a 3% bonus cash back on gas station and drugstore purchases, and 2% back on medical expenses. You can also earn 1% back on all other purchases.
You can redeem your rewards for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, and AARP membership dues, if applicable. However, you'll need to earn at least $16 before you can redeem.
Here are the redemption options for the AARP Credit Card rewards:
- Cash back
- Gift cards
- Merchandise
- AARP membership dues
Redemptions start at $25, with the exception of AARP memberships, which start at $16.
What's the Offer?
The AARP Credit Card offers a unique rewards program that can help you save money on everyday purchases. You can earn 3% bonus cash back on gas station and drugstore purchases, and 2% back on medical expenses, with 1% back on all other purchases.
One of the standout features of the AARP Credit Card is that it doesn't require you to have an AARP membership to apply. You can still earn rewards and enjoy the benefits of the card without being a member.
To redeem your rewards, you'll need to earn at least $16, which can be redeemed for cash back, gift cards, merchandise, or even AARP membership dues, if applicable. The redemption options are flexible, giving you the freedom to choose how you want to use your rewards.
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Here are the redemption options for the AARP Credit Card rewards:
The rewards don't expire as long as your account is open and in good standing, so you can enjoy the benefits of the card without worrying about losing your rewards.
Foreign Transaction Fee
Foreign Transaction Fee is a surcharge that some credit cards add to transactions processed outside of the United States.
The AARP Rewards Credit Card foreign transaction fee is 3%. This fee applies to purchases made in foreign countries, both in-store and online, as well as online transactions through internationally-based merchants.
If you plan to make international purchases, you might want to consider a credit card with no foreign fee, such as one of the best no foreign fee credit cards recommended by our editors.
Security and Protections
As a cardholder, you can rest assured that your AARP credit card account has robust security measures in place to protect you from fraudulent transactions.
Consumers should receive the same federal protections for fraudulent transactions for credit cards, debit cards, and registered prepaid cards.
If you ever experience a suspicious transaction on your card, you can report it promptly and get it resolved. Federal regulators should ensure that fraud complaints are addressed adequately, including with respect to prepaid cards for government payments.
You can rely on your AARP credit card account to shield you from unauthorized transactions, giving you peace of mind with your financial transactions.
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Application and Account
Applying for an AARP Credit Card is a straightforward process that can be done online or by phone. You can get started by clicking the "Learn More" button on WalletHub or visiting Barclays's website directly.
To increase your chances of approval, you'll need a credit score of 700 or higher, which is considered good credit.
Applying for the card will trigger a hard inquiry, which may temporarily affect your credit score.
To log in to your AARP Credit Card account, visit the official AARP Barclays website and click the "Log in" link.
Background
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In the digital age, managing multiple applications and accounts has become a daunting task.
The concept of application and account management has been around for decades, with the first personal computers introduced in the 1970s.
A typical user has an average of 20-30 different accounts across various platforms, including social media, email, and online banking.
The proliferation of online services has led to an explosion in the number of digital identities, making it increasingly difficult to keep track of passwords and login credentials.
In 2019, a survey found that 61% of users reported using the same password across multiple accounts, highlighting the need for more secure password management practices.
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Balance Transfer
Balance Transfer can be a great way to save money on interest, but it's essential to understand the terms.
You'll get 0% intro APR for 15 months, which can be a huge relief on your wallet.
However, after that, the APR jumps to 20.99% - 29.99% (V) APR.
Be aware that a Balance Transfer Fee of 5% (min $5) will be applied to the transaction.
This fee might seem insignificant, but it can add up quickly.
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Warning Signs
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If you're dealing with the aftermath of a credit card issuer switch, keep an eye out for warning signs. Monitor your statements and rewards closely for several months to catch any mistakes.
Be aware that a switch in issuers can affect your credit scores, so it's essential to keep tabs on your credit. Paying attention to your credit card statements and credit scores will help you stay on top of things.
Some common warning signs to watch out for include:
- Unusual charges or fees on your statement
- Changes in your rewards or benefits
- Errors or discrepancies on your credit report
A switch in issuers should neither help nor hurt your credit scores in the long term, but it's not something you want to leave to chance.
How to Apply
To apply for the AARP Rewards Credit Card, you can start by going online, which is the easiest way to do so. Click the "Learn More" button on WalletHub or go directly to Barclays's website to begin the application process.
You can also apply by phone if you prefer. Just be aware that applying for the card triggers a hard inquiry, which may temporarily hurt your credit score.
To increase your chances of approval, you'll need to have good credit, which means a credit score of 700 or higher. This is a requirement for high approval odds.
Payment Address
To make a payment on your AARP Rewards Credit Card, you'll want to send it to the correct address. The AARP Rewards Credit Card's payment address is Barclays PO Box 13337 Philadelphia, PA 19101-3337.
This address is the same for both the old and new AARP Rewards Credit Card, issued by Chase and Barclays respectively. Make sure to send your payment well before your due date to avoid late fees.
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Master Online Account Login
To log in to your AARP Mastercard online account, you can visit the official AARP Barclays website and click the "Log in" link. This will give you 24/7 access to your account from any device, including laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone.
You can access your account by following these steps:
- Go to the official AARP Barclays website and click the “Log in” link.
Verifying your identity is also an option, where you can use a Security code from the back of your credit card to skip typing in your SSN, and instead, just enter your date of birth and security code.
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A Week of Complaints
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A wave of complaints flooded the Twitter accounts of Barclays and AARP in March 2021 after Barclays took over the co-branded AARP credit card portfolio from Chase.
Customers reported issues with activation, with some saying their Chase cards were deactivated before they received their new Barclays cards. This left some with no payment card.
Some customers endured hours-long hold times with customer service, with disconnections during those wait times. Barclays underestimated how many new customers would want to talk with a customer service agent and how long those calls would last.
Automated recurring payments charged to some customers' AARP credit cards didn't get made, resulting in late payments or cancellation of services for non-payment. Barclays was able to solve this problem soon after the switch.
AARP's name is on the credit cards, but the organization had little to do with the card changeover. AARP's spokesman apologized for the poor transition experienced by some cardholders.
The transition issues were not due to a widespread technology problem or outage, but rather a result of Barclays being ill-equipped to handle the volume of customer issues.
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Essential From Barclays
To log in to your AARP Barclays account, you'll need to visit their official website and click the "Log in" link. This will give you access to your account 24/7 from your laptop, computer, tablet, or smartphone.
Once you've set up online account access, you can manage your account from anywhere. The official AARP Barclays website is the place to start.
To access your account, simply go to the official AARP Barclays website and click the "Log in" link. You can also click on the "Log In" icon in the upper right corner of the homepage.
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays offers a range of benefits, including a rewards rate and intro offer. Here are the key details:
Frequently Asked Questions
What credit score do you need for an AARP credit card?
To qualify for an AARP credit card, you'll need a credit score of 700 or higher. Note that a good credit score is just one factor in the approval process.
How do I redeem my AARP credit card rewards?
To redeem your AARP credit card rewards, log into your AARP online account and browse available rewards. From there, you can view your points balance and select a reward to redeem.
Who finances the AARP credit card?
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard from Barclays is issued by Barclays, a leading global financial services company.
Sources
- https://policybook.aarp.org/policy-book/financial-services/credit-products-and-services/debit-credit-and-prepaid-cards
- https://wallethub.com/d/aarp-rewards-credit-card-106c
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/credit-cards/aarp-credit-card-holders-endure-bumpy-move-to-barclays-from-chase
- https://community.aarp.org/t5/Benefits-Discounts/Barclays-AARP-Master-Card/m-p/2431855
- https://myfin.us/blog/credit-cards/aarp-barclays-credit-card-login
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