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AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard Review: Is It Worth It?
What Is the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard?
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard is a credit card issued by Barclays Bank Delaware in partnership with AARP. This rewards credit card is designed specifically for AARP members, offering cash back on everyday purchases with a focus on categories that matter most to seniors, such as gas, drugstore purchases, and medical expenses.
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AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard Pros & Cons
Pros:
- No annual fee
- 2% cash back on eligible medical expenses
- 3% foreign transaction fees
- 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases (excluding Target and Walmart)
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- $100 cash back bonus after spending $500 in the first 90 days
- AARP membership not required to apply
Cons:
- High variable APR for purchases and balance transfers
- Limited redemption options for rewards
- High balance transfer fee
Who Is the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard For?
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard is ideal for:
- AARP members: While membership isn't required, AARP members can maximize the card's benefits and support the organization's mission.
- Seniors with regular medical expenses: The 3% cash back on eligible medical expenses can provide significant savings for those with frequent healthcare costs.
- Frequent gas and drugstore shoppers: The 3% cash back in these categories can add up quickly for regular buyers.
- Those who prefer simplicity: With no annual fee and straightforward cash back rewards, this card is easy to understand and use.
- Travelers: The lack of foreign transaction fees makes this card suitable for international use.
Comparing the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard With Other Credit Cards
When considering the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard, it's helpful to compare it with other popular options in the cashback credit card category:
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 5% on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3% on dining and drugstores, 1.5% on all other purchases
- Standout feature: Flexible redemption options including cash back, travel, and gift cards
Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Sign-up bonus: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% on dining, entertainment, popular streaming services, and grocery stores
- Standout feature: No foreign transaction fees
Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (rates & fees):
- Annual fee: $0
- Welcome offer: Cash bonus after meeting spending requirements
- Key rewards: 3% at U.S. supermarkets (up to $6,000 per year), 2% at U.S. gas stations and select U.S. department stores. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout
Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more. Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions, and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by Amex Assurance Company.
Each card offers unique benefits tailored to different spending habits and preferences. Consider your personal financial goals when choosing the best card for you.
Key Takeaways:
- AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard excels in offering cash back on everyday purchases
- Chase Freedom Unlimited® offers diverse category bonuses
- Capital One Savor Cash Rewards Credit Card rewards dining and entertainment spending
- Blue Cash Everyday® provides strong rewards on everyday purchases
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Consider Using Kudos
While the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard offers solid benefits, savvy shoppers might want to consider using Kudos, a free AI-powered browser extension, to maximize their credit card rewards even further. Kudos works alongside your existing credit cards to ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase, potentially increasing your rewards earnings.
With Kudos, you can:
- Get personalized credit card recommendations for each purchase
- Access rewards from over 15,000 stores
- Multiply your rewards up to 5X during exclusive "Flash Boost" events
- Discover new credit cards that align with your spending habits
If you're looking to get more out of your credit cards, Kudos is the best free shopping app to use when you shop online. And, they're currently offering $20 back after your first eligible purchase — just sign-up for free with code "GET20" and make a purchase at a Boost merchant.
Our Expert Takeaway
The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard is a solid choice for seniors who frequently spend on gas, drugstore purchases, and medical expenses. Its no-annual-fee structure and straightforward rewards program make it an attractive option for those who value simplicity in their financial products.
However, the high variable APR and lack of introductory offers might make it less appealing for those looking to finance large purchases or transfer balances. Additionally, while the 3% cash back on select categories is competitive, other cards on the market offer higher overall cash back rates or more diverse bonus categories.
Ultimately, the decision to apply for the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard should depend on your spending habits and whether the card's bonus categories align with where you spend most frequently. If you're an AARP member or someone who spends significantly on medical expenses, this card could provide substantial value.
For those looking to maximize their rewards across all spending categories, consider pairing the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard with a flat-rate cash back card or using a tool like Kudos to ensure you're always using the best card for each purchase.
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AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard FAQ
Do I need to be an AARP member to apply for this card?
No, AARP membership is not required to apply for the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard. However, members may find additional value in supporting the organization through their card usage.
What counts as an eligible medical expense for the 3% cash back?
Eligible medical expenses typically include purchases at medical facilities, dental offices, medical and dental laboratories, and medical equipment stores. However, it's best to check with Barclays for a complete list of qualifying merchants.
Is there a cap on the amount of cash back I can earn?
There is no cap on the total amount of cash back you can earn with this card. You'll continue to earn 3% on eligible categories and 1% on all other purchases without limit.
How can I redeem my cash back rewards?
Cash back can be redeemed as a statement credit or direct deposit into a U.S. checking or savings account. The minimum redemption amount is $25.
Does this card offer any travel benefits?
While the card doesn't offer specific travel rewards, it does come with no foreign transaction fees, making it a good option for international travel. It also includes standard Mastercard benefits like travel accident insurance and auto rental collision damage waiver.
Remember, while the AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard offers valuable benefits for certain spending categories, it's always a good idea to compare multiple cards and consider using tools like Kudos to ensure you're maximizing your rewards across all your purchases.
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Editorial Disclosure: Opinions expressed here are those of Kudos alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
