Signing in to your AARP credit card account online

To log into your AARP credit card account, go to the cardholder portal run by your card issuer — usually Citi or Bank of America, depending on which AARP card you hold. You will need your card number and a password you created when you first set up online access. If you do not have an online account yet, you can create one on the same login page.

The login process takes about two minutes. You enter your card number, then your password, and the system sends you to your account dashboard where you can see your balance, recent charges, and payment options. If you have trouble remembering your password, both issuers offer a "Forgot Password" link on the login page that walks you through resetting it.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP credit cards are issued by Citi or Bank of America, and you log in through their separate cardholder portals, not through AARP's main website.
  • You need your card number and the password you created during account setup; if you do not have an online account, you can create one at the same login page.
  • Both Citi and Bank of America offer password reset options if you forget your login credentials.
  • Once logged in, you can view your balance, recent transactions, make payments, and update your account information.

Finding the correct login portal for your card issuer

AARP partners with two different banks to issue their credit cards, and each has its own login portal. If you have the AARP Essential Credit Card or the AARP Rewards Credit Card, your issuer is Citi. If you have the AARP Cash Rewards Visa Signature Card, your issuer is Bank of America.

You can find out which bank issued your card by looking at the back of your physical card — the issuer's name appears there. Once you know which bank it is, go to that bank's credit card login page. Citi's cardholder login is at creditcards.citi.com, and Bank of America's is at bankofamerica.com. Do not log in through AARP's main website, because AARP does not host the actual card accounts.

Creating an online account if you do not have one yet

If you received your AARP credit card in the mail but have not set up online access, you can create an account the first time you visit the issuer's login page. Click the link that says "Enroll" or "Create Account" — the exact wording depends on your issuer — and you will be asked to enter your card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth.

The system will verify this information against the card issuer's records. If the information matches, you will be asked to create a username and password. Choose a password that is at least eight characters long and includes a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Write it down somewhere safe, or use a password manager to store it. Once you complete this step, you can log in when ready.

Resetting a forgotten password

Both Citi and Bank of America offer straightforward password reset options on their login pages. On the Citi login page, look for the link that says "Forgot your password?" On the Bank of America login page, it says "Forgot login info?" Click whichever applies to you.

You will be asked to enter your card number and answer a security question you set up when you created your account, or to verify your identity using a code sent to your phone or email. Once you verify your identity, you can create a new password. The whole process usually takes five to ten minutes. If you cannot remember the security question answer, both issuers offer additional verification methods, such as calling their customer service line.

What to do if you cannot log in after multiple attempts

If you have entered your card number and password correctly multiple times and still cannot access your account, your account may be temporarily locked for security reasons. This usually happens after three to five failed login attempts. Wait at least 30 minutes before trying again, or contact your card issuer's customer service line directly.

Citi's customer service number is on the back of your card. Bank of America's is also on the back of your card. Have your card number and the last four digits of your Social Security number ready when you call. A representative can unlock your account, verify your identity, and help you reset your password over the phone if needed. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

Logging in on a mobile device

Both Citi and Bank of America have mobile apps you can read to your phone or tablet. Citi's app is called "Citi Mobile," and Bank of America's is called "Bank of America Mobile Banking." You can log in with the same username and password you use on the website, or you can set up biometric login using your fingerprint or face recognition.

The mobile app shows the same account information as the website — your balance, recent charges, and payment options — and many people find it faster for quick checks. You can also set up push notifications so the app alerts you when a charge posts to your account or when a payment is due. read the app from your phone's app store and log in with your existing credentials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I log into my AARP credit card account through AARP's website?

No. AARP does not host the actual card accounts. You must log in through your card issuer's website — Citi or Bank of America — depending on which AARP card you have. AARP's website may have links to the issuer's login page, but the actual account access happens on the bank's site.

What if I do not remember which bank issued my card?

Look at the back of your physical credit card. The issuer's name — either Citi or Bank of America — is printed there. You can also call the customer service number on the back of your card and ask which issuer it is. They will tell you in less than a minute.

Can I use the same password for both my AARP card and other accounts?

You can, but security experts recommend using a unique password for each financial account. If one password is compromised, all your accounts are at risk. Consider using a password manager to store different passwords for each account so you only have to remember one master password.

How long does it take to create an online account after I receive my card?

You can create an account when ready after your card arrives. The enrollment process takes about five minutes. You will need your card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number, and your date of birth. Once you complete enrollment, you can log in right away.

What should I do if my account has been locked?

Wait at least 30 minutes and try logging in again. If it remains locked, call your card issuer's customer service number on the back of your card. A representative can unlock your account and help you reset your password over the phone in about 10 to 15 minutes.