What the AARP Barclays Credit Card offers
The AARP Barclays Credit Card is a rewards card marketed to AARP members. It offers cash back on purchases, no annual fee, and benefits designed for people 50 and older. The card is issued by Barclays Bank and requires AARP membership to open an account.
The rewards structure gives you cash back on everyday spending. The exact cash back rate depends on the purchase category — groceries, gas, and restaurants earn at one rate, while other purchases earn at a different rate. You can redeem cash back as a statement credit, a check, or a deposit to a bank account.
The card comes with fraud protection, purchase protection, and extended warranty coverage on may be able to access items. There is no foreign transaction fee if you use the card abroad. Like most credit cards, it charges interest on balances you carry month to month, and it reports your payment history to credit bureaus.
Key Takeaways
- You must be an AARP member to open this card, and membership requires you to be 50 or older.
- The card earns cash back on purchases in specific categories, with a lower rate on everything else.
- There is no annual fee, but you will pay interest on any balance you do not pay off in full each month.
- Barclays will review your credit history and score before deciding whether to issue the card.
- The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so on-time payments help your credit score and missed payments hurt it.
AARP membership requirement and how to verify it
You cannot open this card without active AARP membership. When you start the process, Barclays will ask for your AARP membership number. If you do not have one, you will need to join AARP first through their website or by phone at 1-888-687-2277.
AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. The membership fee is annual and varies depending on the membership tier you choose. Once you join, you receive a membership number when ready, either online or by mail depending on how you signed up.
During the card process, have your AARP membership number ready. Barclays will verify it before processing your process. If your membership has lapsed, you will need to renew it before you can proceed.
Credit requirements and what Barclays looks for
Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score for this card, but the company typically reviews your credit report and score as part of the decision. A higher credit score generally improves your chances of approval and may may have access to you for a better interest rate.
Barclays will look at your payment history, the amount of debt you currently carry, how long you have had credit accounts open, and how many recent credit inquiries appear on your report. If you have missed payments, high balances on other cards, or a short credit history, your process may be denied or approved with a higher interest rate.
You can check your own credit report for free once per year through annualcreditreport.com. Reviewing it before you explore lets you spot errors or recent missed payments that might affect the decision. If you find errors, you can dispute them with the credit bureau before explore.
How to start the process process
You can explore for the AARP Barclays Credit Card online through Barclays' website or through the AARP website. Both routes lead to the same process. You can also call Barclays directly to explore by phone.
The online process takes about 10 to 15 minutes. You will enter your personal information, income, employment status, and AARP membership number. Barclays will pull your credit report during this process, which creates a hard inquiry on your credit report.
After you submit the process, Barclays will send you a decision by mail or email, usually within one to two weeks. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days. If you are denied, the letter will explain the reason and tell you how to contact Barclays if you want to discuss it.
Cash back rates and how redemption works
The cash back structure rewards certain categories more than others. Groceries, gas, and restaurants earn a higher percentage back, while all other purchases earn a lower percentage. The exact rates change periodically, so check the current offer before you explore.
Cash back is earned automatically on every purchase you make with the card. You do not have to register categories or set up anything — the card tracks it for you. Your cash back balance appears on your monthly statement and in your online account.
You can redeem cash back three ways: as a statement credit that reduces your bill, as a check mailed to you, or as a direct deposit to your bank account. There is no minimum amount you must accumulate before you redeem, and cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open.
Interest rates, fees, and what happens if you carry a balance
The card has no annual fee. However, if you do not pay your full balance by the due date each month, Barclays charges interest on the remaining balance. The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates.
Barclays offers an introductory APR period on new purchases for a limited time after you open the account. After that period ends, the standard APR applies. The exact introductory terms appear in your approval paperwork and in your account online.
Late payments trigger a late fee and may raise your interest rate. Missing a payment by 30 days or more will be reported to credit bureaus and can significantly damage your credit score. If you cannot pay the full balance, paying at least the minimum due by the due date protects your credit history.
How the card affects your credit and what to monitor
Opening this card creates a hard inquiry on your credit report, which may lower your score slightly for a few months. Once the account is open, your credit score can improve or decline depending on how you use the card.
Paying your bill on time every month helps your credit score. Barclays reports your payment history to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. A long record of on-time payments demonstrates reliability to future lenders.
Carrying a high balance relative to your credit limit (called your utilization rate) can hurt your score, even if you pay on time. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your credit limit is generally better for your score. You can monitor your credit for free through many banks and credit card issuers, or through free services like Credit Karma.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be an AARP member before I explore?
Yes. You must have an active AARP membership number to complete the process. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP online or by phone before you explore for the card. Membership is open to anyone 50 or older.
What happens if my AARP membership expires?
Your card will continue to work, but Barclays may close the account if your membership lapses for an extended period. Renewing your AARP membership keeps your card active. Check your membership status on the AARP website or call their member services line.
Can I use this card if I have fair or poor credit?
Barclays does not publish a minimum credit score, so people with fair credit may be approved. However, approval is not certain, and if you are approved with lower credit, you may receive a higher interest rate. Checking your credit report before you explore gives you a sense of your likelihood.
How long does it take to receive the card after approval?
If you are approved, your card typically arrives within 7 to 10 business days by mail. You can set up it online or by phone as soon as it arrives. Some issuers offer temporary digital card numbers you can use when ready while you wait for the physical card.
What should I do if my process is denied?
The denial letter will explain the reason — usually credit score, income, or credit history. You can contact Barclays to discuss the decision. If you believe there is an error on your credit report, dispute it with the credit bureau. You can reapply after addressing the issue, though waiting a few months improves your chances.