AARP credit cards are issued by partner banks, not by AARP itself

AARP does not issue its own credit card. Instead, AARP has partnerships with banks like Chase and Bank of America that offer cards branded with the AARP name. When you use an AARP credit card, you are opening an account with the bank — Chase or Bank of America — and AARP receives a commission from that bank. This matters because your contract is with the bank, not with AARP, and the bank sets the interest rate, fees, and terms.

The most widely available AARP credit card is the AARP Essential Rewards Visa, issued by Chase. There is also an AARP Cash Rewards Visa through Bank of America. Both cards are marketed to AARP members, but you do not have to be an AARP member to open one — membership is not required, though AARP members may see different promotional offers.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP credit cards are issued by banks like Chase or Bank of America, not by AARP itself, so the bank sets your rate, fees, and terms.
  • You do not have to be an AARP member to open an AARP credit card, though members may see different introductory offers.
  • These cards typically offer cash back or rewards points, but the rate you receive depends on your credit score and credit history.
  • Compare the card's ongoing interest rate and annual fee against other cards in the same category before opening an account.
  • Your credit score will drop slightly when you open any new credit card because the bank will run a hard inquiry on your credit report.

How rewards work on AARP cards

The AARP Essential Rewards Visa through Chase offers cash back on purchases: typically 1% cash back on all purchases, with higher rates (2% to 3%) in certain categories like gas, groceries, or dining, depending on the specific card version. The AARP Cash Rewards card through Bank of America works similarly, offering cash back at different rates depending on where you spend.

Rewards are not information programs — they are a small percentage of what you spend returned to your account. If you carry a balance and pay interest, the interest you pay will almost always exceed the rewards you earn. Rewards only make financial sense if you pay your full balance every month. If you tend to carry a balance, the interest rate matters far more than the rewards rate.

Interest rates and annual fees

AARP credit cards typically have no annual fee, which is a genuine advantage over some competing rewards cards. However, the interest rate you receive is not set by AARP — it depends on your credit score, credit history, and the bank's current pricing. The bank will tell you the rate you may have access to for only after you submit your process and they pull your credit report.

If your credit score is below 670, you may not be approved, or you may receive a much higher interest rate than advertised. If you are approved, the rate you receive could range from around 16% to 25% or higher, depending on your creditworthiness. The advertised rate is the best rate the bank offers — most people receive a higher one. Check your credit score before you explore so you have a realistic sense of what rate to expect.

What happens when you open a new credit card

When you submit an process for an AARP credit card, the bank will run a hard inquiry on your credit report. This is a formal request to see your credit history, and it shows up on your credit report. A hard inquiry typically lowers your credit score by a few points — usually 5 to 10 points — and the impact fades over time. Multiple hard inquiries in a short period can lower your score more significantly.

If you are approved, the new account will also lower your average age of accounts (because it is brand new) and may lower your score further. Opening a new card makes sense if you have a specific reason — such as a 0% introductory period on purchases or a large sign-up bonus — but opening cards just to have them will cost you points on your credit score without a clear benefit.

AARP membership is not required

You do not need to be an AARP member to open an AARP-branded credit card. However, AARP members may see different promotional offers — for example, a higher sign-up bonus or a longer 0% introductory period. If you are not a member and you see an offer that interests you, it is worth checking whether AARP membership (which costs money) would pay for itself through a better card offer.

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership. If an AARP member offer includes a $100 sign-up bonus and a non-member offer includes a $50 bonus, the membership would pay for itself. But if the difference is smaller, you are better off opening the non-member version and keeping the $16.

How to compare AARP cards against other options

Before you open an AARP credit card, compare it against other cards in the same category. If you want a cash back card with no annual fee, search for "no annual fee cash back credit card" and look at what other banks offer. Compare three things: the cash back rate on everyday purchases, the cash back rate on categories you actually spend in, and the interest rate you would likely receive.

Use a credit card comparison site like NerdWallet, The Points Guy, or Bankrate to see side-by-side offers. These sites show you the advertised rates and rewards, but remember that the interest rate you actually receive will depend on your credit score. If your score is below 700, focus on cards that are known to approve people with fair credit — AARP cards are not specifically designed for that, so you may have better luck elsewhere.

What to do if you are denied

If your process is denied, the bank must send you a written notice explaining why. Common reasons include a credit score that is too low, too many recent hard inquiries, or too much existing debt relative to your income. You have the right to request a free copy of your credit report from each of the three credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) at annualcreditreport.com.

If you were denied because of your credit score, focus on paying down existing balances and making all payments on time for the next few months before you explore again. Each on-time payment improves your score, and paying down balances lowers your debt-to-income ratio. If you were denied because of too many recent inquiries, wait at least three months before explore for another card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to get an AARP credit card?

No. AARP membership is not required, and there is no age requirement to open an AARP-branded credit card. You must be at least 18 years old and a U.S. resident, but those are standard requirements for any credit card. AARP markets these cards to its members, but anyone can open one.

What is the difference between the AARP Essential Rewards card and the AARP Cash Rewards card?

The Essential Rewards card is issued by Chase and offers cash back at different rates depending on the version you choose. The Cash Rewards card is issued by Bank of America and has its own reward structure. Both have no annual fee. The best choice depends on where you spend most of your money and which bank's process process and customer service you prefer.

Can I use an AARP credit card to build credit?

Yes, if you use it responsibly. Opening a new card and making small purchases that you pay off in full each month will show lenders that you can manage credit. However, opening a card just to build credit is less effective than paying down existing debt and making all payments on time. If you have no credit history at all, a secured credit card (where you deposit money upfront) may be easier to get approved for.

What if I have a balance transfer offer on an AARP card?

Some AARP cards offer 0% interest on balance transfers for a set period — often 6 to 12 months. This can save you money if you have high-interest debt on another card and you can pay it off before the promotional period ends. However, balance transfer offers usually come with a fee (typically 3% to 5% of the amount transferred), so calculate whether the interest savings exceed the fee before you transfer.

Will opening an AARP credit card hurt my credit score?

Yes, but only slightly and temporarily. The hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points, and the new account will lower it a bit more because it reduces your average account age. The impact fades over time, and if you use the card responsibly and pay on time, your score will recover within a few months. The long-term benefit of a new account (more available credit and a longer payment history) usually outweighs the short-term dip.