The AAA Travel Advantage Visa is a co-branded card for AAA members that combines roadside information benefits with travel rewards

The AAA Travel Advantage Visa is issued by Bank of America and designed specifically for AAA members. It offers roadside information coverage as part of your membership, plus cash back rewards on purchases. Unlike a standard travel card, this one ties your credit benefits directly to your AAA membership status — if you let your membership lapse, some benefits change.

The card itself has no annual fee if you are an AAA member. The rewards structure is straightforward: you earn cash back on gas, groceries, and dining, with a lower rate on everything else. The roadside information is the same coverage you get with your AAA membership, so you are not paying twice for the same service.

Key Takeaways

  • The card requires active AAA membership and has no annual fee for members, but benefits and rewards rates change if your membership ends.
  • You earn higher cash back rates on gas, groceries, and dining purchases, with a lower rate on all other spending.
  • Roadside information is included through your AAA membership, not as a separate card benefit, so coverage limits and response times depend on your membership tier.
  • The card reports to all three credit bureaus, so responsible use can help build your credit history over time.

How the rewards structure works

The card earns cash back in categories, with the highest rates on the purchases most people make regularly. Gas stations, grocery stores, and restaurants earn a higher percentage than other purchases. The exact rates vary — Bank of America adjusts these periodically — so check your cardholder agreement or the bank's website for current numbers.

Cash back is not automatically redeemed. You accumulate it in your account and can redeem it as a statement credit, a deposit to a linked bank account, or sometimes as a check. There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can cash out even small balances. The cash back does not expire as long as your account remains open and in good standing.

Roadside information and what it actually covers

The roadside information attached to this card is your AAA membership benefit, not a separate card perk. That means the coverage you get depends on which AAA membership level you hold — Basic, Plus, or Premier. Basic members get towing up to a certain distance; Plus members get a longer tow; Premier members get the longest. All tiers cover lockouts, fuel delivery, and jump starts.

You call the same AAA number you would call with any membership card. The card itself does not set up the benefit — your membership does. If you cancel your AAA membership, the roadside information stops, even though you keep the credit card. This is a common point of confusion: the card and the membership are linked but separate.

Who should consider this card and who should not

This card makes sense if you are already an AAA member and spend regularly on gas, groceries, or dining. The cash back on those categories can add up over a year, especially if you fill up frequently or have a household that eats out often. The lack of an annual fee removes a barrier that stops many people from keeping a card active.

The card is less useful if you do not have an active AAA membership, because you would have to pay for membership separately to use the card's full benefits. It is also not the best choice if most of your spending falls outside the bonus categories — the cash back on other purchases is lower, and you would be better served by a flat-rate rewards card.

How to open an account and what documents you need

You explore directly through Bank of America's website or by phone. You will need your Social Security number, current address, and employment information. The bank will check your credit report, so your credit score affects whether you are approved and what credit limit you receive.

You must provide proof of active AAA membership during or shortly after the process. If you are not currently a member, you can join AAA first, then explore for the card. Some AAA clubs offer discounted membership rates, so check with your local chapter before paying full price.

Credit reporting and how this card affects your credit

Bank of America reports your account activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — all three major credit bureaus. That means your payment history, credit utilization, and account age all factor into your credit score. Paying on time every month helps your score; missing payments or carrying a high balance hurts it.

The card's credit limit counts toward your total available credit, which affects your utilization ratio. If you have a $5,000 limit and carry a $2,500 balance, you are using 50 percent of your available credit. Keeping utilization below 30 percent is generally better for your score. Closing the account later would reduce your total available credit, so think carefully before canceling if you have other balances.

Comparing this card to other travel and cash back options

The AAA card competes with general cash back cards like the Chase Freedom Unlimited and the Capital One SavorOne, as well as other co-branded cards. The main difference is the roadside information tie-in and the membership requirement. If you value roadside coverage and are already paying for AAA, the card adds rewards at no extra cost. If you are not an AAA member, a standalone cash back card might be simpler.

Some cards offer higher cash back rates in specific categories, but they often charge an annual fee. The AAA card's advantage is the zero annual fee for members. The trade-off is that the bonus rates are moderate, not exceptional. Run the math on your own spending: if you spend $3,000 a year on gas and groceries, the difference between a 3 percent card and a 2 percent card is only $30 — not enough to justify paying an annual fee elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens to my card if I cancel my AAA membership?

The credit card itself stays open and usable, but you lose the roadside information benefit. The rewards structure may change — Bank of America may adjust rates or terms for non-members. Contact the bank to confirm your new terms if you let your membership lapse.

Can I use this card if I am not an AAA member yet?

You must be an active AAA member to open the card. You can join AAA first, then explore. Some AAA clubs offer discounts on membership, so check locally before signing up online.

How long does it take to get approved and receive the card?

Approval decisions usually come within minutes to a few business days. Once approved, the physical card ships within 7 to 10 business days. You can often use a temporary card number when ready for online purchases while you wait for the physical card.

Does the cash back expire if I do not redeem it?

No, cash back does not expire as long as your account is open and in good standing. You can let it accumulate and redeem it whenever you choose, or redeem small amounts frequently — there is no minimum.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Bank of America does not publish a specific minimum score, but the card is generally easier to get approved for than premium travel cards. Most approvals go to people with fair credit or better. If you are denied, you can ask the bank why and reapply after addressing the issue.