The American Eagle Credit Cards — Are They Worth Signing Up For?

Described as an “American jeans brand rooted in authenticity and self-expression,” American Eagle Outfitters has long been a shopping mall staple with their on-trend clothing marketed to young adults and college students alike.

Recently, they’ve been advertising a more “retro/vintage” style, continuing to focus on bringing you the perfect pair of jeans (in tons of styles, colors, and fits), plus an array of high-quality basic wardrobe staples like soft tees, comfy sweaters, and loungewear.

But do they offer the same commitment with their store-branded credit card? Is it the perfect, high-quality card for your wallet?

We’ll aim to answer that question in this in-depth review. Read on for more information on the AEO cards’ benefits, drawbacks, fees, application process, and more, in addition to a breakdown of alternative credit cards that you may want to consider.

The American Eagle Outfitters Cards at a Glance

As you can see, American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) has 2 credit cards: the AEO Connected^® Credit Card and the AEO Connected^® Visa^® Credit Card, both issued by Synchrony Bank.

The main benefits are largely the same, except the Visa distinction allows that version of the card to be used anywhere Visa is accepted (and cardholders earn bonus points for doing so).

These are the same credit cards utilized by Aerie, AEO’s intimate apparel sub-brand.

Upon approval for either of these cards, users will automatically be enrolled in the AEO Connected Rewards Program when they provide a unique email address. This program is how you will earn your benefit points.

AEO Connected^® Credit Card

This is the most basic card offered by American Eagle; it can only be used at AEO, AEO Factory Stores, AE.com, Aerie, and aerie.com.

The AEO Connected^® Credit Card comes with the following benefits:

🦅 15 points per $1 spent at AEO/Aerie stores 
🛍 2,500 points = $10 reward
📦 Free standard shipping
🎁 20% off birthday coupon
👖 Buy 5 jeans, get 1 free
💁🏻 Buy 5 bras, get 1 free
📆 Personal shopping day coupon
🎟 6 cardholder events each year
⭐️ Sign-up bonus

The perks aren’t too complicated, but let’s break them down anyway.

🦅 15 points per $1 spent at AEO/Aerie stores: You must use your AEO credit card to receive this benefit. If you pay with another form of payment, you won’t receive the points. Also of note, points are awarded after discounts, taxes, and fees, and they exclude gift card purchases. 

🛍 2,500 points = $10 reward: This is pretty self-explanatory, but a few more details are listed below in the in-depth rewards program section. 

📦 Free standard shipping: Cardholders will receive free standard shipping on all purchases made at AE.com and aerie.com when using your AEO credit card. This includes any purchases made through the AEO | Aerie mobile app. 

🎁 20% off birthday coupon: This coupon is typically distributed around the first day of your birthday month. Alternatively, you can access your coupon online or via the mobile app. Birthday coupons will only be issued if your AEO credit card account is active and in good standing. 

👖 Buy 5 jeans, get 1 free: The nice part about this benefit is that the buy 5 get 1 free does not mean you have to buy 5 pairs in a single purchase. Your jeans purchases are tracked in your account over time, and once you have purchased 5 pairs you’ll get a coupon for a free pair.

These purchases do exclude clearance and third-party jeans, and of course, it doesn’t apply to all other denim items, (such as jackets, skirts, shorts, and shirts).

Your jeans credits (meaning your number of jeans purchases) never expire as long as your account is active, but your free jeans coupon will have a clearly marked expiration date — so don’t miss out!

💁🏻 Buy 5 bras, get 1 free: This is similar to the buy 5 get 1 jeans offer. Over time your bra purchases are logged, and once you buy 5, you get a coupon for 1 free bra. This perk also excludes clearance and third-party bras. 

Again, your bra credits (meaning your number of bra purchases) never expire as long as your account is active, but your free bra coupon will have an expiration date.

📆 Personal shopping day coupon: We cannot find anything in AEO’s FAQ or Rewards Program Terms and Conditions that elaborates on this “Personal Shopping Day Coupon.”

When we contacted American Eagle’s customer service via email, they responded with the following:

“The Personal Shopping Day Coupon is a special one-time discount to use any day of the year. This means that it is valid for the whole year, and you can use it on any one day that you choose to use it.” 

🎟 6 cardholder events each year: This perk also lacks explanation in the FAQs and terms, but we can assume these “events” are a set of days that include special sales for cardholders. 

⭐️ Sign-up bonus: At the time of writing this piece, the current sign-up bonus included with these credit cards is 20% off your first AEO Connected credit card purchase. The 20% off cannot be combined with any other discounts or offers. 

AEO Connected^® Visa^® Credit Card

The AEO Connected^® Visa^® Credit Card is virtually the same as the regular AEO Connected^® card, but it can be utilized anywhere Visa is accepted.

Being a Visa card, this also opens up the opportunity for cash advances and the ability to utilize the card internationally — although you’ll have some hefty foreign transaction fees (but more on that later).

Let’s talk added perks. All of the following benefits apply to this card:

🦅 15 points per $1 spent at AEO/Aerie stores 
🛍 2,500 points = $10 reward
📦 Free standard shipping
🎁 20% off birthday coupon
👖 Buy 5 jeans, get 1 free
💁🏻 Buy 5 bras, get 1 free
📆 Personal shopping day coupon
🎟 6 cardholder events each year
⭐️ Sign-up bonus

PLUS:
🙌 Flexibility to use anywhere Visa is accepted
🔥 5 points per $1 spent on all other Visa purchases (outside of AEO/Aerie)

Most of these benefits have already been explained above, but let’s discuss the final 2:

🙌 Flexibility to use anywhere Visa is accepted: This is a standard Visa card, so it can be utilized anywhere Visa is accepted, increasing your opportunities to utilize the card. 

🔥 5 points per $1 spent on all other Visa purchases (outside of AEO/Aerie): This is a pretty hefty points bonus; most other store-branded cards only offer 1 extra point per purchase outside of their family of stores. 

Fees & Drawbacks

All credit cards come with their own set of fees and drawbacks, and the AEO cards are no different.

Let’s take a look at the fees first.

Fees

While there’s no annual fee, which is a big positive to some individuals, there are definitely other fees you should be considering when you take a look at a credit card’s terms and conditions.

What you’ll immediately notice is the hefty purchase APR. At 28.24% variable, you’ll get into trouble very quickly if you carry any type of balance on this card! Here are some of the best credit cards with no interest for up to 15 months if that’s a financial benefit that’s important to you.

You’ll also notice the late payment is up there at $38. While this is pretty average for a card of this caliber, you don’t want to get into a habit of making late payments.

If you have the Visa version of the card, you’ll also be taking a look at the cash advance APR and fee — although in our opinion you should never utilize your credit card for a cash advance unless you’re in a serious emergency.

There’s also a foreign transaction fee, but if you’re going to be traveling a lot, there are lots of cards that don’t charge when making purchases abroad.

The best way to avoid these pesky fees? Be a responsible cardholder and pay off off your balance on time each month.

Additional Drawbacks

In addition to fees and penalties, there are always other drawbacks of any credit card.

When talking about the AEO store-branded cards specifically, if you can’t get approved for the Visa version you’re stuck with a pretty inflexible card that can only be used at the AEO family of stores.

Similarly, the reward coupons you receive can only be redeemed at the AEO family of stores, which is also limiting unless you’re a die-hard AEO shopper.

Here are a few other reasons this card may not be for you, even if you can get approved for the Visa version:

• You want to earn travel rewards
• You want to earn cash-back
• You want to earn points (and often bonus points!) on everyday spending categories like groceries, gas, and dining
• You want a card with 0% APR
• You travel a lot and need a card you can use internationally, with no foreign transaction fees

Alternative Rewards Cards (Our Recommendations)

As these cards are effectively earning cash-back, we will assume that’s the main area of interest here!

The primary issue with American Eagle credit cards is that you can only use your rewards in-store, so unless you shop there a LOT we’d recommend the following cash-back cards instead, especially as they come with generous welcome bonus offers and 0% intro APR deals.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Freedom Unlimited^®

This all-purpose cash-back card offers great bonus categories, including bonus points for every purchase you make!

Welcome Offer

Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening.

$200

Annual Fee

$0

APR

0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Freedom Unlimited^® is easily one of the best cash-back credit cards on the market. There aren’t many no-annual-fee credit cards that offer multiple great bonus categories like 5% back on travel purchased through Chase, 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% back on all other purchases.

When paired with other Chase cards in the Ultimate Rewards family, you can transfer that cash back into points if you wish – making it one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5% back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠
• 3% back on dining and drugstore purchases
• 1.5% back on all other purchases

Cons

• 3% foreign transaction fee

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Intro Offer: Earn a $200 Bonus after you spend $500 on purchases in your first 3 months from account opening
• Enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards for cash back, travel, gift cards and more; 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 1.5% on all other purchases.
• No minimum to redeem for cash back. You can choose to receive a statement credit or direct deposit into most U.S. checking and savings accounts. Cash Back rewards do not expire as long as your account is open!
• Enjoy 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• No annual fee – You won't have to pay an annual fee for all the great features that come with your Freedom Unlimited^® card
• Keep tabs on your credit health, Chase Credit Journey helps you monitor your credit with free access to your latest score, alerts, and more.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 0% Intro APR for 15 months from account opening on purchases and balance transfers, then a variable APR of 18.74% - 28.24%.
• Foreign Transaction Fees: 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

If you’re an avid traveler (or are simply looking to travel more for less out of pocket), consider the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card, which is an excellent travel rewards card.

The welcome bonus is worth $750 when redeemed for travel expenses (flights, hotels, etc.) through Chase’s travel portal.

With this card, you’ll earn 1pt/$1 spent at American Eagle stores as well as anywhere else you make purchases with your card. In addition, all dining and travel purchases will be rewarded with 2 points per $1 spent.

NEW OFFER

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Apply Now(at Chase's secure site)

Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card

A fantastic travel card with a great welcome offer, good benefits, and perks for a moderate annual fee.

Welcome Offer

Earn 60,000 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.

60,000 75,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

$1,500

Annual Fee

$95

APR

19.74% - 27.99% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points credit ranges are a variation of FICO^® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

The Chase Sapphire Preferred^® card is one of the best travel rewards cards on the market. Its bonus categories include travel, dining, online grocery purchases, and streaming services, which gives you the opportunity to earn lots of bonus points on these purchases.

Additionally, it offers flexible point redemption options, no foreign transaction fees, and excellent travel insurance coverage including primary car rental insurance. With benefits like these, it’s easy to see why this card is an excellent choice for any traveler.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 5x points on all travel booked via the Chase Travel portal
• 3x points on dining purchases, online grocery purchases, and select streaming services
• 2x points on all other travel worldwide

Cons

• $95 annual fee
• No elite benefits like airport lounge access or hotel elite status

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 75,000 bonus points after you spend $5,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening.
• Enjoy benefits such as 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases
• Earn up to $50 in statement credits each account anniversary year for hotel stays through Chase Travel℠
• 10% anniversary points boost - each account anniversary you'll earn bonus points equal to 10% of your total purchases made the previous year.
• Count on Trip Cancellation/Interruption Insurance, Auto Rental Collision Damage Waiver, Lost Luggage Insurance and more.
• Complimentary DashPass which unlocks $0 delivery fees & lower service fees for a min. of one year when you activate by 12/31/27. Plus, a $10 promo each month on non-restaurant orders.
• Member FDIC

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.74% - 27.99% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Chase Ultimate Rewards

(See what you can do with just the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card welcome bonus offer.)

AEO Connected Rewards Program – In Depth

Let’s take a look at the AEO Connected rewards program in a bit more detail where it concerns AEO cardholders.

Earning Points

As mentioned a number of times already, all cardholders regardless of card type earn 15 points per $1 spent within the AEO family of stores.

As a reminder, that’s:

• American Eagle Outfitters
• AEO Factory Stores
• AE.com
• Aerie
• aerie.com

Hot Tip: Basic rewards members (non-cardholders) only earn 10 points per $1 spent. 

Terms and conditions state that points cannot be earned on gift card purchases or charitable items.

If you are an AEO Visa cardholder, you’ll also earn 5 points per $1 spent on all other Visa purchases outside the AEO family of stores.

Your AEO points will not expire as long as your account is active. This means having made at least 1 qualifying purchase with your card within a rolling 375 day period.

How Rewards Are Issued

Once shoppers accumulates 2,500 points, they receive a $10 off coupon.

We won’t bore you with the math, but essentially this is how things shake out:

• AEO basic cardholders can only use the card at the AE family of stores (15 points per $1), effectively earning themselves 6% store cash when they shop.
• AEO Visa cardholders also earn 6% store cash when they shop at AE, but earn 2% store cash on all other Visa purchases.

When it comes to the “buy 5 get 1” offers, once a shopper purchases 5 pairs of jeans or 5 bras, the free item reward is issued.

Rewards are sent out via email and text, or cardholders can access their rewards via the AEO | Aerie Mobile app.

AEO’s reward program terms and conditions state that members typically receive a reward within 15-21 days after they have reached the reward threshold.

Hot Tip: If you’re an AEO basic cardholder, you would have to spend $166.67 to receive your $10 reward.  If you’re a Visa cardholder, this value will vary based on the ratio of AE purchases to basic Visa purchases that you make. 

Using Your Rewards

All rewards are eligible to be redeemed at American Eagle stores, AEO factory stores, Aerie stores, AE.com, and aerie.com.

The $10 off rewards can in fact be stacked with other sales and discounts — meaning you can use it on regular, marked down, or clearance items.

However, this $10 reward is not available for use on third-party, Tailgate, Todd Snyder, or Don’t Ask Why merchandise; nor can it be used on gift cards or charitable items.

If you are shopping in-store, simply show the reward email or text at the register. If you’re shopping online, you can log into your account initially so your rewards are automatically visible at checkout.

Online shoppers can also enter the promo code (located on the reward) at checkout.

Hot Tip: The entirety of the $10 reward must be used in one purchase. If a shopper prefers to use the reward on a total that is less than $10, the remaining amount will be forfeited. 

Some other exclusions may apply, so be sure to see the details on your reward — don’t forget to check it’s expiration date!

Managing Your Rewards

AEO Rewards members can manage their rewards account and access a snapshot of their current points status either online or via the free AEO | Aerie mobile app (Apple, Android).

It’s important to note here that app-based management is for the rewards program only. Your AEO credit cards cannot currently be managed via the mobile app. 

A Note on “Extra Access” Members

The AEO Rewards program also includes a tiered status for customers that reach a certain spending threshold on their AEO credit or visa cards. If any shopper spends $350+ on their card in a calendar year, they graduate to “Extra Access” status.

This status allows members to receive a $15 off reward for every 2,500 points they earn. This is in contrast to the $10 off awarded at the base membership level.

You still have to spend the same amount of money to reach your reward; you simply receive more money back when you do so.

Here’s the basic earnings breakdown if you reach Extra Access:

• Extra Access AEO basic cardholders can still only use the card at the AE family of stores (15 points per $1), effectively earning themselves 9% store cash when they shop.
• Extra Access AEO Visa cardholders also earn 9% store cash when they shop at AE, but earn 3% store cash on all other Visa purchases.

Applying for the AEO Connected Cards

Prospective cardholders can apply for an AEO credit card in-store or online.

When applying for an AEO credit card, there is only 1 application for both cards. Applicants are initially considered for the Visa version of the card — if they do not qualify, they are then considered for the basic version of the card.

Approval is based on creditworthiness and is at the sole discretion of the financial institution. While neither AEO nor Synchrony bank discloses a minimum score needed to qualify for these cards, most credit card review sites state a “good” credit score is needed to qualify for the Visa version and a “fair” score is needed for the basic version.

However, this is not a hard and fast rule — we’ve seen reports of individuals being approved with credit that is slightly lower than these thresholds.

Login & Online Account Management

Synchrony Bank’s AEO-branded online account management platform is pretty standard.

If a cardholder has not created an account yet, they will first need to “register.” Once registered, they can simply sign in with their user ID and password.

Within the platform, users can perform the following:

• Activate their AEO card
• View account activity
• Check their statements
• Sign up for paperless statements
• Make a payment
• Add authorized users
• and more…

Final Thoughts

American Eagle shoppers may be tempted by the AEO credit cards due to their perks and benefits. To be fair, if you reach AE’s top tier membership status and shop there a lot, you could be earning some pretty decent rewards back.

However, unless you’re a die-hard American Eagle or Aerie shopper, there are likely better credit cards out there for you.

The APR on these AEO cards is pretty high at 27.74% variable, especially when you add any additional penalties and fees. If you don’t qualify for the Visa version, you’re stuck only being able to use the card at the AE family of stores.

Like with other store-branded credit cards, the rewards are inflexible — you can only use them within the AE family…and they have expiration dates!

Essentially, if you’re looking for a card that offers a flexible earnings strategy (maybe even one that earns bonuses on everyday spending categories), flexible redemption options, or even travel perks, this is not the card for you.

However, if you’ve already got one of these “old trusty” cards in your wallet and you really love to shop at American Eagle, it may not be a bad addition to your stack.