Great Card If
- You’re an AARP member.
- You want to earn rewards on your travel and dining expenses.
Don’t Get If
- You want a card that earns transferable rewards and offers higher potential redemption value.
- You want a card that offers travel perks.
AARP Travel Rewards Card: Is It Worth It?
If you’re an AARP member who wants to earn rewards on travel expenses and dining without paying an annual fee, then the AARP Travel Rewards card could be good for you.
While the card is light on travel benefits and protections, it offers a straightforward way to earn more rewards during your travels.
AARP Travel Rewards Card Top Benefits and Perks
Here are the perks you receive with the AARP Travel Rewards card:
- No annual fee: Keep your card in your wallet long term without paying an annual fee.
- No foreign transaction fees: Use your card on international trips to pay without a foreign transaction fee.
- 0% APR offer: Take advantage of a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening.
Best Ways To Earn and Redeem Your Rewards
Use your AARP Travel Rewards card for everyday purchases, especially on those that fall within the bonus categories of 3% cash-back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals, 2% cash-back on dining, and 1% cash-back on all other purchases.
Since you’re earning cash back, your redemption values are straightforward. You can redeem your rewards for cash-back, statement credits, AARP memberships, gift cards, and merchandise with no redemption minimum. And your rewards never expire.
Alternative Cards to the AARP Travel Rewards Card
If you’re willing to pay an annual fee for stronger rewards and benefits, the Capital One Venture card is great. It earns 5 miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, and an uncapped 2x miles on all other purchases.
You also receive benefits like an up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit, a $50 experience credit, and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection, no foreign transaction fees, and access to the Capital One transfer partners, which can provide far more value than the typical 1 cent per mile.
For those who want a no-annual-fee card that still offers access to travel transfer partners, the Wells Fargo Autograph card is a top choice.
You earn 3 points per $1 spent in 6 different bonus categories, including restaurants, travel, gas stations, transit, popular streaming services, and phone plans, which covers many of your biggest expenses, plus 1 point per $1 on all other purchases.
Despite having a $0 annual fee (rates & fees), it still offers benefits like cell phone protection, a car rental collision damage waiver, and, of course, access to all Wells Fargo transfer partners.
