Barclays
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
Key Features
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| Intro APR | 0% introductory APR for the first 15 billing cycles following each balance transfer that posts to your account within 45 days of account opening. |
| Regular APR | The variable APR is 20.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. After that (and for balance transfers that do not post within 45 days of account opening) your APR will be 20.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. 29.99%. This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| Other Fees | Balance transfer fee Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. The minimum monthly interest charge will be $1.00. Balance transfer fee: 5% (min. $5). Cash advance fee: 5% (min. $10). Foreign transaction fee: 3%. |
| Network | Mastercard |
About this card
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is a niche card with some decent rewards in specific categories, but it's hampered by a high APR, foreign transaction fees, and the poor reputation of its issuer, Barclays. The 3% cash back on gas and drugstores is a definite strength, as is the lack of an annual fee. However, the high APR significantly detracts from the card's value, especially for those who carry a balance. Barclays' reputation for poor customer service is a major concern, potentially leading to a frustrating cardholder experience. While the card suits AARP members who spend heavily on gas and prescriptions, it's not a compelling option for the general public. Overall, the card is fair, with notable limitations, thus earning a rating of 2.6.
Pros & Cons
What's great
- No annual fee
- Intro APR period
- Generous sign-up bonus
- Cashback on purchases
Things to consider
- High regular APR
- Foreign transaction fees apply
- High balance transfer fee
- Limited rewards categories
What this card offers
Sign-up bonuses
- Earn a $100 Cash Back Bonus after spending $500 on purchases in the first 90 days of account opening.
Rewards
- Earn Unlimited 3% Cash Back on Gas and Drug Store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart).
- Earn Unlimited 2% Cash Back on eligible Medical expenses (like purchases at doctors, dentists, chiropractors, glasses, hearing aids and more).
- Earn Unlimited 1% Cash Back on all other purchases.
Other features
- Unlimited Rewards That Never Expire There’s no limit to the amount of rewards you can earn, and they’ll never expire as long as your account is open and in good standing.
- Flexible Redemption Options Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, AARP memberships, gift cards, and merchandise.
- $0 Fraud Liability Protection You’ll never be responsible for unauthorized charges made on your account.
- Low Intro Rate on Balance Transfers 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. After that, a variable APR will apply: 20.24% to 29.99%, based on your creditworthiness and other factors. There is a fee for balance transfers.
- Charitable Contribution Barclays will donate $10 to AARP Foundation for every new AARP-branded credit card account that's opened, plus 1% of all eligible electronic and telecommunications purchases made with the card, up to $1 million annually.
- Complimentary FICO® Credit Score Get complimentary online access to your FICO® Credit Score.
- Rewards can be redeemed for cash back, statement credits, AARP memberships, gift cards, and merchandise. AARP memberships can be redeemed for yourself or as a gift, starting at $16 in rewards.
Additional Notes
Offer subject to credit approval. This offer is available through this advertisement and may not be accessible elsewhere.