Review
Barclays AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® Review: Solid rewards on everyday spending
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays offers a straightforward way to earn cash back on gas, prescriptions, and medical expenses. But with a high APR and foreign transaction fees, is it the right card for you?
| Annual Fee | $0.00 |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Rewards Rate | 1%-3% Cash Back |
| Sign-up Bonus | $100 Cash Back Bonus |
| 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%. |
Overview
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
Benefits
Drawbacks
Decision Guidance
Summary
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...