AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
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The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is a rewards card designed for those who spend a lot on medical expenses, as this is one of the few cards that offers cash back on medical purchases. On the other hand, there are a lot of cards that pay 2% cash back on everything, including medical expenses. You don’t need to be a member of AARP to apply for the card. However, Barclays donates 1% of all purchases to the AARP as well as $10 for every new account.
This card also earns elevated cash back on drugstore purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) and on gas. You get 0% introductory APR on purchases and balance transfers for the first 18 months. There aren’t many other benefits. We dive into the details and your approval odds in this AARP Rewards card review.
Our Rating
4.3/5.0
Welcome Offer
None
Annual Fee
$0
0% Intro on Purchases
18 months
Reward Rate
1% to 3% cash back
0% Intro on Balance Transfers
18 months
Editorial Review
Features & Benefits
| Security | EMV Chip Enabled, Zero Liability |
| Contactless Payments | Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay |
| Benefits | Free credit score access, 24/7 customer service |
| Travel Perks | None |
Rewards
Interest Rates & Fees
| Annual Fee | $0 |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of each transaction in U.S. dollars. |
| Regular APR | 21.99% to 29.99% (V) APR |
| Balance Transfers | 0% Intro APR for 18 months on balance transfers, then 21.99% to 29.99%(V) APR after that. |
| Balance Transfer Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater. |
| Purchases | 0% Intro APR for 18 months on purchases, then 21.99% to 29.99% (V) APR after that. |
What Credit Score Is Required to Get the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
The following credit score data are based on publicly available information we have collected from various forums. We have no way to confirm the accuracy of this data. In addition, keep in mind that credit card issuers use numerous factors in their underwriting process, and these factors can change at any time.
Lowest Approved Credit Score: 690
Average Approved Credit Score: 690
| App Status | Date | Credit Score | Bureau | Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Approved | 07/23/2022 | Not Provided | ||
| Denied | 06/04/2022 | TransUnion | ||
| Denied | 06/04/2022 | TransUnion | ||
| Denied | 06/04/2022 | Equifax |
Pros & Cons
- Welcome offer
- No annual fee
- up to 3% cash back
- High APR
- Foreign transaction fee
- Requires good credit
What Are the Best Alternatives?
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Rating
4.9
Rewards Range
2%
Annual Fee
$0
Alliant Cashback Visa® Signature Credit Card
Rating
4.7
Rewards Range
1.5% - 2.5% cash back
Annual Fee
$0
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Rating
4.9
Rewards Range
1.5% - 5%
Annual Fee
$0