The Best Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees
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As you age and your needs change, you should reconsider your credit card. Finding and using the right credit card makes it easy to get rewarded for your purchases. And it’ll give you the spending power you need to save some serious cash.
In this article, we’ll review some of the best credit cards for seniors and retirees. If you’re retired, consider one of these to add to your wallet.
Overview: Best Credit Cards for Seniors and Retirees
Credit Card | Best For |
---|---|
The Platinum Card® from American Express | Frequent Travelers and Travel Perks |
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card | Occasional Travelers |
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays | AARP Memberships |
American Express Cash Magnet® Card | Doctors’ Visits, Pharmacies, and Drugstores |
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card | Identity Theft Protection |
Chase Freedom Unlimited® | Elevated Cash Back |
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card | Simple 2% Cash Back |
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express | Groceries |
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card | 0% Intro APR |
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card | Building your Nest Egg |
Best Credit Card for Seniors Who Like to Travel
For seniors who enjoy traveling often, finding a credit card that works for your lifestyle is important. You’ll want to find a travel credit card that provides you with perks that either simplify the process or help you save some money in the long run. Potential perks to look for with a travel rewards credit card are free checked luggage, upgrade options, and airport lounge access to make your travels more enjoyable. You’ll also want a credit card that allows you to collect miles you can use towards flights and hotels. That way, you’ll get rewarded for your spending.
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Our Rating: 4.5
The Platinum Card® from American Express
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points
Est. Value
Up to $1,600
Annual Fee
$695
APR
See Pay Over Time APR Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn up to 5x points on flights and hotels and 1x points on other purchases.
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 60,000 bonus points (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
Up to $750
Annual Fee
$95
APR
21.49%-28.49% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5x points on travel purchased through Chase Ultimate Rewards and on dining, online groceries (excluding Target, Walmart and wholesale clubs), and select streaming services. Earn 2x points on other travel and 1x points on other purchases.
Best Credit Card for AARP Memberships
It’s well-known that AARP’s mission is to empower many to choose how they live as they get older. The AARP provides access to many benefits that help you live your best life as you get older and move toward the next stage of life. A standard AARP membership costs about $16 per year and offers plenty of benefits, such as discounts on insurance, airfare, entertainment, cell phone plans… the list goes on.
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
Our Rating: 4.3
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
Welcome Offer
None (Terms Apply)
Est. Value
None
Annual Fee
$0
APR
21.99% to 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart), 2% on eligible medical expenses, and 1% on all other purchases.
Best Credit Card for Doctors’ Visits, Pharmacies, and Drugstores
If you find yourself with frequent doctor visits, you’ll want to think about how to pay for these expenses. Unfortunately, the fees associated with visiting your doctor and then paying for prescriptions can add up quickly. This means you may have to place some of these expenses on your credit card. In this case, we want to help you find a credit card you can rely on.
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Our Rating: 4.3
American Express Cash Magnet® Card
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
$200
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
19.24% to 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn 1.5% on all eligible purchases.
Best Credit Card for Protection from Identity Fraud
If security concerns you, find a credit card that protects you from identity fraud and any other potential issues. Nothing is worse than dealing with the repercussions of a stolen credit card or identity theft issues. As you get older, you don’t want to stress about the security of paying for items with your credit card.
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card
Welcome Offer
Earn 75,000 bonus miles
Est. Value
Up to $1,312.50
Annual Fee
$395
APR
19.99% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent
Rewards: Earn 10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, 5x miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel, and 2x miles on other purchases.
Best Credit Card for Cash Back
If you use your credit card for major purchases, consider tapping into cash back rewards to get some money back. Cash back credit cards are ideal for seniors who don’t carry a balance because you get a percentage back of the money you put on your credit card. So, if you decide to place all of your fixed expenses on your credit card and you pay your card off on time, you can benefit from getting some money back.
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Our Rating: 4.9
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
Welcome Offer
Earn an extra 1.5% on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year)
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
20.49% – 29.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Excellent, Good
Rewards: Earn 5% cash back on Chase travel after your first year or $20,000 spent. Earn 3% cash back on dining and drugstore purchases, and 1.5% cash back on other purchases.
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Our Rating: 4.9
Wells Fargo Active Cash® Card
Welcome Offer
Earn a $200 cash rewards bonus
Est. Value
$200
Annual Fee
$0
APR
20.24%, 25.24% or 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850
Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases.
Best Card for Groceries
For many of us, groceries are one of our largest expenses each month. The card below offers one of the highest cash back offers for U.S. supermarkets.
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Our Rating: 4.5
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
Welcome Offer (Terms Apply)
Earn a $250 statement credit
Est. Value
$250
Annual Fee
$0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
APR
19.24% – 29.99% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good, Excellent
Rewards: Earn 6% cash back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases (then 1%). 6% Cash Back on select U.S. streaming subscriptions. 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations and on transit. 1% cash back on other purchases. The cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or on Amazon.com at checkout.
Best for 0% Intro APR
Seniors often need to watch their budgets, and the last thing you want to do is pay tons of money in interest. If you need to make a major purchase, it helps to find a credit card with a long 0% introductory offer.
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Our Rating: 3.5
U.S. Bank Visa® Platinum Card
Welcome Offer
N/A
Est. Value
N/A
Annual Fee
$0
APR
18.74% – 29.74% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good 670 – 739
Rewards: This card doesn’t offer rewards. Instead, you can get one of the longest 0% intro APR offers available.
Best Credit Card for Building Your Nest Egg
Adding to your retirement account is a priority, but it’s easy to push to the side if you’re not paying attention. The card below makes it easier to fund your retirement account.
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card
Our Rating: 4.2
Fidelity® Rewards Visa Signature® Credit Card
Welcome Offer
None
Est. Value
None
Annual Fee
$0
APR
19.24% Variable
Credit Req’d
Good to Excellent 670 – 850, Excellent 740 – 850
Rewards: Earn unlimited 2% cash back on everyday spending.
How We Chose the Best Credit Cards for Seniors
We considered various factors when choosing the best cards for seniors. The main goal of a credit card is to help you maintain your financial wellness in your golden years while you take advantage of perks so that you can make the most of your time.
We looked for credit cards that reward you for spending and provide you with convenience. With time, the offers change, so we’re constantly updating this list with new perks you’ll enjoy.
We’re also aware that every situation is unique. So, we considered credit card options for all possible scenarios, regardless of whether you want to travel more or if you want a credit card for everyday spending.
Bottom Line
As you can see, there are plenty of great credit cards for retirees to choose from. Deciding what is most important to you will help you make the right choice for your needs.