AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
- Annual fee
- None
- Recommended credit
- Excellent
- Card network
- Mastercard
- Regular purchase APR
- 21.99%, 25.99% or 30.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate
At a glance
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is a versatile rewards credit card for seniors over the age of 50. The card offers up to 3% cash back on gas and drug store purchases and 2% back on most medical expenses – all for no annual fee.
Our review of the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is a top choice for seniors looking for a cash back credit card that provides rewards where they need them most.
How to Earn Rewards
With the Essential Rewards Card, cardholders earn 3% cash back on gas station and drug store purchases. Additionally, they earn 2% back on medical expenses. All other purchases earn 1% back. There is no limit to the amount of rewards earnable, and rewards never expire as long as the account is open and in good standing.
How to Redeem Rewards
Redeeming cash back with the AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays is simple. Cardholders can choose from options such as airfare, hotel stays, cash back, or even use their rewards to pay for their AARP membership dues.
0% Introductory APR Offer on Balance Transfers
New accounts enjoy a 0% introductory APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening. This makes the card a strong competitor in the market.
Special AARP Charitable Contributions
Barclays donates $10 to the AARP Foundation for every new account, plus 1% of eligible purchases to the foundation.
Other Card Features
Other features include no annual fee, Mastercard $0 Fraud Liability Protection, Mastercard ID Theft Protection, and Global Services emergency assistance access.
Should You Apply?
The AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays offers great value with its rewards structure, unique categories, and additional perks like the 0% intro APR offer. It is a quality option for AARP members looking for a new credit card.
Card features
Benefits as listed on the original card page. They can change; confirm details with the issuer.
- No annual fee
- 0% APR for 15 months on balance transfers
- Earn 3% back on gas station and drug store purchases
- Earn 2% back on medical expenses
Who this card may suit
- You are an AARP member
- You prefer cash back rewards over travel perks
- You have an existing credit card balance to pay down at a lower interest rate
- You do't want to pay an annual fee
Rates, fees and terms
| Annual Fee | None |
|---|---|
| Regular Purchase APR | 21.99%, 25.99% or 30.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Intro Balance Transfer APR | 0% for 15 months from account opening date |
| Balance Transfer APR | 21.99%, 25.99% or 30.99% variable based on creditworthiness and the Prime Rate |
| Balance Transfer Transaction Fee | Either $5 or 5% of the amount of each transfer, whichever is greater |
| Cash Advance APR | 31.49% variable based on the Prime Rate |
| Cash Advance Transaction Fee | Either $10 or 5% of the amount of each cash advance, whichever is greater |
| Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% of the transaction amount in U.S. dollars |
| Late Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $39 |
| Return Payment Penalty Fee | Up to $39 |
Confirm before you apply: rates, fees and offers change often. The figures above are the ones listed on the original card page, not a current quote from the issuer. APRs are typically variable, and the rate you receive depends on your creditworthiness. Recommended credit: Excellent Credit.
Apply Now for AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays (opens in a new tab)View issuer terms for AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays (opens in a new tab)
AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays
Apply Now for AARP® Essential Rewards Mastercard® from Barclays (opens in a new tab)You will leave this site for the issuer’s page. Confirm current terms there.
Similar cards
Chase Freedom Unlimited®
- INTRO OFFER: Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth…
- Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, our premier rewards program that lets you redeem rewards…
- Annual fee
- None
- Recommended credit
- Excellent / Good
- Intro APR
- 0% for 15 months from account opening date
Discover it® Chrome Gas & Restaurants
- 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 per quarter
- 1% cash back on all other purchases
- Annual fee
- None
- Recommended credit
- Excellent / Good
- Intro APR
- 0% for 15 months from date of account opening
Blue Cash Preferred® Card from American Express
- Earn a $300 statement credit after you spend $3,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- $0 intro annual fee for the first year, then $95.
- Annual fee
- $0 for the first year. Then $95
- Recommended credit
- Excellent / Good
- Intro APR
- 0% for 12 months from account opening date