The AAA Member Rewards Visa is offered by the Automobile Association of American (AAA) through its financial partner, Bank of America. Designed for AAA members with decent credit, it is widely known for its reward system.
Benefits
Marketed as a travel credit card, it offers a lot of the same benefits as others of its kind, including purchase replacement and 24-hour customer service. Mobile banking also allows you to conduct transactions, such as bill payment and fund transfers, directly from your cell phone. Other account information, including the available balance, can be retrieved quickly by sending a text message.
Generous Rewards
Cardholders have the opportunity to quickly accumulate a large amount of points by using their AAA Member Rewards Visa.
The card offers the following point system:
- Triple points on all AAA purchases
- Double points on gas, grocery and drugstore purchases
- One point per dollar spent on all other purchases
Each point is equivalent to one cent. A reviewer from Card Hub noted, "there are lots of choices for using your reward points, and they are easy to cash in," for the items listed below:
- 2,500 or more points for merchandise
- 5,000 or more points for cash and AAA rewards
- 15,000 or more points for airline tickets
Flexible Rebate System
There is no limit to the amount of points that you can accumulate. In addition, the points are valid for up to five years, giving you an ample amount of time to earn enough points to potentially book your next family vacation without incurring any major expenses. Reviewers on truefin pointed out that the travel perks definitely enabled them to save a substantial amount on travel products and stretch their budgets on family vacations.
No Annual Fee
Considering the generous reward system, this is a significant but rare benefit. Most travel rewards credit cards come with a hefty fee in exchange for the perks they offer. However, the benefits outweigh the costs in many cases, especially if the points are redeemable for items that you use frequently. The AAA Members Rewards Visa enables you to enjoy the best of both worlds since you can earn points that can be exchanged for various items without ever paying an annual fee.
Drawbacks
As with any credit card, there are drawbacks that you should consider before committing.
Limited Availability
This card is only available to active members and is not offered in every state. In addition, some locations do not allow cardholders to accumulate triple points on qualifying purchases.
Unimpressive Introductory Rewards
The signing bonus for opening an account is only worth 2,500 points, which is the equivalent of $25. This offer is minimal compared to similar credit cards on the market.
Although the introductory APR on balance transfers is 2.99%, the transaction fee is 4%. This makes the card an unfavorable option if you want to transfer existing balances to your new credit card.
Poor Customer Service
Some reviewers from truefin do not recommend this credit card. Some mentioned that the customer service representatives were extremely unhelpful when billing discrepancies arose. The cardholders were not given credit for remitting payments, and the billing department did nothing to assist them. As a result, credit card statement issues were left unresolved.
Is the AAA Member Rewards Visa Right for You?
Given the extensive amount of points available, members who prefer and frequently purchase travel products through AAA clubs instead of using other travel agencies should definitely consider this credit card. These products include airfare, car rentals, lodging, cruise fare and travel tours. It is also perfect if you are searching for a simple rewards program.
However, there are more competitive products elsewhere that offer better introductory bonuses and more generous rewards. This may make the annual fee that accompanies other travel credit cards worth it.
Of course, it's always important to read the terms and conditions before you decide if the AAA Member Rewards Visa is right for you.
How to Apply
You can apply for the AAA Member Rewards Visa by:
- Completing an online application
- Calling 1-866-665-3582
- Visiting your local AAA office
- Responding to a credit card offer by mail
If you apply online, it is possible to receive a decision in 60 seconds or less. Upon approval, you should receive your new credit card by mail in seven to ten business days.
