Barclays AARP Essential Credit Card Review

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Full review

Barclays AARP Essential Credit Card

3% on gas and drugstores; no annual fee!

  • Welcome bonus: $100 (Spend $1,000 within 90 days after card activation)
  • Rewards: 3% on gas and drugstores; 2% on medical expenses, 1% on everything else
  • Redemption: Cash back
  • Annual fee: $0
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My Take

This is a newly launched co-branded card from Barclays and AARP (American Association of Retired Persons). It used to be the Chase AARP card, but the portfolio was later sold. At the moment, you can apply even if you are not a member of the association. Its main features are 3% cash back at gas stations and drugstores, plus 2% cash back on medical expenses, which fit seniors’ needs quite well. However, the 2% cash back is not especially compelling given the existence of Double Cash. I’d only consider this card if you really do not have better options to apply for.

How to Apply

Barclays Application Guide

  • Check Barclays credit card application status
  • Barclays credit card applications generally pull TransUnion (TU), and HPs on the same day can be combined
  • If you already have another Barclays card and your new application is not approved, there will usually be no hard pull
  • You can call the reconsideration line (866-408-4064) to speed up credit card approval or request another review of a denied application. They may verify your identity and address, ask why you want the card, and review your employment and repayment situation, so be prepared. You may need to move credit limit from an existing card to get approved.
  • More on applying for Barclays credit cards

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