Barclays AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard

Quick Snapshot

• Annual Fee: $0
• APR: 20.49%–29.99% variable
• Rewards: 3% on travel, 2% on dining, 1% everywhere else
• Bonus: $100 cash back after $500 spend in 90 days
• Best For: Frequent travelers, retirees, AARP members (but membership not required)
• Credit Needed: Good to Excellent (690+)

Overview

The AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard from Barclays is a straightforward travel cash back card that delivers strong earning rates on travel and dining without charging an annual fee. Despite the AARP branding, you don't need to be an AARP member or of a specific age to apply—this card is available to anyone who qualifies, making it an attractive option for travelers of all ages who want simple, valuable rewards.

What sets this card apart is its generous earning structure: 3% cash back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals, plus 2% on restaurant purchases. For travelers who spend significantly on flights and accommodations, this no annual fee card competes with many premium travel cards that charge $95+ annually. The flexibility to redeem rewards for cash back, statement credits, AARP memberships, gift cards, or merchandise provides versatility that pure airline or hotel cards can't match.

The $100 cash back bonus after just $500 in spending within 90 days makes this one of the easiest welcome bonuses to earn, while the extended 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers adds debt consolidation value. Plus, Barclays donates $10 for every newly approved AARP-branded card account used within 90 days, contributing to AARP Foundation without any cost to cardholders.

APR Breakdown

• Purchase APR: 20.49%–29.99% variable
• Balance Transfer APR: 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers made within 45 days of account opening, then 20.49%–29.99% variable
• Cash Advance APR: 29.99% variable
• Penalty APR: None specified
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater

Note: The 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers is one of the longest promotional periods available, making this card valuable for debt consolidation while earning travel rewards.

Benefits Overview

Travel Earning Benefits

• 3% cash back on airfare purchases
• 3% cash back on hotel accommodations
• 3% cash back on car rental purchases
• 2% cash back on restaurant purchases (includes takeout and delivery)
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• $100 cash back bonus after $500 spend in first 90 days
• No foreign transaction fees (0%)

Redemption Flexibility

• Redeem for cash back deposited to bank account
• Apply rewards as statement credits
• Redeem for AARP memberships
• Exchange for gift cards to popular retailers
• Redeem for merchandise through rewards catalog
• No minimum redemption amount required

Balance Transfer Benefits

• 0% intro APR for 15 months on balance transfers
• Save hundreds in interest while paying down debt
• Build travel rewards while consolidating balances

Everyday Benefits

• No annual fee—keep earning rewards cost-free
• Rewards never expire
• Zero fraud liability protection
• 24/7 customer service
• Digital wallet compatibility (Apple Pay, Google Pay)
• Online account management and mobile app

Charitable Impact

• Barclays donates $10 for each newly approved AARP card account used within 90 days
• 1% of eligible electronic and telecommunications purchases donated to AARP Foundation
• Up to $1 million total annual donation (April 2025–March 2026)

Rewards & Earning Structure

• 3% cash back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals
• 2% cash back on restaurant purchases
• 1% cash back on all other purchases
• No caps or limits on cash back earned
• Rewards never expire
• Flexible redemption: Cash back, statement credits, AARP memberships, gift cards, merchandise

The 3% earning rate on travel purchases (airfare + hotels + car rentals) is exceptional for a no annual fee card, competing with premium travel cards. Combined with 2% on dining, this card provides strong returns in two high-spending categories for many travelers.

Welcome Bonus

Earn $100 cash back after spending $500 on purchases within the first 90 days of account opening.

This welcome bonus has one of the lowest spending requirements available—just $500 over 90 days (approximately $167/month). The $100 cash back provides immediate value that can offset travel costs, pay down balances, or be deposited directly to your bank account. This straightforward bonus requires no category tracking or complicated tiers—simply spend $500 and receive $100 cash back.

Fees Summary

• Annual Fee: $0
• Foreign Transaction Fee: $0
• Balance Transfer Fee: Either $5 or 5% of the amount transferred, whichever is greater
• Cash Advance Fee: Either $10 or 5% of the amount, whichever is greater
• Late Payment Fee: Up to $40
• Returned Payment Fee: Up to $40

Who This Card Is Best For

Ideal For

• Frequent travelers spending $2,000+ annually on airfare and hotels
• Retirees planning regular trips and valuing straightforward rewards
• Dining enthusiasts who eat out regularly (maximize 2% earning)
• Budget-conscious travelers wanting travel rewards without annual fees
• AARP members supporting AARP Foundation through card usage
• Balance transfer seekers needing 15 months at 0% intro APR
• Those wanting flexible redemption (cash back, gift cards, statement credits)
• Anyone (AARP membership not required to apply or earn rewards)

Not Good For

• Infrequent travelers who rarely book flights or hotels (less than 2 trips annually)
• Those seeking airline miles that transfer to loyalty programs
• Those wanting premium travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• High grocery or gas spenders (only 1% on these categories)
• Those seeking specific airline/hotel loyalty (cash back doesn't build airline/hotel status)
• Balance carriers seeking lower ongoing APR (standard rate is high)
• Those wanting bonus categories beyond travel/dining (1% everywhere else is basic)

Key Pros & Cons

Pros

• No annual fee keeps long-term ownership cost-free
• Strong 3% cash back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals
• 2% cash back on restaurant purchases (includes takeout/delivery)
• $100 cash back bonus with low $500 spend requirement
• 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers
• No foreign transaction fees for international travel
• Flexible redemption (cash back, statement credits, gift cards, AARP memberships)
• Rewards never expire
• AARP membership not required to apply or earn rewards
• Charitable giving component (Barclays donations to AARP Foundation)
• No caps or limits on cash back earned

Cons

• 1% earning on non-travel, non-dining purchases is basic
• Standard APR (20.49%–29.99%) is relatively high
• 5% balance transfer fee
• No premium travel benefits (lounge access, credits, elite status)
• Can't transfer rewards to airline or hotel loyalty programs
• No bonus categories for gas, groceries, or other common expenses
• Welcome bonus modest compared to some premium travel cards
• Doesn't build airline miles or hotel points for status qualification

Alternatives to Consider

Card	Best For	Annual Fee	Rewards	Welcome Bonus
Capital One Venture	2x on everything	$95	2x all purchases	75,000 miles
Wells Fargo Autograph	No-fee 3x travel/dining/gas	$0	3x broad categories	20,000 points
Chase Freedom Unlimited	Flexible everyday rewards	$0	1.5%–5% tiered	$200 after $500 spend
Bank of America Travel Rewards	Simple 1.5% on everything	$0	1.5x all purchases	25,000 points

How the Rewards Add Up

Example Annual Value

Assuming you travel regularly and spend $15,000 annually:

Category	Annual Spend	Reward Rate	Earned Value
Airfare	$2,400	3% cash back	$72
Hotels	$1,800	3% cash back	$54
Car rentals	$600	3% cash back	$18
Restaurants & dining	$3,600	2% cash back	$72
Groceries	$4,800	1% cash back	$48
All other purchases	$1,800	1% cash back	$18
Welcome bonus (first year)	—	—	$100

First Year Total Value: $382
Ongoing Annual Value: $282

No annual fee to subtract = $282 net annual value

For travelers who spend more on airfare and hotels—say $6,000 annually on travel—the 3% cash back alone would generate $180, making this card significantly more valuable for frequent flyers and vacationers.

Strategic Value: The 15-month 0% intro APR on balance transfers allows you to consolidate debt and save hundreds in interest while simultaneously earning travel rewards on new purchases—providing dual financial benefits.

Should You Get This Card?

You Should Get It If...

• You spend $2,000+ annually on airfare, hotels, and car rentals
• You dine out frequently and want 2% cash back on restaurants
• You want strong travel rewards without paying an annual fee
• You appreciate flexible redemption (cash back, gift cards, statement credits)
• You need a balance transfer card with 15 months at 0% intro APR
• You value no foreign transaction fees for international travel
• You support AARP Foundation's mission
• You want a simple, straightforward rewards structure
• You always pay balances in full (or use the balance transfer feature strategically)

You Should Skip It If...

• You travel infrequently (less than 2 trips annually)
• You want to earn airline miles or hotel points for loyalty programs
• You're seeking premium travel benefits like lounge access or elite status
• You want higher rewards on groceries, gas, or other everyday categories
• You prefer cards that offer bonus rotating categories
• You carry balances month-to-month (20–30% APR negates rewards)
• You want transfer partners for flexible award redemptions
• You're looking for a card with extensive travel insurance and protections

Apply Now

Apply for AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard

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Information accurate as of December 2025. Terms and conditions apply. Please visit the issuer's website for the most current information. AARP membership is not required to apply or use this card.