As the baby boom generation reaches retirement age, many of them seek information about AARP credit cards. AARP is a U.S. based non-profit organization (previously the American Association of Retired Persons) begun in 1958 dedicated to providing quality services for consumers age 50 and older.
The vision of AARP was to offer a range of benefits, products and services that are designed for older consumers and to leverage the bargaining power of an organization with a large number of members. Today, the AARP has over 40 million members and is one of the largest membership organizations in the U.S.
Though it is in no way associated with the government, AARP has become a trusted household name and products and services backed by the organization have increased in number and scope.
It’s not surprising to find searches for AARP credit cards as many retired people firmly believe they can get a better price or terms on any product offered by AARP.
AARP quickly reveals this branded credit card account is offered through Chase bank as part of that lender’s large branded credit business.
Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus
The founder of AARP, Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus, wanted to promote healthy and productive aging and saw this membership as a way to provide health insurance to retired teachers. The original name was the National Retired Teachers Association.
In 1968, the AARP was opened to membership of all Americans 50 or over and the name changed to AARP. The original entity, NRTA, is now a division of the larger membership group.
Until the 1980s, AARP focused on providing insurance at reasonable rates that were possible due to bidding on insurance contracts. The growing base of AARP members provided a source of leverage which was used to bargain for special rates, products and services from major providers.
In recent years, AARP has branched out from offering only insurance and now promotes numerous products for investment, travel and other needs common to retirees.
Advantages
Membership has its privileges and AARP is a name recognized by merchants across the country. Those seeking AARP card offers want a credit account that reflects their position as a mature or retired consumer.
Senior citizen discounts are a staple in today’s marketplace. From restaurants to thrift shops to clothing retailers, older citizens often can claim a 10-15% discount on the cost of items purchased just by reaching a certain age in their life.
The AARP card offers found online reveals this credit account to be much the same as any major credit card offered today.
The AARP Rewards Platinum Visa Card allows account holders to earn points for purchases and to redeem those points for gift certificates or for cash. There is a 0% six month introductory APR and no annual fee. One tempting feature of the card is the offer of exclusive discounts for AARP card holders.
After the first 6 billing periods, the interest rate displayed for AARP credit card info is 13.24%-19.24% based on credit rating of the applicant. Cash advances are allowed and those transactions carry a 24.24% APR.
Disadvantages
The same penalty APR and fees apply when you seek AARP card offers as you will find on other major credit accounts. Should you be late on a payment, your interest rate may be changed to 29.99% on all balances on that account.
Six months of timely payments will result in the APR on previous balances being returned to the original interest rate. However, you may continue to be charged the higher rate of interest on future purchases.
There are transaction fees of 3% charged for balance transfers, cash advances and for foreign transactions. Late payment and over-limit fees of up to $35 are listed.
Summary
If your goal in seeking AARP offers is to have a card that proudly reflects your status as a retired person and your membership in the organization, you may be interested in this credit account.
The AARP indicates special offers for AARP account holders. This is often interpreted as special deals for AARP members that might not be accessible to non-card holders.
However, that is not clear from the information provided. The special offers may be the same deals offered to those holding other Chase credit cards rather than to those who are members of AARP. Consider the terms of AARP credit card carefully and compare them with other credit offers before making your decision.
