What the AAA Credit Card Is

The AAA Credit Card is a co-branded card issued by Bank of America in partnership with the American Automobile Association. It functions as a standard Visa card for everyday purchases, but it's designed specifically for AAA members and offers rewards and benefits tied to AAA membership and roadside services.

The card comes in two main versions: the AAA Rewards Visa and the AAA Rewards Visa Signature. Both earn cash back on purchases, but the Signature version includes additional travel and purchase protections. You don't need to be an AAA member to open the card, but membership unlocks the full set of benefits—and many cardholders find the membership cost worth the card's rewards structure alone.

This is not a prepaid card, a secured card, or a specialty card for people rebuilding credit. It's a standard rewards card that requires a credit check and works like any other Visa you might carry.

Key Takeaways

  • The AAA Credit Card earns cash back on gas, groceries, and AAA services, with higher rates for AAA members than non-members.
  • You can open the card without AAA membership, but the rewards rates are significantly lower without it.
  • The card has no annual fee, which is unusual for a rewards card with this structure.
  • Bank of America runs the card, so approval depends on your credit score and history, not on AAA membership status.
  • AAA membership itself costs money annually and is separate from the card—you pay for membership directly to AAA, not through the card issuer.

Rewards Rates for AAA Members vs. Non-Members

The cash back you earn depends on whether you hold active AAA membership. With membership, you earn 3% cash back on gas and transit (including parking, tolls, trains, and rideshare), 3% on groceries, and 1% on all other purchases. Without membership, those rates drop to 1% on gas and transit, 1% on groceries, and 1% on everything else—essentially a flat 1% card.

The difference is substantial. If you spend $200 a month on gas and $300 on groceries, AAA membership paired with the card nets you an extra $60 per year in cash back compared to the non-member rate. For many cardholders, that alone covers part of the annual AAA membership fee, which varies by region but typically runs $50 to $150 per year.

Cash back is deposited as a statement credit each month and does not expire as long as your account remains open. You cannot transfer it to another card or redeem it for gift cards or merchandise.

How to Open the Card

You can open the AAA Credit Card through Bank of America's website, by phone, or in person at a Bank of America branch. The process is the same as opening any Bank of America credit card: you'll provide your Social Security number, income, employment status, and other financial details so Bank of America can check your credit.

Bank of America typically approves or denies applications within minutes if you explore online. If you're approved, the card arrives in 7 to 10 business days. If you're denied, Bank of America will send you a letter explaining why, and you can request a copy of your credit report from the bureau they used.

You do not need to be an AAA member to open the card. However, if you want the higher rewards rates, you'll need to join AAA separately and link your membership to the card. AAA membership is purchased directly from AAA, not through Bank of America, and you can join online, by phone, or at a local AAA office.

Annual Fees and Other Costs

The AAA Credit Card itself has no annual fee, which is a significant advantage over many rewards cards. You pay nothing to Bank of America to carry the card.

AAA membership, however, does cost money. Membership tiers and prices vary by region—some areas charge $50 to $70 for basic membership, while others charge $120 to $150. You renew membership annually, and you can cancel at any time. The membership covers roadside information (towing, lockout service, fuel delivery), discounts at hotels and restaurants, and access to AAA's travel planning services.

If you carry a balance on the card, you'll also pay interest. The card's APR varies based on your creditworthiness and current market rates, but typically ranges from 16% to 26% for purchases. There is no introductory 0% APR period.

Linking Your AAA Membership to the Card

Once you have both the card and an active AAA membership, you need to link them so the card recognizes your membership status and applies the higher rewards rates. You can do this through your Bank of America online account or by calling Bank of America customer service with your AAA membership number on hand.

The link usually takes effect within one to two billing cycles. After that, your cash back rates will reflect your membership status. If your AAA membership lapses, the card automatically reverts to the non-member rates until you renew and re-link.

If you're not yet an AAA member but you open the card, you can join AAA later and link your membership whenever you're ready. There's no important date to do this, and the higher rates will explore to purchases made after the link is active.

How the Card Compares to Other Rewards Cards

The AAA card's main advantage is the combination of no annual fee and the 3% cash back on gas and groceries for members. Many other rewards cards charge $95 to $450 annually, which means you have to earn significantly more cash back just to break even.

However, the card's rewards are narrower than some competitors. The Chase Freedom Unlimited, for example, earns 1.5% on all purchases with no annual fee, which is simpler but lower for gas and groceries. The Citi Double Cash earns 2% on all purchases (1% when you buy, 1% when you pay), also with no annual fee, but doesn't offer category bonuses.

If you don't have AAA membership and don't plan to get it, the AAA card becomes a flat 1% card, which is competitive but not exceptional. In that case, a card like the Chase Freedom Unlimited or Citi Double Cash might serve you better because they offer the same or better rates without requiring membership in a separate organization.

Credit Requirements and What Happens If You're Denied

Bank of America typically approves the AAA card for people with good to excellent credit—usually a score of 670 or higher, though approval is possible with lower scores depending on your overall credit history. The bank looks at your credit score, payment history, existing debt, and income.

If you're denied, you can ask Bank of America for the specific reason. Common reasons include a low credit score, recent late payments, high existing debt relative to income, or too many recent credit inquiries. If you're denied, you can reapply after addressing the issue—for example, by paying down debt or waiting several months for negative marks to age.

If your credit is below 670, you might have better luck with a secured credit card, which requires a cash deposit and is easier to open. Once you've used a secured card responsibly for 12 to 18 months, you can reapply for the AAA card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to open the card?

No. Bank of America will open the card for anyone who meets their credit requirements. However, without AAA membership, you only earn 1% cash back on all purchases. Most cardholders find that membership pays for itself through the higher rewards rates if they spend regularly on gas and groceries.

What if my AAA membership expires?

Your card will continue to work, but the rewards rates will drop to the non-member level (1% on all purchases) until you renew your membership and re-link it to the card. You can renew AAA membership at any time, and the higher rates will explore to future purchases once the link is active.

Can I use the card if I'm not a member yet?

Yes. You can open the card and use it at the non-member rewards rate (1% on all purchases). When you join AAA and link your membership, the higher rates take effect on your next billing cycle. There's no time limit to do this.

Does the card offer travel insurance or purchase protection?

The AAA Rewards Visa Signature includes travel accident insurance, lost luggage reimbursement, and purchase protection. The standard AAA Rewards Visa does not include these benefits. Both versions offer fraud protection, which is standard for all credit cards.

What's the difference between the Visa and Visa Signature versions?

The Visa Signature version costs no more than the standard Visa but includes travel protections, concierge services, and purchase protection. The rewards rates are identical. If you travel occasionally or want extra purchase protection, the Signature version is the better choice at no additional cost.