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American Eagle Outfitters (AEO) Inc. is one of the more popular retailers in the country. Known particularly for its jeans, the chain operates over 1,000 stores worldwide.
Whether you swear by its Temp Tech jeans or love Aerie’s loungewear, you may consider signing up for an American Eagle credit card to take advantage of special benefits and to earn additional points. American Eagle offers two credit cards, both issued through Synchrony Bank, that are nearly identical: One closed-loop for the store and one that can be used anywhere.
- American Eagle Real Rewards store card*: A store card that can only be used at American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie.
- American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card*: A Visa card that can be used anywhere Visa is accepted.
With that in mind, here’s what you need to know.
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Quick Facts
- No annual fee
- Earn 30 points per dollar spent on qualifying American Eagle purchases, 4 points on jean purchases at any AEO location and 5 points anywhere Visa credit cards are accepted
- Earn 20% off your first AE or Aerie purchase after account opening
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* Benefits
Becoming a cardholder allows you to take advantage of several perks:
1. Upgraded Real Rewards Status
When you become a card member, AEO automatically upgrades you to the Level 2 Real Rewards membership level. As a Level 2 member, you can earn more points per dollar spent, get access to members-only sales and events and get special benefits like a $5 birthday coupon.
If you spend at least $350 per calendar year, you can reach Level 3 status, allowing you to earn more points and giving you access to more substantial discounts.
Credit card members earn two times the normal points, so Level 2 members earn 30 points per dollar spent and Level 3 members earn 40 points per dollar spent.
For every 1,250 points you earn, you can redeem them for a $5 credit toward future American Eagle or Aerie purchases. If you’re a cardholder with a Level 2 membership, you’d have to spend about $41.67 to qualify for a $5 reward. With a Level 3 membership, you’d have to spend just $31.25.
And with the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa, you can also earn five points for every dollar spent at non-AEO retailers.
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Points Per Dollar Spent | 10 Points | • 15 Points • 30 Points With AEO Credit Card | • 20 Points • 40 Points With AEO Credit Card |
| Birthday Coupon | $5 Off | $5Off | $5 Off |
| 20% Off First Purchase | Not applicable | Yes | Yes |
| Free Shipping and Returns | Not applicable | Yes | Yes |
| Access to Cardmember Sales | Not applicable | Yes | Yes |
2. Quadruple Points on Qualifying Jeans
As a card member, you can earn four times Real Rewards points on qualifying jeans purchases.
- Level 2 rewards members earn 60 points per dollar spent.
- Level 3 rewards members earn 80 points per dollar spent.
3. Special Sales and Discounts
Card members get access to special sales, including:
- Exclusive card member only sale events throughout the year
- A pick-your-own sale day, where members can choose one day a year to shop for discounted merchandise
- Free shipping and returns on purchases made at AE.com and Aerie.com
4. First Purchase Discount
New card members are eligible for 20% off your first AE or Aerie purchase after account opening.
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* Drawbacks
Although the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* could be useful for some shoppers, there are some drawbacks to consider:
1. High APR
Both the American Eagle Real Rewards card and the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa have APRs significantly higher than the average for all credit cards that assess interest.
2. Reward Expiration
With the Real Rewards program, your rewards expire after 375 days. You’ll lose those rewards if you don’t redeem them within a year and ten days.
3. Cannot Be Used for All Brands
Although American Eagle Outfitters also operates Todd Snyder and Tailgate stores, American Eagle credit card users cannot earn elevated points or rewards on Todd Snyder or Tailgate purchases—just the base earning rate for other Visa purchases.
Who Should Get the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card*?
The American Eagle credit cards are best for those who regularly shop at American Eagle or Aerie. It doesn’t have an annual fee, so if you stop in or shop online, the cards allow you to earn and redeem rewards toward your purchases and help you save money.
And it has a fairly forgiving account activity period, so if you only shop for clothes occasionally, your rewards will likely still be available for use. What matters at that point is if you shop enough for the rewards to really add up and make a difference compared to a general rewards card that offers cash back instead.
Alternatives to the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card*
If you decide against the American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card*, consider these alternatives:
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* vs. Discover it® Secured Credit Card
If you have less-than-perfect credit, you may consider signing up for the American Eagle Real Rewards; store cards are easier to qualify for than other cards. But another way to build credit is with a secured credit card. They require a security deposit, but as you make payments, you can establish your credit and improve your credit score.
The Discover it® Secured Credit Card is an excellent choice for those that need to build or improve their credit. It has no annual fee, and no minimum credit score is required. And it’s one of the few secured cards that allows you to earn cash-back rewards. You can earn 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter. Plus, earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
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Discover it® Secured Credit Card
On Discover's Website
4.2
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On Discover's Website
Up to 2% Reward Rate
Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. PlusRead More
Welcome Bonus
Cashback Match™
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
28.24% Variable APR
Credit Score
New/Rebuilding Credit
Editorial Review
In the secured credit world, the Discover it® Secured Credit Card stands above the competition. With an unlimited 1% cash back rate on all purchases, plus 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, no penalty APR and no annual fee, we love this card for those who need to rebuild their credit. The matching cash back reward at the end of your first year is a sweet bonus.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Cash back rewards earning is uncommon for a secured card
- Free FICO score access each month
- Cashback Match doubles cash back rewards earning at the end of the first year
- Bonus category rewards are capped
- Secured cards don’t provide many of the perks unsecured cards do
- Secured cards require refundable deposits
Card Details
- No credit score required to apply.
- No Annual Fee, earn cash back, and build your credit history.
- Your secured credit card requires a refundable security deposit, and your credit line will equal your deposit amount, starting at $200. Bank information must be provided when submitting your deposit.
- Automatic reviews starting at 7 months to see if we can transition you to an unsecured line of credit and return your deposit.
- Earn 2% cash back at Gas Stations and Restaurants on up to $1,000 in combined purchases each quarter, automatically. Plus earn unlimited 1% cash back on all other purchases.
- Discover could help you reduce exposure of your personal information online by helping you remove it from select people-search sites that could sell your data. It’s free, activate with the mobile app.
- Get an alert if we find your Social Security number on any of thousands of Dark Web sites. Activate for free.
- Terms and conditions apply.
Intro Offer: Unlimited Cashback Match™ - only from Discover. Discover will automatically match all the cash back you've earned at the end of your first year! There's no minimum spending or maximum rewards. Just a dollar-for-dollar match.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* vs. Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express (Terms apply. See rates & fees) could be a good fit for someone looking for a rewards card without an annual fee. You can earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. (on up to $6,000 in each category per year in purchases, then 1%), and 1% cash back on other purchases. Cash back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be easily redeemed for statement credits or at Amazon.com checkout.
If you are looking for other options, check out our picks for the best cash-back credit cards of 2024.
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Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express
On American Express's Website
3.3
Forbes Advisor created additional star ratings so that you can see the best card for specific needs. This card shines for this use, but overall the star ratings may differ when compared to other cards.
On American Express's Website
Up to 3% Reward Rate
Earn 3% cash back at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. on up toRead More
Welcome Bonus
Earn $200
Annual Fee
$0
Regular APR
19.24%-29.99% Variable
Credit Score
Excellent/Good(700 - 749)
Editorial Review
For no annual fee, the Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express offers excellent value in the right hands. Spending a lot at U.S. supermarkets and U.S. gas stations brings plump rewards, while the introductory APR rate on purchases helps keep your interest expenses down. Look elsewhere for foreign transactions.
Pros & Cons
- No annual fee
- Introductory APR offer on purchases and balance transfers
- Above-average earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations and online retail purchases in the U.S.
- Elevated earnings at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and online retail purchases in the U.S. are capped at $6,000 in annual spending per category
- Rewards earning outside of the bonus categories is just 1% cash back
Card Details
- Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
- No Annual Fee.
- Balance Transfer is back! Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months from the date of account opening. After that, 19.24% to 29.99% variable APR.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. supermarkets on up to $6,000 per year in purchases, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back on U.S. online retail purchases, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- 3% Cash Back at U.S. gas stations, on up to $6,000 per year, then 1%.
- Cash Back is received in the form of Reward Dollars that can be redeemed as a statement credit or at Amazon.com checkout.
- Thinking about getting the Disney Bundle which can include Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+? Your decision made easy with $7/month back in the form of a statement credit after you spend $9.99 or more each month on an eligible subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your Blue Cash Everyday® Card. Enrollment required.
- Enjoy up to $15 back per month when you purchase a Home Chef meal kit subscription (subject to auto renewal) with your enrolled Blue Cash Everyday® Card.
- Terms Apply.
Earn a $200 statement credit after you spend $2,000 in purchases on your new Card within the first 6 months.
Credit Score ranges are based on FICO® credit scoring. This is just one scoring method and a credit card issuer may use another method when considering your application. These are provided as guidelines only and approval is not guaranteed.
American Eagle Real Rewards Visa credit card* vs. TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®*
While there are countless store cards for clothing brands, one that offers more than just clothing discounts is the TJX Rewards® Platinum Mastercard®*, since you can purchase from their arsenal of home and clothing stores and enjoy Mastercard benefits. The TJX Rewards card gives you 5% back in rewards per dollar spent on purchases at T.J.Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, Sierra and HomeSense.
Bottom Line
If you frequently shop at American Eagle or Aerie, its two credit card options can allow you to earn extra Real Rewards points, access exclusive sales and get extra perks like free shipping. But, like many store-branded cards, the American Eagle credit cards have higher-than-average APRs and rewards are of limited use. If you do sign up for one of the cards, limit your spending so that you can afford to pay off the statement balance in full every month and avoid costly interest charges.
Forbes Advisor Updates Editor Libby Sweeney contributed to this article.
To view rates and fees for Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express please visit this page.
