American Eagle Outfitters Rewards Credit Cards Review
American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie are popular destinations for fashionable jeans, T-shirts, and other clothing for both men and women of all ages.
There are two credit cards you can use for these purchases and, in return, take advantage of extra savings and offers.
If you are considering an American Eagle credit card, here’s what you need to know about the cards that are available.
American Eagle Connected Credit Card Benefits & Features At A Glance:
- 20% off first American Eagle Outfitters purchase
- Free standard shipping
- Earn bonus points at American Eagle stores
- 20% off birthday coupon
- Personal Shopping Day coupon
Applying for American Eagle Credit Cards
American Eagle offers two credit cards, the store card which can be used at American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie stores, and the Visa, which can be used anywhere Visa cards are accepted.
You can apply for either card online through the American Eagle website.
If you apply for the American Eagle Connected Visa card and are denied, you will be considered for the store card.
Credit Score Needed to Qualify for the American Eagle Card
Store cards are notoriously easier to get approved for, so this might be an option if you have had minor credit problems in the past.
If you have low FICO credit scores, store cards are great tools for building good credit.
You may qualify for the AE card with a credit score as low as the upper 500s or lower 600s.
The American Eagle Visa card, however, requires a higher credit score.
Ideally, you have a credit score in the low 700s. Depending on your credit situation, you could qualify for the Visa with even a lower score in the mid 600s.
If you have had credit problems in the past or don't have any credit history, you have a better chance of getting the store card, than you would with any other rewards credit card.
American Eagle Credit Card Rewards and Benefits
Both of the American Eagle credit cards provide shoppers and AEO fans a couple of different perks and benefits when you use the card.
For instance, new cardholders get a 20% discount on the first AEO purchase you make with the card. You also get points when you use either card.
The points can generate savings at American Eagle or Aerie stores. For each $1 spend at AEO or Aerie with the store card, you get 15 points.
If you use the Visa card, you also get 5 points for each $1 spent on everything else.
Every 2,500 points are worth a $10 reward for purchase at American Eagle stores. Plus, each year on your birthday, you get a 20% birthday coupon to use at either store, and cardholders are notified of exclusive sales events.
AEO Credit Card Bonus vs. Other Credit Card Bonuses
The American Eagle Card offers a bonus of a 20% discount on your first AEO purchase. It's a decent bonus if you are already planning a shopping trip or you happen to need new jeans.
However, it isn’t the most valuable sign-up bonus. Other rewards credit cards typically offer bonuses worth hundreds of dollars to attract new cardmembers.
Plus, you can only use the bonus discount at American Eagle or Aerie stores. It's not as flexible of a reward such as cash.
Other credit cards provide bonuses that you can redeem for cash or statement credit for any type of purchase you choose.
How the American Eagle Credit Card Rewards Program Stacks Up
You do have a chance when you use either American Eagle credit card, to earn points that can be used for savings on your next AEO or Aerie purchases.
Effectively, you're earning 6 cents of rewards per dollar spent at American Eagle stores. With the Visa card, on all other purchases, you're getting less than 1 cent in rewards per dollar spent.
Credit cards such as the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, allow you to choose the category you earn 5% cash back in, with clothing stores such as American Eagle Outfitters being one of the options.
Also, the Discover It Credit Card awards 5% cash back in rotating categories (changes quarterly). The categories often include department and clothing retailers, and 1% cash back on all other purchases.
So, even if there isn’t a category including your American Eagle purchases, you can still earn 1% cash back on those purchases.
Both the U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature and Discover it cards also give cash back on other categories.
One of the biggest advantages is you can redeem or claim your cash back as a check, direct deposit, or statement credit. You can use rewards freely because it's cash that you can use anywhere.
American Eagle Store Card APR
As with most store cards, the APR for the American Eagle Store Credit Card and the American Eagle Visa Credit Card are quite high, especially compared to other credit cards.
You’re going to end up paying quite a bit of interest when you carry a balance. As a result, rewards or savings you get with the card are basically lost or canceled out.
In order to get the most from either American Eagle credit card, it’s important that you are diligent in paying your balance in full each month before the due date.
If, however, you consistently carry a balance from month to month, you have a better chance at a lower APR with other rewards credit cards.
The Discover it, U.S. Bank Cash+ Visa Signature, and the Blue Cash Preferred Credit Card from American Express cash back credit cards offer lower starting APRs and depending on your credit, can end up saving you quite a bit of money while you earn rewards from your purchases.
Still, in most cases, if you can’t pay your balance in full each month, it’s best to focus on finding the card with the absolute lowest APR rather than one focusing on extra rewards and benefits.
American Eagle Outfitters Credit Cards Fees Compared
| Fees | American Eagle Outfitters Visa® Card | American Eagle Outfitters Credit Card |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
| Where can you use? | In-store purchases only | Anywhere |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) for Purchases | 27.49% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. | 27.49% This APR will vary with the market based on the Prime Rate. |
| How to Avoid Paying Interest on Purchases | Your due date is at least 23 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you any interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. | Your due date is at least 23 days after the close of each billing cycle. We will not charge you any interest on purchases if you pay your entire balance by the due date each month. |
| Minimum Interest Charge | If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. | If you are charged interest, the charge will be no less than $1.00. |
| Late Payment Fee | Up to $38 | Up to $38 |
| Returned Payment Fee | Up to $38 | Up to $38 |
American Eagle Credit Card Review: Final Verdict
If you’re wondering whether you should apply for one of the American Eagle Credit Cards or a different rewards card, you should first consider your credit rating.
If you have a lower credit score, your best shot at any rewards card is going to be a store card, and if you happen to prefer American Eagle and Aerie clothing, the store card could be ideal.
Plus, if you use the card and manage the account responsibly, it can help you build your credit rating.
On the other hand, if your credit score is slightly higher, there’s a good chance you might qualify for other rewards credit cards.
When compared to other cards on the market, neither of the American Eagle Credit Cards offer much. You can earn more cash back and rewards on all your purchases with these other credit cards.
