American Eagle Credit Card: Rewards, Fees, Pros and Cons, How to Apply

This is the ultimate guide on the American Eagle Credit Card.

The best part?

I’ll teach you how to maximize rewards and perks so you can save big on American Eagle purchases, even with average credit.

If you frequently shop at American Eagle and want to earn points on every purchase that can be redeemed for rewards certificates, then this card is perfect for you.

With benefits like 20% off your first purchase, free shipping, free returns, and bonus reward points on jeans, the American Eagle Credit Card can add up to major savings for loyal AE shoppers.

Ready to learn how to apply and use this card to get the most value? Let’s dive in.

Highlights and Features

The American Eagle Credit Card is a retail credit card offered by Comenity Bank that can be used to make purchases at American Eagle and Aerie stores. It provides cardholders with benefits like reward points, special discounts, free shipping, and free returns.

Some highlights and features of the American Eagle Credit Card include:

• Earn 10 points per $1 spent on qualifying purchases
• Get 2x points on jeans purchases
• Level up to earn 15 or 20 points per $1 spent
• Redeem points for reward certificates to use at American Eagle and Aerie
• Special Aerie Days and members-only sales and events
• Free shipping on orders over $25+ for Level 3 cardholders
• Free returns with no return fee
• $5 reward certificate on your birthday
• 20% off your first purchase when you open the card

The American Eagle Credit Card has no annual fee. It offers new cardholders a variable APR between 12.15% to 18% depending on creditworthiness. There are also introductory 0% APR offers on purchases and balance transfers for the first 12 months.

How the American Eagle Credit Card Works

The American Eagle Credit Card is a store credit card that can only be used at American Eagle and Aerie stores, online, and through mobile apps. It cannot be used at other retailers.

Cardholders earn 10 points for every $1 spent on the card at American Eagle and Aerie. Points accumulate over time and can be redeemed for reward certificates that deduct a certain dollar amount from a future purchase.

There are three membership levels that offer increasing rewards and extra perks:

• Basic: Free, 10 points per $1 spent
• Level 2: Spend $150+ annually, 15 points per $1 spent
• Level 3: Spend $350+ annually, 20 points per $1 spent

Higher level members enjoy additional benefits like free shipping, free returns, exclusive access to special sales and events, and birthday rewards.

The American Eagle Credit Card can also be used to take advantage of special financing offers that are promoted from time to time. These include offers like deferred interest for a certain number of months on qualifying purchases.

Rewards, Cashbacks, and Sign-Up Bonus

The main rewards offered by the American Eagle Credit Card is the ability to earn points on purchases that can be redeemed for American Eagle and Aerie reward certificates. Here are some key details on the rewards program:

• Earn rates: Cardholders earn 10 points per $1 spent at the Basic level, 15 points per $1 at Level 2, and 20 points per $1 at Level 3
• Redemptions: Points can be redeemed for reward certificates in $5 increments that can be used on future purchases.
• Expirations: Points expire 5 years from the end of the calendar year in which they were earned. Rewards certificates expire 60 days after issuance.
• Earning bonus: Get 20% off your first purchase when you open and use your new credit card. This instant upgrade to Level 2 earning rate.
• 2x points: Level 2 and 3 members earn 2x points (so 20 or 40 points per $1) on all purchases.
• $5 reward: certificate on your birthday
• Free shipping: on $25+ orders (Level 3 members)
• Free returns: with no return fee
• Members-only: sales and events
• Special Aerie Days: Special discounts

Cardholders can redeem points for American Eagle and Aerie reward certificates in $10 increments starting at 1,250 points. These certificates can be used in stores or online like cash towards future purchases. Points do not expire as long as the card account remains open.

Interest Rates & Fees of American Eagle Credit Card

The American Eagle Credit Card has the following interest rates and fees:

• No annual fee
• New accounts get a 0% intro APR for 12 months on purchases and balance transfers
• After the intro period, variable APR of 12.15% to 18%
• Penalty APR of 18% for late or missed payments
• 3% balance transfer fee
• 3% foreign transaction fee
• No over limit fee
• Late payment fee up to $37
• Returned payment fee of $25

The variable purchase and balance transfer APR after the intro period ranges from 12.15% to 18% depending on your creditworthiness when you open the account. There is also an 18% penalty APR that may apply if you make a late payment.

How to Apply for a American Eagle Credit Card

You can apply for the American Eagle Credit Card online, in-store, or by phone. Here is how to submit an application:

• Online: Visit the American Eagle website and click on the Credit Cards link. Complete the online application form with your personal and financial information.
• In-store: Pick up an application at any American Eagle store location and fill it out. Return it to an associate or drop it in the credit card drop box.
• By phone: Call the American Eagle credit card customer service line at 1-888-232-4535 to apply with a representative over the phone.

To qualify, you’ll need to provide identifying information like your name, address, date of birth, and Social Security Number. The issuer will perform a credit check and evaluate factors like your income, credit score, and existing debts when reviewing your application.

Many applicants get an instant decision, while some may need to wait up to 30 days for a response by mail. If approved, you can activate your new card as soon as it arrives and start using your American Eagle credit card benefits.

Managing Your American Eagle Credit Card

If approved, you can manage your American Eagle Credit Card account online or using the mobile app. You can:

• Pay your credit card bill
• Check your available points balance
• Redeem points for rewards certificates
• View statements and transaction history
• Change your account information
• Set up alerts and notifications

You will also receive monthly statements detailing your transactions, interest charges, payments due, and other account activity. Pay at least the minimum amount due each month by the due date to avoid late fees. Try to pay your balance in full to avoid interest charges.

Where American Eagle Credit Card Can be Used?

The American Eagle Credit Card can only be used to make purchases at American Eagle Outfitters and Aerie stores in the U.S., Puerto Rico, Canada and Mexico. It can also be used online at www.ae.com, through the American Eagle mobile app, and over the phone.

The card cannot be used at any other merchants or retailers besides American Eagle and Aerie. There is no chip and PIN technology – it functions as a regular magnetic stripe credit card.

Pros and Cons of American Eagle Credit Card

Here are some pros and cons to consider about the American Eagle Credit Card:

Pros

• No annual fee
• 10 points per $1 spent on all purchases
• 2x points bonus on jeans
• 20% off first purchase offer
• Special discounts and financing offers
• Free shipping and free returns for cardholders
• $5 birthday reward

Cons

• Can only be used at American Eagle and Aerie
• Deferred interest financing charges accrued interest if not paid in full
• Penalty APR may apply for late payments
• 3% fee on balance transfers and foreign transactions

Overall, the American Eagle Credit Card can be a good option for frequent American Eagle shoppers who can pay off their balance each month and take advantage of the rewards program and exclusive perks. It is less ideal for those who may carry a balance and get stuck paying the high interest rate.

American Eagle Credit Card vs Other Credit Cards

American Eagle Real Rewards Visa Card vs Discover it Secured Card

The American Eagle Real Rewards Visa card is a retail store credit card that can help those with poor credit get approved more easily than for a traditional rewards card. However, the Discover it Secured Card is another good option for building credit through responsible use.

The Discover it Secured Card requires a refundable security deposit to open the account. This allows you to establish a credit history and potentially improve your score over time by making on-time payments. It has no annual fee and offers 2% cash back at gas stations and restaurants on up to $1,000 in purchases per quarter. You also get 1% cash back on all other purchases with no cap.

The Discover it Secured Card is a smart choice for those looking to build or rebuild credit. The deposit helps your odds of approval and you can earn rewards while improving your credit.

American Eagle Card vs Blue Cash Everyday® Card

The Blue Cash Everyday® Card from American Express provides opportunity to earn cash back on spending without charging an annual fee. You get 3% back at U.S. supermarkets, gas stations, and select U.S. online retail purchases (on up to $6,000 per year in spending per category, then 1%). All other eligible purchases earn 1% back.

Cash back comes in the form of rewards dollars that you can redeem for statement credits or use at Amazon.com checkout. The Blue Cash Everyday Card is a solid pick if you want to earn ongoing rewards on daily spending without paying an annual fee.

American Eagle Card vs TJX Rewards Platinum Card

While the American Eagle Card only offers discounts at AE stores, the TJX Rewards Platinum Card can be used for savings across TJX brands including TJ Maxx, Marshalls, HomeGoods, and more. You earn 5% back in rewards per dollar spent at any eligible TJX store.

So if you shop at TJX stores for both home goods and clothing, the TJX Rewards Platinum Card can provide more flexibility and rewards opportunities than the single-store American Eagle Card.

Conclusion

The American Eagle Credit Card can be a beneficial option for loyal American Eagle and Aerie shoppers who want to earn rewards points and take advantage of cardholder-exclusive perks and promos. It is easy to apply online, in-store, or over the phone.

However, the high interest rate is a downside, so it is best for those who don’t carry a monthly balance. Compare to other store cards and general rewards credit cards to make sure it offers the right fit for your spending habits and financial needs. Use it responsibly by paying on time and in full each month.

Frequently Asked Questions