What the AAA Signature Visa offers

The AAA Signature Visa is a rewards card issued by Bank of America for AAA members. It earns cash back on gas, groceries, and AAA-related purchases, and includes travel protections like rental car coverage and trip delay reimbursement. The card has no annual fee for the first year, then $99 per year after that.

This card is designed for people who are already AAA members and want rewards tied to their membership benefits. The cash back structure rewards everyday spending categories rather than travel points, so it works best if you spend regularly on gas and groceries.

Unlike some premium travel cards, the AAA Signature Visa does not include a sign-up bonus. You earn rewards only on purchases you make after the card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • The card earns 3% cash back on gas and AAA purchases, 2% on groceries, and 1% on everything else.
  • You must be an AAA member to open the account, and membership fees are separate from the card's annual fee.
  • The card includes roadside information, rental car damage coverage, and trip delay reimbursement at no extra cost.
  • After the first year, the $99 annual fee applies unless you close the account.

Rewards structure and earning rates

The AAA Signature Visa earns cash back in three tiers. You earn 3% cash back on gas station purchases and AAA-related charges (such as membership renewals or roadside service calls). You earn 2% cash back on groceries, including supermarkets and warehouse clubs. Everything else earns 1% cash back.

Cash back has no expiration date and can be redeemed as a statement credit, direct deposit to a bank account, or a check. There is no minimum redemption amount, so you can redeem even small balances.

The 3% rate on gas applies only at traditional gas stations, not at convenience stores or truck stops that also sell fuel. The 2% grocery rate applies at supermarkets and warehouse clubs but not at restaurants, pharmacies, or other retailers inside grocery stores.

Annual fee and when it applies

The AAA Signature Visa has no annual fee for the first 12 months after you open the account. Starting in month 13, Bank of America charges $99 per year, billed to your card statement.

The annual fee renews every year on your card anniversary unless you close the account before that date. If you want to keep the card but avoid the fee, you must close it before the anniversary passes. There is no way to waive or reduce the fee based on spending or account history.

You should decide before the first year ends whether the rewards you earn will justify the $99 cost. If you spend less than $3,300 per year on the card, the 3% cash back on gas and AAA purchases alone may not cover the fee.

Travel protections and benefits

The AAA Signature Visa includes several travel-related protections that come with the card at no extra charge. Rental car damage coverage reimburses you if you decline the rental company's insurance and the car is damaged or stolen while you rent it. Trip delay reimbursement covers meals and lodging if your flight is delayed more than 12 hours. Lost luggage reimbursement covers baggage that an airline loses.

The card also includes emergency medical and dental coverage while you travel outside the United States, and emergency evacuation and transportation coverage if you need medical help abroad.

These protections have limits and exclusions. Rental car coverage typically excludes luxury vehicles and certain high-risk situations. Trip delay reimbursement usually requires you to have paid for the trip with the card. Read the full benefits guide that comes with your card to understand what is and is not covered.

How to open an AAA Signature Visa account

To open an AAA Signature Visa account, you must first be an active AAA member. If you are not already a member, you will need to join AAA before you can open the card. AAA membership is separate from the card and has its own annual fee, which varies by region but typically ranges from $50 to $150 per year.

Once you are a member, you can open the card online through the AAA website, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. You will need to provide your Social Security number, income information, and employment details. Bank of America will run a hard credit inquiry, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points.

The approval decision usually comes within minutes if you open the account online. If approved, your card will arrive in 7 to 10 business days. You can use the card number to make purchases online before the physical card arrives.

Comparing the AAA Signature Visa to other options

The AAA Signature Visa competes with other cash back cards that offer rewards on gas and groceries. The Citi Double Cash card earns 2% cash back on all purchases with no annual fee, which is simpler but pays less on gas. The Discover it Cash Back card earns 5% cash back on rotating categories (which sometimes include gas or groceries) but requires you to set up the categories each quarter.

The main advantage of the AAA card is the 3% rate on gas, which is higher than most competitors. The main disadvantage is the $99 annual fee and the requirement that you be an AAA member. If you are already paying for AAA membership for roadside information or discounts, the card fee becomes an additional cost to consider.

If you do not use AAA services or discounts beyond the card, the annual fee may not be worth it. Calculate your expected annual cash back by multiplying your average monthly spending in each category by the cash back rate, then subtract the $99 fee to see if you come out ahead.

Managing your account and paying the bill

You can manage your AAA Signature Visa account through the Bank of America website or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and read statements. Automatic payments can be set to pay your full balance, a minimum payment, or a fixed amount on a date you choose.

Payments made online typically post within one business day. If you pay by phone or mail, allow extra time for processing. Late payments trigger a late fee and may raise your interest rate, so setting up automatic payments reduces the risk of missing a due date.

You can redeem cash back rewards directly from the app or website. Redemptions typically post within one to two business days if you choose a statement credit, or within five to seven business days for direct deposit or check.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AAA member to get this card?

Yes. You must be an active AAA member to open the account. If you are not a member, you will need to join AAA first, which requires a separate membership fee that varies by region.

What happens to my rewards if I close the card?

Your cash back rewards do not expire and remain in your account even after you close the card. You can redeem them before or after closing the account.

Can I get the card without paying the $99 annual fee after the first year?

No. The $99 annual fee applies automatically starting in year two. To avoid it, you must close the card before your first anniversary passes. There is no option to downgrade to a no-fee version.

Does the card earn rewards on AAA membership renewal?

Yes. AAA membership charges and renewals earn 3% cash back, the same rate as gas purchases. This is one of the few ways the card rewards AAA-specific spending.

What credit score do I need to be approved?

Bank of America does not publish a minimum credit score for this card, but it typically goes to people with good to excellent credit (670 or higher). Your actual approval depends on your full credit history, income, and existing debts.