What the AAA Visa Card Is and Who Offers It

The AAA Visa is a co-branded credit card issued by Bank of America in partnership with the American Automobile Association. It is designed for AAA members who want a card that combines everyday credit card features with rewards tied to AAA membership benefits. The card is a standard Visa, meaning you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted—not just at AAA locations.

Bank of America handles the credit account itself: approval, billing, customer service, and dispute resolution. AAA handles the membership side and coordinates the rewards program. You do not need to be an existing Bank of America customer to open this card, but you do need to be an AAA member or willing to join one.

Key Takeaways

  • The AAA Visa requires active AAA membership, which costs money annually and is separate from the card itself.
  • Rewards typically include cash back on gas, groceries, and other categories, plus bonus points or discounts tied to AAA partner merchants.
  • You will go through Bank of America's standard credit approval process, which includes a credit check and verification of your identity and income.
  • The card arrives with a PIN and can be used when ready at most merchants once it is activated by phone or online.
  • Annual fees, interest rates, and specific reward rates vary by card version and change over time, so you should check the current offer before opening an account.

Membership Requirements and Costs

To hold an AAA Visa, you must maintain an active AAA membership. AAA membership is not free. The cost varies by region and membership tier—basic membership typically runs $50 to $150 per year, depending on your state and whether you add roadside information or other coverage. Some AAA members already pay this fee for towing and roadside benefits, so the card may straightforward add a rewards layer to an existing membership.

If you are not currently an AAA member, you will need to join before or during the card process process. You can join AAA through their website or by phone. The membership process is separate from the credit card process, though some offers bundle them together. Confirm the current membership cost for your state before you begin, because it affects whether the card's rewards justify the total annual cost.

How to Start the process

You can begin an AAA Visa process through the AAA website, through Bank of America's website, or sometimes through AAA's mobile app. The process itself is online and takes 10 to 15 minutes to complete. You will need your Social Security number, date of birth, current address, and employment information.

Bank of America will pull your credit report during the process. This is called a hard inquiry and will temporarily lower your credit score by a few points. You should have a credit score of at least 670 to 700 for approval, though the exact requirement varies by the specific card version and your credit history. If you are denied, you can ask Bank of America for the reason and may reapply after addressing the issue—though multiple applications in a short time can hurt your score further.

What Happens After You Submit Your process

Bank of America typically makes a decision within minutes to a few hours. You will receive a decision by email or through your online account. If you are approved, the card will ship to your address within 7 to 10 business days. Some offers include expedited shipping for an extra fee.

Once the card arrives, you must set up it before using it. You can set up it by calling the number on the back of the card, through Bank of America's website, or through their mobile app. set up takes a few minutes and confirms your identity. After set up, the card is ready to use at any Visa merchant. You will also receive a PIN in a separate mailing if you plan to use the card at ATMs.

Understanding the Rewards and Benefits

AAA Visa cards typically offer cash back or points on specific categories: gas, groceries, and sometimes dining or travel. The exact rates change and vary by card version. Some versions offer a flat cash back rate on all purchases, while others offer higher rates in certain categories and lower rates elsewhere. You should review the current offer sheet before opening an account to see which rewards structure matches your spending.

Beyond cash back, AAA Visa holders often receive discounts at AAA partner merchants—hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retailers. These discounts are separate from the card's rewards and are available to all AAA members, not just cardholders. Some cards also include travel protections like trip cancellation insurance or rental car damage coverage, though these vary by card version and your state.

Annual Fees, Interest Rates, and Other Costs

Many AAA Visa cards carry an annual fee, though some versions are advertised as no-annual-fee cards. The fee, if charged, typically ranges from $0 to $99 and is billed to your account each year on your anniversary date. You can call Bank of America to ask about waiving the fee if you have been a good customer, though there is no may provide.

The interest rate (called the APR, or annual percentage rate) applies to any balance you carry month to month. APRs for AAA Visa cards typically range from 16% to 24%, depending on your credit score and creditworthiness. If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay any interest. Introductory APR offers—lower rates for a set period—are sometimes available, so check the current offer before opening an account.

Managing Your Account and Making Payments

After set up, you can manage your AAA Visa account through Bank of America's website or mobile app. You can view your balance, recent transactions, and due date. You can also set up automatic payments so your bill is paid on the same day each month, which helps you avoid late fees and interest charges.

Your statement closes on a set date each month (usually the same day of the month you opened the account). Your payment is due 21 to 25 days after the statement closes. If you pay the full statement balance by the due date, you will not pay interest. If you pay only part of the balance, interest will accrue on the remaining amount at your card's APR. Late payments trigger a late fee (typically $25 to $40) and can damage your credit score, so set a calendar reminder if you do not use automatic payments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be an AAA member before I explore for the card?

You must have an active AAA membership to hold the card, but you can join AAA and explore for the card at the same time. Some applications let you join during the card process process. If you are not yet a member, confirm the membership cost for your state first, as it is a separate annual expense from any card annual fee.

What credit score do I need to get approved?

Most AAA Visa cards require a credit score of at least 670 to 700, though the exact requirement depends on the specific card version and your overall credit history. Bank of America will tell you if you are denied and may provide the reason. You can reapply after addressing the issue, but multiple applications in a short time can lower your score further.

Can I use the card outside the United States?

Yes, the AAA Visa is a standard Visa and works at merchants worldwide. However, foreign transactions typically include a fee (usually 1% to 3% of the purchase amount) added to your bill. Some AAA Visa versions waive this fee, so check your card's terms. Currency conversion rates are set by Visa, not Bank of America, so you cannot negotiate them.

What should I do if my card is lost or stolen?

Call the number on the back of your card or contact Bank of America when ready. Bank of America will cancel the card and mail you a replacement within 7 to 10 business days. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges made after you report the card missing, though you may need to sign an affidavit confirming the fraud. Expedited replacement cards are sometimes available for a fee.

How do I redeem my cash back or rewards?

Cash back typically posts to your account automatically each month or quarter, depending on the card version. You can use it to pay your bill, request a check, or transfer it to a linked bank account. Points-based rewards can usually be redeemed through your online account for cash, gift cards, or AAA merchandise. Check your card's rewards program terms for the exact redemption options and any minimum thresholds.