The AAA Visa Card is a co-branded credit card issued by Comenity Bank for AAA members

The AAA Visa Card is a credit card designed specifically for members of the American Automobile Association. Comenity Bank, a financial services company that issues cards for retail and membership organizations, handles the account on behalf of AAA. The card works like any other Visa card — you use it to make purchases, pay a monthly bill, and build a credit history — but it includes rewards and benefits tied to AAA membership.

The card is not a debit card or a prepaid card. It is a traditional revolving credit account, which means you can carry a balance from month to month (though you will pay interest if you do). You can use it anywhere Visa is accepted, both in the United States and abroad.

Key Takeaways

  • The AAA Visa Card is issued by Comenity Bank and is open only to current AAA members who meet the bank's credit requirements.
  • The card typically offers cash back on gas, groceries, and AAA-related purchases, though the exact rewards structure depends on which AAA club you belong to and which card version you hold.
  • You will need an active AAA membership to open the account, and your membership status is checked periodically while you hold the card.
  • Like all credit cards, the AAA Visa charges interest on unpaid balances and may charge an annual fee, which varies by card tier and region.

Rewards and cash back vary by AAA club and card tier

AAA operates as a federation of regional clubs — AAA Northern California, AAA South, AAA Midwest, and others — and each club negotiates its own card rewards with Comenity. This means the cash back rates, bonus categories, and sign-up offers differ depending on which AAA club you belong to. A member of AAA Northern California may see different rewards than a member of AAA South, even though both hold an AAA Visa Card.

Most versions of the card offer cash back on gas purchases, groceries, and AAA services (such as roadside information or travel bookings). Some versions also offer a higher cash back rate on dining or travel. The card may also include a sign-up bonus — typically a flat cash back amount or bonus points after you spend a certain amount in the first few months — though this offer changes and is not available at all times.

To find out what rewards your specific AAA club offers, contact your local AAA office or visit your club's website. The rewards terms are part of your card agreement, which you will receive when you open the account.

Annual fees and interest rates depend on the card version

Some versions of the AAA Visa Card carry an annual fee, while others do not. The fee, if charged, typically ranges from $0 to $99 per year depending on the card tier and your AAA club. Premium or higher-tier versions of the card may charge a higher annual fee but offer additional benefits such as travel insurance, purchase protection, or higher cash back rates.

The card also charges interest on balances you carry from month to month. The interest rate (called the Annual Percentage Rate, or APR) is determined by Comenity based on your credit score and credit history at the time you open the account. The APR for purchases typically ranges from around 16% to 24%, though this varies. You can find your specific APR in your card agreement or by logging into your account online.

If you pay your full statement balance by the due date each month, you will not pay any interest. Interest only applies to the amount you carry over to the next billing cycle.

How to open an AAA Visa Card account

To open an account, you must be a current AAA member in good standing. You can start the process online through your AAA club's website, by phone, or in person at an AAA office. Comenity will ask for your personal information — name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment details — to verify your identity and assess your creditworthiness.

Comenity will pull a hard inquiry on your credit report, which temporarily lowers your credit score by a few points. The bank will then make a decision to approve, deny, or offer you a card with different terms (such as a lower credit limit) within a few minutes to a few days. If you are approved, your card will arrive by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

You will need to set up the card before you can use it. Most cards can be activated online or by phone using the number on the back of the card.

Managing your account and making payments

Once your account is open, you can manage it through Comenity's online portal or mobile app. You can view your balance, make payments, set up automatic payments, and read statements. Your monthly statement will show your purchases, cash back earned, fees charged, and the minimum payment due.

You must make at least the minimum payment by the due date each month to keep your account in good standing. The minimum payment is usually 1% to 3% of your balance, but paying only the minimum means you will pay a lot of interest over time. To avoid interest entirely, pay your full statement balance by the due date.

You can set up automatic payments so that a fixed amount or your full balance is paid from your bank account each month. This reduces the risk of missing a payment, which would damage your credit score and trigger late fees.

What happens if you cancel your AAA membership

Your AAA Visa Card is tied to your AAA membership. If you let your membership lapse or cancel it, Comenity may close your card account or convert it to a different card product. Some AAA clubs allow a brief grace period after membership ends, but this varies by region.

If your account is closed, you will no longer earn cash back rewards, and you will lose access to any card benefits tied to AAA membership. You can still use the card to pay off any remaining balance, but you cannot make new purchases. Check with your AAA club about what happens to your card if your membership ends.

How the AAA Visa Card affects your credit

Opening an AAA Visa Card account will affect your credit in two ways. First, Comenity's hard inquiry will lower your score by a few points temporarily. Second, the new account itself will lower your average account age and increase your total available credit, both of which affect your score.

Over time, using the card responsibly — making on-time payments and keeping your balance low relative to your credit limit — will build your credit history and improve your score. Missing payments or carrying a high balance will damage your score. Your payment history and credit utilization (the percentage of your credit limit you are using) are the two biggest factors in your credit score.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the AAA Visa Card outside the United States?

Yes, you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted internationally. However, Comenity typically charges a foreign transaction fee of around 1% to 3% on purchases made outside the U.S. Some card versions may waive this fee. Check your card agreement or contact Comenity to confirm the fee for your specific card.

What should I do if I lose my card or suspect fraud?

Contact Comenity when ready using the number on the back of your card or through your online account. Comenity can freeze or cancel the card right away to prevent unauthorized use. You are not responsible for fraudulent charges if you report them promptly, and Comenity will issue a replacement card.

Can I transfer a balance from another credit card to the AAA Visa Card?

Some versions of the AAA Visa Card offer balance transfer options, though this is not may provide. If your card does offer balance transfers, there is typically a fee of 3% to 5% of the amount transferred, and the transferred balance may have a different APR than new purchases. Contact Comenity or check your card agreement to see if this option is available for your account.

What is the credit limit on the AAA Visa Card?

Your credit limit is determined by Comenity based on your credit score, income, and credit history. Limits typically range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. You can find your specific limit in your welcome materials or by logging into your account online. You can request a credit limit increase after you have held the card for several months and made on-time payments.