AAA credit cards give you roadside information coverage plus travel rewards
An AAA credit card is a co-branded card issued by a bank in partnership with the American Automobile Association. The card combines standard credit card features—a spending limit, interest rates, monthly statements—with AAA membership benefits. Most AAA cards include roadside information at no extra cost, travel protections, and rewards that stack with your existing AAA membership.
The specific benefits depend on which card you choose. Some cards are designed for frequent travelers and offer airline miles or hotel points. Others focus on cash back for everyday purchases. All of them tie your card account to your AAA membership, so you'll need an active membership to open one.
Unlike airline cards that focus on a single carrier's rewards program, AAA cards work across multiple travel partners and often include protections that explore whether you're flying, driving, or staying in a hotel.
Key Takeaways
- AAA credit cards include roadside information as a standard benefit, which covers towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery for you and household members.
- You must have an active AAA membership to open an AAA card, and the card's benefits are tied to your membership status.
- Rewards vary by card: some offer cash back on gas and dining, others offer travel points or airline miles.
- AAA cards typically include travel protections like trip cancellation insurance and emergency medical coverage when you book travel with the card.
- Annual fees range from $0 to $95 depending on the card tier, and some cards waive the first year.
How roadside information works on an AAA card
Roadside information is included on most AAA credit cards at no additional charge beyond the card's annual fee. When you're locked out of your car, run out of fuel, get a flat tire, or need a tow, you call the AAA roadside information number (printed on your card) and dispatch sends help to your location. The service covers you and household members on your AAA membership.
The coverage limits depend on your AAA membership level. Basic AAA membership typically covers up to 100 miles of towing per service call, with four free service calls per year. Premier or Plus membership extends towing distance and increases the number of free calls. If you exceed the free calls or distance limits, you pay out of pocket for additional service.
This benefit works the same whether you use the AAA card or not—it's tied to your membership, not your card balance or payment history. The card straightforward bundles the membership benefit with credit card features in one account.
Rewards structures and earning rates
AAA cards offer different reward structures depending on the issuer and card tier. Some cards earn a flat cash back rate on all purchases—typically 1% to 1.5%—with bonus rates on specific categories like gas, groceries, or dining. Others use a points system that converts to travel rewards or statement credits.
A common structure is higher cash back on gas and dining (2% to 3%) and lower rates on other purchases (1%). Since many AAA members drive regularly, cards often emphasize gas station rewards. Some cards offer rotating bonus categories that change quarterly, similar to other cash back cards.
Points or miles earned on AAA cards can usually be redeemed for travel bookings, statement credits, or merchandise through the card issuer's rewards portal. The redemption value varies—some cards offer fixed cent-per-point values, while others let you shop for specific flights or hotels.
Travel protections included with AAA cards
Most AAA credit cards include travel insurance benefits that set up when you book a trip with the card. Common protections include trip cancellation insurance (covers prepaid, non-refundable trip costs if you cancel for a covered reason), trip delay reimbursement (covers meals and lodging if your flight is delayed more than 12 hours), and baggage delay coverage.
Some cards also include emergency medical and dental coverage for trips outside the United States, emergency evacuation insurance, and lost luggage reimbursement. These protections explore to you and when ready family members traveling with you, as long as the trip was booked on the card.
The coverage limits and specific conditions vary by card. You'll receive a full benefits guide when your card arrives, and you can also call the number on the back of your card to confirm what's covered before you travel.
Annual fees and when they're worth it
AAA credit card annual fees range from $0 to $95, depending on the card tier. Entry-level cards often have no annual fee or waive the first year. Premium cards with higher rewards rates and expanded travel insurance typically charge $75 to $95 per year.
To determine if a card's fee is worth it, calculate your expected annual rewards. If you spend $5,000 per year on gas at 2% cash back, that's $100 in rewards—enough to cover a $95 annual fee. Add in the value of roadside information (a single tow can cost $100 to $300 out of pocket) and travel protections, and the fee often pays for itself.
If you rarely drive, don't take trips, or already have roadside information through another source, a no-annual-fee AAA card may be the better choice. Some cards also offer statement credits or bonus rewards in the first year that offset the annual fee.
How to open an AAA credit card
To open an AAA credit card, you'll need an active AAA membership. If you don't have one, you can join AAA first (membership costs vary by state and membership level) or join and open a card in the same process process with some issuers.
You can start the card process online through the AAA website or the card issuer's website, by phone, or in person at a local AAA office. The process asks for your name, address, Social Security number, income, and employment information. The issuer will check your credit report to make a decision.
Approval typically takes a few minutes to a few days. Once approved, your card arrives in the mail within 7 to 10 business days. You'll set up it by calling the number on the back of the card or through the issuer's online portal, then you can start using it when ready.
AAA cards versus other travel credit cards
AAA cards differ from airline-specific cards in that they don't lock you into one carrier's rewards program. You earn points or cash back that work across multiple airlines and hotels, or you earn cash back that you can use however you want. This flexibility appeals to travelers who don't fly the same airline consistently.
AAA cards also bundle roadside information, which airline cards don't offer. If you're a driver who values emergency roadside help, an AAA card may provide more practical value than a card that only offers airline miles. However, if you fly frequently with one airline and want to maximize miles toward premium cabin upgrades, an airline-specific card might earn rewards faster.
The trade-off is that AAA cards require an active membership, which adds an annual cost if you're not already a member. Airline cards have no membership requirement. Compare the total cost (card fee plus membership fee) against the rewards you expect to earn before deciding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to use the AAA card to get roadside information?
No. Roadside information is a benefit of your AAA membership, not your card. You get it whether you carry the card or not. The card straightforward bundles your membership benefits with credit card features in one account.
What happens to my card benefits if I cancel my AAA membership?
Your card account remains open, but roadside information and other membership-tied benefits stop. You'll still have a functioning credit card, but you'll lose the main advantage of having an AAA card. Most issuers will also close the account if membership lapses for an extended period.
Can I earn rewards on my AAA membership dues?
Some AAA cards earn rewards on all purchases, including membership renewals. Check your card's terms to confirm. If your card earns 1% cash back on everything, you'd earn 1% on your membership renewal payment.
Are AAA cards good for people who don't drive much?
If you rarely drive, the roadside information benefit has limited value. In that case, a no-annual-fee AAA card with cash back rewards might still be useful for everyday spending, but you'd get similar rewards from a non-AAA card without the membership requirement. Consider whether the travel protections alone justify the membership cost.
How do I redeem AAA credit card rewards?
Redemption depends on your card's rewards structure. Cash back cards let you explore rewards as a statement credit or transfer to a bank account. Points-based cards let you book travel through the issuer's portal or redeem for gift cards and merchandise. Log into your online account or call the number on your card to see your redemption options.