THE CARDTUNED DATABASE
AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard
Issuer: Barclays US · Network: Mastercard
Unlimited 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases (excluding Target and Walmart); 2% on eligible medical expenses; 1% on other eligible purchases
- Annual fee
- $0
- Foreign transaction fee
- 3%
- Intro APR
- No public introductory APR listed; verify the live application.
- Regular APR
- Variable purchase APR; exact current rate is disclosed in the live application and card agreement.
Full card review date:
This date covers the full card review. Individual terms may have been checked separately afterward; see dates noted in the terms and offer below.
Current offer
$100 cash back after $500 in 90 days
- Spending requirement
- $500
- Time window
- 90 days
Offer last checked: 2026-09-04
Earning rates
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| Category | Rate | Eligible purchases and conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Gas & Drugstores | 3% | Unlimited — cash back on gas and drugstore purchases (excluding Target and Walmart) Rewards apply only to eligible net purchases after returns, credits and adjustments. Balance transfers, cash advances, fees, interest and cash-equivalent transactions do not earn rewards. Merchant coding and applicant-specific terms apply. |
| Medical | 2% | on eligible medical expenses |
| Other purchases | 1% | on other eligible purchases |
Restrictions to know
Rewards apply only to eligible net purchases after returns, credits and adjustments. Balance transfers, cash advances, fees, interest and cash-equivalent transactions do not earn rewards. Merchant coding and applicant-specific terms apply. Gas/drugstore bonus excludes Target and Walmart. Medical expenses must qualify under issuer merchant coding.
Who can apply
U.S. applicant; subject to Barclays credit approval and identity verification.
Credit profile: Issuer underwriting applies; no universal public score cutoff