When it comes to credit cards, the AE Real Rewards Credit Card has caught my attention. It offers a solid mix of features, particularly for those who want to earn rewards with ease while enjoying a reasonable level of flexibility. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the AE Real Rewards Credit Card—from its benefits to how it compares to other cards in the market. I’ll also share some examples and calculations to help you understand how the rewards system works.
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What is the AE Real Rewards Credit Card?
The AE Real Rewards Credit Card is a rewards-based card offered by American Eagle. It is designed for shoppers who frequently purchase at American Eagle and its affiliated stores, including Aerie. The card provides cashback on eligible purchases and allows you to redeem rewards for various rewards like gift cards, merchandise, or even statement credits.
I find that the real value of this card lies in its simplicity. Unlike many credit cards that offer complicated point systems, the AE Real Rewards Credit Card is straightforward: earn cash back as you spend and redeem it however you like.
Key Features of the AE Real Rewards Credit Card
Let’s dive into some of the key features that make the AE Real Rewards Credit Card an attractive choice:
- Cashback on Purchases: The card gives you 1.5% cashback on all purchases. This is a solid rate, especially for a store-specific credit card.
- Rewards for American Eagle Purchases: If you shop at American Eagle or Aerie, you can earn even more. Specifically, you get 25% back on all eligible purchases at these stores. This can add up quickly if you’re a frequent shopper.
- Sign-Up Bonus: New cardholders can enjoy a welcome offer, often around $15 off their first purchase. While not extravagant, it’s a nice perk for those who plan to shop at American Eagle anyway.
- No Annual Fee: The AE Real Rewards Credit Card comes with no annual fee, which is a big win in my book. Many rewards cards come with an annual fee, but this card doesn’t burden you with that extra cost.
- Flexible Redemption Options: You can redeem your rewards for a variety of items, including store merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits. This flexibility is great if you like to use your rewards for different purposes.
- Birthday Discount: Another nice perk is the birthday reward. Every year, cardholders receive a special birthday discount, adding to the overall value of the card.
How Does the Rewards System Work?
Understanding how the rewards system works is key to maximizing the benefits of the AE Real Rewards Credit Card. The card earns you 1.5% cashback on every purchase, regardless of the retailer. However, when you make purchases at American Eagle or Aerie, you earn 25% back. This is a pretty generous return, especially if you shop frequently at these stores.
Example Calculation: Spending at American Eagle vs. Other Purchases
Let’s say you spend $100 on a regular purchase and $100 on an American Eagle or Aerie purchase. Here’s how the rewards would break down:
| Purchase Type | Amount Spent | Cashback Earned | Total Cashback |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Purchase (1.5%) | $100 | $1.50 | $1.50 |
| American Eagle Purchase (25%) | $100 | $25.00 | $25.00 |
As you can see, shopping at American Eagle or Aerie offers a much higher cashback percentage. This difference can quickly add up if you are a frequent shopper at these stores.
Comparing AE Real Rewards to Other Store Credit Cards
If you’re considering the AE Real Rewards Credit Card, it’s useful to compare it to other store-specific credit cards to see how it stacks up. Let’s take a look at how the AE Real Rewards card compares to the Target REDcard and the Amazon Rewards Visa Card.
| Feature | AE Real Rewards Credit Card | Target REDcard | Amazon Rewards Visa Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cashback on All Purchases | 1.5% | 5% at Target | 3% at Amazon |
| Cashback on Specific Purchases | 25% at American Eagle & Aerie | 5% on Target purchases | 2% on grocery, drugstore, and restaurant purchases |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Special Discounts | Birthday reward | 5% off Target purchases | No special discounts |
When comparing these cards, the AE Real Rewards Credit Card shines for those who shop at American Eagle or Aerie frequently. Its 25% cashback on those purchases is hard to beat. However, if you shop more at places like Amazon or Target, other cards may offer higher rewards in those areas.
Pros and Cons of the AE Real Rewards Credit Card
Like any credit card, the AE Real Rewards Credit Card has its advantages and drawbacks. Let’s look at both sides so you can make an informed decision.
Pros:
- Generous Cashback on American Eagle Purchases: The 25% cashback at American Eagle and Aerie is unmatched for store-specific cards.
- No Annual Fee: I like that you don’t have to worry about an annual fee eating into your rewards.
- Flexible Redemption Options: The ability to redeem for merchandise, gift cards, or statement credits gives you plenty of flexibility.
- Birthday Discount: A fun perk that adds to the card’s overall value.
Cons:
- Limited to American Eagle: The 25% cashback only applies at American Eagle and Aerie, so if you don’t shop there often, you may not see as much benefit.
- No Bonus Categories Beyond AE: Unlike some other rewards cards, you don’t get bonus categories for other types of spending, like dining or travel.
How to Maximize Your Rewards
To get the most out of the AE Real Rewards Credit Card, here are some strategies I recommend:
- Shop at American Eagle and Aerie: This is the obvious one. If you’re already a fan of these stores, you’ll earn the highest rewards on your purchases.
- Pay Attention to Bonus Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions or bonus offers that American Eagle may run. These can help you rack up extra rewards.
- Use Your Card for All Purchases: Since the card earns 1.5% cashback on all other purchases, it’s worth using it for everyday spending, even if you’re not at American Eagle.
- Redeem Wisely: I suggest redeeming your rewards for statement credits or gift cards, as these options typically provide the most value.
Final Thoughts
The AE Real Rewards Credit Card is an excellent choice for frequent American Eagle and Aerie shoppers. The 25% cashback on these purchases is a great perk, and the flexibility in redeeming rewards makes it easy to use. If you don’t shop at these stores often, however, the card might not be the best fit for you. But if you love American Eagle, this card could easily become a valuable part of your wallet.
By understanding the card’s features and how to maximize its rewards system, you can make the most of your spending and enjoy the benefits it offers. I hope this guide helps you decide whether the AE Real Rewards Credit Card is the right option for you.
