As someone who’s always looking to get the most value out of every purchase, I’ve spent a lot of time researching different store credit cards. One that stands out in the world of retail credit cards is the AE Outfitters credit card. In this article, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about it—from its features and benefits to how it stacks up against other credit cards, and whether it’s worth applying for.
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What Is the AE Outfitters Credit Card?
The AE Outfitters credit card is a store-specific credit card offered by American Eagle, a popular clothing retailer known for its trendy apparel and accessories. The card is designed to reward loyal customers with various perks, such as discounts, reward points, and exclusive offers. While store cards are generally considered a niche product, the AE Outfitters card offers enough benefits to make it worth considering if you frequently shop at American Eagle or its sister store, Aerie.
AE Outfitters Credit Card Features
When I first looked into the AE Outfitters credit card, I found that it comes with a variety of features that can appeal to different types of shoppers. Let’s take a closer look at the key features:
- Sign-Up Bonus
The card offers a nice welcome bonus for new cardholders. Typically, you can get 15% off your first purchase at American Eagle or Aerie when you’re approved for the card. This bonus can be a great way to score a deal on your first purchase, especially if you’re already planning on making a big shopping trip. - Earning Rewards
The AE Outfitters credit card lets you earn 1 point for every dollar you spend at American Eagle or Aerie. Points can add up quickly if you’re a regular shopper at these stores. I found that for every 200 points you earn, you’ll receive a $10 reward to use toward future purchases. - Exclusive Discounts and Offers
As a cardholder, you’ll also receive access to exclusive offers. These include birthday discounts, surprise sales, and other special promotions throughout the year. I’ve seen these offers be especially valuable when American Eagle runs limited-time sales on popular clothing items. - No Annual Fee
One of the great things about the AE Outfitters credit card is that it doesn’t charge an annual fee. This makes it a low-risk card to hold, especially if you’re already a fan of American Eagle’s products. - Financing Options
If you need to make a large purchase, the AE Outfitters credit card offers special financing options. For example, if you spend over a certain amount (usually around $150), you may be eligible for financing options with deferred interest. However, it’s important to read the fine print here, as interest charges can apply if the balance is not paid off within the promotional period.
AE Outfitters Credit Card Pros and Cons
Let’s weigh the pros and cons of the AE Outfitters credit card to help you decide if it’s the right fit for you.
Pros:
- Significant Discounts: The sign-up bonus and birthday discounts can help you save money on your purchases.
- No Annual Fee: You won’t be hit with a yearly fee, which is always a plus for a store-specific credit card.
- Exclusive Perks: If you shop at American Eagle or Aerie often, the rewards and exclusive offers can be a great way to save money.
- Financing Options: For larger purchases, the financing options can be useful, though you should be cautious of deferred interest charges.
Cons:
- Limited Rewards Redemption: Points can only be redeemed at American Eagle or Aerie, which limits their flexibility compared to cash-back credit cards.
- High APR: Like many store credit cards, the AE Outfitters card comes with a relatively high APR. If you carry a balance from month to month, you could end up paying a lot in interest.
- Limited Use: The card is primarily useful at American Eagle and Aerie, so if you don’t shop there often, you may not get as much value from the card.
AE Outfitters Credit Card vs. Other Retail Credit Cards
I decided to compare the AE Outfitters credit card with a few other popular retail cards to see how it stacks up. Here’s how it compares to two other store credit cards I considered: the Target REDcard and the Kohl’s Charge card.
| Feature | AE Outfitters Credit Card | Target REDcard | Kohl’s Charge Card |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sign-Up Bonus | 15% off first purchase | 5% off all purchases | 35% off first purchase |
| Rewards Rate | 1 point per $1 spent | 5% off all purchases | 1 point per $1 spent |
| Annual Fee | $0 | $0 | $0 |
| Exclusive Discounts | Birthday discounts, surprise sales | 5% off all purchases | Yes, during Kohl’s sales |
| Financing Options | Yes (Deferred interest on large purchases) | No | Yes (Deferred interest on large purchases) |
| APR | 27.99% (Variable) | 23.99% (Variable) | 25.99% (Variable) |
Looking at this table, it’s clear that each card has its own set of benefits. The AE Outfitters card offers a decent rewards rate, but the Target REDcard stands out with its 5% discount on all purchases. However, if you’re someone who shops regularly at American Eagle or Aerie, the AE Outfitters card could still offer more value in the form of exclusive offers and birthday discounts.
How to Maximize the AE Outfitters Credit Card
If you decide to get the AE Outfitters credit card, here are a few tips for maximizing its value:
- Use the Card Regularly: To rack up points quickly, use your card for purchases at American Eagle and Aerie. Every dollar you spend gets you closer to a reward.
- Pay Attention to Special Offers: As a cardholder, you’ll receive exclusive discounts throughout the year. Make sure to check your email or the store’s app for the latest offers.
- Pay Off Your Balance Each Month: If you can avoid carrying a balance, you’ll sidestep the high APR and maximize the benefits of your card. This is crucial if you want to save money in the long run.
- Plan Purchases Around Big Sales: American Eagle runs seasonal sales where cardholders often receive additional discounts. Timing your big purchases during these sales can give you even greater savings.
Is the AE Outfitters Credit Card Worth It?
After all this, you might be wondering if the AE Outfitters credit card is really worth it. If you’re a frequent shopper at American Eagle or Aerie, the card definitely offers value. The rewards program, along with exclusive discounts and financing options, make it a solid choice for those who like to shop at these stores. However, if you don’t shop at American Eagle regularly, you may not get the most out of the card, and you might be better off with a more flexible cash-back or rewards credit card.
Ultimately, it’s about weighing the benefits against the drawbacks. If you enjoy shopping at American Eagle and Aerie, the AE Outfitters credit card could be a good addition to your wallet. However, if you’re just looking for a general-purpose credit card, you may find better options elsewhere.
I hope this guide has helped clarify the AE Outfitters credit card’s features and benefits. If you decide it’s right for you, make sure to use it wisely and enjoy the rewards!
