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Like many national retailers, leisure apparel chain American Eagle Outfitters offers two credit cards to customers. That means its frequent (and, perhaps, plaid-laden) shoppers may find themselves faced with two questions at the checkout line: Should I get an AE credit card? And, if so, which one? Well, hold on to your cozy caps and Dreamer hoodies, we’re here to help. In this American Eagle credit card review, we’ll break down the major terms and conditions of each card, outline their pros and cons and suggest some alternatives in case you decide a different piece of plastic may be more your style.
The decision to apply for any store card comes down to, first and foremost, how often you shop at that particular brand. Next, you’ll need to consider whether you’re prone to overspending and, subsequently, carrying on balance on your credit cards. Store cards generally carry higher annual percentage rates (APRs) than bank-issued credit cards, particularly if you have good credit. (You can view two of your credit scores for free on Credit.com.) The American Eagle credit cards are no exception. Both the AEO Visa Card and the AEO Credit Card tout a variable 27.99% purchase APR. That means any polos, PJs or pants you can’t pay off in full are going to cost you — and probably beyond any discounts or rewards you’re going to earn.
Having said that, if you shop at AEO or Aerie (the company’s lingerie brand) all the time — for stuff that you can always pay off in full — than the card might be worth considering. Something else to keep in mind: Store cards, particularly those that can only be used at a particular brand, generally have less stringent underwriting standards, so someone who is angling to build their credit may also want to keep that at back of mind as they shop their favorite stores. Making on-time payments and revolving very little debt (below ideally 10% of your credit limit) on a store credit card account is one way for new entrants to build a good credit score.
Let’s be frank: the AEO Visa Credit Card definitely represents the better deal. You can earn Extra Savings points: five points for every $1 spent anywhere Visa is accepted, not just AEO and Aerie. Having said that, your credit could play a role here, too, since a good credit score generally entitles you to the better products on the market and a bad credit score just might not cut it when it comes to a card that can be used anywhere. Let’s review the major terms and conditions of each card. (For full details, please read the card agreements.)
The Perks: Cardholders get 15 points for every dollar speant at AEO or Aerie. 2,500 points equals a $10 rewards. They also get a 20% birthday coupon and invites to six exclusive savings events each year.
Signup Bonus: You’ll get 25% off the first purchase you make with the card.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: Variable 27.99%
The Perks: Cardholders get everything mentioned above, plus one five points for every dollar spent anywhere Visa accepted.
Signup Bonus: Also 25% off the first purchase you make with the card.
Annual Fee: $0
APR: 27.99%
The American Eagle credit cards offer some nice ancillary perks for frequent shoppers (who doesn’t love 20% off on their birthday?), but it’s good to keep its base rewards in perspective. If you’re thinking you’re in the market for a more flexible and versatile rewards credit card, here are two cards to consider.
Why We’re Mentioning it: Because earning rewards and redeeming rewards with the Quicksilver (see full review here) is pretty much a piece of cake. You earn unlimited 1.5% cash back for every dollar you spent, no caps or expiration dates for the life of the account, which you can redeem whenever you want for any amount you want. Plus, cardholders are eligible for a $150 signup bonus if they spend $500 on purchases within three months of approval.
Annual Fee:
APR: , based on creditworthiness, after a expires.
Card Details +
Why We’re Mentioning it: The Discover it Cash Back (see full review here) is a bit more complicated than the Quicksilver. Cardholders get 5% cash back on up to $1,500 in purchases on rotating categories each quarter (you’ve gotta enroll in these categories over the course of the year) and unlimited 1% cash back everywhere else. However, many of its big bonus categories will appeal to shoppers. And, as a bonus, Discover is currently matching all the cash back cardholders earn in their first year at the end of that year.
Annual Fee:
APR: Variable Special Introductory APR of , then ongoing APR of based on credit worthiness.
At publishing time, the Capital One Quicksilver and Discover it credit cards are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply and ultimately sign up for thes cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It’s important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
