* **AAA Travel Advantage Visa:** This card is issued by Comenity Capital Bank. It is part of the current credit card lineup offered by many regional AAA clubs. * **AAA Member Rewards Visa:** This card is issued by Bank of America. It is a legacy program and may no longer be open to new applicants in all regions, though existing cardholders can continue to use their cards and earn rewards. ## Rewards Earning Comparison The earning structures differ significantly, with one card focusing on direct cash back and the other utilizing a points system. ### AAA Travel Advantage Visa (Comenity) This card is tailored for commuters and travelers who prefer straightforward cash back: * **5% cash back** on gas and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (on up to $350 in cash back earned per calendar year, then 1% thereafter). * **3% cash back** on travel, dining, grocery store purchases, and qualifying AAA purchases. * **1% cash back** on all other qualifying purchases.
### AAA Member Rewards Visa (Bank of America) This card uses a points-based system that rewards brand loyalty and general travel: * **3 points per $1 spent** on qualifying AAA and CAA purchases. * **2 points per $1 spent** on travel purchases, including gas, flights, hotels, vacation packages, and car rentals. * **1 point per $1 spent** on all other purchases. ## Redemption Options The value and flexibility of your rewards depend on how you can redeem them. * **AAA Travel Advantage:** Rewards accumulate as cash back. Cardholders can redeem their earnings for statement credits or direct deposits into a linked checking or savings account. * **AAA Member Rewards:** Points can be redeemed through Bank of America for several options. These include statement credits, direct deposits, gift cards, travel bookings, or AAA vouchers. AAA vouchers can be applied toward membership renewals, AAA auto repairs, or travel booked directly through the club.
## Fees and International Use Both cards are designed to be travel-friendly and carry similar fee structures: * **Annual Fee:** Neither card charges an annual fee. * **Foreign Transaction Fees:** Neither card charges foreign transaction fees, making both options suitable for international travel. ## How to Choose Between the Cards Choosing between these two cards depends on your primary spending categories and your relationship with the issuing banks.
The **AAA Travel Advantage Visa** is generally more lucrative for daily commuters and families due to its 5% cash-back rate on gas and EV charging, alongside a strong 3% return on groceries and dining. The **AAA Member Rewards Visa** is highly beneficial for members who frequently book expensive tours, cruises, or vacation packages directly through AAA, earning 3 points per dollar on those purchases. It is also preferred by those who want to redeem points directly for AAA vouchers or who prefer to keep their accounts within the Bank of America ecosystem. Because credit card availability varies by ZIP code, check your local AAA club website to verify which cards are currently offered in your area.
