Frequently Asked Questions

All you need to know about AA Credit Cards

Applying for an AA Credit Card


Who can apply?

Anyone aged 18 or over who is a UK resident can apply, but credit is subject to status.

How long does it take to get a decision on my application?

If you apply online or by telephone you could get an instant decision. If your application is referred, and for all other applications, you should hear from us within seven to ten days.

Is applying online for an AA Credit Card safe and secure?

The application form is secured with 128 bit SSL encryption. This is the industry standard software which prevents anyone else but MBNA Europe, on behalf of the AA, from viewing your personal details.

Once I receive my card how am I protected against fraudulent use?

There is no liability or excess to pay for theft, loss or fraudulent internet use – as long as you tell us as soon as your card cannot be found or you notice any unusual transactions on your account.

Can I have an additional cardholder on the account?

With the AA Credit Card you can have up to three additional cardholders on your account at no extra charge. You can do this over the phone or once you enrol for Online Card Services. You are able to add one extra cardholder during the application process. Any additional cardholder must reside at the same primary address, and have a relationship of close family member (defined as: spouse, parent, sibling or domestic partner). The main cardholder is responsible for any transactions made by any additional cardholder.

Using your AA Credit Card


Can I view my account details online?

You can access your account details via theAA.com/managemycard.

Online Card Services allows you to:

  • apply for a balance transfer
  • apply for a money transfer
  • order additional cards
  • check your balance and credit limit
  • check recent transactions
  • check your PIN number securely
  • view statements
  • set up a direct debit
  • make payments
  • update your personal details
  • view and redeem your AA Reward Points

How do I transfer a balance?

If you are applying for an AA Credit Card the easiest and quickest way to do a balance transfer is to complete the request as part of the application process. If you are already a customer, you can transfer a balance once you have registered with our Online Card Services facility 24 hours a day, or call us on 0800 028 4337.

How do I do a money transfer?

A money transfer is a transfer of funds from your account to any personal account held by you at another financial institution other than into a credit card or loan account.

You can transfer money to a current account with a money transfer, giving you access to money when you need it. You can not transfer cash into a third party bank account. We can only complete a money transfer to the main cardholder's current account.

Please note: the option to make a transfer may not always be available when, for example, you're within 95% of or have exceeded your credit limit, or you have missed a payment.

Where can I use my AA Credit Card?

Your card is accepted at retail outlets and ATMs in most countries throughout the world. For up to date information or advice on using your credit card worldwide or to withdraw cash, please call our Customer Satisfaction Helpline, available 24 hours a day on 0800 917 8612.

AA Credit Card reward points


What are card purchases?

Card purchases include all purchases you and any authorised user(s) make with your credit card. This excludes balance transfers, credit card cheques, cash (for example at ATMs and over the counter), foreign currency, travellers' cheques, postal orders, gambling transactions and electronic transfers of cash.

Is there a limit to the number of reward points I can earn?

No. You can continue to earn reward points throughout the year, and carry them forward from one year to the next. Reward points expire after two years.

Who can redeem my reward points?

Primary cardholders and any authorised users may redeem reward points.

When will my reward points expire?

Reward points expire two years from the end of the month in which they were earned.

How will I know how many reward points I have accumulated?

Your reward points total appears online when you log in to your Online Card Services account. It will also be shown on your monthly credit card statement.

Can I combine my reward points with any other scheme?

No, reward points may not be combined with any other programme.

How do I access my rewards programme?

You need to be enrolled in Online Card Services. Once enrolled you simply need to log in and click on the 'Rewards' link on the 'Your Account' page. This link will take you to the rewards website where you can view and redeem your reward points.

What happens if Online Card Services or my reward site isn't working?

If Online Card Services isn’t working, please contact Customer Services on 0800 917 8612.

Redeeming your reward points


What kind of rewards can I use my reward points for?

You can redeem your points for a number of AA products, including AA Breakdown Cover, shopping vouchers, merchandise, experiences, and more.

How can I redeem reward points?

Log in to your Online Card Services account and click on the 'Rewards' link on the 'Your Account' page to view the rewards available and order online. It should only take a few minutes to redeem your reward points.

Do shopping vouchers have an expiry date or any other restrictions?

No. There are no expiry dates on the vouchers.

Which retailers are offering shopping vouchers on my rewards programme?

You can redeem your reward points for wide selection of high street vouchers including Argos, John Lewis, Marks & Spencer, Next, HMV, Love2Shop and many more.

Are shopping vouchers transferable?

The shopping vouchers are not personalised and may be given or sent to someone else.

When earning points on fuel, do I have to use a specific filling station?

You can earn points on fuel with any AA Credit Card purchase when you fill your car with diesel, petrol or LPG Autogas from any petrol station (including supermarket petrol stations).

How do I redeem my points for cash back?

If you wish to redeem your points for cash back, log in to the rewards site via Online Card Services. Select the 'cash back' option from the list of products. You can select multiples of £20, £30, £40 or £50 as a cash back reward. Your chosen value will be credited to your AA Credit Card account within 28 days. You can redeem your points for cash back as often as you want.

Which AA products can I earn points on?

You can earn points on any AA products and services advertised on theAA.com website, (excluding AA Getaways) that are bought directly from the AA.

Can I redeem for Reward items using part points and part cash?

Yes. Where the cash top-up option is available, simply select the amount you would like to pay on your payment card. (This top-up function is only available with payments made on your AA Credit Card.)

Are there any reward items I can't use cash top-up for?

Yes. Cash top-up cannot be used on cash back or vouchers.

When will my reward items be delivered?

If in stock, reward items will be delivered within 35 days of your order. Shopping vouchers will be dispatched within two working days.

Are delivery charges included in my reward redemption order?

All reward prices include a delivery charge. Some of the items in the 'More Rewards' section of the reward site give you an option to collect from an Argos store; if this option is available it could reduce the overall price.

Which AA products can I redeem my points for?

You can redeem your points on a range of AA products including AA Home and Car Insurance policies, AA Breakdown Cover, and travel guides and maps. Log in to the rewards site to see the full list of available options.

How can I redeem reward points on AA Car or Home Insurance or AA Home Emergency Response?

If you wish to use your reward points on either AA Home or Car Insurance or AA Home Emergency Response, you must first take out and pay in full for the insurance policy. Once you have received your policy documents, log in to the reward scheme through Online Card Services and select the relevant AA Insurance product. You will see a range of redemption options for you to choose from. You can choose to redeem your points against the amount of money which closest matches the price you paid for your AA Insurance policy. Once you have selected the amount of money you wish to choose, we will verify that you have completed the purchase of an AA Insurance policy and then will apply the relevant amount as a credit to your AA Credit Card account. The credit should be applied to your account within 28 days of your redemption.

How can I redeem reward points on a new AA Breakdown Cover policy or AA European Breakdown Cover?

If you wish to use your reward points AA Breakdown Cover or AA European Breakdown Cover and have selected to do so, then a voucher will be sent to you in the post. This voucher will have a unique code. Once you have decided to buy AA Breakdown or European Breakdown Cover please call the telephone number that appears on your voucher. You'll be asked to quote your voucher code by the operator, and the monetary value will be deducted from the cost of your cover.

How can I redeem reward points against the renewal of an existing AA Breakdown Cover policy?

If you wish to use your reward points towards the cost of your AA membership renewal, you must first renew your policy in your normal way. Once you have received your policy documents, log in to the reward scheme through Online Card Services and select the option for 'AA Breakdown – renewal of existing policy'. You will see a range of redemption options for you to choose from. You can choose to redeem your points against the amount of money which closest matches the price you paid for your breakdown renewal. Once you have selected the amount of money you wish to choose, we will verify that you have completed your breakdown renewal and then will apply the relevant amount as a credit to your AA Credit Card account. The credit should be applied to your account within 28 days of your redemption.

How can I redeem my points against AA Driving School?

If you wish to use your reward points towards the cost of driving lessons with AA Driving School, please log in to the rewards site and select the AA Driving School option. You can purchase gift vouchers for AA Driving School in multiples of £25. Please allow 28 days for delivery of these gift vouchers. AA driving instructors will accept these vouchers as payment towards driving lessons with AA Driving School.

How can I redeem my points for AA Publishing items?

A wide range of items are available from AA Publishing. These include the latest atlases, lifestyle guides, travel guides, the highway code and many more. There are also a range of motoring essentials, including breakdown kits or first aid kits. Please log in to the reward scheme and select any items you would like to choose from the 'AA Books, Maps and Car Essentials' section. The item you have chosen will be dispatched to you within 28 days.

What happens to my points once I have redeemed them?

Once you have chosen the products or services you wish to use your points on, the points will be deducted from your points total and will be shown on your statements and Online Card Services pages.

AA Rewards Plus Credit Card


How do I receive cash back?

To receive cash back, simply log in to Online Card Services and select the 'redeem your points' link. This will take you through to the rewards catalogue and you can select the amount of cash back you wish to redeem your points for.

Do I have to choose cash back?

No, you are free to choose any of the products available on the rewards site, and points are worth the same value what ever you select (1 point is 1 pence). We advertise cash back as this is the most recognisable redemption option.

Why can't I find Rewards Plus on theAA.com any more?

This credit card is no longer available to new customers.

Online Card Services security


How secure is my information on Online Card Services?

One of our highest priorities on Online Card Services is to ensure your personal information is secure by employing the most advanced online security measures in the industry. These include state-of-the-art encryption of all data transmitted between your computer and our secure site:

  • MBNA requires 128-bit SSL to maintain the highest encryption standards throughout our site and protect your online account information
  • secure communications through our website's coordinated set of electronic forms, available in the 'Your Account' tab
  • a unique user name and password system for authentication purposes

What steps can I take to ensure the security of my account information?

There are several things you can do to protect your Online Card Services account.

  • never reveal your user name and password to anyone
  • change your password frequently using the 'Change Password' function
  • always log off from Online Card Services before walking away from your computer
  • always log off from Online Card Services before accessing other websites

How does encryption work – and what's the difference between 40-bit and 128-bit encryption?

Encryption software encodes data before it is transmitted over the Internet to another computer. Most major commercial browsers include encryption software.

Two of the most widely used encryption levels are 40-bit and 128-bit, and many browsers today offer both.

Online Card Services requires 128-bit encryption, because it provides the most secure level of web browser encryption available on the Internet today. In fact, it's more than 300 x 1024 times more secure than 40-bit encryption. With 128-bit encryption, you can use Online Card Services with confidence.

What is Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) protocol?

SSL, the leading security protocol on the Internet today, was developed by NetscapeTM and is used with its Navigator browser. This protocol allows for the secure transmission of information submitted by a user from a desktop computer to a website, and vice versa.

How do I know if my browser's encryption is working when I am online?

An icon such as a closed padlock or a key will be displayed in a corner of your browser's window when an encrypted connection is active. Open padlock or broken key icons indicate that your connection is not encrypted.

What happens if I forget to log off?

For security reasons, Online Card Services becomes disabled after long periods of inactivity, and the system will automatically log off. If this happens, you will be required to repeat the log on procedure. We encourage you to use the log off function for maximum security when you're finished with the system or if you walk away from your computer.

Who has access to my account information?

Main cardholders and additional cardholders have access to account information via Online Card Services.

Credit card security


How can I keep my credit card secure?

Always sign your credit card immediately on receipt. Always keep your AA Credit Card under your control when making a purchase.

What is 'chip and PIN'?

To find out how 'chip and PIN' affects you, visit www.chipandpin.co.uk.

To securely view your credit card PIN, click on the 'PIN' tab and follow the online instructions.

How do I keep my PIN (Personal Identification Number) and password secure?

Never disclose your PIN or Online Card Services user name or password to anyone. If you receive a telephone call claiming to be from MBNA, asking for these details, report this immediately on 0844 848 2914 and do not provide the details to the caller. We will never contact you to ask you for this information.

What about buying over the Internet?

When using the Internet, be aware who you are disclosing your personal and card details to. If you have any concerns, telephone the merchant to reassure yourself that it is legitimate before giving your card details.

What if my card is lost or stolen?

If you suspect that your credit card has been lost or stolen, or that someone else knows your PIN, call us immediately on 0800 917 4466. If you are abroad please call 0044 1244 672111. Keep a separate note of our freephone and reverse-charge contact numbers in case your card is lost or stolen.

What if I move house?

If you are moving house, even temporarily, remember to advise us. Correspondence from your credit card account could contain items of value, such as credit cards.

Managing your credit card account with Online Card Services


Do I have to enter the enrolment information each time I log on?

No. After you have completed the enrolment process and selected a unique username and password, using Online Card Services is easy. Simply enter your user name and password to log on and access the site's services.

Can I register additional AA accounts onto Online Card Services?

You may register additional AA accounts through the 'Register Additional Account' screen. There is no limit to the number of AA accounts you can register. You will need to complete the following fields:

  • your credit card number
  • the security code found on your card
  • date of birth

The following fields should be completed with information provided by the main cardholder:

  • balance on last statement
  • credit limit
  • date of last statement
  • last six digits of your home telephone number

How do I remove an account from Online Card Services?

Follow the instructions on the 'Remove Account' screen. Following this procedure will not close the account – the account will simply be removed from Online Card Services.

How will I know that the account has been removed?

You will receive a confirmation of the removal immediately following the request. In addition, the account will no longer appear on the 'Registered Accounts' screen.

What does 'Hide or Show Inactive Accounts' on the 'Registered Accounts' screen mean?

When you have multiple accounts registered with the same User ID, and one or more are inactive, this application gives you the choice to view them. For example, when you report a lost or stolen card, we will close that account and open a new account to replace it. Your new card will automatically be shown within your Online Card Services 'My Accounts' screen. Please use the same user name and password to access your Online Card Services account. This feature allows you to access previous information about the old account. You may choose to hide or show these accounts when entering Online Card Services.

What is my minimum payment?

Your minimum payment is the the smallest monthly payment that you can make and still remain in compliance with your terms and conditions. Each month that your account has a balance, a minimum payment will be due. Please refer to your statement to see how much this is. Your credit card terms and conditions explain how this is calculated.

Can I make a payment on my account with another AA Credit Card or MBNA-issued card?

No.

How many months of statements will I be able to access through Online Card Services?

Your statements for the last 12 months will be available on Online Card Services for viewing and downloading.

What is the process for downloading a statement?

Downloading an account statement is easy. From your Summary page, go to the 'Statements' tab, then click 'Download Statements'. Follow the simple directions to complete your download. Statement downloads are available in a QIF format, which can be imported into personal financial software packages such as Microsoft® Money.

What do the status indicators on the 'Registered Accounts' screen mean?

  • Active This account is open, and you are able to use for spending.
  • Inactive This account is not currently available for spending. For additional information, please call us at the number listed on the Contact Us page.
  • Closed This account has been closed and is no longer available for spending. For additional information, please call us at the number listed on the Contact Us page.
  • Lost/stolen This account has been reported as lost or stolen and is no longer available for spending.
  • Suspended Spending for this account has temporarily been suspended. For additional information, please call us at the number listed on the Contact Us page.

What do I do if I am having difficulty servicing my credit card online?

Please call 0800 028 1437 to speak with our Online Card Services Customer Support Team. Specialists are available to assist 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

What privileges does an additional cardholder have?

An additional cardholder is a person other than the main cardholder who is issued with a credit card and has full charging privileges on an account but is not responsible for the repayment of the balance on the account. Additional cardholders can view the account and perform limited account maintenance via Online Card Services. The primary cardholder is responsible for repaying all borrowing on the account, including transactions made by additional cardholders.

How do I remove an additional cardholder?

You cannot remove an additional cardholder via Online Card Services. Please call us using the number on the back of your card or statement if you wish to remove an additional cardholder.

What is a temporary authorisation?

A temporary authorisation is a transaction that has been approved but has not yet been officially posted to your account. The value of the transaction has been deducted from your available credit and is included within your current balance. Normally, a temporary authorisation converts into a posted transaction. However, a temporary authorisation may expire if the merchant does not complete the transaction; this amount will then be removed from your balance and added to your available credit.

When will I be able to view the transaction in my current activity?

This depends on the merchant. Usually, transactions post within five days of the actual transaction date.

Are temporary authorisations included in my current balance amount?

Yes, the amount of the temporarily authorised transaction is included in your current balance amount. However, if the temporary authorisation does not convert to a posted transaction, the amount will be deducted from your balance.

How long does a merchant have to post a credit to my account?

There is no limit to how long the merchant can take to post a credit to your account. However, if you are concerned about the length of time that a credit has taken to post to your account, please contact our Billing Enquiries department on 0800 028 1437 (UK).

Getting cash with your credit card


How can I get cash using my credit card account?

You can obtain cash in one of two ways:
High street withdrawal present your credit card and photo ID at any bank which accepts MasterCard® or Visa® credit cards. Please note fees may apply.
ATM cash withdrawal use your credit card along with your four-digit personal identification number (PIN) at hundreds of thousands of ATMs in most countries that display the MasterCard®, Visa® or American Express® logos. Please note fees may apply.

If you need any help with this, please contact the customer services team on 0800 917 8612.

Allocation of payments to your credit card balances


How are my payments allocated to the balances on my credit card account?

Any payment to your credit card balance will be used towards paying off any balances that are being charged at higher rates first. The effect to each individual customer depends on how you use your card.

Can I choose what order my balances are paid off?

No, as the payment is allocated automatically.

Will my direct debit payment be allocated in this way from now on?

Yes, payments received by any method will be allocated in the same way.

Contactless payment


What is Contactless?

Contactless is payment technology which lets you pay for purchases of £15 and under without entering your PIN wherever you see the contactless symbol.

Contactless symbol

Just tell the retailer that you would like to pay using your contactless card, hold your contactless card against the card reader and you will hear a beep or see a green light to confirm that your transaction has been approved, in less than a second.

Contactless payments will show as a card purchase on your statement and will be charged at the rate shown on your statement for those transactions.

How do I know if my credit card has Contactless payment technology?

Contactless payment technology is a new benefit of your credit card. Look for the Contactless indicator on the front of your credit card. If your card doesn't have this indicator and you would like to have a contactless card, you can call our customer services and request a new card.

Contactless symbol

You can still use your card as normal for chip & PIN transactions, online purchases and cash withdrawals.

Are Contactless payments safe?

Yes – they are secured by the same payment technology as chip & PIN transactions, plus Contactless technology only works in very close proximity to the card reader, so you can't accidently pay for someone else's shopping.

You may also occasionally be asked to carry out a chip & PIN transaction instead of a contactless transaction. This is for additional security to limit the possibility of any fraudulent activity on your account.

Why should I use Contactless?

As more and more shops and transport providers (for example buses and trains) start to accept Contactless payments, paying for your purchase or journey will become quicker and more convenient than if you had to hunt around for cash or stop to enter a PIN, meaning you can carry on with your day even more quickly.

AA Credit Card you will also earn reward points when you make contactless payments with your card.

Can I use my Contactless Card abroad?

You can use your Contactless credit card abroad in most places that you see the Contactless acceptance logo. The transaction limit will be the equivalent of £15 in the foreign currency.

However, we are aware that there are a small number of Contactless terminals in the United States which use a slightly different system to the one we use. In these cases, you will still be able to make a payment by swiping your card.

Choosing the right credit card


Which type of AA Credit Card will be best for me?

We have a balance transfer calculator available which could help you work out whether you could save money from moving other balances to your AA Credit Card.

There is also a reward point calculator on the site which can help you work out what your reward points are worth.

How to contact us


If you have more specific questions about your credit card account, or want to track the progress of a new application, please use the phone numbers below or log into Online Card Services to send a secure message.

For credit cards issued by MBNA please call:
Customer services:
0800 917 8612, 24 hours

Rewards enquiries:
0800 917 8612, 24 hours

Track your new application:
0800 028 1332, Monday – Thursday 8am – 8pm, Friday 8am – 5pm

Alternatively send a secure message via your Online Card Services account at http://www.theaa.com/managemycard.

If your credit card starts with 456072, 490918 or 528682 please call:
Customer services:
0845 300 4706, Monday – Friday 8am – 10pm, weekends 8am – 7pm

Rewards enquiries:
0800 783 0167, Monday – Friday 9am – 5.30pm, message service outside these times

The AA Credit Card is issued by MBNA Europe Bank Limited, a Bank of America company. Registered Office: Stansfield House, Chester Business Park, Chester CH4 9QQ. Registered in England number 2783251. MBNA's consumer credit activities are licensed by the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) and MBNA's general insurance activities are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (FSA). Credit is available, subject to status, only to UK residents aged 18 or over. MBNA will monitor or record some phone calls.