The Best Credit Cards for Seniors in 2025

We chose Barclays AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard as the best credit card for seniors because it has cash back for medical expenses, all the benefits of an AARP membership, and no annual fees.

Jeff Hoyt
Sarah Goldy Brown
Who is Sarah Goldy Brown?
Sarah covers a range of senior lifestyle topics, from reviews of walk-in tubs and hearing aids to overviews of Medicare and Medicaid. Her close relationship with her grandparents gave her a firsthand look at the evolving life needs of older… Learn More
Writer & Researcher
Jeff Hoyt
Jeff Hoyt
Who is Jeff Hoyt?
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More
Expert Verified
Expert Verified
This content has been reviewed and verified by relevant subject matter experts. Learn More
Editor in Chief
Our Methodology

Our team of experts researched and evaluated over a dozen credit cards and narrowed down the list to our top picks for seniors.

100
Hours of Research
15
Products Tested
3
Experts Consulted
6
Products Selected

How We Evaluated the Best Credit Cards for Seniors

Below is the process we used to research and compare the best credit cards:

  1. We reviewed the requirements for applying and being eligible for each credit card.
  2. Our team contacted customer service representatives to review the latest deals, discounts, and card benefits. We also asked about any requirements and discussed the fine print to consider possible disadvantages for seniors.
  3. We read online reviews from consumers who have applied for or owned each card.
  4. We compared notes and narrowed down our list to the top credit cards for seniors.

How We Chose the Best Credit Cards

Here are the most important factors that helped us narrow down our list:

  • Annual fees: Depending on the card and the customer’s credit history, seniors may need to pay an annual credit card fee. We focused on cards that offered low or no annual fees.
  • APR: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) is partially determined by current market fees set by the individual bank or card provider, along with your credit score. We looked for providers that offer competitive APRs.
  • Other fees: Most credit cards charge fees on top of the interest you accrue on any remaining balance you keep on your card. Common fees include foreign transaction fees (important to consider for seniors who travel), balance transfer fees, and overlimit fees. We looked for cards that keep fees at a minimum and benefits at a maximum.
  • Eligibility requirements: We included a wide range of credit cards, as every senior’s financial situation is unique. Some cards on this list require higher credit scores and positive credit histories, while others are easier to obtain for seniors with lower credit scores or those who are building credit for the first time.
  • Senior-friendly rewards: One of the most important factors we considered was credit card rewards. From cash-back deals to travel reimbursements, we found credit cards with rewards that benefit seniors.
  • Introductory offers: We looked for cards that offered introductory rewards. Some cards have cash rewards if you spend a certain amount within the first 90 days, while others offer zero percent APR for the first 18 months.

Why Trust Us?

Our experts have spent hundreds of hours researching credit cards for seniors. We’ve tested and reviewed financial products and services designed specifically to help seniors for years.

We also consult with older adults who use credit cards regularly to learn about their personal experiences with different cards and gain better insights into potential advantages and disadvantages.

SeniorLiving.org is supported by commissions from providers listed on our site. Read our Editorial Guidelines

Citations
  1. American Express. (2025). Blue Cash Preferred® Card.

  2. Experian. (2024). Where Is American Express Accepted?

  3. Capital One. (2025). VentureOne Rewards from Capital One.

  4. AARP. (2024). Why Retirees Are Carrying More and More Debt.

  5. Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. (2019). Rewards Cards – Minimize the Pitfalls, Maximize the Benefits.

  6. Federal Trade Commission. (2010). Fair Debt Collection Practices Act.

Written By:
Sarah Goldy Brown
Writer & Researcher
Sarah covers a range of senior lifestyle topics, from reviews of walk-in tubs and hearing aids to overviews of Medicare and Medicaid. Her close relationship with her grandparents gave her a firsthand look at the evolving life needs of older… Learn More About Sarah Goldy Brown
Reviewed By:
Jeff Hoyt
Editor in Chief
As Editor-in-Chief of the personal finance site MoneyTips.com, Jeff produced hundreds of articles on the subject of retirement, including preventing identity theft, minimizing taxes, investing successfully, preparing for retirement medical costs, protecting your credit score, and making your money last… Learn More About Jeff Hoyt