(LOS ANGELES, March 22, 2011) – The Automobile Club of Southern California and Bank of America today announced the launch of the new AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card from Bank of America. The card provides triple points on all qualifying travel and AAA purchases, double points for gas, grocery and drug store purchases and one point for every dollar spent on all other purchases.
The new Auto Club credit card allows users to earn points and rewards more quickly at a time when many other credit card programs are cutting back on how consumers can earn points and rewards.
Concurrent to the launch of the credit card, AAA released findings of a new travel survey that show an increasing trend in non-traditional vacations. While 86 percent of Americans surveyed said they have taken a traditional vacation, such as a family vacation or romantic getaway, only 81 percent are considering taking one in the next year.
However, when asked about less traditional forms of travel, the AAA survey found there is an increased interest among Americans to take trips to learn a new skill, perform volunteer work, have a medical procedure or do something on their ‘bucket list.’ While 48 percent of respondents said they have taken one of the non-traditional vacations, 58 percent are considering doing so in the next year.
The AAA Member Rewards Visa card not only offers AAA members an opportunity to earn triple points on travel, but also allows points to be redeemed for vouchers for unique travel experiences for those seeking a non-traditional vacation.
“We’re pleased to build on our successful and long-standing affinity partnership with AAA,” said Andres De Armas, affinity card and banking executive for Bank of America. “This new AAA card delivers some of the richest travel rewards in the industry and provides enhanced value back to AAA members. The card offers their members maximum earning power and a wide variety of redemption choices – with no tiers or limits.”
Cardholders can redeem points for a variety of rewards, including:
- AAA Branch Vouchers good for purchases at AAA branches—including travel
- AAA Approved Auto Repair Facility Vouchers for purchases at any AAA approved facility
- Cash—a full one percent cash back starting at 5000 points
- Gift cards to more than 100 retailers, restaurants and more
- Travel on major airlines with no blackout dates, hotel and car rentals
- Merchandise including electronics, sporting goods and more.
- Experiences – Joe Montana Winery, NASCAR Pit Crew, etc.
In addition to reward points, card member benefits include:
- 2500 bonus points after first purchase within the first 90 days, enough for the first reward
- No limit to the number of points earned
- 24-hour access to concierge service
- $500,000 automatic travel accident insurance
AAA, a Bank of America affinity card partner since 1999, recently renewed its partnership with Bank of America. Bank of America is the leader in affinity card marketing and is endorsed by more than 1,600 organizations worldwide. Through partnerships with organizations worldwide, Bank of America provides consumers a way to proudly display their affiliation with a particular organization or cause.
For information about rates, fees, other costs and benefits associated with the use of the AAA Member Rewards Visa credit card, or to apply, AAA members can visit any AAA branch, online at www.AAA.com/CreditCard or call 866-665-3581.
The Automobile Club of Southern California
The Automobile Club of Southern California, the largest member of the AAA federation of motor clubs, has been serving Southern California since 1900. Today, the Auto Club’s members benefit by roadside assistance, insurance products and services, travel agency, financial products, automotive pricing and buying programs, automotive testing and analysis, trip planning services and highway and transportation safety programs. Information about these products and services is available on the Auto Club’s Web site at www.AAA.com.
Bank of America
Bank of America is one of the world's largest financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small- and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving approximately 57 million consumer and small business relationships with approximately 5,900 retail banking offices and approximately 18,000 ATMs and award-winning online banking with 29 million active users. Bank of America is among the world's leading wealth management companies and is a global leader in corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business owners through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations in more than 40 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is a component of the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.