The American Eagle and Victoria's Secret credit cards cater to the fashion-conscious consumer, offering unique perks and rewards within the realm of their respective brands. Let's compare them side by side:
General Comparison
Signing up for the American Eagle credit card offers a range of benefits for loyal shoppers. Cardholders automatically upgrade to Level 2 Real Rewards membership, earning more points per dollar spent, along with exclusive perks like access to members-only sales, special events, and a generous 20% birthday coupon.
Cashback rates are generous—cardholders earn double points, with Level 2 members earning 30 points and Level 3 members earning 40 points per dollar spent. However, while the rewards program offers points, the relatively low value of those points and the restrictions on redemption could affect the overall appeal of the American Eagle credit card.
On the other hand, Victoria's Secret, a renowned lingerie and beauty brand, offers the Victoria's Secret Card. This credit card provides users with a range of exclusive benefits, including rewards points for every dollar spent, free shipping, and special gifts during cardholder birthdays.
The Card operates on a tiered system, with cardholders progressing through different levels based on their spending. Higher tiers unlock enhanced benefits, creating an incentive for increased card usage.
American Eagle Credit Card | Victoria's Secret Credit Card | |
Annual Fee | $0 | $0 |
Rewards | 15 points Instant for cardmembers. 30 points per dollar spent at American Eagle, 20 points if you spend more than $350 annually | 5% (10 points) back in rewards at Victoria Secret or PINK, 2% (4 points) on dining, travel and streaming services and 1% (2 points) on all other purchases |
Welcome bonus | 30% off your first order | $30 when you spend $500+ outside VS & PINK within 90 days of account opening |
Foreign Transaction Fee | 3% | N/A |
Purchase APR | APR 34.49% | 29.49% |
Read Review | Read Review |
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Top Offers
American Eagle vs. Victoria's Secret Cashback Analysis
Unlike the American Eagle card, the Victoria's Secret card lets you earn points on purchases beyond just their brand stores.
However, after analyzing cashback, the American Eagle card comes out on top, offering a higher estimated annual value due to its generous cashback rate specifically at American Eagle stores.
However, keep in mind that the American Eagle card has more restrictions on how you can redeem your rewards, so it's essential to understand them before making a decision.
In summary, your choice should align with your spending habits. If you primarily shop within the brand stores, the American Eagle card is better for cashback. But if you use the card outside of American Eagle or Victoria's Secret, you might find the Victoria's Secret credit card more suitable.
Spend Per Category | American Eagle Credit Card | Victoria's Secret Credit Card |
$15,000 – U.S Supermarkets | / | 30,000 points |
$5,000 – American Eagle/Victoria's Secret | 200,000 points | 50,000 points |
$5,000 – Restaurants | / | 20,000 points |
$4,000 – Travel
| / | 16,000 points |
$4,000 – Gas | / | 8,000 points |
Total Points / Cashback | 200,000 points | 124,000 points |
Estimated Redemption Value | 1 point ~ 0.4 cent | 1 point ~ 0.5 cent |
Estimated Annual Value | $800 | $620 |
Additional Shopping Benefits: Comparison
Both cards offer additional shopping benefits, such as free shipping and access to sales. We assume spend of at least $1,000 manually, so you'll have the highest tier of benefits on both cards. Here's a comparison of what you'll get on each:
American Eagle Credit Card
30% Welcome Discount: Receive a significant 30% off when you open and use the American Eagle credit card, although it cannot be combined with other discounts.
“Pick Your Own Sale” Day: Enjoy the flexibility of choosing a day to take advantage of exclusive sales and discounts.
Exclusive Access to Sales: Gain priority access to special sales events, ensuring you're among the first to explore and shop.
Birthday Coupon: Celebrate your special day with a birthday coupon, adding an extra perk to your annual festivities.
Free Shipping and Returns: Use the American Eagle card for purchases to enjoy the convenience of free shipping and returns, enhancing your online shopping experience.
Customizable Card Designs: Personalize your credit card experience by selecting from one of three unique card designs that suit your style and preferences.
Victoria's Secret Credit Card
Anniversary Gift: Receive a special offer to celebrate their card anniversary.
Free Shipping: Enjoy complimentary shipping on orders of $25 or more, enhancing the convenience of online shopping.
Pick Your Perk: Cardholders have the flexibility to choose and use their favorite benefit, providing a personalized and tailored experience.
Birthday Gift: Receive a $15 in-store credit for your birthday, with a minimum purchase requirement adding an extra treat to your celebration.
Perk of the Month: By registering your email, cardmembers receive a special offer in their inbox every month, including exclusive deals and early access to sales.
Higher Rewards Structure: Benefit from an elevated rewards structure, earning 45 points per dollar on bra purchases and 15 points per dollar spent at Victoria's Secret stores, maximizing rewards for loyal customers.
Top Offers
Top Offers
Top Offers From Our Partners
Compare The Alternatives
If you're looking for a store credit card with great rewards for online shopping – there are some good alternatives you may want to consider:
Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi | Apple Credit Card | Sam's Club® Mastercard® | |
Annual Fee | $0 ($60 Costco membership fee required) | $0
| $0 ($50/$110 for Club/Plus membership – MUST)
|
Rewards |
1-4%
4% cash back on on eligible gas and EV charging purchases for the first $7,000 per year and then 1% thereafter, 3% cash back on restaurants and most travel purchases, 2% cash back at Costco and Costco.com, 1% cash back on all other purchases
| 1% – 3%
3% cash back at Apple and select Apple pay partners. 3% Daily Cash back at Ace Hardware, Duane Reade, Exxon, Mobil, Nike, Panera Bread, T-Mobile, Uber, Uber Eats, and Walgreens. 2% on other Apple pay purchases, and 1% on all other purchases
|
1-5%
5% cash back on gas anywhere Mastercard is accepted (on the first $6,000 per year, then 1% after), 3% cash back on Sam’s Club purchases for Plus members, 3% on dining and takeout and 1% on all other purchases
|
Welcome bonus |
None
None
| N/A |
None
$30 statement credit after making $30 in Sam’s Club purchases within the first 30 days
|
Foreign Transaction Fee | $0
| $0 | N/A
|
Purchase APR | 19.99% – 27.99% (Variable)
| 15.99% – 26.99% Variable
| 20.40% or 28.40% Variable
|
Compare Victoria Secret Credit Card
Victoria's Secret credit card is our winner as it offers points rewards on all categories and higher estimated cash back than Lane Bryant.
Lane Bryant vs Victoria Secret Credit Card: How They Compare?
Compare American Eagle Credit Card
The American Eagle credit card offers a higher cash-back rewards ratio than Banana Republic but doesn't offer rewards on other categories.
American Eagle vs Banana Republic Credit Card: Side By Side Comparison