What the American Eagle Credit Card Is
The American Eagle credit card is a co-branded card issued by Comenity Bank in partnership with American Eagle Outfitters. It works like any standard credit card — you charge purchases, receive a monthly statement, and pay interest on any balance you carry. The card is designed primarily for people who shop regularly at American Eagle or its sister brand Aerie, though you can use it anywhere Visa is accepted.
The card comes in two versions: a regular Visa card and a store card that works only at American Eagle and Aerie locations. Both versions report to the three major credit bureaus, so your payment history affects your credit score the same way any other card would. The main difference is where you can swipe it and what rewards you earn.
Key Takeaways
- The American Eagle card earns rewards points on purchases at American Eagle and Aerie, with higher earning rates for cardholders compared to non-cardholders.
- Interest rates and fees vary based on your creditworthiness at the time you open the account, and Comenity Bank sets the terms in your cardholder agreement.
- Payments are due on a set date each month, and interest accrues daily on any unpaid balance at your card's annual percentage rate (APR).
- Closing the card does not erase your payment history, but it does stop you from earning new rewards and may affect your credit score temporarily.
- Your account statement shows your balance, minimum payment due, interest charges, and available credit, updated monthly by Comenity Bank.
How Rewards and Discounts Work on This Card
Cardholders earn points on every dollar spent at American Eagle and Aerie. The exact earning rate depends on the card version and current promotions, which change periodically. You accumulate these points in your account and can redeem them for discounts on future purchases at the store.
Beyond points, the card often comes with cardholder-exclusive discounts — typically a percentage off your first purchase after opening the account, and periodic bonus point events throughout the year. These promotions are announced in your monthly statement or through email if you have opted in to communications from American Eagle. The card may also offer early access to sales or special shopping events.
Points do not expire as long as your account remains open and active. However, if you close the card, the terms of your rewards program may change. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Comenity Bank customer service to understand what happens to unused points if you decide to close the account.
Interest Rates, Fees, and How They Affect Your Balance
Your card's APR is determined when you open the account based on your credit history and creditworthiness. The rate you receive may differ from what others receive, even if you apply on the same day. This APR applies to purchases, and interest begins accruing immediately on any balance you do not pay in full by the due date.
Interest accrues daily on your outstanding balance. This means that if you carry a balance from one month to the next, the interest compounds — you pay interest on the interest from the previous month. The longer you carry a balance, the more interest you owe. Your monthly statement shows the interest charged that month, calculated from your daily balance.
Annual fees, late fees, and over-limit fees vary by card version and your account terms. Some versions have no annual fee, while others charge a yearly amount. Late fees apply if your payment arrives after the due date shown on your statement. Check your cardholder agreement or contact Comenity Bank directly to confirm which fees apply to your specific card.
Making Payments and Managing Your Account Balance
Your payment due date is set when you open the account and appears on every monthly statement. Payments can be made online through your Comenity Bank account, by phone, by mail, or in some cases at American Eagle store locations. The payment must arrive by 5 p.m. Eastern Time on the due date to be considered on time.
Your statement shows three key numbers: your current balance (what you owe), your minimum payment due (the smallest amount you can pay without triggering a late fee), and your available credit (how much more you can charge). Paying only the minimum extends the time you carry a balance and increases the total interest you pay. Paying the full balance by the due date means no interest accrues that month.
If you miss a payment, Comenity Bank reports the late payment to the credit bureaus after 30 days. This stays on your credit report for seven years and can lower your credit score. Your APR may also increase if you miss a payment, depending on your card's terms. If you are unable to pay on time, contact Comenity Bank immediately — they may offer hardship options or payment plans.
What Happens When You Close the Card
Closing an American Eagle credit card does not erase your payment history. The account remains on your credit report for seven years from the date of last activity, showing whether you paid on time and how much you owed. This history continues to affect your credit score even after the card is closed.
However, closing the card does have immediate effects. Your available credit decreases, which can raise your credit utilization ratio (the percentage of your total credit limit you are using across all cards). A higher utilization ratio can lower your credit score temporarily. You also stop earning rewards points on new purchases, and any unused points may be forfeited depending on the program terms.
If you have a balance remaining when you close the card, you still owe that balance and must continue making payments. Closing the account does not eliminate the debt. Interest continues to accrue on any unpaid balance at your card's APR until the balance reaches zero.
How Credit Reporting and Your Credit Score Work With This Card
Comenity Bank reports your American Eagle card activity to Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion — the three major credit bureaus. This includes your payment history, credit limit, current balance, and whether you have missed any payments. This information is used to calculate your credit score.
On-time payments help your credit score. Late payments hurt it, with the damage greatest in the first six months after the late payment. Your credit utilization — the balance you carry divided by your credit limit — also affects your score. Keeping your balance below 30 percent of your limit is generally better for your score than carrying a higher balance.
Your credit report is updated monthly when Comenity Bank reports your account status. You can check your own credit report for free once per year at annualcreditreport.com. This is the official government site; other sites that offer "free" reports often require a credit monitoring subscription to access the full report.
Disputing Charges and Handling Billing Errors
If you see a charge on your statement that you did not make or that was processed incorrectly, you have the right to dispute it. Contact Comenity Bank in writing or through your online account within 60 days of the statement date showing the error. Include your account number, the transaction date, the amount, and an explanation of why you believe it is wrong.
Comenity Bank must investigate your dispute within 30 days and either correct the error or explain why the charge is valid. During the investigation, the disputed amount does not accrue interest, and you are not required to pay it. If the bank finds an error in your favor, the charge is removed and your balance is corrected. If the bank determines the charge was valid, you owe the full amount plus any interest that accrued during the dispute period.
Fraudulent charges — those made without your permission — are handled differently from billing errors. If your card number was stolen or used without authorization, report it to Comenity Bank immediately. Federal law limits your liability for fraudulent charges to $50 if you report the fraud promptly, though many issuers waive this fee entirely.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the American Eagle store card and the Visa version?
The store card works only at American Eagle and Aerie locations, while the Visa version works anywhere Visa is accepted. Both earn rewards at the store, but the Visa card may have different earning rates and benefits. Both report to credit bureaus and carry interest and fees. Choose based on where you shop most often.
Can I use my American Eagle card if I have a balance I am not paying off?
Yes, you can continue using the card while carrying a balance. However, interest accrues daily on the unpaid balance at your APR. The longer you carry the balance, the more interest you pay. You can make new purchases while paying down the old balance, but this extends the time you owe money.
What happens if I do not pay my minimum payment?
If you miss the due date, a late fee is charged to your account. After 30 days, Comenity Bank reports the late payment to the credit bureaus, which damages your credit score. Your APR may increase, and the bank may freeze your account or demand immediate payment of the full balance.
Do my rewards points expire?
Points do not expire as long as your account is open and active. However, if you close the account, the program terms may change and unused points could be forfeited. Check your cardholder agreement for the specific terms that apply to your card version.
How do I check my balance and make a payment?
Log into your Comenity Bank account online, call the customer service number on the back of your card, or mail a check to the address shown on your statement. Online and phone payments typically post within one business day. Mail payments take five to seven business days, so send them early to avoid late fees.