by Joseph Kenny | 12/20/08

In a bold move, AARP, Avis, and Chase have revealed a new collaborative effort that combines the benefits of AARP membership card with the Visa credit card issued by AARP, in a single credit card. The advanced membership credit card is an innovative tool. It offers automatic discounts at the point of sale with Avis for AARP members.

The technology is fairly new and allows AARP members broader access to membership discounts via a single credit card, particularly when it is used to rent from Avis. Those who use AARP's Rewards Platinum Visa can expect to earn reward points that can be applied to Avis purchases. Avis is only one player in this bid by AARP to advance its all-in-one Visa Card.

The new card is the product of research done by AARP representatives who have sought to learn what their members want. They want easy and convenient services that allow them to access discounts using their membership.

The use of these new cards will not be any different than using AARP's standard Visa credit cards. The only difference is that members will immediately earn discounts.

With Avis and all of the other merchants that are planning future involvement with AARP, the use of the organization's Rewards Platinum card will allow members to earn 1% cash back on their credit card purchases. When the card members store up 2,500 points, they will be able to choose their reward. These rewards may include $25 gift certificates of similar cash back options that can be used at select merchants of every industry.

JPMorgan Chase card services director Heather Philp stated, "AARP has always been a leader in providing straightforward products, and we believe this innovation makes it even better."

She went on to say, "Providing card members automatic discounts with their AARP Visa Card is something no other credit card offers."

Additionally, card member benefits also include no annual fee, low introductory APR, exclusive members-only special discounts, zero liability for unauthorized purchases, flexibility to choose payment due date, exclusive members-only dedicated customer service and no telemarketing.