Is AAA membership worth it?
I’ve been a AAA member for more than 15 years, and I can confidently say that the perks and benefits have come in handy — especially the well-known roadside assistance benefit.
Over the years, AAA has opened up its network to provide vast options and money-saving discounts for travelers beyond roadside assistance.
I'm also partial to the regional magazine AAA produces six times a year; Arizona’s is called Via and California’s is called Westways. Each issue is full of travel inspiration and valuable tips. AAA even has a travel service you can use to book vacations.
How I’ve used AAA benefits
Living in Arizona, you can expect that your car battery will not survive more than two years due to the heat. In my case, the two-year timing always seemed to happen in August — the hottest month of the year. I have called AAA on more than one occasion to take advantage of its mobile battery service, and workers have come to my location with a new car battery.
Usually, they will test your current battery power and sell you a new one on the spot if needed. Members receive a $25 discount on batteries purchased during the on-the-spot installation. They even offer a battery warranty, so there’s a chance if you purchased your last battery from AAA, your replacement might be free.
It has been a fantastic time saver and more convenient than getting jumper cables and making it to the nearest auto shop. Additionally, AAA membership covers the individual, not just the vehicle. So, you can use your membership for a service call even if you're a passenger in a stalled car.
To request 24/7 roadside assistance, use the AAA online assistance tool, call 800-AAA-HELP (800-222-4357) or you can text HELP to that same phone number and follow the prompts from there.
According to the AAA website, response time varies depending on several factors including time of day, breakdown location, and severity of the issue, and that AAA strives to provide the fastest and most efficient service possible. If you make your request online, you can track the progress of your request and the location of your technician.
What does AAA membership cost?
Membership rates are determined by the local club and may vary, a AAA spokesperson confirmed. The pricing below is provided as an example and is based on Arizona’s current club pricing.
There are three AAA membership levels based on the types of services included.
The entry-level “Classic” membership starts at just $59.99 per year. This basic option allows for 5 miles of towing, fuel delivery and up to a $50 reimbursement for locksmith fees.
The next membership level is called “Plus” and is $94.99 annually. This level will more than pay for itself if you had to use just the locksmith option which is up to $100 reimbursement. This option also includes 100 miles of towing, fuel and delivery, $750 trip interruption, $250 lost baggage coverage and an option to include RV or motorcycle coverage.
The third option, called “Premier” costs $119.99 annually and has upgraded levels of everything in the Plus membership, but also adds $25,000 of emergency medical transportation coverage and $300,000 of travel accident insurance.
Does AAA offer discounts and perks?
AAA can help you save on everything from theme park tickets to car insurance and car repair. AAA membership offers a vast network of discounts and perks when you show your card or make online reservations with certain companies that provide AAA member discounts.
Guide: 6+ unexpected travel discounts to save you money.
A quick look at the AAA merchant list for attractions, zoos, museums and tours reveals discounts for CityPass for some major U.S. cities, Legoland Discovery Centers, Busch Gardens, Six Flags Theme Parks, AMC Theatres and Regal Cinemas, to name a few. You can search by city on the website to narrow down your results.
As I navigated to the AAA website, my Rakuten browser extension popped up and offered me 8% back, so there are ways to stack offers while using your AAA membership (you can join Rakuten here).
AAA is a trusted name in the auto industry and not just for its roadside assistance. Auto repair shops can be AAA trust-certified which means as a consumer which means you can access this network and receive discounts on regular automotive service or repairs; the work carries a warranty for 24 months/24,000 miles. You will also get access to priority service and a minimum of 10% off labor costs.
Through AAA Smart Home you can save money on items for your home such as a home security system, smart door locks, energy-efficient thermostats and even home automation.
Many hotel companies offer AAA discounted rates which usually hover around 10% off the best available rate. If you click for rate options, you’ll see a AAA rate option on many hotel booking websites.
Another way to utilize AAA perks is for car rentals — many rental companies offer AAA corporate rates which you can find using the AAA travel portal. If you are a renter under 25, you can rent through Hertz, which specifically honors the AAA discount for younger drivers.
Can I gift AAA membership to a friend or family member?
According to the AAA website, gift memberships are available for purchase in some regions of the country: Northern California, Nevada, Utah, Arizona, Montana, Wyoming and Alaska. If the person you want to gift membership to lives in another region, you can search by zip code to find the local AAA club where they live.
Is AAA worth it?
If you enjoy saving money and getting additional home and travel perks, I recommend checking out AAA to see if it is a program you can benefit from. If you are a T-Mobile customer, see if your plan includes the Coverage Beyond program — this includes AAA membership free for customers (a $60 value).
Related: AAA tests program to allow California users to get Real ID
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.