Digital Gift Card Purchases...Buyer Beware

[angelas130477]

If you purchase a digital gift card via AARP's Rewards center, only allow 24 hours to receive it and then contact AARP to complain. They give a very vague "some digital cards may take more than 24 hours to be emailed" (or something like that). Do not allow more than 24 hours.

I purchased a $500 Airbnb gift card on 4/1. My credit card was charged same day. Because of the AARP's vague delivery commitment, I gave them a few days. Unfortunately, I was traveling and could not call until today (4/7) to inquire about the missing digital gift card. Now I am told there is "something wrong with my Rewards account" and the issue "will be escalated to AARP's tech support." But guess what...tech support "may take up to 7-10 days to contact me." That's absolutely ridiculous. Very poor performance, AARP.

Now that I've searched the forums, I understand that delivery of digital gift cards is an issue for AARP. So, buyer beware.

[DylanR661391]

Was this issue ever solved for you? 

[NathanS293374]

We are having the same issue! From 3 different accounts!!! My wife, myself & a family member all purchased Royal Caribbean gift cards & have not received them! Probably going to have to file a complaint with our Credit Cards for charge backs unfortunately 

[Winter2025VA]

Yes Angela @angelas130477 , any last minute plans will get messed up with dealing with AARP. My 1/2 cent, ALWAYS have a PLAN B. Take care, Nicole  👵

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[*** @angelas130477 wrote 4/7/25:

If you purchase a digital gift card via AARP's Rewards center, only allow 24 hours to receive it and then contact AARP to complain. They give a very vague "some digital cards may take more than 24 hours to be emailed" (or something like that). Do not allow more than 24 hours.

I purchased a $500 Airbnb gift card on 4/1. My credit card was charged same day. Because of the AARP's vague delivery commitment, I gave them a few days. Unfortunately, I was traveling and could not call until today (4/7) to inquire about the missing digital gift card. Now I am told there is "something wrong with my Rewards account" and the issue "will be escalated to AARP's tech support." But guess what...tech support "may take up to 7-10 days to contact me." That's absolutely ridiculous. Very poor performance, AARP.

Now that I've searched the forums, I understand that delivery of digital gift cards is an issue for AARP. So, buyer beware. ***]

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