AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $20 per year after that

AARP is a membership organization, not a government program, so there is a membership fee. The first year costs $16. Renewal costs $20 each year after. You can pay by mail, phone, or online. AARP also offers a three-year membership for $48, which works out to $16 per year if you want to lock in that rate for longer.

The membership fee is the only cost to join. AARP does not charge separate fees to use its website, read its magazine, or access its discount programs. Some services AARP partners with — like travel bookings or insurance products — may have their own costs, but those are separate from membership.

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP. The minimum age is 50. If you turn 50 during your membership year, you can join at any time and your membership will run through the end of that calendar year.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 for your first year and $20 for each year after, with no additional fees to use the website or magazine.
  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP.
  • You can pay by mail, phone, or online, and you can choose a one-year or three-year membership.
  • Some discounts and services AARP partners with may have their own separate costs, but membership itself is just the annual fee.
  • AARP is a membership organization run by a nonprofit, not a government program, so it operates differently from Medicare or Social Security.

What the membership fee covers

Your membership fee gives you access to AARP's website, which includes articles on health, money, work, and caregiving. You receive AARP Magazine six times a year in the mail. You also get access to AARP's discount programs, which partner with retailers, hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants to offer members reduced prices.

AARP also offers a tax preparation service called AARP Tax-Aide, which is free to members. Trained volunteers help you file your federal and state tax returns at no charge. You can find a location near you on AARP's website.

Members can also join AARP's online community to connect with other members, read discussion forums, and find local events in your area. The website includes a benefits finder tool that can point you toward government programs you may be able to use, though that tool does not determine whether you actually meet the rules — it is informational only.

How to pay your membership fee

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. If you join online, you can pay with a credit card or debit card. The membership becomes active when ready after payment.

If you join by phone, a representative will take your payment information over the phone. If you join by mail, you will receive an process form in the mail or can print one from the website. Mail the completed form with a check or money order to the address on the form.

AARP will send you a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can start using your membership benefits online right away, even before the card arrives.

Renewing your membership and canceling

AARP will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew by mail, phone, or online using the same methods you used to join. If you renew online, the process is when ready.

If you want to cancel your membership, you can call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or write to them at the address on your membership card. AARP does not offer refunds for unused portions of the year, so if you cancel partway through, you do not get money back. Your membership will straightforward end on the date it was set to expire.

Some people join AARP for a specific reason — to use the tax preparation service or to get a discount on a hotel stay — and then cancel after that year. That is fine. There is no penalty for canceling.

Discounts and whether they save you money

AARP advertises discounts with hundreds of companies, but the actual savings vary widely. Some discounts are real and substantial — for example, AARP members often get 10 to 15 percent off hotel rates at major chains. Other discounts are smaller or explore only to specific products or times of year.

Whether the membership pays for itself depends on which discounts you actually use. If you take one discounted hotel stay per year, you will likely save more than the $16 or $20 membership fee. If you never use the discounts, the membership is only worth it if you value the magazine and website content.

Before you join, think about what you would actually use. AARP's website has a full list of current discounts, so you can browse and see whether any explore to things you already spend money on.

AARP membership versus government benefits

AARP membership is separate from Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, and other government programs. Joining AARP does not change your government benefits, and you do not need to be on any government program to join AARP. AARP is a private membership organization that offers discounts and information.

Some people confuse AARP with government programs because AARP publishes a lot of information about Medicare and Social Security. AARP does not run those programs — the federal government does. AARP straightforward provides educational information about how they work.

If you are looking for information about government programs for older adults, that information is free whether you join AARP or not. You can read about Medicare on Medicare.gov, about Social Security on ssa.gov, and about other programs through your state or local area agency on aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership partway through the year?

No. AARP does not offer refunds for unused portions of your membership year. If you cancel, your membership straightforward ends on the date it was set to expire. You will not receive money back for the time remaining.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 years old. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, regardless of employment status.

Is AARP membership the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization you pay to join. Medicare is a government health insurance program. They are completely separate. You can have Medicare without AARP membership, and you can have AARP membership without Medicare.

What happens if I do not use the discounts — is the membership still worth it?

That depends on what you value. If you read AARP Magazine and use the website for information, many people find that worth $16 to $20 per year. If you never read the magazine and do not use any discounts, you may decide it is not worth the cost. You can cancel anytime without penalty.

Can I share my AARP membership with my spouse?

No. Each person needs their own membership. However, AARP offers a household membership option where two people in the same household can join together for a discounted rate. You can ask about that option when you join or call 1-888-687-2277 to learn the current price.