What AARP Discounts Actually Cover

AARP membership opens access to discounts at hundreds of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers — but the discounts vary widely by merchant and change throughout the year. You do not get a single card that works everywhere; instead, you show your AARP membership card or membership number at checkout, or you enter a code online. Some discounts are percentage-based (like 10% off), others are dollar amounts, and some are special offers available only to members.

The most common categories are travel (hotels, rental cars, airfare), dining (restaurants and food delivery), entertainment (movies, theme parks, streaming services), retail (clothing, electronics, home goods), and services (insurance, phone plans, financial products). A few discounts are national — for example, AARP has standing agreements with major chains — but many are regional or time-limited. A restaurant in your area might offer 15% off on Tuesdays, while the same chain in another state offers nothing.

AARP also negotiates discounts on products and services that are not retail purchases: prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy, hearing aids, vision care, and dental work. These tend to be deeper discounts because they involve ongoing relationships rather than one-time transactions.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are offered by hundreds of merchants, but each business sets its own discount amount and terms, so you need to check what is available in your area.
  • You show your AARP membership card or membership number at the point of sale; there is no separate discount card to carry.
  • The AARP website and mobile app list current discounts by category and location, and you can search by zip code to find what is available near you.
  • Some discounts require you to book or purchase through a specific link or code, while others work at any location of that business.
  • Discounts change frequently, so a merchant that offers a deal one month may not the next, and new discounts are added regularly.

How to Find Discounts in Your Area

The easiest way to search is through the AARP website at aarp.org/discounts. You can filter by category (dining, travel, entertainment, shopping, health and wellness), enter your zip code, and see what is available near you. The search results show the discount amount, what you need to do to use it, and whether it requires a code or special booking link.

The AARP mobile app has the same search function and also lets you save discounts to a list so you can find them quickly when you are out. Some members find it useful to check the app before going to a restaurant or store to see if there is an active discount.

You can also call AARP Member Services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about discounts at a specific merchant. They can tell you whether a business you frequent offers a member discount and how to use it.

Discounts You Can Use Without Showing a Card

Some AARP discounts work online without any membership verification. For example, if you book a hotel through the AARP Travel Center or use a specific promo code at checkout, the discount applies automatically. These are useful if you are shopping online and do not want to carry your membership card.

Other discounts require you to enter a membership number or code at checkout. The AARP website will show you the code for each offer, and you paste it into the retailer's website during payment. This method is common for clothing stores, electronics retailers, and subscription services.

For in-person purchases, you will need to show your physical AARP membership card or provide your membership number. Some businesses will also accept a digital version of your card through the AARP app.

Travel Discounts: Hotels, Rental Cars, and Flights

AARP has partnerships with major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Best Western, offering discounts that typically range from 5% to 20% off the base room rate. You book through the AARP Travel Center (aarp.org/travel) or call the hotel directly and mention your AARP membership. Discounts are usually higher if you book in advance.

Rental car companies including Hertz, Budget, and Avis offer AARP member rates, usually 10% to 25% off. You book through the AARP Travel Center or directly with the company and provide your membership number at pickup.

Airfare discounts through AARP are less common than hotel and car discounts, because airlines set prices dynamically and do not typically offer blanket member discounts. However, AARP occasionally negotiates special fares on specific routes or dates. Check the Travel Center or call 1-855-973-2277 to see if there is a current offer on your route.

Dining and Entertainment Discounts

Hundreds of restaurants offer AARP discounts, ranging from 10% off your entire bill to specific dollar amounts off entrees. Chains like Denny's, Bob Evans, Cracker Barrel, and Applebee's have standing AARP discounts at most locations, though the amount may vary by restaurant. Local and regional restaurants often participate as well. You show your card at the table or give your membership number when you pay.

Movie theaters, including AMC and Regal, offer discounted ticket prices for AARP members — usually $1 to $3 off matinee or evening shows. Some theaters also offer discounts on concessions. Streaming services like Netflix and Disney+ occasionally run AARP member promotions, though these are not permanent.

Theme parks and attractions sometimes offer AARP discounts on admission. For example, some Six Flags parks and regional attractions offer reduced ticket prices. Check the AARP discounts page or call ahead to confirm the current offer before you buy.

Health, Wellness, and Insurance Discounts

AARP negotiates discounts on prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy partner. Members can save 15% to 40% on generic medications and sometimes on brand-name drugs as well. You do not need to switch pharmacies; you can use the AARP pharmacy for specific medications and keep your regular pharmacy for others.

Hearing aid retailers, vision care providers, and dental networks offer discounts to AARP members. These discounts vary by provider and location but can range from 10% to 50% off services. AARP also offers supplemental insurance products (Medigap, long-term care, life insurance) with rates negotiated specifically for members.

Phone plans, internet service, and other utilities sometimes offer AARP member discounts. For example, some wireless carriers offer reduced monthly rates or device discounts. Check the AARP website or call Member Services to see what is available in your area.

What to Know Before Using a Discount

Not all AARP discounts stack with other offers. If a restaurant is running a promotion (like "buy one entree, get one half off"), you may not be able to combine it with your AARP discount. Ask the cashier or check the fine print on the discount before you order.

Some discounts explore only to specific items or services. For example, a clothing store might offer 15% off regular-price items but not sale items. The AARP website usually notes these restrictions, but it is worth confirming at checkout.

Discounts can end without notice. A merchant might stop offering AARP discounts, or a time-limited offer might expire. If you plan to use a discount regularly, check the AARP website occasionally to confirm it is still active.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 or older to use AARP discounts?

You must be an AARP member to use the discounts, and membership requires you to be 50 or older. If you are not yet 50, you cannot join AARP or access member discounts. Some retailers offer senior discounts to anyone 55 or 60 and up, regardless of AARP membership, so you can ask about those separately.

Can I use AARP discounts if someone else has the membership?

No. The discount is tied to the member's name and membership number. If your spouse or adult child has AARP membership, they can use the discounts, but you cannot use their card or number. You would need your own membership to access discounts.

What if a store says they do not honor AARP discounts?

Some locations of a chain may not participate even if the chain has an AARP partnership. Call the store ahead of time or check the AARP website to confirm the specific location offers the discount. If a store claims not to honor a discount that AARP lists, you can contact AARP Member Services to report it.

Are AARP discounts worth the membership cost?

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year and $24 per year after that. Whether it pays for itself depends on how often you use the discounts. If you travel once a year and save $50 on a hotel stay, or eat out regularly and save 10% each time, the membership can pay for itself quickly. If you rarely use the discounts, the membership may not be worth the cost.

Can I cancel my membership if I do not use the discounts?

Yes. You can cancel AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee.