AARP membership costs $16 per year for your first year, then $20 per year after that
AARP charges a single annual membership fee with no hidden charges or monthly billing. You pay once a year, and your membership runs for 12 months from the date you join. The $16 introductory rate applies only to your first year; renewal costs $20 annually. If you join by mail or phone, the cost is the same.
AARP does not charge different rates based on income, location, or how you join. You will not see separate tiers of membership — there is one membership level, and everyone pays the same price. Some employers and unions offer group discounts on AARP membership, though these are uncommon and usually save only a few dollars.
You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year. AARP processes cancellations by phone or mail, and refunds typically arrive within four to six weeks.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership costs $16 for the first year and $20 per year after that, with no additional monthly fees.
- The membership fee is the same whether you join online, by phone, or by mail, and does not vary by state or income.
- AARP offers discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail through partnerships with other companies, but these are separate from the membership fee.
- You can cancel at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.
- Some employers and unions negotiate group rates, though savings are usually small.
What the membership fee includes
Your annual membership fee covers access to AARP's magazine (delivered to your home), their website with health and financial information, and a member card that you can use at participating retailers and restaurants. The magazine arrives 10 times per year and includes articles on health, money, travel, and caregiving.
The membership also includes access to AARP's member-only discounts. These are negotiated partnerships with hotels, car rental companies, pharmacies, and retailers. The discounts vary by company and change over time. Some common ones include discounts at Best Buy, UnitedHealth insurance products, and various hotel chains, but you should check AARP's website to see which discounts are active when you join.
AARP membership does not include free legal information, free tax preparation, or free financial counseling, though AARP does offer some of these services for an additional fee. It also does not include Medicare, Medigap insurance, or any government benefits — those are separate programs with their own costs and rules.
Discounts and services you can use with your membership
AARP negotiates discounts with hundreds of companies across travel, dining, shopping, and services. Common discounts include reduced rates on car rentals from Hertz and Avis, discounted hotel stays through chains like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, and pharmacy discounts at CVS and Walgreens. You show your AARP member card or provide your membership number at checkout.
Some discounts are percentage-based (for example, 10 percent off a hotel stay), while others are fixed dollar amounts or special member pricing. The discounts change regularly, and not all companies offer them in all locations. You can browse current discounts on AARP's website before you join to see whether the ones available matter to you.
AARP also offers services for an additional cost beyond the membership fee. These include tax preparation help through AARP Tax-Aide (free in most locations), legal services through a network of attorneys, and access to discounted Medicare supplement insurance quotes. These are optional add-ons, not included in your annual membership cost.
How to join and when your membership starts
You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from an AARP publication. Online enrollment is the fastest method and takes about 10 minutes. You will need your name, date of birth, address, and email address. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account.
Your membership becomes active when ready after payment is processed. If you join online, you can read your membership card right away and use it at participating retailers the same day. If you join by phone or mail, your physical card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days, though you can use your membership number to access discounts before the card arrives.
AARP membership is available to anyone age 50 and older. You do not need to be retired, and you do not need to have any specific income or health status. The only requirement is that you are at least 50 years old and provide a valid address.
Comparing AARP membership to other senior organizations
Other organizations offer similar memberships and discounts to older adults. The National Council of Senior Citizens charges no membership fee but offers fewer discounts. The American Association of Retired Persons (a different organization from AARP, despite the similar name) has no membership fee. Senior centers run by local governments are free to join and offer programs and activities, though they do not provide retail discounts.
AARP's main advantage is the size of its discount network — because AARP has millions of members, it can negotiate discounts with major retailers and hotel chains. Smaller organizations have fewer partnerships and therefore fewer discounts available. However, if you rarely travel or shop at the places where AARP has discounts, the membership fee may not pay for itself.
You can join AARP and also use other senior organizations at the same time. Many people belong to both their local senior center (free) and AARP (paid membership) to access both community programs and retail discounts.
Whether the membership fee pays for itself
Whether AARP membership saves you money depends entirely on which discounts you use. A single discounted hotel stay or car rental can easily cover the $16 first-year cost. If you travel once or twice a year and use AARP discounts, the membership typically pays for itself. If you never travel and rarely shop at participating retailers, you may not recoup the cost.
The best way to decide is to look at AARP's current discount list before you join. Visit aarp.org/discounts and browse the categories that matter to you — travel, dining, shopping, or services. If you see discounts you know you will use, the membership is likely worth the cost. If the discounts do not match your spending habits, you can skip it or join later when your circumstances change.
Remember that you can cancel at any time if you find the membership is not useful. There is no penalty for canceling, and you will receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I cancel my AARP membership?
Yes. AARP refunds the unused portion of your membership year if you cancel. For example, if you join in January and cancel in June, you will receive a refund for the six months you did not use. Refunds are processed by mail or direct deposit and typically arrive within four to six weeks. Contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to request a cancellation.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes, AARP membership is annual and expires after 12 months. AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires, usually about 30 days in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you do not renew, your membership ends and you lose access to discounts and the member card.
Are there any hidden fees or charges with AARP membership?
No. The $16 or $20 annual fee is the only charge for membership itself. Some AARP services, like tax preparation or legal consultations, cost extra, but these are optional. Discounts from partner companies do not charge AARP any additional fee — you straightforward show your card or membership number at checkout.
What if I turn 50 after I join — do I have to pay a different rate?
AARP membership is only available to people age 50 and older, so you cannot join before you turn 50. Once you join at age 50 or older, your membership cost stays the same regardless of your age. There are no age-based rate changes after you become a member.
Can I use my AARP membership discount at every store or restaurant?
No. AARP discounts are only available at companies that have negotiated a partnership with AARP. Not all stores, restaurants, or hotels offer AARP discounts. You can check which companies currently offer discounts on AARP's website before you shop or travel. Discounts also vary by location — a discount available at one hotel location may not be available at another.