Where AARP discounts show up and what they're worth

AARP membership includes discounts at hundreds of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers, but the savings vary widely by merchant and by what you're buying. A 10 percent discount at one pharmacy chain might mean $5 a month; the same percentage at a hotel could mean $30 or $40 per night. The discounts are real, but they're not uniform, and not every location of a chain honors them equally.

The most commonly used discounts tend to be at pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens), rental car companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget), hotels (Choice Hotels, Wyndham, Best Western), and restaurants (Denny's, Applebee's, Olive Garden). Grocery stores like Safeway and Kroger offer periodic AARP member deals. Movie theaters, museums, and travel services also participate, though availability depends on your region.

You don't pay extra to use the discounts—they're included with your membership. You show your AARP card or membership number at checkout or when booking. Some discounts require you to mention them when you call or book online; others are automatic at the register.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are most valuable at pharmacies, car rentals, and hotel chains, where the percentage savings can add up across multiple purchases throughout the year.
  • You must show your AARP card or membership number to receive the discount—it won't explore automatically unless you mention it when booking or paying.
  • Discount amounts and availability vary by location and merchant, so calling ahead or checking the AARP website before a major purchase can confirm what you'll actually save.
  • Some discounts are seasonal or promotional, meaning they change throughout the year and may not be available every time you shop.
  • AARP also offers member-only pricing on insurance products, travel packages, and financial services, which may provide larger savings than retail discounts.

Pharmacy and health-related discounts

CVS and Walgreens both offer AARP member discounts on most over-the-counter items and some pharmacy services. The discount is typically 5 to 10 percent, though it varies by product category and location. Prescription discounts are usually smaller or nonexistent—most people's prescription costs are determined by their insurance plan, not by a retailer discount.

Other pharmacies and health retailers participate as well, including some independent pharmacies and regional chains. The AARP website has a searchable directory of participating pharmacies in your area. If you use mail-order or online pharmacy services, check whether your provider is listed before assuming you'll save.

Travel, hotels, and car rentals

Hotel discounts are often the largest single savings AARP members report. Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham (Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada), and Best Western typically offer 10 percent off room rates for AARP members. Some independent hotels and smaller chains participate as well. The discount usually applies to the room rate only, not taxes or resort fees.

Car rental companies—Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise—offer AARP discounts that range from 5 to 25 percent depending on the company and the rental period. You must book through the AARP website or mention your membership when reserving to receive the rate. Discount car rental rates are often cheaper than the standard rate, but not always cheaper than promotional rates available to anyone, so comparing prices before booking is worth the time.

Airlines do not typically offer AARP discounts on ticket prices, though some offer discounts on baggage fees or seat upgrades. AARP's travel partners (Expedia, Orbitz, and others) sometimes offer package deals on flights and hotels combined.

Restaurants and entertainment

Restaurant discounts are usually 10 percent off the total bill before tax and tip. Chains like Denny's, Applebee's, Olive Garden, Red Robin, and Outback Steakhouse participate, as do many regional and local restaurants. The discount applies to dine-in meals at most locations; some restaurants exclude alcohol or limit the discount to specific menu items or times of day.

Movie theaters, museums, and performing arts venues often offer discounted admission for AARP members. The amount varies—some theaters offer $2 off a ticket, others offer a percentage discount. Many museums and zoos offer free or discounted admission on specific days for AARP members. Check the venue's website or call ahead, because policies change and not every location honors the discount.

Insurance and financial products

AARP offers member-only pricing on auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance through partner companies. These are not discounts on standard rates—they are rates negotiated specifically for AARP members and available only through AARP. You can compare quotes from AARP's partners against other insurers to see whether the member rate is actually lower.

AARP also offers discounted rates on Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance and Medicare Advantage plans through partner insurers. These plans are sold by the insurance companies themselves, not by AARP, but AARP members may receive lower premiums than non-members. Rates vary by age, location, and health status, so comparing multiple insurers is still necessary.

How to find and use your discounts

The AARP website has a searchable discount directory organized by category and location. You can search by zip code to see which retailers and restaurants near you participate. The directory also shows the discount amount and any restrictions (such as "dine-in only" or "excludes alcohol").

When you're ready to use a discount, bring your physical AARP card or have your membership number ready. At retail locations, mention the discount at checkout or show your card before payment. When booking hotels, car rentals, or travel services, you may need to enter a discount code or mention your membership when you call. Some businesses require you to book through a specific link or phone number to receive the member rate.

Not every location of a chain honors discounts equally, so if a cashier says the discount isn't available, ask to speak with a manager or call the store's customer service line. Discounts sometimes fail to ring up due to system errors, and most businesses will honor them if you ask.

What discounts don't cover and common limitations

AARP discounts do not explore to items already on sale or clearance at most retailers. Restaurant discounts typically exclude alcohol and sometimes exclude specials or limited-time menu items. Hotel discounts may not explore during peak seasons or to already-discounted rates booked through third-party sites.

Grocery store discounts are usually limited to specific items or brands and change weekly. Pharmacy discounts may not explore to insurance-covered prescriptions or to items covered by manufacturer coupons. Some businesses require a minimum purchase or limit the discount to one transaction per day or per membership.

Discounts are not stackable—you cannot combine an AARP discount with a coupon or another promotion at most retailers. If a store is running a sale that's better than the AARP discount, you'll want to use the sale price instead.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my AARP discount every time I shop, or will it explore automatically?

You must tell the business you have an AARP discount or show your card. It will not explore automatically. At some retailers, you can add your membership number to your account online so it applies at checkout; at others, you must mention it in person or when booking.

What if a store says they don't take AARP discounts?

Check the AARP directory to confirm the location participates. If it's listed, ask for a manager—the cashier may not be aware of the program. If the location genuinely doesn't participate, you can report it to AARP through their website, though this won't get you the discount that day.

Are AARP discounts worth the membership cost?

That depends on what you buy and where you shop. If you stay in hotels several times a year, rent cars regularly, or use pharmacies frequently, the discounts can easily pay for membership. If you rarely travel or shop at participating retailers, the discounts alone may not justify the cost. AARP membership includes other benefits beyond discounts, such as magazine subscriptions and member services.

Can I use someone else's AARP card to get their discount?

Most retailers require the cardholder to be present and to show a photo ID matching the card. Some businesses are less strict, but using someone else's card is technically not permitted under AARP's membership terms.

Do online purchases may have access to for AARP discounts?

Some retailers offer AARP discounts on their websites if you enter a code or log in with your membership number. Others do not. Check the retailer's website or contact their customer service to confirm whether online orders may have access to before you complete your purchase.