How to join AARP

You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail. The online route is fastest — you go to aarp.org, click "Join or Renew," answer basic questions about your age and address, choose your membership term (usually one year), and pay the membership fee by credit card or debit card. The whole process takes about ten minutes.

If you prefer to call, AARP's membership line is 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the same questions and take payment over the phone. You can also print a paper form from the website and mail it with a check, though this takes several weeks to process.

You must be 50 or older to join. AARP will ask for your name, date of birth, address, email, and phone number. You do not need to prove your age — AARP verifies this when you submit your birth date. Once your membership is confirmed, you will receive a membership card by mail within one to two weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs a one-time annual fee, and you can join online in about ten minutes at aarp.org.
  • You must be 50 or older, and AARP will verify your age using the birth date you provide during sign-up.
  • Your membership card arrives by mail within one to two weeks and gives you access to discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies.
  • AARP also sends you a monthly magazine, access to their website resources on health and caregiving, and information about Medicare and Social Security.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund of your membership fee if you cancel within 30 days of joining.

What you get with an AARP membership

The main benefit most people join for is discounts. AARP has negotiated reduced rates at thousands of businesses — hotels like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, car rental companies like Hertz and Avis, restaurants including Denny's and Applebee's, and retailers like Best Buy and Home Depot. You show your membership card or give your AARP number at checkout to get the discount. The size of the discount varies by business and by offer.

You also receive AARP Magazine, a monthly publication mailed to your home that covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people over 50. The magazine includes articles, product reviews, and advertisements for services aimed at older adults.

Online, you can access AARP's website resources without paying extra. These include articles about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health conditions, and financial planning. You can also use their online tools — a Medicare plan comparison tool, a Social Security calculator, and a caregiver resource center.

Membership cost and payment options

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership. Some people pay less through promotional offers — AARP frequently runs sign-up deals for $12 or $10 for the first year, though the price returns to $16 for renewal. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check.

If you join online or by phone, you can choose to renew automatically each year, which means AARP will charge your card on your renewal date without asking. You can turn off automatic renewal at any time by logging into your account on aarp.org or calling 1-888-687-2277.

If you are not satisfied with your membership, you can cancel within 30 days of joining and receive a full refund. After 30 days, AARP does not refund the membership fee, but you can still cancel and stop future charges.

What happens after you sign up

Once your membership is confirmed, AARP will send you a welcome email with your membership number and instructions for creating an online account. You can use this account to manage your membership, view your membership card digitally, update your contact information, and access member-only content on aarp.org.

Your physical membership card will arrive by mail within one to two weeks. Until it arrives, you can use your membership number to get discounts — most retailers and restaurants can look up your membership by number even if you do not have the card in hand.

AARP will also begin sending you their magazine and promotional emails about member discounts and events. You can control how often you receive emails by adjusting your preferences in your online account.

Using your membership for discounts

To use a discount, show your membership card or tell the business your AARP membership number. Not every location of a chain honors AARP discounts — some franchises opt out — so it is worth asking even if you are unsure. Many discounts are seasonal or limited to certain products, so the discount available today may not be the same next month.

Some discounts are advertised in AARP Magazine or on aarp.org, but many are not. The best way to find current offers is to search aarp.org for the business name or category you are interested in. You can also call the business directly and ask if they offer AARP discounts.

AARP also runs a travel website (aarp.org/travel) where you can book hotels, rental cars, and vacation packages at member rates. These are often comparable to or better than rates you would find on other travel sites, though you should compare prices before booking.

AARP membership and Medicare

AARP membership does not include health insurance or Medicare coverage. However, AARP does sell Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans through partner insurance companies. These are separate products you would purchase in addition to your AARP membership.

AARP also provides information and tools to help you understand Medicare — including a plan comparison tool, articles about coverage options, and a phone line where you can speak with someone about your choices. This information service is included with your membership and does not cost extra.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you will receive a full refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, you cannot get a refund, but you can still cancel to stop future charges.

To cancel, log into your account on aarp.org, call 1-888-687-2277, or write to AARP at the address on your membership card. If you have automatic renewal turned on, canceling will stop the charge on your next renewal date. If you cancel by phone or mail, ask for written confirmation of your cancellation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your membership.

Can I use my AARP membership online or do I need the physical card?

You can use your membership number online or over the phone before your card arrives. Most retailers and restaurants can look up your membership by number. Once your card arrives, you can show it in person, though the number alone is usually enough.

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

That depends on what you value. If you read AARP Magazine and use the website resources about Medicare, Social Security, or health topics, many people find that worthwhile on its own. If you travel or eat out regularly, the discounts often pay for the membership fee within a few uses.

Can I gift an AARP membership to someone else?

AARP does not sell gift memberships directly. However, you can purchase a membership in someone else's name if you have their name, date of birth, and address. Contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to arrange this.

Does AARP membership cover my spouse?

No. Each person needs their own membership. AARP does offer a household membership option that covers two people at the same address for a higher annual fee — ask about this when you sign up if you want to cover both yourself and a spouse.