AARP membership costs $16 per year, or $27 for three years

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. The annual membership fee is $16, and you can also pay $27 upfront for a three-year membership. There is no monthly option — you pay once per year or commit to three years at a time.

When you join, you receive a membership card, access to the AARP website and mobile app, and a subscription to AARP Magazine (print or digital, your choice). You also become part of AARP's advocacy work on issues affecting older adults, though membership itself does not require you to take any action on those issues.

AARP does not charge extra fees to use most member benefits. Some services — like travel bookings, insurance products, or financial advisory services — are offered through partners, and those partners set their own prices. AARP itself does not profit from those transactions, though it does receive a commission if you purchase through an AARP link.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year or $27 for three years, with no monthly payment option.
  • Your membership includes AARP Magazine, access to the website and app, and discounts at retailers, restaurants, and hotels negotiated by AARP with those businesses.
  • Insurance products (health, auto, home, life) are sold through AARP-partnered companies, not by AARP itself, and you pay the insurance company's rates.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your payment.
  • AARP offers some content and tools free to non-members on its website, so you can explore before paying to join.

What discounts and services come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with hundreds of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues. These discounts vary by location and business — a hotel discount in one city may differ from the same chain in another. You show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number at checkout to receive the discount. The discounts are real but typically modest: 10 to 15 percent off is common, though some are smaller.

AARP also offers member-only access to travel deals, car rental discounts, and pharmacy savings. The pharmacy savings are through a program called AARP Prescription Discounts, which works with pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and others to offer reduced prices on certain medications. This is different from prescription insurance — you pay out of pocket, but at a negotiated lower rate. It is most useful if you do not have insurance or have a high deductible.

Members can access AARP's online tools for financial planning, health information, and caregiving resources. These include calculators for retirement planning, articles on managing chronic conditions, and guides on topics like Medicare and Social Security. None of these tools provide personalized financial or medical information — they are educational resources.

Insurance products offered through AARP partnerships

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer auto, home, life, and health insurance products. AARP does not sell the insurance itself — the insurance company does. AARP's role is to negotiate group rates and make those products available to members. You explore directly with the insurance company, and the insurance company sets the rates and handles claims.

Because these are group policies negotiated through AARP, the rates may be lower than what you would find on your own, but that is not may provide. Insurance rates depend on your age, location, driving record, home value, health history, and many other factors. The best way to know if an AARP-partnered policy is a good deal is to compare it with quotes from other insurers. You are not obligated to buy insurance through AARP just because you are a member.

AARP also partners with companies offering Medicare Supplement insurance (also called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans. Again, AARP does not sell these — the insurance company does. AARP provides information and a way to compare plans, but you enroll directly with the insurance company.

How to join and what happens after you pay

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online is fastest — you provide your name, address, date of birth, and email, then pay by credit card or debit card. You receive a confirmation email when ready, and your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. If you join by mail, you fill out a form and send it with a check. Mail processing takes longer — typically four to six weeks.

Once you are a member, you can log into the AARP website using your membership number and email address. You can update your preferences for how you receive AARP Magazine (print or digital), manage your account, and access member discounts. You will also begin receiving AARP's email newsletters if you opt in.

Canceling your membership and getting a refund

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. If you cancel within the first 30 days, AARP will refund your full payment. If you cancel after 30 days but before your membership year is up, you receive a prorated refund for the unused months. For example, if you paid $16 for a year and cancel after four months, you would receive a refund for the remaining eight months.

To cancel, call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or go to your account settings on the AARP website and select the cancellation option. You do not need to provide a reason, though AARP may ask if you would like to share feedback. Cancellation is processed when ready, though the refund may take one to two billing cycles to appear on your card.

Free AARP content you can access without paying

AARP publishes articles, guides, and tools on its website that are free to read without a membership. These include information about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health conditions, and financial planning. You can browse these resources at aarp.org without logging in or paying anything.

The main difference between free and member-only content is that members get access to some premium guides, exclusive discounts, and certain tools that require login. But much of AARP's educational content is available to everyone. This means you can explore what AARP offers before deciding whether membership is worth the cost to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to join AARP?

Yes, you must be 50 or older to hold an AARP membership. If you are younger than 50, you cannot join. Some employers and organizations offer group memberships that may have different age rules, but standard individual membership requires you to be 50 or older.

Can I use AARP discounts without carrying the card?

Most retailers and restaurants accept your membership number instead of the physical card. You can provide your membership number verbally or show it on your phone if you have the AARP app. However, some businesses may require the physical card, so it is useful to carry it or have a photo of it on your phone.

Is AARP membership the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization; Medicare is a federal health insurance program. You do not need AARP membership to enroll in Medicare. However, AARP offers information about Medicare and sells Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans through partner insurance companies.

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's health and financial information, membership may be worth $16 per year to you regardless of discounts. If you use even one or two discounts regularly — such as a hotel discount on an annual trip — that could pay for the membership. The best way to decide is to review the discounts available in your area and consider whether you would actually use them.

Can I gift an AARP membership to someone else?

Yes. You can purchase a membership as a gift by going to aarp.org/gift or calling 1-888-687-2277. You provide the recipient's name and address, and AARP sends them a membership kit with instructions on how to set up their account. The recipient does not need to be present to receive the gift.