What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership costs $16 a year and gives you access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail. You also get a monthly magazine, access to their website with health and money articles, and the ability to join local chapters. The discounts vary by location and change over time — some are national (like discounts at certain hotel chains), while others depend on which stores and restaurants participate in your area.

AARP does not provide the discounts themselves. Instead, they negotiate with companies to offer lower prices to members, and you show your membership card or number at checkout. The value depends entirely on which discounts you actually use. If you never eat at a participating restaurant or stay at a participating hotel, those discounts are worth nothing to you.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and insurance providers, though which ones are available depends on your location.
  • You receive AARP Magazine monthly and can read health, money, and caregiving articles on their website at no additional cost.
  • Local AARP chapters offer in-person events, classes, and volunteer opportunities in most areas, and membership gives you access to join.
  • AARP negotiates group rates on car, home, and health insurance, but you still shop for and purchase the policy yourself — AARP does not sell insurance directly.
  • The real value of membership depends on which discounts you use regularly, so checking what is available in your area before joining can help you decide.

Discounts on everyday purchases and travel

AARP has negotiated discounts at major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and some Marriott properties. You typically receive 10 percent off the best available rate when you book directly and mention your AARP membership. Restaurant discounts vary widely by location — some Denny's, Applebee's, and Outback Steakhouse locations offer 10 to 15 percent off, but not all do, and the discount changes by franchise.

Retail discounts include savings at Best Buy, Rite Aid, and some grocery chains, though again the amount and availability depend on your location and the specific store. AARP also negotiates discounts on car rentals through Hertz and Avis. The best way to see what is actually available near you is to visit the AARP website's discount locator tool or call your local AARP chapter — they can tell you which businesses in your area participate.

Insurance discounts and group rates

AARP has partnerships with insurance companies to offer group rates on auto, home, and health insurance. These are not exclusive to AARP — you can find the same or better rates elsewhere — but AARP members can shop through these partners and often receive a discount for being a member. The discount amount varies by insurer and by your personal risk profile, so a 10 percent AARP discount on one company's auto policy might be less than what you would pay at a competitor with no discount.

AARP does not sell insurance directly. You work with the insurance company itself to buy the policy. AARP's role is to negotiate the group rate and direct you to the partner company. You are responsible for comparing quotes from multiple insurers — AARP's partner rates are one option among many, not necessarily the cheapest.

Magazine, website articles, and educational content

AARP Magazine arrives monthly and covers health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50. The magazine is included with membership at no extra cost. You also get access to AARP.org, where you can read articles on Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, and caregiving without paying extra.

The website includes some interactive tools — a Medicare plan comparison tool, a Social Security calculator, and articles explaining how programs work. These are informational resources, not personalized information. If you need help understanding your specific situation, AARP also offers tax preparation help through their Tax-Aide program and free legal consultations in some areas, though availability varies by location.

Local chapters and community involvement

AARP has chapters in most cities and counties. Membership gives you the right to attend chapter meetings and events, which typically include guest speakers on health or money topics, exercise classes, volunteer opportunities, and social gatherings. Some chapters offer classes on technology, caregiving, or financial planning. The quality and frequency of chapter activities vary widely — a large urban chapter may have events every week, while a rural chapter might meet monthly.

You can find your local chapter on AARP.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Contacting them before joining is a good way to see what they actually offer in your area and whether the activities match what you are looking for.

Who should consider AARP membership

AARP membership makes the most sense if you regularly use at least one of the discounts available in your area. If you eat out frequently at participating restaurants, stay in hotels several times a year, or are shopping for auto or home insurance, the $16 annual cost can pay for itself quickly. If you live in an area with an active chapter and are interested in attending events or volunteering, that is another reason to join.

If you do not use any of the discounts and have no interest in the magazine or local events, the membership may not be worth the cost. You can also read many AARP articles on their website without being a member — membership straightforward gives you access to the full site and the magazine. Some people join for the magazine alone, while others join primarily for the insurance discounts.

How to join and what happens next

You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. The membership year runs from the month you join, and you can renew online or by phone. You will receive your membership card in the mail within two to three weeks, and you can start using some discounts when ready with your membership number.

After you join, AARP will send you the magazine monthly and email newsletters if you opt in. You can update your preferences on their website anytime. If you decide membership is not for you, you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund, or you can straightforward let it expire and not renew.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. You can be working full-time, part-time, or retired. AARP membership is based on age, not employment status.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Some discounts work online, but most require you to show your membership card or number in person at checkout. Check with the specific retailer or restaurant before you shop to see whether the discount applies to online orders.

What if I do not use the discounts — can I get a refund?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied with your membership. After 30 days, you can let your membership expire at the end of the year, but you will not receive a refund for the portion you did not use.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP membership is separate from government benefits. Joining AARP does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security payments, or any other government program.

Is AARP a government agency?

No. AARP is a nonprofit organization, not part of the government. It is independent, though it works with government agencies on policy issues and provides information about government programs like Medicare and Social Security.