You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and that is the only hard requirement

AARP membership is open to anyone in the United States who is at least 50 years old. You do not need to be retired, working, wealthy, or in any particular health condition. You do not need to own a home, have a certain income, or be a U.S. citizen — permanent residents can join. There are no background checks, no waiting periods, and no membership committee that reviews your process.

The membership fee is $16 per year for a single membership, or $27 per year for a household membership that covers two people at the same address. AARP also offers a discounted rate of $8 per year for people with limited income, though you will need to provide proof of your income level when you join. Once you pay, your membership is active when ready.

The main reason people join is access to discounts on insurance products (car, home, health), hotel and travel deals, and a magazine. AARP also offers some free resources on topics like caregiving, retirement planning, and scams targeting older adults. Membership does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security benefits, or any government programs you receive.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older; there are no other membership requirements based on income, employment, or citizenship status.
  • Standard membership costs $16 per year, with a reduced rate of $8 per year available for people with limited income.
  • Membership gives you access to discounts on insurance, travel, and retail, plus AARP's magazine and online resources.
  • Joining AARP does not affect your Medicare, Social Security, or any other government benefits.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and your membership begins as soon as payment is processed.

How to join and what happens after you pay

You can join AARP through their website (aarp.org), by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper form. Online is the fastest route — you enter your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay by credit card or debit card. The whole process takes about five minutes.

After you join, AARP will send you a membership card by mail within one to two weeks. You will also receive a welcome packet with information about your discounts and how to access them. Many discounts require you to show your membership card or provide your membership number, so keep that card somewhere you can find it.

AARP will begin sending you their monthly magazine and emails about discounts and programs. You can change your communication preferences in your online account at any time if you want to receive fewer emails or opt out of the magazine.

What discounts and benefits actually come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with specific companies, and the discounts change over time. Common ones include discounts on car insurance (usually 10 to 25 percent off, depending on the insurer), hotel chains like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, rental car companies, and some retail stores. AARP also offers its own supplemental health insurance products and long-term care insurance.

The value of these discounts depends entirely on whether you use the services being discounted. If you do not rent cars, book hotels, or shop at the retailers offering discounts, the membership may not save you money. The best way to know whether membership makes sense for you is to look at the current discount list on AARP's website and add up what you might actually use.

AARP also publishes free guides and articles on topics like caregiving, retirement, Social Security, Medicare, and fraud prevention. These resources do not require membership — anyone can read them on the AARP website. Membership gives you access to the same content plus the discounts.

Whether membership is worth the cost depends on your actual spending

At $16 per year, AARP membership is inexpensive. But whether it saves you money depends on whether you use the discounts. If you save $16 or more in a single year through hotel discounts, car rental discounts, or insurance savings, the membership pays for itself. If you do not use any of the discounts, you are paying $16 for a magazine and access to free articles you could read anyway.

One common scenario where membership clearly saves money is car insurance. If AARP's partner insurers offer you a discount of 10 percent or more on your current premium, and your annual premium is $160 or higher, the discount alone will cover the membership cost. You can get a quote from AARP's insurance partners without joining first.

Another scenario is if you travel regularly and use hotel discounts. A single discounted hotel stay can easily save you $20 to $50, which covers the annual membership fee many times over.

AARP membership does not affect your government benefits

Joining AARP does not change your Medicare coverage, your Social Security benefits, your Medicaid status, or any other government program you receive. AARP is a private membership organization, not a government agency. It does not report your membership to any government body, and it does not affect your income or assets for purposes of means-tested programs.

Some people worry that joining AARP signals that they are "old" or will affect how they are treated by government programs. This is not how it works. Your age is already known to Social Security and Medicare — they use your birth date to determine your benefits. AARP membership is straightforward a private transaction between you and a membership organization.

What to watch out for when joining

AARP's official website is aarp.org and their phone number is 1-888-687-2277. Be cautious of websites or phone numbers that claim to be AARP but use a different URL or number — scammers sometimes impersonate AARP to collect money or personal information. If you are unsure whether a website is real, go directly to aarp.org or call the official number.

When you join, AARP will ask for your name, address, date of birth, and payment information. They will not ask for your Social Security number, Medicare number, or bank account information during the membership sign-up process. If someone claiming to represent AARP asks for these details, do not provide them.

AARP will send you emails and mail about discounts and programs after you join. You can unsubscribe from emails or opt out of mail at any time through your account settings or by calling their customer service line.

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 full-time, part-time, self-employed, or retired. Your employment status does not matter.

Can I get a refund if I join and decide I do not want the membership?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and change your mind within 30 days, you can contact customer service and request a refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refundable, though you can choose not to renew the following year.

What is the difference between a single membership and a household membership?

A single membership ($16 per year) covers one person. A household membership ($27 per year) covers two people at the same address and gives both people access to discounts and the magazine. If you are married or live with a partner, a household membership is usually cheaper than buying two single memberships.

Do I need to provide proof of age when I join?

You provide your date of birth when you join online or by phone, and AARP verifies it against their records. You do not need to send in a birth certificate or other document at the time of sign-up. If there is a discrepancy, AARP may contact you to confirm your age before processing your membership.

Can I use AARP discounts before my membership card arrives?

Yes. Once your membership is processed and confirmed, you can use your membership number to access discounts even before your physical card arrives in the mail. You can find your membership number in your welcome email or by logging into your AARP account online.