AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $12 per year after that

When you join AARP, you pay a one-time membership fee of $16 for your first year. After that, your annual renewal costs $12 per year. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. AARP also offers a three-year membership option upfront, which costs $38 total — a small savings if you know you'll stay a member.

The membership covers you as an individual. If your spouse or partner also wants to join, they pay the same rate. Some employers and organizations offer group rates that may be lower, so it's worth asking if you have access to AARP through your workplace or a union.

You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund for the unused portion of your membership year, though the refund process takes a few weeks.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 for the first year and $12 per year after that, paid annually or as a three-year package.
  • Your membership gives you access to discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and insurance products, though you must actively search for and use them.
  • AARP provides access to their magazine, website resources, and member-only events, but these are informational rather than financial benefits.
  • Some discounts require you to show your AARP card or membership number at the time of purchase, so they don't happen automatically.
  • You can cancel anytime and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.

What discounts come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with hundreds of companies across different categories. Common discount areas include hotel chains (Hilton, Choice Hotels, Wyndham), car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget), and restaurants (Denny's, Olive Garden, Red Robin). The discount amounts vary — some offer 10 percent off, others offer specific dollar amounts or free upgrades.

Pharmacy and health-related discounts are also available through AARP's partnerships. These include discounts on hearing aids, dental work, vision care, and prescription medications through certain providers. You'll need to use the specific providers AARP has partnered with to receive the discount.

The catch is that these discounts don't happen automatically. You have to know they exist, find them on AARP's website or app, and then actively use them when you make a purchase. Many members pay the $16 and never use a single discount, so the real value depends on your spending habits.

Insurance products available to members

AARP offers access to insurance products underwritten by partner companies, including auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. These are not AARP's own insurance products — AARP is licensed to market them, but the actual coverage comes from companies like The Hartford, Mutual of Omaha, and others.

The insurance products are available to members at rates that AARP has negotiated. Whether these rates are actually lower than what you'd find elsewhere depends on your age, location, and health history. It's worth getting quotes from AARP's partners and comparing them to quotes from other insurers before deciding.

Life insurance and long-term care insurance through AARP typically don't require a medical exam, which can be valuable if you have health conditions that make traditional underwriting difficult. However, the premiums may be higher to offset that risk.

AARP magazine and online resources

Your membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives in your mailbox 10 times per year. The magazine covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50. You also get access to AARP.org, which has articles, tools, and resources on similar topics, plus a searchable database of local services and programs.

The website includes a benefits finder tool that helps you search for programs you might be may be able to access for in your state — things like prescription drug information, energy bill help, and senior services. This tool doesn't determine your may be able to access; it just points you toward programs that exist in your area and tells you how to contact them.

AARP also hosts webinars and virtual events on topics like Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and financial planning. Some are free to members; others charge a small fee. These are educational in nature and not a substitute for information from a financial advisor or attorney.

Membership cards and how to use them

When you join, AARP mails you a membership card with your membership number. This card is what you show to get discounts at participating retailers and restaurants. Some discounts require you to present the physical card; others let you provide your membership number online or by phone.

You can also access your membership information through the AARP mobile app, which displays your membership number and allows you to search for discounts near you. The app shows which restaurants, hotels, and retailers in your area offer AARP discounts and what those discounts are.

If your card is lost or damaged, AARP will replace it at no cost. Replacement cards typically arrive within two weeks.

Whether the membership pays for itself

Whether AARP membership is worth $16 depends entirely on whether you use the discounts. If you travel once a year and book a hotel through an AARP partner, you might save $30 to $50 on that stay alone — which would pay for the membership. If you use a pharmacy discount or get a quote on auto insurance and save money there, the membership quickly becomes cost-effective.

However, if you don't travel, don't eat at the partner restaurants, and don't shop at the partner retailers, you may never use a single discount. In that case, you're paying $16 for the magazine and website access, which some people value and others don't.

The best approach is to look at AARP's discount list before you join and see whether any of the partner companies are places you already spend money. If you see three or four that you use regularly, the membership will likely pay for itself within a year.

Group memberships and special rates

Some employers, unions, and professional organizations offer group AARP memberships at a reduced rate. If you have access to a group membership, the cost may be $10 or $12 for the first year instead of $16. Ask your employer's human resources department or your union representative whether AARP group membership is available to you.

Military veterans and current military members may also have access to special rates through military-affiliated organizations. Check with your veteran's service organization or military benefits office to see what's available.

Group memberships come with the same benefits as individual memberships — the only difference is the price you pay upfront.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to join AARP?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP. If you're under 50, you're not may be able to access for membership, though some of AARP's online resources and tools are available to anyone regardless of age.

Can I get a refund if I don't use any discounts?

Yes, you can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund for the unused portion of your membership year. Contact AARP's customer service to start the cancellation process. Refunds typically take two to four weeks to process.

Are AARP discounts the same everywhere?

No, discounts vary by location and by business. A hotel chain might offer 10 percent off in one city and 15 percent off in another. Check the AARP website or app to see what discounts are available in your specific area before you travel or shop.

What happens to my membership if I move to a different state?

Your membership stays active and valid in any state. The discounts available to you may change based on your new location, but your membership itself doesn't expire or need to be renewed just because you moved.

Can I share my AARP card with my spouse?

No, your AARP card is for your use only and has your membership number on it. If your spouse wants to use AARP discounts, they need their own membership. However, you can both join at the same time and pay the standard rate for each membership.