You can cancel AARP by phone, mail, or online, and the process takes a few minutes

AARP membership cancels through their customer service line at 1-888-687-2277. You can also mail a cancellation request to AARP's membership department, or log into your online account and cancel directly. The fastest route is the phone line — you'll reach someone who can process the cancellation when ready and confirm it in writing.

You do not need a reason to cancel, and AARP will not ask you to explain why you're leaving. If you have a remaining balance on your membership dues (for example, if you paid for two years and want to cancel after one), ask about a refund during the call — policies vary depending on how long you've been a member and when you joined.

Cancellation takes effect right away. You'll lose access to your online account, member discounts, and AARP Magazine within a few days. If you have auto-renewal turned on, make sure to cancel before your next renewal date so you don't get charged again.

Key Takeaways

  • Call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to cancel over the phone, which is the fastest method and gives you when ready confirmation.
  • You can also cancel online through your AARP account or by mailing a written request to their membership department.
  • Cancellation takes effect when ready, though it may take a few days for your online access and member benefits to stop.
  • Ask about refunds during cancellation if you paid for a membership period you won't use.
  • If you have auto-renewal enabled, cancelling before your next renewal date prevents you from being charged again.

Cancelling by phone

Call 1-888-687-2277 and tell the representative you want to cancel your membership. Have your membership number ready — you'll find it on your membership card or in your online account. The representative will ask for your name and date of birth to confirm your identity.

The call usually takes fewer than five minutes. The representative will process the cancellation on the spot and may ask if there's anything AARP could do to keep your membership. You're not obligated to explain your reasons or listen to retention offers. Ask for a confirmation number before you hang up, and request that they email or mail you written confirmation of the cancellation.

Cancelling online

Log into your AARP account at aarp.org using your email and password. Go to your account settings or membership section — the exact location varies depending on whether you're on a computer or phone, but there's usually a "Manage Membership" or "Account Settings" link.

Look for a "Cancel Membership" option. AARP will ask you to confirm the cancellation and may show you a final offer or discount to stay. You can decline and proceed with cancellation. After you confirm, you'll see a confirmation message on screen. Take a screenshot or write down any confirmation number shown, since online confirmations can be harder to retrieve later.

Cancelling by mail

Write a letter requesting cancellation and include your membership number, full name, and date of birth. Mail it to AARP's membership department. The address changes depending on your state, so call 1-888-687-2277 first and ask for the correct mailing address for membership cancellations in your area.

Mail cancellation takes longer — typically two to four weeks for AARP to process and confirm. If you're close to a renewal date, use the phone or online method instead to make sure your cancellation is recorded before you're charged again. Keep a copy of your letter and note the date you mailed it in case you need to follow up.

What happens to auto-renewal and refunds

AARP memberships often renew automatically each year. When you cancel, make sure the representative or online system confirms that auto-renewal is turned off. If you cancel after your renewal date has passed but before the next one, you won't be charged again.

Refunds depend on AARP's policy at the time you joined and how much of your membership period remains. Some members receive a prorated refund if they cancel within a certain window; others do not. Ask about refund may be able to access during your cancellation call. If you're told you're not may be able to access but believe you should be, you can follow up in writing with a request and explanation.

If you want to rejoin later

Cancelling AARP does not prevent you from rejoining. You can sign up again at any time through aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Rejoining is treated as a new membership, so you'll pay the current membership fee and start a new membership year.

Some people cancel temporarily to avoid auto-renewal and then rejoin when they're ready. Others cancel and never rejoin. There's no penalty or waiting period for rejoining, and AARP does not flag former members differently from new ones.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will AARP charge me again after I cancel?

Not if you cancel before your renewal date and confirm that auto-renewal is off. If your renewal date has already passed, you won't be charged again. If you're unsure when your renewal date is, ask the representative during your cancellation call.

Can I cancel if I'm in the middle of a multi-year membership?

Yes. Whether you get a refund depends on AARP's policy and how long you've been a member. Ask about refund options when you cancel. If you're denied a refund but think you should receive one, send a written request to the address they provide.

What if I can't reach customer service by phone?

Try cancelling online through your account, or mail a written cancellation request. Online cancellation is usually processed within a few days. Mail takes longer but creates a paper record of your request.

Do I lose my benefits when ready after cancelling?

Your membership cancels right away, but it may take a few days for your online account access and member discounts to stop working. Don't rely on AARP discounts after you cancel — use them before your cancellation is processed if you need them.

Can I cancel just one membership if I have multiple?

Yes. If you have a household membership or multiple individual memberships under one account, you can cancel one without affecting the others. Tell the representative which membership you want to cancel and provide the specific membership number.