AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $20 per year after that

The standard membership fee is straightforward: $16 for your first 12 months, and $20 each year you renew. You can pay monthly instead if you prefer — that's about $1.50 per month for the first year, then about $1.67 per month after. Monthly payments mean you don't have to come up with the full amount at once, but you'll pay slightly more over the course of a year.

AARP also offers a discounted rate for people with lower incomes. If you may have access to for Supplemental Security Income (SSI) or certain other means-tested programs, you can join for $1 per year. You'll need to provide proof of your income or benefit status when you join.

There are no hidden fees added later, and you can cancel at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your full membership fee.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard AARP membership is $16 for the first year and $20 each year after, with no additional charges.
  • You can pay monthly (about $1.50 the first year, then $1.67) if you prefer not to pay the full amount upfront.
  • People receiving SSI or other means-tested benefits can join for $1 per year with proof of income.
  • AARP offers a 30-day refund period if you change your mind after joining.
  • Membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and entertainment, plus the AARP Magazine.

What you get with your membership

Your membership fee covers access to AARP's main benefits. You receive the monthly AARP Magazine in the mail, which includes articles on health, money, and lifestyle topics for people over 50. You also get access to the AARP website, where you can read additional articles, use planning tools, and find information on health topics.

The membership includes discounts on car insurance, travel bookings, hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues. These discounts vary by location and by vendor — some are available nationwide, while others depend on which state you live in. You can search the AARP website to see which discounts explore to you before you join, so you know what's actually available in your area.

AARP membership also gives you access to their legal services referral network, which connects you with lawyers who offer discounted consultations on topics like wills, powers of attorney, and estate planning. This is not a legal service itself — it's a directory of attorneys who have agreed to offer reduced rates to AARP members.

How to join and pay

You can join AARP online at their website, by phone, or by mail. Online is the fastest option — you'll need your name, address, date of birth, and email address. You can choose to pay the full annual fee or set up monthly payments at that time.

If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and payment options. If you prefer to join by mail, you can request an process form and send it back with a check or credit card information.

Your membership becomes active once payment is processed. You'll receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can start using some benefits (like website access and discounts) when ready, even before your card arrives.

Renewing your membership

AARP will send you a renewal notice in the mail about 30 days before your membership expires. The renewal cost is $20 per year (or about $1.67 per month if you pay monthly). You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as your initial join.

If you don't renew by the expiration date, your membership will lapse and you'll lose access to member discounts and the website. You can rejoin at any time by paying the standard fee again.

Some people set up automatic renewal so they don't have to remember to renew each year. You can do this when you join or at any time through your AARP account online.

Comparing AARP to other memberships for older adults

AARP is not the only membership organization for people over 50, though it is the largest. Other groups like the National Council of Senior Citizens and various state-specific senior organizations also offer memberships, usually at lower costs ($5 to $15 per year) but with fewer national discounts and benefits.

The value of AARP membership depends on which discounts you actually use. If you travel frequently, use the insurance discounts, or dine out regularly, the membership may pay for itself quickly. If you rarely use discounts, the $16 to $20 annual cost may not be worth it to you. Many people join primarily for the magazine and website content rather than the discounts.

Some benefits that AARP advertises — like access to group health insurance plans — are not included in the basic membership fee. Those are separate products you can purchase if you choose, and they have their own costs.

Special membership offers and promotions

AARP occasionally runs promotions where new members can join for a reduced rate, sometimes as low as $8 to $12 for the first year instead of the standard $16. These offers appear on their website, in the mail, or through phone calls. If you see a promotional offer, it's worth comparing it to the standard rate, though the difference is usually small.

Some employers and organizations offer group AARP memberships at a discount. If your employer, union, or a professional organization you belong to offers this, you may be able to join for less than the standard rate. It's worth asking your benefits administrator or checking your organization's member benefits page.

The reduced-cost membership for people on SSI is not a promotional offer — it's a permanent program. You can join at the $1 rate any time you may have access to, not just during certain periods.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I try AARP membership before committing to a full year?

AARP doesn't offer a trial period, but you have 30 days to request a full refund if you change your mind after joining. This means you can join, explore the benefits and discounts, and cancel within that window if it's not what you expected.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, regardless of whether you're working or retired. Your employment status doesn't affect your cost or benefits.

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

Your membership stays active and follows you. Some discounts may change because they're state-specific, but your basic membership and access to the magazine and website continue. You can update your address through your AARP account online.

Is AARP membership tax-deductible?

No. The IRS does not allow you to deduct AARP membership fees as a charitable contribution or business expense on your personal tax return. It's treated as a personal membership fee, similar to a gym membership.

Can I gift an AARP membership to someone else?

Yes. You can purchase a membership as a gift for someone age 50 or older. AARP will send the gift recipient information about their new membership, and they can set up their account and start using benefits right away.