AARP membership costs $16 per year, or $27 for three years

The standard membership fee is $16 annually. If you pay for three years upfront, the cost is $27 total, which works out to $9 per year. AARP also offers a lifetime membership for $200, though this is rarely worth the math unless you expect to live well into your 90s.

You become a member the moment you pay. There are no hidden fees added later, and AARP does not charge you to use the basic member benefits — the magazine, the website, the discounts listed in their directory. Some services, like travel bookings or insurance products, are optional add-ons you choose separately.

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. You do not need to be retired, and you do not need to prove your age beyond stating it on the form. The membership covers you as an individual; if your spouse is also 50 or older and wants member benefits, they pay their own $16.

Key Takeaways

  • Annual membership costs $16, or $27 for three years paid upfront.
  • The membership fee itself is the only mandatory cost; discounts and services are free to use or optional to purchase.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership begins when ready upon payment.
  • AARP offers the same core benefits to all members regardless of income or health status.

What the $16 membership fee includes

Your membership gives you access to AARP Magazine (delivered to your home six times per year), the AARP website and mobile app, and a directory of discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. These discounts vary by location and business — some offer 10 percent off, others offer specific deals like "$5 off a hotel night" — and you show your membership card or number at checkout.

You also get access to AARP's tax preparation information (through a partnership with tax preparation services), driver safety courses, and educational webinars on topics like Social Security, Medicare, and caregiving. None of these cost extra once you are a member.

The membership includes a subscription to AARP's online resource library, which contains articles, guides, and tools about retirement planning, health, and money management. You can read these on the website or read them as PDFs.

Services that cost extra beyond the membership fee

AARP itself does not sell insurance, but it licenses its name to insurance companies that offer products to members. These include health insurance supplements, long-term care insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. You pay the insurance company directly, not AARP, and the rates are set by the insurer — AARP's role is to negotiate group rates and make the products available to members.

Travel services like cruises, vacation packages, and car rentals are also available through AARP's partners. These are priced by the travel company, and AARP earns a commission if you book through them. You can often find the same trip elsewhere for the same price or less, so comparing is worth your time.

AARP also offers a paid membership tier called AARP Premium for $200 per year. This includes everything in the standard membership plus access to a legal document service, a financial planning tool, and priority customer service. Most members do not need this tier.

How to join and when your membership starts

You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a form. Online is fastest — you enter your name, date of birth, address, and payment information, and your membership is active when ready. You receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks.

If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same questions and process your payment. Membership begins the day you call. If you mail in a form (available on the website), membership begins when AARP receives and processes your form, which typically takes two to three weeks.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, unless you cancel. AARP will send you a renewal notice in the mail and email before the renewal date, and you can cancel anytime by calling the number on your membership card.

Comparing the annual and three-year payment options

The three-year option costs $27 total, compared to $48 if you pay $16 each year for three years. That saves you $21 over three years, or about $7 per year. The tradeoff is that you pay more upfront and commit to three years. If you cancel during the three-year period, AARP does not refund the unused portion.

The lifetime membership for $200 makes financial sense only if you plan to be a member for more than 12 years (at $16 per year, you would pay $192 over 12 years). Most people who buy lifetime membership do so for the simplicity of never renewing, not for the savings.

If you are unsure whether AARP is worth it for you, start with the annual membership. You can cancel after one year if the discounts and services do not match your needs.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP membership does not cover the cost of any healthcare, prescriptions, or medical services. AARP does not provide health insurance itself; it only offers information about Medicare and connects members with insurance products sold by other companies.

Membership also does not include financial planning information, tax information, or legal information from AARP staff. The resources on the website are educational only. If you need personalized information, you would hire a financial planner, tax professional, or attorney separately.

Some discounts listed in AARP's directory may not be available in your area, or a specific business may have ended its partnership with AARP. Always confirm a discount is still active before assuming it applies to your purchase.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide from the date you join. If you cancel within 30 days, you receive a full refund. After 30 days, you can cancel anytime, but there is no refund for the unused portion of your membership year. If you paid for three years upfront, you do not get a refund for the remaining years.

Do I have to pay for AARP discounts when I use them?

No. The discounts themselves are free — you show your membership card and receive the discount at checkout. You only pay for the product or service you are buying (like a hotel room or restaurant meal). Some discounts are percentage-based (like 10 percent off), and others are fixed amounts (like $5 off).

Is there a cheaper way to get AARP benefits without paying the membership fee?

No. The $16 annual fee is the only way to become an AARP member and use member benefits. Some employers or unions offer AARP membership as a benefit, so check with your employer or union to see if they cover the cost for you.

What happens if I turn 50 while I am already an AARP member?

You can join AARP once you turn 50. If you joined before turning 50 (which AARP does not allow), your membership would be invalid. Once you are 50, you are welcome to join at the standard rate of $16 per year.

Can I share my AARP membership card with my spouse?

No. Each membership is individual, and the card is issued in your name only. Your spouse must purchase their own membership for $16 per year if they are also 50 or older and want to use member benefits.