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

AARP charges a flat annual fee. You pay once a year, not monthly. The first-year rate of $16 is a promotional price; renewal costs $20 each year after. Some people pay less through employer group plans or state associations, but the standard individual rate is $16 to start.

You do not need to be retired to join. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older. The organization does not verify retirement status, so your employment situation does not affect whether you can join or what you pay.

The membership fee covers access to AARP's publications, discounts, and online tools. It does not include health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or Medicare supplemental plans. Those are separate products that AARP partners with other companies to offer, and they have their own costs.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard AARP membership is $16 for the first year and $20 per year after, paid as a single annual charge.
  • You can join at 50 or older regardless of whether you are working or retired.
  • The membership fee itself does not include insurance or prescription coverage; those are optional add-ons with separate costs.
  • Some employers and state organizations offer group rates that may be lower than the standard individual price.
  • AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you cancel within that window.

What the membership fee covers

Your annual fee gives you a subscription to AARP Magazine and access to AARP.org, where you can read articles on health, money, caregiving, and work. You also get a member card that unlocks discounts at certain retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. The discounts vary by location and business, so what you save depends on where you shop and travel.

Membership includes access to AARP's online tools for planning and tracking, such as a retirement calculator and a Social Security estimator. You can also join local AARP chapters in your area, which host events and volunteer opportunities. The organization publishes a monthly newsletter and sends member alerts about policy changes and new resources.

You get a member ID number that you use to claim discounts. Some discounts require you to show your card in person; others require you to enter a code online or mention your membership when you call.

Insurance and prescription programs are separate from membership

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, the organization partners with insurance companies to offer products under the AARP name. These include Medicare supplemental insurance (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance. Each product has its own monthly or annual premium, set by the insurance company, not by AARP.

Similarly, AARP partners with pharmacy benefit managers to offer prescription discount programs. These are not the same as Medicare Part D coverage. A prescription discount program gives you a card that reduces the price you pay at the pharmacy, but it does not cover the full cost the way insurance does. The cost of these programs varies.

Your $16 or $20 membership fee does not include any of these insurance or prescription products. You pay for them separately if you choose to enroll.

Group rates through employers and state organizations

Some employers offer AARP membership as a workplace benefit. If your employer has a group plan with AARP, you may pay a reduced rate or have the membership fee covered entirely. Ask your human resources or benefits department whether AARP is included in your plan.

A few state organizations and associations also negotiate group rates with AARP. These are usually tied to membership in a state retiree association or a professional group. If you belong to such an organization, check their website or call to ask whether they offer an AARP discount.

Group rates are typically lower than the standard individual rate, but availability depends on your employer or organization. There is no way to know without asking directly.

How to join and the money-back may provide

You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online is the fastest option; you provide your name, date of birth, address, and payment information, and your membership begins when ready. By phone or mail, the process takes longer.

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide within 30 days that membership is not for you, you can cancel and receive a full refund of your membership fee. You do not need to provide a reason. After 30 days, the fee is not refundable, though you can still cancel your membership at any time.

When you join, AARP will begin sending you the magazine and emails. You can adjust your communication preferences on your account page to receive fewer emails or opt out of certain types of messages.

Comparing AARP to other senior organizations

AARP is the largest senior membership organization in the United States, but it is not the only one. Other organizations like the National Council of Senior Citizens and the Senior Citizens League also offer memberships, publications, and advocacy work. Some charge no membership fee at all and instead rely on donations.

The main difference is scale and reach. AARP has negotiated discounts with thousands of businesses and has a large staff focused on policy and research. Smaller organizations may have fewer discounts but may focus more deeply on specific issues like Social Security or Medicare. Your choice depends on what matters most to you—discounts, advocacy, community, or information.

You can also join AARP and other organizations at the same time. Membership in one does not prevent you from joining another.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you receive a full refund. After 30 days, you do not receive a refund, but you can still cancel without penalty. Your membership runs through the end of the year you paid for, so canceling mid-year does not give you a partial refund.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. AARP does not require proof of retirement status or ask about your employment. Many working people join AARP for the discounts and information.

Does my spouse need a separate membership?

Yes. Each person needs their own membership and pays their own fee. AARP does not offer family or household plans. However, if you both join, you each get your own magazine and member card.

What if I join through an employer group plan and then leave my job?

Your membership continues through the end of the year you paid for. When it comes time to renew, you will pay the standard individual rate ($20) unless you join another group plan. Contact AARP to update your payment method and confirm your renewal date.

Are the discounts worth the membership fee?

That depends on which discounts you use. Some people save the $16 or $20 fee in a single purchase at a hotel or rental car company. Others use the magazine and online tools but rarely claim discounts. Review the discount directory on AARP.org for businesses near you before you join to see whether the savings matter to you.