AARP membership costs $16 a year for the standard membership, or $27 for three years

The basic membership is $16 per year. If you want to lock in a lower rate, you can pay $27 upfront for three years of membership — that works out to $9 per year. Both options renew automatically, so you will be charged again unless you cancel before the renewal date.

AARP also offers a premium membership called AARP Premium Plus for $180 per year. This includes everything in the standard membership plus additional services like identity theft protection, legal document preparation, and expanded discounts on certain products. Most people start with the standard $16 membership.

When you join, you receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can start using your membership number and benefits when ready online, even before the card arrives.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard AARP membership is $16 per year, or $27 for three years if you pay upfront.
  • You must be 50 or older to join, and membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel.
  • Your membership includes a magazine, access to discounts on insurance and travel, and may be able to access for AARP programs and events.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.
  • AARP Premium Plus costs $180 per year and adds identity theft protection and legal services to the standard benefits.

What the $16 membership includes

Your annual fee covers a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives six times a year. The magazine covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50. You also get access to AARP.org, where you can read articles, use planning tools, and find information on Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and other topics relevant to older adults.

Membership gives you access to discounts on car insurance, home insurance, and travel. These discounts vary by state and provider — some people save significantly on auto insurance, while others find the travel discounts more valuable. You can see what discounts are available in your state by logging into your AARP account or calling 1-888-687-2277.

You also become may be able to access to join AARP local chapters in your area, attend AARP events, and participate in volunteer opportunities. Some chapters offer in-person classes on topics like technology, health, and financial planning.

How to join and when your membership starts

You can join online at AARP.org or by phone at 1-888-687-2277. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. You must be 50 or older to join. The entire process takes about 10 minutes online.

Your membership becomes active when ready after you pay. You can log in and start using your membership number for discounts right away. Your physical membership card arrives in the mail within two to three weeks, but you do not need to wait for it to use your benefits.

If you join partway through the year, your membership still runs for a full 12 months from the date you join. You will be charged again on the same date the following year unless you cancel before that date.

Automatic renewal and how to cancel

AARP membership renews automatically each year. About 30 days before your renewal date, you will receive an email reminder that your membership is about to renew. The email will include your renewal date and the amount you will be charged.

To cancel, log into your AARP account online and go to the membership settings page, or call 1-888-687-2277 and speak to a representative. You can cancel at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of being charged, AARP will refund the full amount. After 30 days, refunds are not available, but you can still cancel to prevent future charges.

If you cancel and then want to rejoin later, you can do so at any time. There is no penalty for canceling and rejoining.

Whether the cost is worth it

Whether $16 a year makes sense depends on which benefits you will actually use. If you are shopping for car or home insurance, the discounts can easily pay for the membership in a single year — some members report saving $100 to $300 on auto insurance alone. If you read AARP Magazine or use the website for health and financial information, that adds value on top of the discounts.

If you do not drive, do not own a home, and are not interested in the magazine or website, the membership may not be worth the cost. You can read much of AARP's content for free on their website without being a member, though members get early access to some articles and additional resources.

The best way to decide is to check what discounts are available in your state before you join. Call 1-888-687-2277 or visit AARP.org and enter your zip code to see the specific insurance and travel discounts offered near you. If those discounts would save you money, the membership pays for itself.

AARP Premium Plus and other membership options

AARP Premium Plus costs $180 per year and includes everything in the standard membership plus identity theft protection, legal document preparation services, and expanded discounts on certain products and services. The identity theft protection monitors your credit and alerts you to suspicious activity. The legal services include help preparing a will, power of attorney, and living will.

Premium Plus is worth considering if you are concerned about identity theft, want professional help with legal documents, or place high value on the expanded discounts. However, you can get identity theft protection and legal document services from other providers, so compare costs before deciding.

AARP also offers group memberships for employers and organizations. If your employer offers AARP membership as a benefit, the cost may be lower or covered entirely by your employer.

How membership fees are used

AARP is a nonprofit organization, meaning it does not have shareholders and does not distribute profits to owners. The membership fees, along with revenue from advertising in AARP Magazine and from partner discounts, fund the organization's operations. This includes publishing the magazine, maintaining the website, running local chapters, and funding AARP's advocacy work on issues like Social Security, Medicare, and age discrimination.

AARP's annual financial reports are public and available on their website if you want to see how the organization spends its money.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after joining?

Yes. If you cancel within 30 days of being charged, AARP will refund the full amount. After 30 days, you cannot get a refund, but you can cancel to stop future charges. Contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account to request a refund.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. You do not have to be retired, and your employment status does not matter. Many working people in their 50s and 60s join AARP for the discounts and magazine.

Is there a discount if I pay for multiple years upfront?

Yes. You can pay $27 for three years instead of $16 per year, which saves you $21 over three years. This is the only multi-year option AARP offers. After three years, you will be charged the standard annual rate unless you choose another three-year plan.

Can I use AARP discounts before my membership card arrives?

Yes. Your membership is active when ready after you pay, and you can use your membership number for discounts right away. You do not need to wait for your physical card. You can find your membership number in your online account or in the confirmation email you receive after joining.

What happens if I do not cancel before my renewal date?

You will be automatically charged the membership fee on your renewal date. You will receive an email reminder about 30 days before the charge. If you are charged and then cancel within 30 days, you can request a refund. To avoid being charged, cancel before your renewal date through your online account or by calling 1-888-687-2277.