AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $12 per year after that

The standard membership is $16 for your first 12 months. After that, renewal costs $12 annually. AARP occasionally runs promotions—usually around the holidays or during membership drives—that offer the first year for $8 or $10, but the regular price is $16. You can pay by mail, phone, or online, and your membership begins the month you join, not on a calendar year.

If you are already a member and your renewal notice arrives, you can renew at the standard $12 rate. Some people receive renewal offers at discounted rates in the mail; these are real, but the default renewal price is $12 unless you have a special promotion code.

AARP also offers a joint membership for two people at the same address for $25 the first year, then $20 per year after. This is cheaper per person than two individual memberships and is the option most couples choose.

Key Takeaways

  • First-year membership is $16 for one person; renewal is $12 per year after that.
  • Joint membership for two people at the same address is $25 the first year, then $20 annually.
  • Promotional offers for $8 or $10 first-year membership appear regularly but are not the standard price.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.
  • The membership fee itself is separate from any discounts, products, or services you purchase through AARP.

What the membership fee covers

Your membership fee gives you access to AARP's magazine (delivered to your home), their website with health and financial information, and the ability to use your membership number for discounts at retailers and service providers. The magazine comes 10 times per year and includes articles on health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50.

The membership also includes access to AARP's online community, where members can join discussion groups, take classes, and find local events. You get a membership card that you can show at participating businesses to receive discounts on things like restaurant meals, hotel stays, car rentals, and movie tickets. The specific discounts vary by location and business.

AARP also offers members the chance to purchase supplemental insurance products—like Medicare supplement plans, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance—through partner companies. These are not included in your membership; you pay separately if you choose to buy them. AARP receives a commission when you purchase these products, but the membership fee itself does not cover insurance.

Discounts and services included with membership

Common discounts available to AARP members include reduced rates at hotels like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, discounts on car rentals through Hertz and Avis, and reduced ticket prices at movie theaters and attractions. Restaurants like Denny's, Applebee's, and some regional chains offer member discounts. You show your membership card or provide your membership number at checkout.

AARP also partners with pharmacies and health services. Some CVS and Walgreens locations offer member discounts on certain products, though these vary by store and region. Your local AARP chapter may have additional partnerships specific to your area.

The discounts are real, but they are not uniform everywhere. A discount available in one state or city may not be available in another. Before relying on a specific discount, check AARP's website or call the business directly to confirm it is honored in your area.

How to join and when membership begins

You can join online at AARP's website, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from an AARP magazine or promotional mailing. Online is the fastest option; membership typically begins within a few days. By phone or mail, it may take one to two weeks.

You must be 50 or older to join. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and email address. If you are paying by credit card, you can complete the process in a few minutes. If you are paying by check, mail it with the form and allow extra time for processing.

Your membership year runs from the month you join, not from January 1st. So if you join in March, your renewal date will be in March of the following year. You will receive a renewal notice about 30 days before your membership expires.

Canceling membership and refunds

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting the website, or writing to AARP. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, AARP does not offer refunds, but you can let your membership expire and straightforward not renew.

If you have already paid for a full year and decide to cancel after the 30-day window, you will not receive a refund, but you can stop your renewal from automatically charging in the future. Make sure to cancel the auto-renewal setting in your account or call to confirm it is turned off.

Comparing AARP membership to other senior organizations

Other organizations also serve people over 50, and some offer memberships at different price points. The National Council of Senior Citizens charges no membership fee but is primarily a policy and advocacy organization rather than a discount and benefits club. The Senior Discount Club and GoldAge Club offer discount cards for lower annual fees—sometimes $10 to $15—but typically have fewer participating businesses and less content than AARP.

AARP's main advantage is the size of its network: because it has millions of members, it has negotiated discounts with major national chains and has the resources to produce a magazine and maintain a large website. Smaller organizations may have lower fees but fewer discounts and less content. The choice depends on whether the discounts available in your area are worth the membership fee to you.

Some people join AARP primarily for the magazine and online content, while others join mainly for the discounts. If you rarely eat at chain restaurants or stay in chain hotels, the discounts may not save you money. If you do, the membership fee can pay for itself in a few discounted meals or hotel stays per year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about membership?

Yes, if you cancel within 30 days of joining, you can request a full refund. After 30 days, AARP does not refund membership fees, but you can let your membership expire without renewing. Call 1-888-687-2277 to request a refund or to cancel.

Do I have to pay for insurance or other products if I join AARP?

No. Your membership fee covers only the magazine, website access, and discount may be able to access. Insurance products, travel packages, and other services are optional and cost extra if you choose to purchase them. You will not be charged for these unless you actively buy them.

Are the discounts the same everywhere in the country?

No. Participating businesses and discount amounts vary by location. A discount available at a restaurant in one city may not be available at the same restaurant chain in another city. Check AARP's discount locator on their website or call the business directly to confirm the discount is honored near you.

What happens when my membership expires?

You will receive a renewal notice about 30 days before your membership expires. If you do not renew, your membership ends and you lose access to the magazine, website member features, and discounts. You can renew at any time by contacting AARP, and your new membership year will begin from the date you renew.

Is AARP membership tax deductible?

No. The membership fee is a personal expense and is not tax deductible. However, if you use AARP resources for business or professional purposes, you may want to consult a tax professional about whether any portion could be deductible in your specific situation.