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. You become a member at age 50. There are no other membership tiers or premium levels — everyone pays the same rate regardless of income or location.

AARP also offers a free membership option for people who cannot afford the annual fee. You can request a complimentary membership by calling 1-888-687-2277 or visiting AARP.org and selecting the free membership option during signup. The benefits are identical to paid membership; the only difference is cost.

Some employers and unions negotiate group rates for their employees or members. If your workplace or union offers AARP membership as a benefit, you may pay less or nothing at all. Check with your HR department or union representative to see if this applies to you.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard AARP membership is $16 per year, or $27 for a three-year commitment.
  • Free membership is available to anyone who cannot afford the annual fee — you request it directly from AARP.
  • The membership benefits are the same whether you pay or receive free membership.
  • Some employers and unions offer AARP membership at a reduced rate or at no cost to their employees or members.
  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP.

What membership includes

Your membership gives you access to AARP's magazine (delivered monthly), a website with health and financial information, and a members-only section with articles and tools. You also receive discounts at certain retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies — the specific discounts vary by location and change periodically.

Membership includes access to AARP's tax preparation program, which offers free tax filing help through a partnership with IRS-certified volunteers. You can also join AARP's online community forums and attend local chapter events in your area, though these vary by region.

AARP membership does not include health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or Medicare supplemental plans. Those are separate products that AARP endorses and helps market, but they have their own costs and are not part of the membership itself.

How to pay and when your membership starts

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account when you sign up online at AARP.org or by phone at 1-888-687-2277. Your membership becomes active when ready after payment is processed. If you mail a check, allow 4 to 6 weeks for processing before your membership begins.

When you join, AARP will send you a membership card by mail within 7 to 10 business days. You can use your membership number (which appears in your online account) before the physical card arrives.

Renewing your membership

AARP sends renewal notices by mail about 60 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you set up automatic renewal when you first join, your membership will renew automatically on the anniversary date and you will be charged the current annual rate.

You can cancel automatic renewal at any time by logging into your AARP account online or by calling 1-888-687-2277. If you cancel before your membership expires, you will keep your benefits through the end of your paid period.

Membership discounts and how they work

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. The discounts are not uniform — some businesses offer 10 percent off, others offer different rates depending on the product or service. You typically show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number at checkout.

Not every location of a participating business honors the discount, so it is worth asking before you make a purchase. Some discounts are seasonal or explore only to certain products. AARP's website has a searchable discount directory where you can enter your zip code to see what discounts are available near you.

The value of these discounts varies widely depending on how often you travel, eat out, or shop at participating retailers. For some people, a single hotel stay or car rental can pay back the annual membership fee. For others, the discounts may be less relevant to their spending habits.

AARP membership and Medicare

AARP membership is separate from Medicare. You do not need to be on Medicare to join AARP, and joining AARP does not enroll you in Medicare. However, AARP does offer information about Medicare options and helps market Medicare supplemental insurance plans and Medicare Advantage plans.

If you are approaching 65 and becoming may be able to access for Medicare, AARP's website has educational materials about how Medicare works and what your options are. These materials are free to read whether or not you are an AARP member.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you are not satisfied with your membership, you can request a refund within 30 days of joining. Contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account to request the refund.

Do I have to join AARP to get senior discounts?

No. Many businesses offer senior discounts to anyone 55 or 60 and older, regardless of AARP membership. You typically show a photo ID with your date of birth. AARP membership is one way to access discounts, but it is not the only way.

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

Your membership remains active and valid in all 50 states. The discounts available to you may change based on your new location, since different businesses participate in different regions. You can update your address in your AARP account online.

Can someone under 50 join AARP?

No. AARP membership requires that you be at least 50 years old. There is no exception to this age requirement, and there is no junior or associate membership for younger people.

Is AARP membership tax deductible?

The membership fee itself is not tax deductible for most people. However, if you use AARP's tax preparation service or other services that may have access to as business expenses, those may be deductible depending on your situation. Consult a tax professional about your specific circumstances.