You can join AARP at 50, not 55 or 65

AARP membership opens at age 50. You do not have to wait until you turn 55, 62, 65, or any other age — 50 is the threshold, and you can join the day you turn 50 or any day after. There is no upper age limit; people in their 90s and beyond are members.

The reason many people think the age is higher is that AARP's most visible programs — Medicare counseling, Social Security planning, discounts on prescriptions — matter most to people closer to retirement. But the organization itself accepts members starting at 50, and many join years before they need those services.

Membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $12 per year after that. You can join online, by phone, or by mail. AARP also offers a free membership tier called AARP Digital, which gives you access to some articles and tools but not the full membership benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, with no upper age limit.
  • Your first year costs $16; renewal is $12 per year after that.
  • Full membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, and insurance, plus access to AARP's Medicare and Social Security resources.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using the form that arrives in your mailbox.
  • AARP Digital is a free option if you want to read articles and use some tools without paying for full membership.

What full membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts with national retailers and service providers. These include discounts on hotel stays (through chains like Hilton and Choice Hotels), rental cars (Hertz, Budget, Avis), restaurants, and movie tickets. The discounts vary by location and change over time, so the value depends on what you actually use.

Members also receive AARP Magazine, a print publication that arrives six times per year, and access to AARP.org, where you can read articles on health, money, caregiving, and work. The website includes tools for Medicare plan comparison, Social Security benefit estimation, and tax information.

Membership includes a subscription to AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter covering policy, health, and consumer news. Members can also join local AARP chapters in their area, which host events, volunteer opportunities, and community programs.

Medicare and Social Security resources for members

AARP runs the Tax-Aide program, which offers free tax preparation help to people with low to moderate income. AARP also provides free counseling on Medicare through its State Health Insurance information Program (SHIP) partnership, though SHIP itself is a government program — AARP volunteers staff many of the local offices.

On Social Security, AARP publishes guides and calculators to help you understand how benefits work and when to claim. These are educational tools, not personalized information. For actual Social Security questions, you still contact Social Security directly at 1-800-772-1213 or visit ssa.gov.

AARP also offers discounts on supplemental insurance (Medigap) and long-term care insurance through partner companies. These are not AARP's own products — you buy them from the insurance company — but AARP negotiates group rates for members.

How to join online or by phone

The fastest way to join is online at aarp.org. You will need your name, date of birth, email address, and a payment method (credit card or debit card). The process takes about five minutes. You receive a membership number when ready and can start using member discounts right away.

If you prefer to join by phone, call 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership questions and take your payment information. The phone line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time.

You can also join by mail. If you receive a membership offer in the mail, you can fill out the form and send it back with a check. This method takes longer — allow two to three weeks for processing — but works if you do not want to provide payment information online.

AARP Digital membership and other options

AARP Digital is a free membership tier that gives you access to articles on AARP.org, the AARP app, and some online tools. You do not get the print magazine, local chapter access, or the insurance discounts, but you can read health and money content without paying.

If you want to try AARP before paying for full membership, AARP Digital is a reasonable way to see whether the content and tools are useful to you. You can upgrade to full membership later if you decide the discounts and magazine are worth the cost.

Some employers and unions offer AARP membership as a benefit, sometimes at a reduced rate. If your employer or union has a partnership with AARP, you may be able to join through them. Check with your benefits office or HR department to see if this option is available to you.

What to do if you are not yet 50

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP itself, but you may be interested in some of the same resources. The Social Security Administration publishes its own guides and calculators at ssa.gov. Medicare.gov has plan comparison tools and information about coverage options, even if you are not yet may be able to access.

Some of AARP's content is available to anyone on AARP.org, even without membership. You can read articles on health, caregiving, and money without logging in. This is a good way to see whether AARP's writing style and topics match what you are looking for.

If you are close to 50 and think you will join soon, you can create a free AARP account on the website to save articles and set up alerts for topics that interest you. When you turn 50, you can convert that account to a paid membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older, whether you are working, retired, or anything in between. Many people join while still employed because they use the discounts on travel and entertainment.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting aarp.org, or writing to AARP. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you can request a refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can stop renewing whenever you choose.

Does AARP membership cover health insurance or prescription drugs?

No. AARP does not provide health insurance or prescription coverage itself. It offers discounts on supplemental insurance and information about Medicare plans, but you purchase actual coverage from insurance companies. AARP does negotiate group rates on some insurance products for members.

Is AARP membership worth the cost?

That depends on what you use. If you travel frequently and use hotel or rental car discounts, or if you value the magazine and online resources, the $12 annual renewal cost is low. If you do not travel or use the discounts, AARP Digital (free) may be enough for you.

What if I joined AARP years ago and forgot my membership number?

Call 1-888-687-2277 with your name and date of birth, and a representative can look up your account and provide your membership number. You can also log into aarp.org with your email address to view your membership details.