You must be 50 years old to join AARP

AARP membership begins at age 50, not 65. This is a common misunderstanding because Medicare starts at 65, but AARP is a separate organization with its own membership rules. You can join the day you turn 50, and there is no upper age limit — members range from 50 to over 100.

AARP is a nonprofit organization that offers discounts, information resources, and advocacy for people 50 and older. It is not a government program, though it works with federal agencies on policy issues. Your membership is independent of whether you are on Medicare, Social Security, or any other benefit.

The annual membership fee is $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that. Some people find the membership cost worth it because of discounts on travel, insurance, and retail purchases, while others join mainly for the magazine and online resources. You can cancel at any time with no penalty.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, regardless of income or health status.
  • You do not need to be on Medicare or any government benefit to join AARP.
  • The membership fee is $16 for your first year and $24 per year after that, and you can cancel anytime.
  • AARP offers discounts on travel, insurance, dining, and retail, plus access to articles and guides about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning.
  • AARP membership is different from government programs — it is a private organization, though it advocates for senior policy issues.

What AARP membership includes

When you join, you receive a membership card and access to AARP.org, where you can read articles about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health, and retirement. The site has tools like a Social Security calculator and Medicare plan comparison guides. You also get AARP Magazine, which arrives six times a year in print.

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. The discounts vary by location and business — a hotel discount in one city may differ from another. You show your membership card or enter a code online to receive the discount. Not every business participates, so it is worth checking AARP.org before you travel or shop to see what is available in your area.

AARP also offers insurance products, including supplemental health insurance, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance. These are underwritten by insurance companies, not AARP itself, but AARP negotiates rates for members. You pay the insurance company directly, not AARP.

How to join AARP

You can join online at AARP.org or by phone at 1-888-687-2277. Online membership takes about five minutes — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay the membership fee by credit card or debit card. You will receive a confirmation email when ready and your membership card by mail within two to three weeks.

By phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment. Phone membership takes about 10 minutes. Either way, your membership is active as soon as payment is processed, even if your card has not arrived yet.

If you are already a member and want to renew, you can renew online, by phone, or by mail. AARP sends renewal notices about 60 days before your membership expires. You do not have to wait for the notice — you can renew anytime.

AARP membership and Medicare

AARP membership and Medicare are separate. You do not need Medicare to join AARP, and you do not need AARP to sign up for Medicare. However, AARP provides information and tools to help you understand Medicare options, and many members find this useful when they turn 65 and become may be able to access for Medicare.

AARP does not sell Medicare directly, but it offers guides comparing Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, and it explains how Medicare works with Social Security and other benefits. Some members use AARP resources to research their options before contacting Medicare or a licensed insurance agent.

AARP membership and Social Security

Like Medicare, Social Security is separate from AARP membership. You do not need AARP to claim Social Security, and you do not need Social Security to join AARP. AARP offers a Social Security calculator on its website that estimates your benefit based on your birth year and earnings history, but this is an educational tool, not an official government calculator.

AARP also publishes articles about when to claim Social Security, how it interacts with work income, and how it affects taxes. These resources are free to read on AARP.org, even if you are not a member.

Reasons people join before age 65

Many people join AARP at 50 because they travel frequently and use hotel and car rental discounts. Others join for the magazine and website resources about retirement planning, even if they are not yet retired. Some join because a spouse or partner is already a member and they want the household discount — AARP offers a reduced rate for a second household member.

People who are still working at 50 sometimes join to read AARP's articles about phased retirement, part-time work, and age discrimination in hiring. Others join because they are beginning to think about long-term care or caregiving and want access to AARP's guides on those topics.

The decision to join depends on whether you use the discounts and resources enough to justify the annual fee. If you travel or dine out regularly, the discounts may pay for the membership. If you do not, the fee may not be worth it to you.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. You cannot join early or on behalf of someone under 50. If you are close to 50, you can join as soon as your birthday arrives.

Do I need to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your membership.

What happens to my AARP membership when I turn 65?

Your membership continues without change. Turning 65 does not end your AARP membership or change your membership fee. You remain a member as long as you pay the annual fee, regardless of your age.

Can I get AARP membership for free?

AARP membership requires an annual fee. However, some employers and organizations offer AARP membership as a benefit, so the cost may be covered by them. Check with your employer or union to see if they offer this benefit.

Is AARP a government program?

No. AARP is a private nonprofit organization. It is not run by the government, though it works with federal agencies on policy issues and provides information about government programs like Medicare and Social Security.