You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership begins at age 50. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 60, 80, or any age after that. You do not have to be retired to join, and you do not have to wait until you turn 65 or become may be able to access for Medicare. The moment you turn 50, you can become a member.

Membership is open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents. You will need a valid mailing address in the United States to complete the membership process. AARP also offers membership to people living in U.S. territories, though some benefits may differ.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of retirement status or health.
  • The annual membership fee is typically under $20, though promotional rates are often available for new members.
  • Membership includes discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to AARP's magazine and online resources.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership is effective when ready upon payment.
  • Membership does not affect your Medicare status, Social Security benefits, or any government programs.

What membership costs and how to join

The standard annual membership fee is typically under $20, though AARP frequently offers promotional rates for new members — sometimes as low as $1 for the first year. You can join online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing in a form. Online is the fastest route; membership becomes active as soon as your payment processes.

You will need to provide your name, date of birth, mailing address, and email address. AARP will send you a membership card by mail within two to three weeks. You can start using many online benefits and discounts when ready, even before the card arrives.

What you get as a member

AARP membership includes AARP Magazine, a bimonthly print publication mailed to your home, and access to AARP.org, where you can read articles on health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics. Members also receive the AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter focused on news and advocacy.

The membership also unlocks discounts at major retailers and restaurants — chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Best Buy offer member discounts. Hotel and car rental discounts are available through AARP's travel partners. Pharmacy discounts are available at chains including CVS and Walgreens, though these vary by location and plan.

Members can purchase supplemental insurance products through AARP, including Medigap, Medicare Advantage, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance. These are underwritten by third-party insurers, not AARP itself, but AARP negotiates rates for members. You can review options and pricing without committing to purchase.

How membership relates to Medicare and Social Security

AARP membership is completely separate from Medicare and Social Security. Joining AARP does not change your Medicare status, your Social Security benefits, or your may be able to access for any government program. You do not have to be on Medicare to join AARP, and joining AARP does not automatically enroll you in Medicare.

Many people join AARP before they turn 65 specifically to learn about Medicare options before enrollment opens. AARP offers educational resources about Medicare Parts A, B, D, and Medigap, and members can speak with licensed insurance advisors about coverage choices. This is informational only — the advisors do not make decisions for you.

Membership benefits that vary by state

Some AARP benefits are national, but others depend on where you live. State and local AARP chapters offer programs, classes, and volunteer opportunities that differ by region. For example, some states have AARP-sponsored tax preparation help for low-income seniors, while others focus on caregiver support or driver safety courses.

You can find your state chapter's offerings on AARP.org by entering your zip code. Many chapters offer free or low-cost workshops on topics like Medicare, Social Security, financial planning, and health. Some also advocate on state-level issues like prescription drug pricing or long-term care funding.

What membership does not include

AARP membership does not provide health insurance, dental insurance, or vision insurance directly. It does not pay for prescriptions, doctor visits, or hospital care. What it does offer is the ability to purchase supplemental insurance at negotiated rates and access to discount programs.

Membership also does not include legal information, financial information, or medical information. AARP publishes educational articles and connects members with licensed professionals, but the organization itself does not provide personalized guidance. If you need legal or financial help, you will need to consult a professional separately.

Renewing membership and canceling if you choose to

AARP membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary. You will receive a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your renewal date, showing the cost and payment method. If you want to change your payment method or address, you can do so online or by calling customer service.

If you decide to cancel, you can do so online, by phone, or by mail at any time. AARP does not charge a cancellation fee. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you may be refunded your membership fee, though this depends on how you joined. You will stop receiving the magazine and lose access to member discounts, but canceling does not affect any other benefits or programs you use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. You must be 50 or older to join. If you are under 50 and interested in AARP's content and resources, you can read many articles on AARP.org without a membership, though some features require logging in as a member.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You can join AARP at any age 50 or older, whether you are working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join or the benefits you receive.

Will joining AARP affect my Medicare or Social Security?

No. AARP membership is independent of Medicare and Social Security. Joining does not change your benefits, your may be able to access, or your enrollment status in any government program.

Can I use AARP discounts before my membership card arrives?

Yes, for many discounts. Once your membership is confirmed and you receive your membership number, you can use it online or show it on your phone at participating retailers. Some discounts require the physical card, so check with the retailer first.

What happens if I cancel my membership?

You will stop receiving the magazine and lose access to member discounts and online resources. Canceling does not affect Medicare, Social Security, or any other government benefits. You can rejoin at any time by paying the membership fee again.