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 any age 50 and above. Once you turn 50, you become may be able to access to pay the membership fee and receive the benefits that come with membership.

The membership fee is currently $16 per year for a standard membership, though AARP periodically runs promotional rates for new members. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a paper form.

Membership is not automatic when you turn 50. You have to choose to join and pay the fee yourself. There is no government enrollment process or important date — you can join whenever you decide to, whether that is the month you turn 50 or years later.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP, with no upper age limit.
  • Membership costs $16 per year, though introductory rates are sometimes available for new members.
  • You join by visiting aarp.org, calling 1-888-687-2277, or mailing a paper form — there is no government enrollment process.
  • AARP membership includes discounts on travel, dining, insurance products, and access to their magazine and online resources.
  • Joining AARP does not affect your Medicare, Social Security, or other government benefits.

What AARP membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts negotiated with retailers, hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants. The specific discounts vary by location and change over time, so the value depends on which merchants you use regularly. You can browse available discounts on the AARP website before you join to see what applies near you.

Members receive AARP Magazine six times per year and access to AARP.org, which has articles, tools, and resources about health, caregiving, money, and work. The website includes a benefits finder tool that can point you toward government programs you may be able to use.

AARP also offers members the chance to purchase insurance products — including supplemental health insurance, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance — through partner companies. These are not included in membership; you pay separately if you choose to buy them.

How joining AARP differs from government programs

AARP is a private membership organization, not a government agency. Joining AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, Social Security, or any other federal or state program. It does not change your benefits or your may be able to access for any government information.

AARP does not determine who qualifies for government benefits, and membership does not help you get government benefits faster. If you need to enroll in Medicare or Social Security, you work directly with those agencies — Medicare.gov and ssa.gov respectively — not with AARP.

Some AARP resources point you toward government programs or help you understand how they work, but AARP itself is separate from government. You can be a member of AARP and also receive Medicare, Social Security, Medicaid, or any other benefit at the same time.

Reasons people join at 50 versus waiting

Some people join AARP as soon as they turn 50 to start using discounts when ready. Others wait until they retire or until they know they will use the discounts regularly. There is no penalty for waiting, and you can join whenever you choose.

The main reason to join early is if you travel frequently, dine out often, or shop at retailers where AARP discounts are available. If you rarely use those services, the $16 annual fee may not be worth it to you, and you can always join later if your situation changes.

Some people join for the magazine and website resources rather than the discounts. Others join because they support AARP's advocacy work on issues affecting older adults. The decision is personal and depends on what matters to you.

How to join AARP

The fastest way to join is online at aarp.org. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email address. You can pay the membership fee with a credit card or debit card. Your membership becomes active when ready after payment.

You can also join by phone at 1-888-687-2277. A representative can answer questions about membership and help you complete the process over the phone. This takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

If you prefer to join by mail, you can request a paper form by calling the number above or visiting aarp.org. Fill out the form, include a check or money order for the membership fee, and mail it to the address on the form. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

What happens after you join

After you join, AARP will send you a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can use your membership number (which appears on the card and in your online account) to access discounts at participating retailers and to log into AARP.org.

You will begin receiving AARP Magazine with your next issue cycle. You can also set up an online account at aarp.org to manage your membership, view your benefits, and access member-only content.

AARP will send you renewal notices before your membership expires each year. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join initially.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP requires members to be at least 50 years old. You can contact AARP closer to your 50th birthday to learn about joining, but you cannot pay the membership fee until you have reached that age.

Does joining AARP cost anything besides the annual fee?

The $16 annual membership fee is the only cost to join. You do not have to buy insurance products, discounted services, or anything else. The discounts themselves are free to use if you choose to take advantage of them.

Will AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP is a private organization separate from government. Joining does not change your Medicare coverage, your Social Security payments, or your may be able to access for any government program. You can be a member and receive government benefits at the same time.

What if I join and decide I don't want the membership anymore?

You can cancel your membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account at aarp.org. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refundable, but you can let your membership expire without renewing.

Is there a difference between AARP and AARP Foundation?

AARP is the membership organization that offers discounts and resources. AARP Foundation is a separate nonprofit that runs programs for low-income older adults, including tax preparation help and financial information. You do not have to be an AARP member to use AARP Foundation services.