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. The organization does not require you to be retired, and your income does not matter. If you are 50 or older, you can become a member.

The membership itself costs money — currently $16 per year for a standard membership, though AARP periodically runs promotional rates for new members. Some people join for the magazine and discounts at retailers; others join specifically for the health insurance information and resources that come with membership at 65.

Age 50 is when AARP membership opens to you. Age 65 is when Medicare becomes available, and that is when many of AARP's most visible programs — like their Medicare supplement insurance plans — become relevant to your situation.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of retirement status or income.
  • Membership costs $16 per year, though introductory rates are sometimes available for new members.
  • At age 65, you become may be able to access for Medicare, which is when AARP's health insurance guidance and supplement plan options become most useful.
  • AARP offers discounts at hotels, rental car companies, and retailers at age 50, but health-related benefits expand significantly at 65.
  • You do not have to wait until 65 to join; many people join at 50 to access discounts and begin reading about Medicare before they need it.

What you get as a member at age 50

At 50, AARP membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine (print and digital), access to their website with articles on health, money, and caregiving, and discounts at certain hotel chains, car rental companies, and restaurants. The magazine arrives monthly and covers topics relevant to people in their 50s and beyond — retirement planning, health conditions common in midlife, family caregiving, and travel.

The discounts vary by retailer and change over time. Common ones include discounts at Best Buy, Walgreens, and various hotel chains. You show your AARP card or membership number at checkout. These are not automatic — you have to know they exist and ask for them, or look them up on the AARP website before you shop.

At 50, you also gain access to AARP's online tools and planning resources, including retirement calculators, articles about Social Security, and information about long-term care planning. None of this requires you to be retired or to have reached any particular income level.

What changes when you turn 65

At 65, you become may be able to access for Medicare, and AARP's role in your life often shifts. AARP does not run Medicare itself — Medicare is a federal program — but AARP offers educational resources about how Medicare works, what the different parts cover, and how to enroll. They also sell Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans through partner insurance companies.

These insurance products are where AARP makes much of its revenue. When you turn 65, you will see more AARP messaging about these plans, and you may receive mail or see ads for AARP-branded Medicare supplement insurance. These are real insurance products sold by real insurers; AARP is a broker or partner, not the insurer itself.

At 65, you also become may be able to access for AARP's health information programs, which include resources about managing chronic conditions, prescription drug costs, and finding doctors who accept Medicare. The organization publishes guides specific to Medicare beneficiaries and hosts webinars about Medicare topics.

How to join AARP at 50

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online is fastest — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, and you pay the membership fee by credit card. You will receive a membership number when ready and can read a digital membership card to use right away.

By phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process the payment over the phone. By mail, you can request a membership form, fill it out, and send it back with a check.

AARP occasionally offers promotional rates for new members — sometimes $8 or $10 for the first year instead of the standard $16. These promotions are advertised on their website and in direct mail. If you see a promotional offer, it is real, but the standard rate is $16 per year after the promotional period ends.

AARP membership versus Medicare enrollment

AARP membership and Medicare enrollment are separate. You do not have to be an AARP member to enroll in Medicare at 65, and you do not have to enroll in Medicare to be an AARP member. Many people join AARP at 50 and never buy an AARP-branded insurance product. Others join at 65 specifically to learn about Medicare options.

Medicare enrollment happens through Medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE. That is a federal process run by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), not by AARP. AARP can help you understand your options, but they cannot enroll you in Medicare itself.

If you are interested in AARP's Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plans, you would join AARP first, then work with an AARP insurance partner to choose and enroll in a specific plan. The insurance company, not AARP, will process your enrollment.

Whether joining at 50 makes sense for you

Joining at 50 is worth considering if you travel frequently (hotel and car rental discounts add up), if you want to read AARP Magazine, or if you want to start learning about retirement and Medicare planning before you turn 65. The $16 annual cost is low enough that even modest discounts can pay for the membership.

If you are not interested in the discounts or the magazine, you can wait until 65 to join. At that point, you can join specifically to access Medicare education and insurance options. There is no penalty for joining later, and you do not miss out on any age-based benefits by waiting.

Some people join, use it for a year or two, and then let the membership lapse. Others join at 50 and remain members for life. AARP does not require a long-term commitment — you can cancel at any time, and you can rejoin later if you change your mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to retire to join AARP at 50?

No. AARP does not require you to be retired. You can be working full-time, part-time, or not working at all. Retirement status does not affect your membership or your access to any AARP benefits or discounts.

Can I get AARP membership for someone else as a gift?

Yes. You can purchase a membership for someone else if you have their name, date of birth, and address. You can do this online or by phone. The recipient will receive their membership card and materials by mail.

What happens to my AARP membership if I move to another country?

AARP membership is available to U.S. residents. If you move outside the United States, your membership may be affected. Contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 to discuss your situation and whether your membership can continue.

Does AARP membership cover health insurance, or do I have to buy it separately?

AARP membership itself does not include health insurance. It includes access to information about insurance options and discounts on certain products. If you want an AARP-branded Medicare supplement or Medicare Advantage plan, you purchase that separately through an insurance partner. The insurance is not automatic with membership.

Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel by calling 1-888-687-2277, by visiting aarp.org, or by writing to AARP. There is no penalty for canceling, and you can rejoin at any time. If you cancel mid-year, AARP will refund the unused portion of your membership fee.