What you actually get for the membership fee

AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. For that money, you receive a magazine mailed to your home six times yearly, access to their website with articles on health and money topics, and the ability to join AARP-sponsored discount programs. You do not get health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or any government benefit — those are separate products AARP sells or refers you to.

The core value proposition is discounts. AARP negotiates rates with hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retailers. The size of these discounts varies widely — some are 10 percent, others are 5 percent, and some are only available at certain locations or times. You have to actively seek them out and present your membership card or membership number at the point of sale. No discount applies automatically.

AARP also offers access to their Medicare plan comparison tool, which lets you enter your medications and see which plans in your area cover them. This tool is free to use whether or not you are a member, though members can call AARP for phone-based help navigating it. The tool itself does not enroll you in any plan — it only shows you options.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 the first year and $24 yearly after that, and the main benefit is access to negotiated discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers.
  • The discounts are real but vary by location and business, and you must present your card or membership number to receive them — they do not explore automatically.
  • AARP sells supplemental insurance, prescription drug plans, and life insurance through partner companies, but membership itself does not include any health coverage.
  • The Medicare plan comparison tool and educational articles are available free to non-members, so membership is worth the cost only if you use the discounts regularly.
  • You can cancel within 30 days for a full refund if you find you are not using the membership.

Where the discounts actually save money

Hotel and rental car discounts are among the most commonly used. AARP members typically receive 5 to 10 percent off room rates at major chains like Choice Hotels, Marriott, and Wyndham, and similar discounts on car rentals from Hertz, Budget, and Avis. These discounts stack with some other promotions but not all — you have to check the terms when you book.

Restaurant discounts are smaller and patchier. Denny's, Applebee's, and some regional chains offer 10 to 15 percent off, but the discount usually applies only during off-peak hours or excludes alcohol and tax. You must ask for the discount or present your card — the server will not offer it unprompted. Many independent restaurants do not participate at all.

Retail and pharmacy discounts exist but are modest. Some drugstores and grocery chains offer small discounts on certain products, and AARP has negotiated rates with eyeglass retailers and hearing aid providers. The hearing aid discount can be meaningful if you need new aids, but it is not available everywhere. Prescription drug prices are not discounted through AARP membership itself — those savings come through Medicare Part D plans or other prescription programs.

The insurance products AARP sells or endorses

AARP does not provide insurance directly. Instead, it partners with insurance companies and receives a commission when members purchase through AARP. The products include supplemental (Medigap) insurance, Medicare Advantage plans, long-term care insurance, life insurance, and auto and home insurance.

These are real insurance products from real companies, and you can compare them using AARP's tools or by contacting the insurers directly. The advantage of going through AARP is that you see plans vetted by AARP's staff, and you can call AARP for help understanding the options. The disadvantage is that AARP does not show you every plan available in your area — only those from partner companies. You may find better rates or coverage by shopping directly with insurers or using Medicare.gov.

AARP's commission structure does not change the price you pay — the insurance company sets the rate whether you buy through AARP or directly. But it is worth knowing that AARP has a financial incentive to sell you insurance, so their recommendations are not neutral.

How to decide if $16 or $24 is worth it

The break-even point depends on your travel and spending habits. If you take one hotel stay per year and use an AARP discount to save $20 on the room rate, you have already covered the $16 first-year membership fee. If you rent a car once yearly and save $15, that also covers it. If you do both, you are ahead.

If you do not travel, eat out at chain restaurants rarely, and do not need hearing aids or eyeglasses, the membership is harder to justify. The magazine and website content are useful but available in other forms — you can read similar health and money articles on government websites, news outlets, and nonprofit sites at no cost.

One practical test: AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. You can join, use the discounts during a trip or shopping trip, and cancel for a full refund if you do not think the membership will pay for itself. This removes the risk of committing to a full year.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP membership is not health insurance. It does not cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, or any medical service. If you are over 65 and not yet enrolled in Medicare, AARP membership will not help you enroll or pay for coverage — you must enroll in Medicare separately through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office.

AARP membership does not provide prescription drug coverage. If you need help paying for medications, you may be covered through a Medicare Part D plan, Medicaid, or a pharmaceutical information program run by the drug manufacturer. AARP can help you compare Part D plans, but the membership itself does not reduce your drug costs.

AARP membership does not provide legal services, tax preparation, or financial planning. AARP offers articles and webinars on these topics, but they are educational only — not personalized information. If you need a lawyer or tax preparer, you must hire one separately.

Comparing AARP to other discount programs

AARP is not the only source of senior discounts. Many businesses offer discounts to anyone over a certain age (usually 55 or 62) without requiring membership — you straightforward ask or present a driver's license. Costco, Sam's Club, and other membership warehouses offer their own discounts and sometimes have senior-specific membership rates. Some states and cities run their own senior discount programs.

The advantage of AARP is that it is widely recognized and covers many businesses in one membership. The disadvantage is that you pay an annual fee, whereas age-based discounts at individual businesses are free. If you already belong to Costco or a warehouse club, you may get more value from that membership than from AARP, depending on where you shop and travel.

If you are interested in discounts but unsure about AARP, start by checking whether the specific businesses you use most often offer AARP discounts. Visit aarp.org/discounts or call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to search by business type or location. If you find discounts you will actually use, the membership may be worth it.

How to join and cancel if you change your mind

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You will need your name, address, date of birth, and email address. Membership begins when ready upon payment. Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks, though you can use your membership number right away.

If you join and decide within 30 days that the membership is not for you, you can cancel for a full refund. Call 1-888-687-2277 or visit aarp.org to cancel. After 30 days, you can still cancel, but you will not receive a refund for the year you have already paid. Your membership will not automatically renew if you cancel before the renewal date.

AARP will send you renewal notices by mail and email before your membership expires. If you do not want to renew, you can ignore these notices or call to cancel. You are not locked into membership beyond the year you paid for.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to join AARP?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP as an individual member. If you are younger but your spouse is 50 or older, your spouse can join and you may be able to use some benefits as a household member, though you will not receive your own card or magazine.

Can I use AARP discounts online or only in person?

It depends on the business. Some hotels and rental car companies let you enter your AARP membership number when booking online and receive the discount automatically. Others require you to present your physical card at the location. Check the specific business's website or call ahead to confirm how to claim the discount.

Does AARP membership help me get Medicare?

No. AARP membership does not enroll you in Medicare or help you pay for it. You must enroll in Medicare separately through Medicare.gov, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE, or at your local Social Security office. AARP can help you compare Medicare plans after you are enrolled, but membership itself is not related to Medicare enrollment.

What if I only want AARP for the Medicare plan comparison tool?

The Medicare plan comparison tool is free to use on Medicare.gov whether or not you are an AARP member. You can enter your medications, location, and current coverage, and see all available plans in your area. AARP's version is similar but limited to partner plans. If you only need the tool, you do not need to pay for AARP membership.

Can I get a refund if I do not use the discounts?

Yes, within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, AARP does not refund membership fees even if you have not used any discounts. This is why the 30-day trial period is useful — you can test whether the discounts work for your lifestyle before the refund window closes.