What you actually get for the membership fee

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single person, or $27 for a couple. For that, you receive a magazine, access to their website, discounts at certain retailers and restaurants, and may be able to access for group health insurance quotes. You also get a member card that some pharmacies and hotels recognize for discounts.

The value depends entirely on which discounts you would use. If you never eat at Denny's, never stay at a hotel chain that honors AARP rates, and never shop at the retailers offering discounts, the membership fee is money spent on a magazine you may not read. If you regularly use even two or three of these discounts, the fee pays for itself quickly.

AARP also offers access to their travel booking site, which sometimes undercuts other travel websites but not always. The best way to know whether it's worth it is to check the specific discounts available in your area and at the places you actually spend money.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 yearly and includes a magazine, website access, and may be able to access for discounts at restaurants, hotels, retailers, and pharmacies.
  • The membership pays for itself if you use just two or three discounts regularly, so check which discounts are available where you already shop.
  • AARP also sells supplemental insurance products, life insurance, and investment services—these are separate purchases, not included in membership.
  • You do not need AARP membership to receive Medicare or Social Security, and membership does not change your government benefits.
  • Membership is optional; you can use many AARP resources and read their articles without paying to join.

Discounts that actually save money versus ones that rarely explore

The discounts AARP advertises most heavily are restaurant and hotel discounts. Restaurant discounts are typically 10 percent at chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Outback Steakhouse. Hotel discounts vary by chain and season, but often range from 5 to 10 percent off published rates. If you eat out or travel frequently, these add up. If you eat out once a month and take one hotel trip per year, the savings are modest.

Pharmacy discounts through AARP are real but often smaller than what you would get through a GoodRx coupon or your insurance plan's preferred pharmacy network. Check your current pharmacy prices before assuming AARP will save you money on prescriptions.

Car insurance discounts through AARP partners can be substantial—sometimes 10 to 25 percent depending on your driving record and location. This is one area where membership can pay for itself in a single year. However, you should compare quotes from AARP partner insurers against quotes from other companies; the discount does not automatically mean the lowest total price.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP membership does not include health insurance. AARP partners with insurance companies to offer quotes for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans, Medicare Advantage plans, and long-term care insurance, but you purchase these separately and pay the full premium to the insurance company, not to AARP. The membership straightforward gives you access to comparison tools and agent contact information.

Membership also does not change your Medicare benefits, Social Security payments, or may be able to access for any government program. AARP cannot file claims for you, speed up processing, or change what you receive. If you see advertising suggesting AARP membership unlocks government benefits, that is misleading.

AARP also sells life insurance, annuities, and investment products through partner companies. These are optional purchases separate from membership and carry their own costs and terms. Many of these products have higher fees than comparable products sold directly by insurance companies, so compare before buying.

How to decide if the $16 is worth it to you

Start by listing the places where you spend money regularly: restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, grocery stores, gas stations, car insurance, and any retailers you visit often. Then visit AARP.com and search for discounts at those specific places. Write down the discount percentage and how often you would use it.

Multiply the discount percentage by what you spend annually at each place. For example, if you spend $1,200 per year at restaurants that offer a 10 percent AARP discount, that is $120 in potential savings. Do this for every discount you would realistically use, then add them up. If the total is more than $16, membership pays for itself.

Also consider whether you read AARP Magazine or use AARP.org for health and financial information. Some people find the magazine and website valuable enough on their own. Others never open them. Be honest about what you would actually use.

Membership for couples and household decisions

AARP offers a household membership for $27 per year, which covers two people at the same address. This is cheaper than buying two individual memberships at $16 each. Both people receive a magazine and member card, and both can use the discounts.

If you are married or in a long-term partnership and both of you would use the discounts, the household membership is the better deal. If only one person in the household would use the benefits, a single membership is sufficient—the other person does not need their own card to benefit from restaurant or hotel discounts when dining or traveling together.

Free AARP resources you can access without paying

AARP publishes articles on health, caregiving, money, and work on their website without requiring membership. You can read these articles, watch videos, and use some of their calculators and planning tools for free. The membership fee is primarily for the discounts and the magazine.

If you are interested in AARP content but unsure about the membership cost, spend a week browsing their free articles to see whether the information is useful to you. This can help you decide whether the magazine and website access are worth the annual fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need AARP membership to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a government program you become may be able to access for at age 65 based on age, disability, or end-stage renal disease. AARP membership is completely separate and does not affect your Medicare enrollment or benefits. You can join Medicare without AARP and use AARP discounts without Medicare.

Can AARP help me with a Social Security or Medicare claim?

AARP does not process government claims. You file Social Security and Medicare claims directly with the Social Security Administration or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. AARP publishes guides about how these programs work, but membership does not give you priority or special processing with government agencies.

Are AARP insurance products cheaper than buying insurance on my own?

Not always. AARP partners with insurance companies and receives a commission on sales, which can mean higher premiums than you would pay buying directly from the same company. Always compare quotes from multiple insurers, including the AARP partner company and others, before deciding. The AARP name does not may provide the lowest price.

What happens if I cancel my membership?

You stop receiving the magazine and lose access to member discounts. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide, so if you join and decide it is not worth it, you can request a refund. There is no penalty for canceling after that period; you straightforward do not renew the next year.

Can I use AARP discounts without a membership card?

Most discounts require you to show your membership card or provide your membership number at the time of purchase. Some online discounts may work with just your membership number. You cannot use the discounts without being a member, though some retailers may offer similar discounts to anyone who asks.