What AARP membership costs and what you get

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership. You pay once and your membership runs for 12 months from the date you join. The main benefit is access to AARP's magazine, website resources, and member discounts on insurance, travel, and retail goods. You also get a membership card and can attend local AARP events in your area.

AARP also offers a premium membership tier at a higher cost, which includes additional services like tax preparation help and legal document review. Most people start with the standard membership. You can cancel anytime, though AARP does not refund partial-year fees.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be 50 or older to join AARP, and you can sign up online, by phone, or by mail.
  • Standard membership costs $16 per year and includes the magazine, website access, and member discounts.
  • AARP offers discounts through partner companies on car insurance, home insurance, travel, hotels, and restaurants, though you must show your membership card or membership number to claim them.
  • You can manage your membership online, update your contact information, and renew before your membership expires.
  • AARP membership is separate from Medicare and does not change your Medicare coverage or costs.

Who can join AARP

You must be 50 years old or older to join AARP. There is no upper age limit. You do not need to be retired, and your employment status does not matter. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid U.S. mailing address.

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP directly. Some employers and organizations offer group memberships to younger family members of AARP members, but this varies by employer. Check with your company's benefits office if you are interested.

How to join online, by phone, or by mail

Online: Go to aarp.org and look for the "Join" button, usually at the top of the page. You will enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. You can pay by credit card or debit card. The process takes about 5 minutes. You will receive a confirmation email right away, and your membership card arrives by mail within 7 to 10 business days.

By phone: Call AARP at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership questions and take your payment information over the phone. This route is useful if you have questions during the process or prefer not to enter payment information online. The call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes.

By mail: You can request a paper membership form by calling the number above or visiting an AARP local office. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address on the form. This is the slowest route — your membership typically starts when AARP receives and processes your payment, which can take 2 to 3 weeks.

What discounts come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with partner companies in several categories. Insurance discounts are available through AARP-endorsed providers for auto, home, and life insurance — you must request a quote to see your rate. Travel discounts include reduced rates at hotels, rental cars, and airlines when you book through AARP's travel partners. Retail and dining discounts vary by location and partner but often include restaurants, movie theaters, and pharmacies.

To use a discount, you typically show your AARP membership card in person or enter your membership number online at the partner's website. Not all discounts are available in every state or location. The value of discounts varies widely — some save you 5 to 10 percent, while others are larger. You can browse available discounts on the AARP website under the "Discounts" section.

Keep in mind that AARP discounts are separate from government programs like Medicare. Membership does not change your Medicare coverage, your Medicare costs, or your may be able to access for any government benefit.

Managing your membership after you join

Once you join, you can log into your AARP account on aarp.org using your email address and a password you create. From your account, you can update your mailing address, email address, and phone number. You can also manage which AARP communications you want to receive — for example, you can opt out of certain emails or mailings.

Your membership renews automatically one year from your join date. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail and email about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as your initial join. If you want to cancel your membership, you can do so through your online account or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

AARP resources beyond the membership card

AARP publishes a monthly magazine that arrives in your mailbox and is also available online. The magazine covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. You also get access to aarp.org, which has articles, videos, and tools on health, caregiving, Social Security, Medicare, and retirement planning. Some content is free to everyone; other content is only for members.

AARP also runs local chapters in most areas. These chapters host events, workshops, and volunteer opportunities. You can find your local chapter on aarp.org by entering your zip code. Attending a chapter event is a way to meet other members and learn about topics relevant to your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to join AARP to get Medicare?

No. Medicare is a federal program for people 65 and older, and you enroll through Medicare.gov or Social Security, not through AARP. AARP membership is completely separate. You can have Medicare without AARP membership, and you can have AARP membership without Medicare.

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership partway through the year?

AARP does not refund unused membership fees. Once you pay for a year, that payment covers the full 12 months. If you cancel after three months, you do not receive a refund for the remaining nine months. You can cancel anytime, but the refund policy is firm.

What if I move or change my address?

Log into your AARP account online and update your mailing address in the "Profile" or "Account Settings" section. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 to update your address by phone. AARP will mail your magazine and renewal notices to your new address once the change is processed, usually within one week.

Are AARP discounts worth the $16 membership fee?

That depends on which discounts you actually use. If you get a 10 percent discount on car insurance and save $50 a year, the membership pays for itself. If you use hotel or restaurant discounts regularly, you may save more. The best way to decide is to browse the available discounts on aarp.org for your area and estimate what you might use.

Can I give my AARP membership card to a family member to use?

No. AARP membership is personal to you, and discounts are only valid when the member presents their own card or membership number. If a family member wants AARP membership, they must join separately if they are 50 or older.