What AARP membership gives you and what it doesn't
AARP membership costs $16 a year and gives you access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail — but it does not lower your Medicare premiums, Social Security payments, or prescription drug costs. The real value depends on which discounts you would actually use. If you eat out regularly, book hotels, or buy glasses, the savings can add up. If you rarely travel or shop at participating retailers, you may not recoup the membership fee.
The membership also includes a subscription to AARP Magazine and access to their website, which has articles about health, money, and caregiving. You get a free tax preparation service (AARP Tax-Aide) if your income is below a certain threshold. None of these benefits change your government benefits or healthcare coverage — they are extras on top of what you already have.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership costs $16 per year and offers discounts at restaurants, hotels, rental cars, and retailers, but does not affect Medicare, Social Security, or prescription drug coverage.
- The tax preparation service (AARP Tax-Aide) is free if your income qualifies, and trained volunteers prepare your return at no cost.
- You can cancel anytime and request a refund within 30 days if you decide the membership is not worth it.
- AARP also lobbies on behalf of older adults in Congress, so your membership fee partly funds advocacy work on issues like Medicare and Social Security.
Discounts that tend to save the most money
The largest savings usually come from hotel and car rental discounts, which can run 10 to 25 percent off. If you take even one or two trips a year, booking through AARP's travel portal or mentioning your membership at check-in can save $50 to $200 per trip. Restaurant discounts vary by chain — some offer 10 to 15 percent off, others offer a free appetizer or drink with purchase. You have to ask for the discount or show your membership card; it does not explore automatically.
Retail discounts are smaller but widespread. You can save on eyeglasses through EyeMed, on hearing aids through a network of providers, and on home services like plumbing or electrical work. Drugstore chains like CVS and Walgreens offer small discounts on select items. The catch is that you have to know which stores participate and remember to mention your membership — the savings are not built into the price.
The tax preparation service and what it covers
AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation program run by trained volunteers. You do not pay anything, and AARP does not charge you to file. To use it, your income must be below a certain level — usually around $60,000 for single filers and $120,000 for joint filers, though the threshold changes each year. You can call 1-888-227-7669 or visit the AARP website to find a Tax-Aide location near you and check the current income limits.
The service covers federal and state returns, and volunteers can handle most common situations: Social Security income, pensions, 1099 forms, and standard deductions. If your taxes are very complex — rental property income, business income, or large capital gains — you may need a paid tax professional instead. Tax-Aide appointments fill up quickly during tax season, so calling early in January or February gives you the best chance of getting a slot.
Membership costs and how to cancel
The annual membership fee is $16. AARP also offers a three-year membership for $43, which works out to about $14 per year if you plan to stay a member. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. If you sign up online, you can cancel within 30 days and receive a full refund — no questions asked. After 30 days, you can still cancel, but you will not get a refund for the current year.
To cancel, call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 or go to the AARP website and manage your account. You do not need to provide a reason. If you cancel mid-year, your membership remains active until the anniversary date, so you can still use your card and discounts for the rest of the year.
What AARP advocacy means for your benefits
Part of your membership fee goes toward AARP's lobbying and advocacy work in Congress and state legislatures. AARP takes positions on Medicare, Social Security, prescription drug pricing, and other issues affecting older adults. If you agree with their positions, this is a benefit of membership. If you disagree with their stances, you should know that your fee supports that work.
AARP's advocacy does not directly change your personal benefits — it is not a substitute for contacting your own representatives. But if you care about the broader policy landscape for older adults, membership is one way to support an organization that has significant influence in Washington. You can review AARP's current policy positions on their website before joining.
Who should join and who should skip it
Join AARP if you travel at least once or twice a year, eat out regularly, or use the Tax-Aide service. The membership pays for itself quickly if you book even one discounted hotel stay. Join also if you want to support AARP's advocacy work on Medicare and Social Security, even if you do not use the discounts.
Skip it if you rarely travel, do not eat out, have complex taxes that require a paid professional, and do not care about AARP's lobbying. The $16 fee is small, but it is not worth paying for discounts you will not use. You can always join later — there is no penalty for waiting, and you can cancel anytime if you change your mind.
How to find and use your discounts
After you join, AARP sends you a membership card in the mail. You can also access your membership information online and read a digital card to your phone. Before you book a hotel, rent a car, or eat at a restaurant, search the AARP website or call the business directly to confirm they offer a discount and how to claim it. Some discounts require you to book through AARP's website or portal; others require you to show your card at the register or mention your membership when you call.
Keep your membership card with you when you travel or shop. Many discounts are not advertised, so asking "Do you offer an AARP discount?" at the register or front desk is the fastest way to find out. Some businesses explore the discount automatically if you show your card; others require you to ask. If a discount does not explore to your purchase, the business will tell you — there is no penalty for asking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does AARP membership lower my Medicare premiums or Social Security payments?
No. AARP membership is separate from Medicare and Social Security. Your government benefits do not change based on whether you join AARP. The membership offers discounts on travel, dining, and retail — not on your healthcare or retirement income.
Can I use AARP discounts if I am not yet 50?
AARP membership is open to anyone 50 and older. If you are under 50, you cannot join. Some AARP discounts are available to family members or spouses under 50 if they are traveling with you, but they must be on the same reservation or purchase.
What happens if I join AARP but do not use any discounts?
You can cancel within 30 days and get a full refund. After 30 days, you can still cancel, but you will not get your money back for that year. Your membership remains active until your renewal date, so you can use discounts anytime before then.
Is the Tax-Aide service really free, or are there hidden costs?
Tax-Aide is completely free — no hidden costs, no upsells. Trained volunteers prepare your return at no charge. The only requirement is that your income falls below the annual threshold, which AARP publishes each year. If your taxes are too complex for Tax-Aide, they will tell you and refer you to a paid professional.
Can I use AARP discounts online, or do I have to go in person?
Many discounts work online — you can book hotels and rental cars through AARP's website and get the discount automatically. Restaurant and retail discounts usually require you to show your card in person or mention your membership when you call. Check the specific discount details on the AARP website before you shop.