You can join AARP at 50, and membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $12 annually after that

AARP membership opens at age 50, not 65. This is a common point of confusion because many people associate AARP with Medicare may be able to access, which begins at 65. But AARP's own membership threshold is lower. You do not have to be retired, and you do not have to be on Medicare. If you are 50 or older, you can join.

The membership fee is $16 for your first year, then $12 per year after that. AARP also offers a three-year membership option at a discounted rate. You can join online through AARP's website, by phone, or by mail. Once you join, you receive a membership card and access to member benefits when ready.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership begins at age 50 and costs $16 for the first year, then $12 annually.
  • You do not need to be retired or on Medicare to join; age 50 is the only requirement.
  • Member benefits include discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to AARP Magazine and online resources.
  • AARP also offers free tax preparation help through AARP Tax-Aide and educational workshops on health, money, and caregiving topics.

What membership benefits actually cover

AARP membership includes discounts on car and home insurance through partner companies, though you still shop for and purchase the policy yourself. Members also receive discounts at hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants. The extent of these discounts varies by location and partner, so a discount available in one state may not be available in another.

All members receive a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives in print and is also available online. You also get access to AARP.org, where members can read articles about health, caregiving, money, and work. The site includes planning tools like a retirement calculator and a caregiver resource center.

AARP offers free tax preparation through its Tax-Aide program, which operates during tax season at locations nationwide. You do not have to be a member to use Tax-Aide, but members are prioritized. AARP also hosts free educational workshops and webinars on topics like Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and managing chronic conditions.

Membership does not include health insurance or Medicare coverage

A common misunderstanding is that AARP membership provides health insurance or Medicare coverage. It does not. AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts and resources; it is not a health insurance provider. If you are 65 or older and not yet on Medicare, you will need to enroll through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office.

AARP does partner with insurance companies to offer supplemental insurance plans (called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans to members who are already on Medicare. But these are optional products you purchase separately, not included in your membership. The membership itself is straightforward the gateway to access these offerings at member rates.

Why people join before age 65

Many people join AARP in their 50s because the membership fee is low and the discounts begin when ready. Hotel and restaurant discounts, for example, explore whether you are 50 or 75. Some people also join to access AARP's caregiving resources if they are caring for an aging parent, or to read about retirement planning before they stop working.

Others join because they are already shopping for supplemental insurance or long-term care insurance and want to see what rates AARP partners offer. Since the membership fee is modest, joining to explore options costs little.

How to join and what to expect after

You can join AARP online at AARP.org by entering your birth date, name, and address. You will need to create an account and provide a payment method. The process takes about 10 minutes. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to join by phone, or request a paper membership form by mail.

After you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. Your membership is active when ready, even before the card arrives, so you can begin using your member number for discounts right away. You will also start receiving AARP Magazine and can log into AARP.org to access member content.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date unless you cancel. You can cancel anytime by calling AARP or logging into your account online.

Membership for spouses and household members

If you are married or in a domestic partnership, your spouse or partner can join AARP at the same discounted rate once they reach age 50. Each person has a separate membership and membership card. Some household discounts, like home or auto insurance, may explore to both members if you share a policy, but you each pay the individual membership fee.

Adult children or other household members who are under 50 cannot join AARP as members, though they may be able to use some discounts if they are on a shared policy with a member.

State and local AARP chapters

AARP has chapters in every state and many local communities. These chapters host in-person events, workshops, and support groups on topics like caregiving, retirement planning, and health. Some chapters also organize volunteer opportunities. You do not have to do anything special to access your local chapter — your national membership includes it. You can find your chapter's contact information and event calendar on AARP.org.

Chapter events are often free or low-cost for members. Some chapters offer additional services like one-on-one financial counseling or legal clinics. The specific offerings vary by state and chapter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your membership or the discounts you receive.

Can I get a refund if I join and decide AARP is not for me?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and cancel within 30 days, you can request a refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, your membership fee is non-refundable, though you can cancel your membership at any time.

What happens to my membership if I move to another state?

Your national AARP membership remains active and valid in all states. You will be automatically connected to your new state's chapter. Some discounts and local programs may differ by state, but your membership card and access to AARP.org work everywhere.

Is AARP membership worth the cost?

That depends on which discounts you actually use. If you travel frequently, dine out regularly, or shop at partner retailers, the discounts can add up quickly. Even one discounted hotel stay or car rental can cover the annual fee. The Tax-Aide service and educational resources are also free to members. Try the membership for a year and see whether the discounts you use justify the cost.

Can I add my spouse to my membership, or do they need their own?

Your spouse or partner needs their own separate membership if they are 50 or older. Each person pays the individual membership fee and receives their own card. However, some household discounts on insurance or services may explore to both of you if you share a policy.