You can join AARP at 50

AARP membership opens at age 50, regardless of whether you have retired or are still working. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 60, 75, or 90. The organization does not require you to be on Social Security, Medicare, or any other program to become a member.

Membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 per year after that. AARP offers a one-time lifetime membership option as well, though the cost varies. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form sent to your home.

Many people join AARP before they turn 65 because membership discounts on insurance, travel, and retail purchases often save more than the annual fee in the first year. Others join specifically to access AARP's Medicare resources and planning tools before they become may be able to access for Medicare at 65.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, whether retired or still working.
  • Annual membership costs $16 the first year and $24 each year after, with a lifetime membership option available.
  • You can join online, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail without needing to be on Social Security or Medicare.
  • AARP membership includes discounts on health insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to planning guides and articles about Medicare and retirement.

What membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts on health insurance products, including supplemental (Medigap) and long-term care insurance. The organization does not sell insurance itself but connects members with carriers that offer group rates. You can compare plans and get quotes through AARP's website.

Members also receive discounts at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retail stores. The discount amounts vary by vendor and change periodically. AARP publishes a member discount guide that lists current offers, available both in print and online.

Membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives bimonthly, and access to AARP.org, where you can read articles about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health, and retirement planning. Members can also use AARP's tax preparation service (AARP Tax-Aide) to file federal and state returns for free if your income is below a certain threshold.

AARP membership before age 65

Joining before you turn 65 is common because the discounts often pay for membership quickly. Hotel discounts, car rental rates, and dining offers can add up, especially if you travel or eat out regularly. Some members join specifically to read AARP's Medicare planning guides and articles before they become may be able to access.

If you are still working at 50, membership does not affect your job or income. AARP is a membership organization, not a government program, so joining does not trigger any tax consequences or change your benefits. You can cancel at any time without penalty.

One thing to note: AARP membership does not make you may be able to access for Medicare or any government benefit. Medicare may be able to access is determined by age (65) or disability status, not by AARP membership. If you are under 65 and not disabled, you cannot enroll in Medicare regardless of whether you join AARP.

How to join AARP

The fastest way to join is online at aarp.org. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. The site will ask whether you want to pay by credit card or bank account. You can set up membership in about five minutes.

If you prefer to join by phone, call 1-888-687-2277. A representative can answer questions about membership benefits and process your process over the phone. This route takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also join by mail. AARP sends membership invitations to people approaching age 50, and these forms include a postage-paid envelope. If you do not receive an invitation, you can request a paper process by calling the number above or visiting aarp.org.

Renewing your membership

AARP sends renewal notices about 60 days before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the form that arrives with the notice. Renewal takes just a few minutes and costs $24 per year (after the first year at $16).

If you miss the renewal important date, your membership will lapse, but you can rejoin at any time without penalty. There is no waiting period or re-process process — you straightforward pay the annual fee again and your membership restarts.

Some members set up automatic renewal so they do not have to remember to renew each year. You can do this during the initial sign-up or by logging into your AARP account online.

AARP membership and your privacy

AARP collects personal information when you join, including your name, address, date of birth, and email. The organization uses this information to send you membership materials, magazines, and renewal notices. AARP also uses your information to show you relevant articles and offers on its website.

AARP does share member information with partner companies that offer discounts, but only to the extent needed to process your discount. For example, if you use a hotel discount, the hotel chain will receive your name and membership number to verify the discount. AARP publishes a privacy policy on its website that explains how your information is used and shared.

You can control how much marketing mail and email you receive by adjusting your preferences in your AARP account online or by calling 1-888-687-2277.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, whether you are working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status does not affect your membership or the benefits you receive.

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No, AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old. If you are younger than 50, you cannot join. You can check back when you turn 50 to start your membership.

Does AARP membership affect my Social Security or Medicare benefits?

No. AARP is a membership organization, not a government program. Joining AARP does not change your Social Security benefits, Medicare may be able to access, or any other government benefit. It is purely a private membership with discounts and resources.

What happens if I cancel my AARP membership?

You can cancel at any time without penalty or explanation. straightforward call 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account online. You will lose access to member discounts and AARP.org when ready, but you can rejoin later by paying the annual fee again.

Is AARP membership worth the cost?

That depends on how much you use the discounts. If you travel, eat out, or shop at retailers that offer AARP discounts, the annual fee often pays for itself in the first few months. If you primarily want access to AARP's articles and planning guides, the cost is low enough that most people find it worthwhile.