You can join AARP at age 50

AARP membership opens at age 50, not 65. Many people assume you need to be retirement age, but the organization sets its own membership threshold at 50 and has for decades. You do not have to be retired, not working, or receiving Social Security—only 50 or older.

The main membership tier costs $16 per year. AARP also offers a premium membership at $27 per year, which adds some additional discounts and services. Both memberships renew annually, and you can cancel at any time. Some employers and organizations offer group rates that may be lower, so it is worth checking if your workplace or a group you belong to has a partnership with AARP.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership begins at age 50, and you do not need to be retired or receiving benefits to join.
  • Standard membership costs $16 per year; premium membership is $27 per year and includes additional discounts.
  • You can join online, by mail, or by phone, and membership renews each year on the date you joined.
  • AARP offers discounts on travel, dining, insurance products, and retail purchases, though the value varies by location and merchant.
  • Membership also includes access to AARP Magazine and their website resources on health, money, and caregiving.

How to join AARP

You can join through AARP's website (aarp.org), by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing a paper process. Online is usually the fastest route—you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay by credit card or debit card. The process takes a few minutes.

If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. Paper applications are available on the website or by calling; you fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address provided. Whichever method you choose, your membership becomes active once payment is received, and you will receive a membership card by mail within one to two weeks.

What membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts at thousands of retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. The discounts vary—some merchants offer 10 percent off, others offer specific deals. You show your membership card or provide your membership number at checkout. Not every location honors the discount, so it is worth asking or checking AARP's website to see which merchants near you participate.

You also receive AARP Magazine six times a year, which covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people over 50. The membership includes access to AARP's website, where you can read articles, use planning tools, and find information on topics like Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and retirement. Premium members get additional discounts on certain insurance products and services.

Discounts and benefits vary by location

The discounts available to you depend partly on where you live. National retailers like Best Buy, Walgreens, and Lowe's offer AARP discounts in most places, but local restaurants, hotels, and services vary by region. Some states and cities have partnerships that add extra discounts; others have fewer participating merchants.

Before you join, you can browse AARP's discount directory on their website to see what is available in your zip code. This gives you a sense of whether the membership will be worth the cost for your specific situation. Many people find the discounts on travel, dining, and entertainment offset the annual fee within a few months.

AARP membership and insurance products

AARP does not sell insurance directly, but it endorses and partners with insurance companies that offer products to members. These include auto and home insurance, life insurance, health insurance supplements, and long-term care insurance. AARP receives a commission when members purchase these products, which is how the organization funds its operations.

You are not required to buy any insurance to be a member, and membership does not change your insurance rates or coverage. If you do choose to explore AARP-endorsed insurance, you can compare quotes and terms just as you would with any other provider. Some members find the rates competitive; others find better deals elsewhere. It is worth shopping around.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting the website, or mailing a cancellation request. There is no penalty for canceling, and you will not be charged for the following year if you cancel before your renewal date. If you have already been charged for the next year, AARP will refund the membership fee if you cancel within 30 days of the charge.

Your membership card will no longer be valid after cancellation, so you will not be able to use discounts at participating merchants. If you rejoin later, you will need to pay the membership fee again and will receive a new card.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 or older, regardless of employment status or whether you receive retirement benefits. You can be working full-time and still join.

Can I get a discount on the membership fee?

Some employers, unions, and organizations offer group rates on AARP membership that are lower than the standard $16 per year. Check with your employer's benefits office or any professional or civic groups you belong to. You can also watch for promotional offers on AARP's website, though these are not constant.

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

Your membership remains active and valid in all 50 states. You do not need to renew or update anything when you move. The discounts available to you may change based on your new location, since participating merchants vary by region.

Is AARP membership the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts and information. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. You can be an AARP member without being on Medicare, and you can be on Medicare without being an AARP member. Some AARP members do have Medicare, and AARP provides information to help people understand their Medicare options.

Can I give my membership card to someone else to use?

AARP membership is personal to the member whose name and date of birth are on the card. Merchants may ask for an ID to verify the cardholder. Sharing your card with someone else is not permitted under AARP's terms of membership.