You can join AARP at 50, not 65

AARP membership opens at age 50, not at retirement age or when you turn 65. You do not have to be retired, collecting Social Security, or on Medicare to join. The only requirement is that you are 50 or older and a U.S. resident.

Many people assume AARP is only for people 65 and up because that is when Medicare starts and when most people think of "senior" programs. But AARP has been open to 50-year-olds since 1984. If you are 50 to 64, you are in what AARP calls the "50+" membership tier.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership begins at age 50, and you do not need to be retired or on Medicare to join.
  • Annual membership costs $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that, though promotional rates are often available.
  • Members aged 50 to 64 receive different discounts and resources than members 65 and older, focused on work, caregiving, and pre-retirement planning.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership is active when ready or within a few days depending on the method.
  • AARP membership does not change your Medicare, Social Security, or tax status — it is a separate membership organization.

What membership costs and how to pay

The standard membership fee is $16 for your first year and $24 per year after that. AARP frequently runs promotions that reduce the first-year cost to $12 or even $8, especially if you join online or through a direct mail offer. These promotional rates are real discounts, not a trick — the regular price straightforward goes into effect on renewal.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account. If you join online at aarp.org, payment is processed when ready and your membership is active the same day. If you join by phone at 1-888-687-2277, a representative can process payment and set up your membership on the call. If you mail in a form, allow 7 to 10 business days for processing.

Membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary unless you cancel. You will receive a renewal notice by mail and email before the charge goes through, so you have time to cancel if you choose.

What changes between age 50 and 65

AARP divides its membership into two groups: 50+ and 65+. The difference is not in the membership fee — it is the same price — but in which discounts, publications, and resources are emphasized.

Members aged 50 to 64 receive resources focused on work, caregiving for aging parents, and planning for retirement. AARP's magazine for this group, AARP Essentials, covers topics like job searching after 50, managing a multigenerational household, and long-term care planning. Discounts tend to emphasize travel, dining, entertainment, and retail.

Members 65 and older receive AARP The Magazine, which focuses more on Medicare, Social Security, health conditions common in older age, and retirement finances. Discounts shift toward health services, prescription drugs, and home services. But both groups have access to the full AARP website, member discounts, and the ability to join local AARP chapters.

How membership affects your benefits and taxes

Joining AARP does not change your Medicare coverage, your Social Security benefits, your tax filing status, or your income. AARP is a membership organization, not a government program. Your membership card is not a government ID and does not replace Medicare or Social Security cards.

Some AARP discounts require you to show your membership card at the time of purchase — for example, hotel discounts or restaurant specials. Others are automatic if you provide your membership number when you book online. A few discounts require you to go through a specific AARP partner link or phone number to get the rate.

AARP membership dues are not tax-deductible. AARP is a nonprofit organization, but membership dues do not may have access to as a charitable donation under IRS rules.

What you actually get as a member

AARP membership includes a magazine or digital access to content, discounts at retailers and restaurants, access to member-only events and webinars, and a local chapter you can join. The discounts vary by location and change regularly, so the value depends on which ones you actually use.

Common discounts include reduced rates at hotels (often 10 percent off), restaurants (usually 10 to 15 percent), car rentals, and movie theaters. Pharmacy discounts through AARP Pharmacy are available at many major chains. Some members find value in the travel discounts; others primarily use the magazine or attend local chapter events.

AARP also offers low-cost supplemental insurance products — dental, vision, hearing, and life insurance — though these are sold through partner companies and are not included in membership. You can purchase them separately if you choose.

How to join at 50

You can join online at aarp.org by clicking "Join or Renew" at the top of the page. You will need your name, date of birth, address, and email. Payment is by credit or debit card, and membership is active when ready. The website will show you any current promotional rates before you complete payment.

You can also call 1-888-687-2277 to join by phone. A representative will verify your age and address, discuss membership benefits, and process payment. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. Membership is active the same day.

If you receive a direct mail offer from AARP, you can fill out the form and mail it back with a check or credit card information. Processing takes 7 to 10 business days. You will receive a membership card and welcome materials by mail.

What happens if you join before 65

If you join at 50 or any age before 65, your membership continues without interruption when you turn 65. You do not have to renew, reapply, or change anything. Your membership straightforward transitions to the 65+ tier, and you will start receiving AARP The Magazine instead of AARP Essentials. Your annual renewal date and fee stay the same.

Some members join at 50 for the discounts and magazine, then find they use it more once they turn 65 and have more time. Others join closer to 65 when they are thinking about Medicare and retirement. There is no penalty for joining early or late — you pay the same annual fee either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP at 50?

No. You only need to be 50 or older and a U.S. resident. You can be working full-time, part-time, self-employed, or not working at all. Retirement status does not matter.

Can I cancel my membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel online, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. If you cancel before your renewal date, you will not be charged again. If you cancel after renewal, AARP does not refund the annual fee, but your membership remains active through the end of that membership year.

Is AARP membership the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a separate membership organization. Joining AARP does not enroll you in Medicare, change your Medicare coverage, or affect your benefits. You handle Medicare enrollment separately through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office.

What if I move to another state?

Your membership is valid in all 50 states. You do not need to update anything or pay a different fee. If you move, update your address in your AARP account so you receive mail at the correct location.

Can I get a refund if I do not like the membership?

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you join online or by phone. If you are not satisfied within 30 days, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. After 30 days, membership fees are not refunded, but you can cancel anytime to stop future charges.