What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail purchases. The most commonly used benefit is a discount on car and home insurance through partner companies — members typically save 10 to 25 percent, though the exact amount depends on your location and the insurer. You also get access to AARP's magazine and website, which publish articles on health, money, and caregiving written for people over 50.

Beyond discounts, membership includes a free legal document service (basic will, power of attorney, living will) through LegalShield, discounts on prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy partner, and access to AARP's tax preparation information program, which offers free tax help at local sites during filing season. You can also join AARP's online community to connect with other members in your area or around shared interests.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and the main benefit for most members is a discount on car and home insurance, typically 10 to 25 percent depending on where you live.
  • The membership includes free access to basic legal documents (will, power of attorney, living will) and discounts on prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy.
  • AARP offers free tax preparation help at local sites during tax season and publishes a magazine and website with health and money information for people over 50.
  • Discounts vary by location and partner — the same AARP membership may offer different savings depending on which insurance company, pharmacy, or retailer you use.

Insurance discounts: where most members save money

The insurance discount is the reason most people join AARP. You do not have to buy insurance through AARP — the organization itself does not sell insurance. Instead, AARP has partnerships with companies like State Farm, Allstate, and GEICO, and members can contact those companies directly to ask about the AARP member rate.

The discount applies to auto and home insurance. You will still need to get a quote and go through the normal underwriting process — membership does not may provide a lower rate, and your driving record, home condition, and location still matter. But AARP members typically see savings of 10 to 25 percent compared to non-members at the same company. Some states and some insurers offer larger discounts than others, so it is worth calling a few companies to compare.

Membership also includes discounts on supplemental insurance products like accident, critical illness, and long-term care insurance, though these are less commonly used than auto and home discounts.

Prescription drug discounts and mail-order pharmacy access

AARP members can use a mail-order pharmacy partner to receive discounts on prescription medications. The discount is not the same as Medicare Part D coverage — it is a separate negotiated rate that AARP members can access whether or not they are enrolled in Medicare. Discounts typically range from 10 to 60 percent depending on the drug, and you can compare prices before you order.

This benefit is most useful if you do not have Medicare Part D coverage, or if your Part D plan does not cover a medication you need at a price you can afford. You can use the AARP pharmacy discount tool on their website to look up a specific drug and see what the member price would be. The mail-order service can deliver a 90-day supply, which is often cheaper per dose than a 30-day supply from a local pharmacy.

Free legal documents and tax preparation

AARP membership includes free access to basic legal documents through LegalShield. You can prepare a will, power of attorney, and living will online without paying a lawyer. These are straightforward documents suitable for straightforward situations — if your estate is complex or you have significant assets, you may still want to consult an attorney, but for many people this covers the essentials.

During tax season (January through April), AARP offers free tax preparation help through the Tax-Aide program. Trained volunteers at local AARP sites or libraries will help you prepare and file your federal and state tax returns at no cost. You do not have to be an AARP member to use Tax-Aide, but members are prioritized for appointments. The program is designed for people with low to moderate income, though income limits vary by state.

Travel and dining discounts

AARP has partnerships with hotels, car rental companies, and restaurants that offer member discounts. These are typically 5 to 15 percent off the regular rate. Hotels like Choice Hotels and Wyndham offer AARP rates, and you can book directly through their websites or call and mention your membership number. Car rental companies including Hertz and Avis offer discounts, and some restaurants and entertainment venues offer small discounts as well.

The discounts are real but modest — they are not the same as the insurance savings. You will need to ask for the AARP rate when you book, and some discounts may not be available during peak travel times or at all locations. It is worth checking whether the AARP rate is actually lower than other available discounts (AAA, senior rates, online promotions) before you book.

Magazine, website, and online community

AARP Magazine is published six times per year and mailed to members. It includes articles on health, money, caregiving, and lifestyle topics written for people over 50. The magazine is also available online, and you can read individual articles on the AARP website without a membership.

The AARP website publishes daily articles on health, Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and personal finance. Members can also join the AARP online community to connect with other members, ask questions, and participate in discussion groups organized by location or interest. The community is moderated and free to use for members.

Membership cost and how to join

AARP membership costs $16 per year, or $27 for three years. You can join online at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. You must be 50 or older to join. The membership is automatic — you do not have to take any additional steps to set up the discounts. Once you join, you can start using your membership number when ready to get insurance quotes, access the pharmacy discount, or book travel.

AARP sometimes offers promotional rates for new members, such as $8 for the first year. These promotions are advertised on their website and through direct mail. If you are unsure whether membership is worth the cost, you can calculate your potential savings by getting a quote on car insurance and checking the price of any medications you take regularly through the pharmacy discount tool.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. You can be working full-time, part-time, or retired. AARP membership is based on age, not employment status.

Can I use AARP discounts if I have Medicare?

Yes. AARP membership and Medicare are separate. You can have both at the same time. Some AARP benefits, like the prescription drug discount, work alongside Medicare Part D. Others, like insurance discounts, are independent of Medicare.

What if I join AARP but do not use any of the benefits?

You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, membership is non-refundable, but you can let it expire and not renew. There is no penalty for canceling.

Are AARP discounts available everywhere?

Discounts vary by location and partner. Insurance discounts depend on which companies operate in your state. Pharmacy discounts are available nationwide. Travel and dining discounts are available at participating locations only, so you will need to check whether a specific hotel or restaurant honors the discount before you book.

Is AARP the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts and information. Medicare is a federal health insurance program. They are separate, though AARP publishes a lot of information about Medicare and offers some products related to Medicare coverage.