What you get with an AARP membership
AARP membership gives you access to discounts on insurance products, travel deals, prescription drug pricing, and a magazine. You also get a free online account where you can read health articles, use planning tools, and find local resources. The membership itself costs $16 per year, though many people find the first year free through promotional offers.
The core benefit is not a single thing — it is a collection of discounts and services that vary depending on what you use. Some members use AARP mainly for the car insurance quotes. Others use it for the pharmacy discount card or the travel booking site. Many join for the magazine and never use anything else. What matters is knowing which parts explore to your situation.
AARP does not provide health insurance, Social Security, Medicare, or government benefits. It is a membership organization that negotiates discounts with private companies on behalf of its members. If you are looking for help with Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security, those come from government agencies, not from AARP — though AARP's website does have free information about how those programs work.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership costs $16 per year and includes discounts on insurance, travel, prescriptions, and entertainment, plus a monthly magazine.
- The prescription drug discount card can lower the cost of medications at most pharmacies even if you do not have insurance, though prices vary by drug and location.
- AARP does not provide health insurance or government benefits — it negotiates discounts with private companies and offers free educational information.
- You can use AARP discounts without joining by visiting the website, though some deals require membership verification at checkout.
- The membership is open to anyone 50 or older, and you can cancel anytime without penalty.
Insurance discounts and quotes
AARP partners with insurance companies to offer discounts on auto, home, and life insurance. You can get quotes online without joining, but members receive additional discounts at checkout. The auto insurance discount typically ranges from 10 to 25 percent depending on your driving record and location, though the actual savings depend on the insurance company's rates in your area.
The life insurance product is underwritten by New York Life and is designed for people in their 50s, 60s, and 70s. It requires a health questionnaire but usually does not require a medical exam. Premiums are higher than for younger people, but the underwriting is faster than traditional life insurance. You can get a quote to see the actual cost before committing.
Home and condo insurance is also available through partner companies. Like auto insurance, the discount amount varies by location and your home's characteristics. AARP itself does not sell the insurance — it connects you to the underwriting company, which handles the policy and claims.
Prescription drug discounts
AARP offers a free prescription discount card that works at most major pharmacies, including CVS, Walgreens, Walmart, and independent pharmacies. You do not need to be a member to use the card — you can print it or show it on your phone at the pharmacy. The card is free and has no membership requirement, copay, or enrollment process.
The discount is negotiated between AARP and the pharmacy, so the price reduction varies by drug, pharmacy, and location. Some medications save 10 percent, others save 50 percent or more. You can check the price of a specific drug at a specific pharmacy before you fill it by entering the drug name and your zip code on the AARP website.
If you have Medicare Part D or Medicaid, the discount card usually does not help — your insurance copay is already lower. The card is most useful for people without prescription coverage or for drugs not covered by their plan. It does not replace insurance; it is a way to negotiate a lower cash price.
Travel and entertainment deals
AARP members can book hotels, rental cars, and flights through the AARP Travel Center, which offers discounts negotiated with major chains. The discounts are typically 10 to 20 percent off the standard rate, though the actual savings depend on the property and dates. You can also book through other travel sites and use AARP discounts at checkout if the site participates.
Entertainment discounts include reduced ticket prices at movie theaters, Broadway shows, and sporting events in some locations. These vary widely by region and venue — not every theater or venue offers AARP pricing. You can search for available discounts by location on the AARP website or call ahead to confirm before you buy.
Restaurant discounts are also available at some chains, typically 10 to 15 percent off. Like entertainment, these are not universal — availability depends on the restaurant and location. The AARP website has a searchable directory of participating restaurants.
Free information and planning tools
AARP's website includes free articles about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, health conditions, caregiving, and aging in place. You do not need to be a member to read these articles. The information is written for a general audience and explains how programs work, what documents you need, and where to find official resources.
The site also offers free planning tools, including a Social Security calculator that estimates your benefit amount at different ages, a Medicare plan comparison tool, and a caregiver resource guide. These tools do not make decisions for you — they help you understand your options before you contact the government agency or speak with a financial advisor.
AARP also publishes a monthly magazine that covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. Members receive it in print and can read it online. The magazine includes articles about Medicare changes, prescription drug costs, and other topics relevant to older adults.
Local programs and volunteer opportunities
AARP runs local chapters in most states and many counties. These chapters offer free tax preparation help through the AARP Tax-Aide program, which is available to people 60 and older with low to moderate income. Tax-Aide volunteers prepare federal and state returns at no cost. You can find a location near you on the AARP website.
AARP also offers free driver safety courses in most states, which can lower your car insurance premium by 5 to 10 percent depending on your insurer. The course is four hours long and covers defensive driving techniques. Some states allow you to take it online; others require in-person attendance.
If you are interested in volunteering, AARP connects members with local nonprofits and community organizations that need help. Opportunities range from mentoring and tutoring to administrative work and advocacy.
How to join and what it costs
You can join AARP online, by phone, or by mail if you are 50 or older. The membership costs $16 per year, though AARP frequently offers the first year free or at a reduced rate through promotional codes. You can find current offers on the AARP website or by calling 1-888-687-2277.
Your membership is good for one year from the date you join. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you decide you do not want to continue, you can cancel anytime without penalty — there is no lock-in period or cancellation fee.
When you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within two weeks. You can use your membership number online when ready while you wait for the card. Some discounts require you to show the card or enter your membership number at checkout; others are automatic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be retired to join AARP?
No. You only need to be 50 or older. Your employment status does not matter. Some people join while still working because they use the discounts or read the magazine.
Can I use AARP discounts without being a member?
Some discounts require membership, but others do not. The prescription drug discount card is free and does not require membership. Travel and entertainment discounts usually require you to show your membership card or enter your membership number at checkout.
Does AARP help me with Medicare or Social Security?
AARP does not process Medicare or Social Security claims. It publishes free information about how these programs work and offers free tax preparation and driver safety courses. For actual benefits, you contact Medicare or Social Security directly.
What if I do not use any of the discounts?
Many people join for the magazine or the free information on the website. If you do not use the discounts and do not want the magazine, the membership may not be worth $16 to you. You can cancel anytime.
Is AARP a government agency?
No. AARP is a nonprofit membership organization. It is not part of the government, though it works with government agencies on policy issues and offers free information about government programs.