What AARP discounts actually cover

AARP membership opens discounts at specific retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers—but not everywhere, and not always the same amount. The discounts are real, but they vary widely: some save you 10 percent on a purchase, others give you a flat dollar amount off, and some are one-time offers. You will not see a discount automatically; you have to show your AARP card or membership number at checkout or when booking.

The biggest discounts tend to cluster in a few categories: car rentals, hotel stays, restaurant chains, and pharmacy services. Smaller discounts appear at movie theaters, retail stores, and travel booking sites. Some discounts require you to book through AARP's own website or call a dedicated number, while others work at the location itself.

AARP does not publish a complete master list of every discount available in your area—the partnerships change, and what is available depends partly on your location. The best way to find current discounts is to log into your AARP account online or call AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are largest at car rental companies, hotel chains, and some restaurant groups, though the percentage off varies by company and offer.
  • You must show your AARP card or membership number to receive a discount—it does not explore automatically.
  • Some discounts require booking through AARP's website or a dedicated phone line rather than booking directly with the company.
  • The full list of available discounts changes regularly and varies by location, so check AARP's website or call their membership line for current offers in your area.

Car rentals and transportation

AARP members typically receive discounts from major car rental companies including Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise. The discount is usually 10 to 25 percent off the base rental rate, though the exact amount depends on the company, the location, and the type of car. You book through the rental company's website or phone line and enter your AARP membership number at checkout.

Some car rental discounts are also available through AARP's travel booking site, which may show you the AARP rate alongside other options. Compare the rates before booking—sometimes the AARP discount is the best available, and sometimes a promotional rate or membership with another organization beats it.

Taxi and rideshare discounts are less common. A few regional taxi services offer small discounts to AARP members, but Uber and Lyft do not have AARP-specific discounts. Check with your local taxi company directly if you use them regularly.

Hotels and travel

Hotel chains including Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham (Days Inn, La Quinta, Ramada), and some Marriott properties offer AARP discounts ranging from 10 to 20 percent off room rates. You can book directly through the hotel's website by entering your AARP membership number, or you can book through AARP's travel site, which aggregates these offers.

Cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, and Carnival offer AARP member discounts on select sailings. These discounts are often $50 to $200 off per cabin rather than a percentage, and they vary by sailing date and cabin type. Book through the cruise line directly or through AARP's travel partner.

Travel insurance, travel packages, and vacation rentals through AARP's travel site may also carry discounts, though these are often negotiated rates rather than percentage reductions. Always compare the AARP rate against other booking sites—travel pricing changes constantly, and the best deal is not always through AARP.

Restaurants and dining

AARP discounts at restaurants are typically smaller than transportation or hotel discounts—usually 10 percent off your bill—and they are concentrated at chain restaurants rather than independent establishments. Participating chains have included Denny's, Perkins, Cracker Barrel, and Red Robin, though the specific restaurants and discount amounts change.

Some restaurant discounts require you to present your AARP card at the register, while others are only available if you book through AARP's dining partner website. A few restaurants offer discounts only on certain days or times of day. Call ahead or check the restaurant's website to confirm the current discount before you go.

Fast-food chains rarely offer AARP discounts. If dining out is a regular expense for you, the restaurant discounts may add up over time, but they are not usually the largest savings available through AARP membership.

Pharmacies and health services

AARP has negotiated discounts on prescription medications through pharmacy partners. The discount is typically 15 to 25 percent off the retail price at participating pharmacies, and it applies whether or not you have insurance. You show your AARP card or membership number at the pharmacy counter.

Participating pharmacies include CVS, Walgreens, and many independent pharmacies. However, if you have Medicare Part D prescription coverage, your insurance copay is usually lower than the AARP pharmacy discount, so check both before deciding which to use. AARP also offers a mail-order pharmacy service through a partner, which may have different pricing.

Hearing aids, dental care, and vision services also carry AARP discounts through specific provider networks. These are often negotiated rates rather than percentage discounts, and they vary significantly by provider and location. Contact AARP directly to find participating providers near you.

Retail and entertainment

Movie theaters including AMC and Regal Cinemas offer AARP discounts, usually $2 to $3 off a ticket. Some theaters offer the discount on all showtimes, while others limit it to matinees or weekday showings. Show your AARP card at the box office.

Retail stores including Best Buy, Home Depot, and Lowe's have offered AARP discounts on select items or categories, though these are less consistent than transportation or hotel discounts. The discount is usually 5 to 10 percent and may explore only during certain sales periods. Check the store's website or ask at customer service whether an AARP discount is currently available.

Streaming services, software, and digital subscriptions occasionally offer AARP discounts, but these are rare and usually temporary. Museums and attractions in some cities offer discounts to AARP members; check the venue's website or call ahead.

How to find and use AARP discounts

The easiest way to browse available discounts is to log into your AARP account at aarp.org and look for the "Discounts" or "Member Deals" section. This section is searchable by category and location, and it shows the current discount amount and how to redeem it.

You can also call AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about discounts at a specific company or in a specific category. A representative can tell you whether a discount is currently available and how to access it.

When you find a discount you want to use, read the terms carefully. Some require you to book through a specific website or phone number, some require you to present your card in person, and some have blackout dates or restrictions on which products or services may have access to. Booking through the wrong channel or on a blackout date means you will not receive the discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay for AARP membership to get discounts?

Yes. AARP membership costs money—currently $16 per year for a standard membership—and you must be a member to show your card and receive discounts. Some employers or organizations offer AARP membership as a benefit, so check whether you already have access through your workplace or union.

Can I use AARP discounts if I am not yet 50?

AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. If you are younger than 50, you cannot join AARP and cannot use AARP discounts. Some retailers offer senior discounts to people 55 or 60 and up, regardless of AARP membership.

Will the discount explore if I book online without entering my membership number?

No. You must enter your AARP membership number at checkout or present your card in person. If you book without providing your membership information, the discount will not be applied, and you will not be able to add it after the fact. Always double-check that your membership number was entered before you complete a booking.

Are AARP discounts the same everywhere in the country?

No. Discounts vary by location and by individual business. A hotel in one city may offer a 15 percent AARP discount while the same chain in another city offers 10 percent. Always check the specific location or business you plan to use to confirm the current discount.

What if a store says they do not honor AARP discounts?

Some locations or franchises may not participate in AARP discount programs even if the parent company does. If a store refuses to honor a discount that AARP lists as available, ask to speak to a manager and show them the discount terms. If the issue is not resolved, contact AARP directly to report it.