An AARP card is a membership card that comes with your AARP membership and gives you access to discounts at certain retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers.

The card itself is not a discount card you can use everywhere. It is proof that you belong to AARP, the membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join AARP, you receive a physical card in the mail. You show it at participating businesses to receive whatever discount that business has negotiated with AARP.

The discounts vary widely. Some are percentage reductions on purchases. Others are fixed dollar amounts off. Some are special rates on services like car rentals or hotel stays. The card does not work at every store or restaurant — only at businesses that have a deal with AARP.

Your AARP membership also includes access to the AARP website and magazine, where you can find additional discounts, articles about health and money, and tools for planning. The card is one piece of the membership, not the whole thing.

Key Takeaways

  • An AARP card proves your membership and is required to receive discounts at participating businesses.
  • Discounts are only available at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and services that have partnered with AARP, not everywhere.
  • You receive the card by mail after you join AARP, which requires paying an annual membership fee.
  • The card works alongside other AARP membership benefits like the magazine, website resources, and member-only deals.
  • You can also use your membership number online or by phone if you do not have your physical card with you.

How to Get an AARP Card

To get an AARP card, you must first join AARP. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone, or by mail. You will need to be 50 or older and provide your name, address, and date of birth. AARP will ask for a payment method to charge the annual membership fee.

Once your membership is approved, AARP mails your card to the address you provided. This usually takes one to two weeks. While you wait for the physical card, you can use your membership number to get discounts online or over the phone at some businesses.

If your card is lost or damaged, you can request a replacement through your AARP account online or by calling AARP customer service. There is typically no extra charge for a replacement card.

Where You Can Use Your AARP Card

AARP has discount partnerships with hundreds of businesses, but the list changes. Common categories include hotels and car rentals, restaurants and fast-food chains, pharmacies and health services, eyeglasses and hearing aids, and home services like plumbing and electrical work.

The best way to find out where your card works is to check the AARP website or call AARP directly. You can search by business name or by category. Some discounts are nationwide, while others are only available in certain states or regions.

When you go to use your card, tell the cashier or representative that you have an AARP discount, or ask if they accept AARP cards. Not every employee will know about the discount, so it helps to have the card ready to show. Some businesses require you to mention the discount before they ring up your purchase.

What the Card Does Not Cover

The AARP card does not work like a credit card or debit card. You cannot use it to pay for anything. It is only a membership proof that unlocks discounts at certain places.

The card does not cover medical expenses or act as insurance. AARP does offer separate insurance products — like supplemental health insurance or long-term care insurance — but those are different from the membership card and require separate enrollment and payment.

The card does not give you access to government programs like Medicare. Medicare is a federal program you enroll in separately through Medicare.gov or your local Social Security office. AARP can provide information about Medicare, but the membership card itself does not enroll you or change your Medicare coverage.

Membership Cost and Renewal

AARP membership has an annual fee. The cost varies depending on the membership level you choose and any promotional offers running at the time you join. You can find current pricing on the AARP website.

Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel it. AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail.

If you decide membership is not worth it for you, you can cancel at any time. Contact AARP customer service to stop your membership and prevent the annual charge from going through.

Using Your Membership Number Instead of the Card

You do not always need the physical card to get a discount. Many businesses and online retailers will accept your AARP membership number instead. Your membership number appears on your card and in your AARP account online.

When you shop online at a participating retailer, you may be able to enter your membership number at checkout to receive the discount. When you call a hotel or car rental company, you can give your membership number over the phone. This is useful if your card is at home or if you are shopping before your card arrives in the mail.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my AARP card at every store?

No. You only use it where you want to. If a store offers an AARP discount but you do not have your card with you, you can ask if they accept your membership number instead. If they do not participate in AARP discounts, the card will not help.

Can someone else use my AARP card?

The card is issued in your name and is meant for your use only. Some businesses may ask for identification to match the name on the card. Sharing your membership number with someone else to get discounts they are not may have access to to could result in your membership being cancelled.

What if a business says they do not accept AARP cards?

Not every business participates in AARP discounts, even if they are a large chain. Check the AARP website to confirm whether that specific location has a partnership. If it does not, the discount may not be available there, or you may need to ask a manager.

Does my spouse get a card if I join AARP?

AARP offers joint memberships for couples, which means you both get cards and both can use the discounts. Joint membership costs less than two individual memberships. When you join, you can choose whether to sign up as an individual or as a couple.

Can I get an AARP card if I am under 50?

Standard AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. Some people under 50 may be able to join if they are the spouse of someone 50 or older, but they would be on a joint membership. Check with AARP directly about your specific situation.