AARP membership is a paid membership that gives you access to discounts, publications, and programs run by AARP, a nonprofit organization for people 50 and older

AARP membership is not a government program and does not provide health insurance or direct financial benefits. Instead, it is a membership in a private nonprofit organization that negotiates discounts with retailers, insurers, and service providers. You pay an annual membership fee — currently $16 per year for a standard membership — and in return you get access to those negotiated discounts, AARP's magazine and website, and various educational programs and resources.

The organization also advocates on policy issues affecting older adults, but that is separate from what membership itself provides. Many people confuse AARP membership with Medicare or other government programs because AARP's name appears on Medicare supplement insurance plans and other products. Those products are sold by insurance companies; AARP does not run them, though it does negotiate rates on behalf of members.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you access to negotiated discounts at retailers, hotels, rental car companies, and other businesses.
  • Membership includes AARP Magazine, access to the AARP website with health and financial information, and discounts on insurance products like Medicare supplement plans.
  • You do not need to be retired or have any particular income to join; you only need to be 50 or older.
  • AARP membership is separate from Medicare and does not replace it; many members have both.

What discounts and services come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with a wide range of businesses. Common discounts include 10 percent off at Walgreens and CVS pharmacies, discounts on hotel stays through chains like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, and reduced rates on car rentals from Hertz and Avis. Discounts also cover restaurants, movie theaters, and online retailers, though the specific offers change and vary by location.

Members also receive AARP Magazine, a bimonthly publication that covers health, money, and lifestyle topics. The magazine is included in your membership fee. You can access articles online at AARP.org, which also hosts health information, financial planning tools, and caregiving resources. Some of these resources are free to anyone; others are members-only.

AARP also offers discounts on insurance products, including Medicare supplement (Medigap) plans, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance. These are sold by insurance companies, not by AARP itself, but AARP has negotiated group rates that may be lower than what you would find on your own. You can compare plans and get quotes through AARP's website.

How membership cost compares to the discounts you might use

At $16 per year, the membership fee is low, but whether it pays for itself depends on which discounts you actually use. A single 10 percent discount on a $100 hotel stay saves you $10, so one discounted hotel night per year covers most of the membership cost. If you use the pharmacy discount regularly, fill prescriptions monthly, and take advantage of restaurant or entertainment discounts, the membership typically pays for itself quickly.

AARP also offers a trial membership period — usually 30 days — during which you can explore the discounts and cancel for a full refund if you decide it is not worth it. This lets you test whether the discounts available in your area and for the services you actually use will justify the annual fee.

Who can join and how to become a member

You must be 50 or older to join AARP. There are no income requirements, no health requirements, and no requirement that you be retired. You can join online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form you can request from the website.

When you join, you will receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks. You can start using some discounts when ready through the AARP website or by showing your membership number at participating retailers. Some discounts require you to show your physical card.

AARP also offers a joint membership for two people at the same address for $27 per year, which is less than the cost of two individual memberships. Both members receive their own card and magazine.

AARP membership versus Medicare and other government programs

AARP membership is not a government program and does not replace Medicare, Medicaid, or Social Security. You can have AARP membership and Medicare at the same time. In fact, many Medicare beneficiaries join AARP specifically to access the Medicare supplement insurance plans and other resources available to members.

AARP does not determine your Medicare coverage, process your Medicare claims, or provide health insurance directly. If you have questions about your Medicare coverage, you contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE, not AARP. AARP's role is to offer discounted insurance products and information resources to its members.

Similarly, AARP membership does not affect your Social Security benefits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or other government information programs. It is a separate membership in a nonprofit organization.

What happens if you cancel your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you receive a full refund. After 30 days, you do not receive a refund for the current year, but you can choose not to renew when your membership expires.

To cancel, you can call 1-888-687-2277, visit AARP.org, or write to AARP at the address listed on your membership card. When you cancel, you lose access to member-only discounts and resources when ready, though you can keep any AARP Magazine issues you have already received.

Where to find current discount information and join

The full list of AARP discounts and current offers is available at AARP.org. You can search by category (hotels, restaurants, pharmacies, and so on) or by your location to see what is available near you. Discount terms and participating businesses change, so it is worth checking the website before you assume a particular discount is available.

To join or renew your membership, visit AARP.org, call 1-888-687-2277, or request a membership form by mail. You can also join through the mail by sending a check to AARP, P.O. Box 96518, Washington, DC 20090-6518.

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. Many people join AARP while still working.

Can I use AARP discounts before my membership card arrives?

Yes, for some discounts. You can use your membership number online or at some retailers when ready after joining. Other discounts require you to show your physical card, which arrives in the mail within two to three weeks.

Does AARP membership include health insurance?

No. AARP membership itself does not include health insurance. However, members can purchase Medicare supplement insurance, long-term care insurance, and other insurance products at negotiated group rates through AARP's website. These are sold by insurance companies, not by AARP.

What if I have a complaint about an AARP discount or service?

Contact AARP directly at 1-888-687-2277 or through AARP.org. If your complaint is about an insurance product, you can also contact your state's insurance commissioner's office, which oversees insurance companies operating in your state.

Can I share my AARP membership card with family members?

No. Each membership card is for one person only. If another household member is 50 or older and wants to use AARP discounts, they need their own membership. A joint membership for two people at the same address costs $27 per year.