You can join AARP the month you turn 50

AARP membership opens on the first day of the month in which you turn 50. You do not have to wait until your birthday itself — if you turn 50 on June 15, you can join starting June 1. There is no minimum age below 50, and no maximum age. Once you are 50, you stay a member as long as you pay the annual fee.

The standard membership fee is $16 per year. AARP occasionally runs promotional rates — sometimes $8 or $12 for the first year — but these are temporary offers. After the promotional period ends, your membership renews at the regular rate unless you cancel. You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership begins when ready once payment clears.

Membership is individual, not household. If you and your spouse are both 50 or older, you each need a separate membership to access member benefits. Some benefits — like discounts at certain retailers — explore to the cardholder only, while others, like access to AARP publications, are tied to your individual account.

Key Takeaways

  • You become may be able to access to join AARP on the first day of the month you turn 50, regardless of the exact date of your birthday.
  • Annual membership costs $16, though promotional rates of $8 to $12 for the first year are sometimes available.
  • Membership is individual — each person over 50 in a household must pay their own fee to join.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and your membership becomes active as soon as payment is processed.
  • There is no upper age limit, and you can remain a member for as long as you continue to pay the annual renewal fee.

How to join online, by phone, or by mail

The fastest way to join is through the AARP website. You will enter your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay the membership fee by credit card or debit card. Your membership number arrives by email within minutes, and you can start using member discounts and accessing online resources right away.

If you prefer to join by phone, call AARP's membership line. A representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. This route takes about 10 to 15 minutes.

You can also join by mail. AARP sends membership forms to people approaching 50, and you can request one by calling or visiting the website. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address provided. Processing by mail typically takes two to three weeks.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. This card is what you show to retailers, restaurants, and service providers to access discounts. Some discounts require only the card number, while others require you to show the physical card.

You also gain access to AARP's website, where you can read articles, access member-only content, and manage your account. AARP Magazine arrives at your home every other month, and you can choose to receive additional publications by email or through the website.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, and AARP will bill your payment method on file. You can change your payment method or cancel your membership at any time through your online account or by calling membership services.

Promotional rates and when they are available

AARP runs promotional membership offers throughout the year, most commonly around the holidays and in spring. These promotions typically offer the first year at a reduced rate — often $8 or $12 instead of $16 — but the renewal rate is always the standard $16 per year.

Promotional rates are advertised through email, direct mail, and the AARP website. If you see a promotion that interests you, you can use the promotional code or link provided to join at that rate. The discount applies only to your first year; after that, your membership renews at the regular annual fee.

Even if you miss a promotional period, you can still join at the regular $16 rate. The difference between a promotional rate and the standard rate is small enough that waiting for a sale is not necessary — you begin accessing member benefits as soon as you join, regardless of which rate you pay.

What membership does and does not include

AARP membership gives you access to discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, and service providers. The specific discounts vary by location and change over time. Common discounts include reduced rates at certain pharmacy chains, restaurants, and travel services, though not all discounts are available everywhere.

Membership also includes access to AARP's website, publications, and member community. You can read health and financial information, join online groups, and access tools like a retirement calculator or health risk assessment.

Membership does not include health insurance, prescription drug coverage, or Medicare. AARP does offer supplemental insurance products — like Medigap or prescription drug plans — but these are separate purchases with their own costs and are not included in your membership fee. Membership also does not provide financial or legal information, though AARP publishes educational information on these topics.

Renewing your membership and canceling if you choose to

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of the date you joined. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your renewal date, and will charge your payment method on file unless you cancel.

If you want to cancel your membership, you can do so through your online account or by calling AARP membership services. Cancellation takes effect when ready, and you will not be charged for the next renewal period. If you cancel partway through a membership year, AARP does not offer refunds for the unused portion.

You can rejoin at any time by paying the membership fee again. There is no penalty for canceling and rejoining, and you will receive a new membership number when you rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or anything in between. Your employment status does not affect your ability to join or the benefits you receive.

Can I give my AARP card to a family member to use their discounts?

Most AARP discounts are tied to the cardholder and cannot be transferred. Some retailers may not enforce this strictly, but AARP's terms state that the card is for the member's personal use only. If a family member wants to access member discounts, they will need their own membership.

What if I turn 50 but do not want to join right away?

You can join whenever you choose after you turn 50. There is no important date or penalty for joining later. You can join at 50, 60, 75, or any age after that — the membership fee and benefits are the same regardless of when you join.

Can I change my membership to a different person if I no longer want it?

No. AARP memberships are individual and non-transferable. If you no longer want your membership, you can cancel it. If someone else in your household wants to join, they will need to pay their own membership fee and create their own account.

Is there a senior discount on the membership fee itself?

AARP does not offer a reduced membership fee based on age. The fee is $16 per year for all members, though promotional rates may be available at certain times of the year. These promotions are not age-based — they are offered to anyone who joins during the promotional period.