You can join AARP at age 50, and there's no requirement to wait until you're older

AARP membership opens at age 50, not 65. Many people assume they should wait until retirement or Medicare may be able to access, but you can join as soon as you turn 50, whether you're still working or not. The membership fee is the same regardless of when you join during the year.

The main reason to join early is access to discounts and resources that start mattering before traditional retirement age. Some members use AARP's insurance products, travel deals, or prescription drug discounts in their 50s. Others join later, closer to when they actually retire. There's no penalty for joining at 50 versus 65—it's entirely your choice based on whether the membership benefits matter to you now.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership begins at age 50 and costs $16 per year for the first year, then $24 annually after that.
  • You do not have to be retired, on Medicare, or a certain age to join—50 is the only requirement.
  • Membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, and some insurance products, plus access to AARP's magazine and website resources.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership is effective when ready upon payment.

How much AARP membership costs

The first year of AARP membership costs $16. After that, annual renewal is $24 per year. You can pay for multiple years upfront if you prefer—a three-year membership costs $60 total, which works out to $20 per year. AARP occasionally runs promotions offering the first year for $12 or $8, so checking their website or waiting for a mailed offer can save you a few dollars.

The membership fee covers your access to the AARP website, the monthly AARP Magazine, and may be able to access for all member discounts. There are no hidden fees or separate charges to use most AARP benefits. Some services—like certain insurance products or travel bookings—may have their own costs, but basic membership is just the annual fee.

What you get with membership

AARP membership includes discounts on hotels, car rentals, and some restaurants. Major chains like Hertz, Budget, and Best Western offer member rates. You also get access to AARP's website, which has articles on health, money, caregiving, and work. The monthly AARP Magazine arrives in your mailbox and covers similar topics.

Members can purchase supplemental insurance products through AARP, including dental, vision, and life insurance. These are underwritten by third-party insurers, not AARP itself, so costs and coverage vary. AARP also offers a prescription discount program that works at most pharmacies, though it's separate from Medicare prescription coverage.

Less visible benefits include access to AARP's community groups, which meet locally in many areas, and the ability to take AARP-sponsored online courses on topics like technology and caregiving. The value of membership depends heavily on which benefits you actually use.

How to join AARP

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing in a form. Online is the fastest—you'll need your name, date of birth, address, and a payment method. Membership becomes active when ready after payment is processed.

By phone, a representative can answer questions about membership before you commit and can process your payment directly. By mail, you fill out a form that AARP sends you (usually in a promotional mailing) and return it with a check. Mail processing takes longer, typically one to two weeks.

When you join, you'll receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can start using some online discounts when ready with your membership number, which is provided at the time of sign-up.

Whether you need to be retired or on Medicare to join

You do not need to be retired or enrolled in Medicare to join AARP. Age 50 is the only requirement. Many members are still working full-time when they join, either because they want to explore the discounts available or because they're planning ahead for retirement.

If you're 50 and still working, you might join for travel discounts, the magazine, or to start learning about retirement planning through AARP's resources. If you're 65 and newly on Medicare, you might join for the prescription discount program or supplemental insurance options. The membership itself doesn't change based on your employment or insurance status.

When most people actually join

While membership opens at 50, most people join between ages 60 and 70. Some join right at 50 if they travel frequently or use the discounts regularly. Others wait until they're closer to retirement or have already retired, when they're more likely to use AARP's resources on health, money, and caregiving.

There's no "best" time to join—it depends on whether the benefits matter to you now. If you travel for work or leisure and can use hotel and car rental discounts, joining at 50 might save you money when ready. If you're not sure, you can always wait a few years and join when you're more certain the membership will be worth the cost.

Canceling or pausing your membership

You can cancel AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you cancel mid-year, AARP will refund the unused portion of your membership fee. There's no penalty for canceling, and you can rejoin later if you change your mind.

Some people pause membership for a year or two if they're not using the benefits, then rejoin when circumstances change—for example, after retiring or moving to a location where local AARP groups are active. You don't lose anything by canceling and rejoining later.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP before I turn 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old. You can join the day you turn 50, but not before.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You can join AARP at any point after age 50, whether you're working full-time, part-time, or retired. Your employment status doesn't affect membership or the cost.

Does AARP membership include Medicare?

No. AARP membership and Medicare are separate. AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts and resources. Medicare is a federal health insurance program. You can have one, both, or neither. AARP does offer supplemental insurance products that work alongside Medicare, but those are optional add-ons.

What happens if I don't use my AARP membership?

If you don't use the discounts or resources, you can cancel anytime and get a refund for the unused portion of your membership fee. There's no obligation to keep paying if the benefits don't matter to you.

Can I get a refund if I join and change my mind?

Yes. AARP refunds the unused portion of your membership fee if you cancel. Contact them by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account to request a refund.