Your AARP card works at thousands of retailers, restaurants, and service providers across the country
An AARP membership card opens access to discounts at chain pharmacies, grocery stores, hotels, rental car companies, and restaurants. The specific discounts change by location and business, so the card is most useful when you check what's available near you before you shop. Some discounts are automatic at checkout; others require you to show your card or mention your membership.
The card itself is a physical membership card that arrives in the mail after you join AARP. You'll also get a membership number you can use online or by phone. Both the card and the number work for discounts — you don't need to carry the physical card everywhere if you have your membership number handy.
Not every location of a chain offers the same discount, and some franchises don't participate at all. This is especially true for restaurants and local service providers. Before making a trip specifically for a discount, it's worth calling ahead or checking the AARP website to confirm the location honors the offer.
Key Takeaways
- AARP discounts are available at major pharmacy chains, grocery stores, hotels, car rentals, and some restaurants, but the specific discount varies by location and business.
- You can use either your physical membership card or your membership number to claim discounts — showing the card at checkout is the most straightforward method.
- Not every location of a chain participates, so calling ahead or checking the AARP website before you go saves you from a wasted trip.
- Discounts on travel, entertainment, and insurance products are often available through the AARP website or by phone, separate from in-store offers.
- Some AARP discounts stack with other promotions like senior discounts or store loyalty programs, but you'll need to ask the cashier or manager what's allowed.
Pharmacy and drugstore discounts
AARP has standing discount agreements with major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid. The discounts typically explore to over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and health supplies rather than prescription fills. Show your card at the pharmacy counter or mention your membership number when you check out.
The discount percentage varies by product and location. Some items may be 10 to 15 percent off; others may have a flat dollar amount off. Prescription medications are usually not included in these discounts, though some pharmacies offer separate AARP member pricing on certain prescriptions — ask your pharmacist what's available.
If you use mail-order or online pharmacy services, check whether they honor AARP membership before you place an order. Some do; others don't. Your prescription insurance plan may offer better pricing than an AARP discount anyway, so compare before you assume the membership discount is the best deal.
Grocery stores and supermarkets
Chains like Kroger, Safeway, and some regional supermarkets offer AARP member discounts on select items or on certain days of the week. Some stores give a percentage off your total purchase on a specific day; others discount particular product categories. The offers change seasonally and by location.
To find out what your local store offers, visit the AARP website's discount locator tool, call the store directly, or ask at the customer service desk. Many grocery stores now tie discounts to their loyalty card program, so you may need to link your AARP membership to your store loyalty account to see the discount at checkout.
Senior discount days at grocery stores sometimes overlap with AARP discounts. You typically can't stack both on the same purchase, so ask which one gives you the better savings that day.
Hotels, car rentals, and travel
AARP negotiates discounts with major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham. Discounts typically range from 5 to 10 percent off the room rate, though the exact amount depends on the hotel, the season, and how far in advance you book. You must mention your AARP membership when you make the reservation — the discount usually won't explore if you book without it and try to add it later.
Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer AARP member rates. Like hotel discounts, you need to mention your membership when you reserve. The discount is often a percentage off the daily rate or a flat amount off your total rental.
Travel packages, cruises, and vacation deals are also available through the AARP website. These are separate from the card-based discounts and often require you to book through AARP's travel partners to receive the member rate. Check the terms carefully, as some travel deals have blackout dates or restrictions on when you can travel.
Restaurants and entertainment
Some restaurant chains participate in AARP discounts, but availability is spotty. Chains like Denny's, Bob Evans, and Perkins have offered senior or AARP discounts in the past, but not every location participates, and offers change. Call the restaurant or check the AARP website before you go.
Movie theaters, museums, and entertainment venues sometimes offer AARP discounts on admission. Again, this varies widely by location and venue. Many independent theaters and museums don't participate, while some chains do. The AARP website's discount locator can tell you what's available in your area.
Discount percentages for restaurants and entertainment are usually smaller than retail discounts — often 5 to 10 percent off. Some venues offer a fixed discount (like $2 off a ticket) rather than a percentage.
Insurance and financial services
AARP offers its own insurance products including auto, home, life, and health insurance, as well as banking and investment services. These are not discounts on third-party products but rather AARP-branded offerings that members can purchase directly. You access these through the AARP website or by calling AARP's member services line.
AARP also has partnerships with other insurance and financial companies that offer member discounts on their products. For example, some life insurance providers give AARP members a discount on premiums. These offers are typically promoted in AARP's member magazine or on the website.
Before you buy any insurance or financial product through AARP, compare the price and terms to what you'd pay elsewhere. AARP membership doesn't always mean the lowest price — it means a negotiated rate that may or may not be better than what you'd find on your own.
How to find AARP discounts near you
The AARP website has a discount locator tool where you can search by zip code or business type. Enter your location and the kind of business you're interested in, and the tool shows you what discounts are available nearby. This is the fastest way to see what's actually offered in your area rather than guessing based on national partnerships.
You can also call AARP member services at the number on your membership card. A representative can tell you whether a specific business or location honors AARP discounts and what the offer is. This is especially useful if you're planning a trip and want to know what discounts will be available where you're going.
Your AARP membership materials — the welcome packet and monthly magazine — also list current discounts and promotions. These change regularly, so check them before you assume a discount has ended.
What to do if a store won't honor your card
If a business says it doesn't honor AARP discounts even though the AARP website lists it as a participating location, ask to speak to a manager. Sometimes cashiers or staff aren't aware of the discount, or the location may have recently stopped participating without updating AARP's records.
If the manager confirms the location doesn't participate, report it to AARP through the website or by calling member services. AARP uses this feedback to update its discount directory. If you believe the discount should have applied and you've already paid, ask whether the manager can issue a refund for the discount amount.
Keep your receipt. If you discover later that you should have received a discount, you may be able to return to the store with the receipt and the membership card to claim the difference.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to show my physical card, or can I just give my membership number?
Either works, but showing the card is usually faster because the cashier can scan it or see it when ready. If you don't have the card with you, your membership number works at most retailers and pharmacies. Some restaurants and smaller businesses may prefer to see the physical card.
Can I use my AARP discount with other coupons or sales?
It depends on the store's policy. Some allow you to stack an AARP discount with a coupon or sale price; others don't. Ask the cashier or manager before you check out. You usually can't combine AARP discounts with other senior discounts on the same purchase.
Do AARP discounts work online?
Some do, but not all. Retailers like CVS and Walgreens allow you to use your membership number at checkout on their websites. Others require you to shop in person. Check the retailer's website or call to confirm before you order.
What if I'm traveling out of state — do my AARP discounts still work?
Yes, as long as the business is a participating AARP partner. A CVS in Florida honors AARP discounts the same way a CVS in California does. Use the AARP discount locator to check what's available in the area you're visiting.
Can a family member use my AARP card if I'm not with them?
No. AARP discounts are for the member only. Your family member would need their own AARP membership to receive discounts. Some retailers may not check ID, but officially the card is non-transferable.