AARP membership gives you access to discounts on hotels, restaurants, and retailers, plus a magazine and free educational resources about Medicare and Social Security

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join, you pay an annual fee (currently $16 for the first year, then $24 per year after that) and receive a membership card, a magazine called AARP Magazine, and access to their website and mobile app. The main draw for most people is the discount network — AARP has negotiated reduced rates with hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retailers. You also get access to their educational content about Medicare, Social Security, and financial planning, written for older adults.

AARP also offers group insurance products: supplemental health insurance, auto and home insurance, and life insurance. These are underwritten by partner companies, not AARP itself, but AARP members often get group rates. The organization also advocates on policy issues affecting older adults — things like prescription drug pricing and Social Security — though membership does not require you to support any particular political position.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 the first year and $24 annually after that, and includes a magazine, website access, and a discount card.
  • Discounts explore to hotels, car rentals, restaurants, and some retailers, though the savings vary by location and business.
  • AARP offers group insurance products including supplemental health, auto, home, and life insurance through partner companies.
  • AARP publishes free guides and articles about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement topics on their website, available to members and non-members.
  • You do not have to be retired to join, and membership does not affect your benefits or taxes.

What discounts actually save you money

AARP discounts are real, but they vary widely by location and business. A hotel chain may offer 10 percent off in one city and nothing in another. A restaurant may honor the discount on certain days only. The best way to know what is available near you is to use the AARP Discounts app or website — you can search by zip code and category (hotels, dining, shopping, entertainment) and see what is actually available in your area.

Some discounts are automatic: you show your AARP card and the cashier applies the rate. Others require you to book through a specific link or call a specific number. A few are online only. The discount amount ranges from 5 to 25 percent depending on the business and the product. If you travel frequently or eat out often, the membership fee can pay for itself in a few trips. If you rarely use the discounts, the fee is a loss.

Insurance products and how they work

AARP does not sell insurance directly — instead, it partners with insurance companies that offer group plans to AARP members. The main products are supplemental health insurance (also called Medigap), auto insurance, home insurance, and life insurance. Because these are group plans, members often get rates lower than individual policies, though not always.

Supplemental health insurance is the most common reason people look into AARP insurance. If you are on Medicare, a Medigap policy covers some of the costs that Medicare does not — copays, coinsurance, and deductibles. AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medigap plans. You can compare AARP's plans to other Medigap plans from other insurers on Medicare.gov or through your state insurance commissioner's office. The rates and coverage vary, so it is worth comparing before you buy.

For auto and home insurance, AARP partners with The Hartford. Again, you can get quotes from other insurers and compare. Some people find AARP's rates competitive; others do not. The only way to know is to request a quote.

Educational content and resources

AARP publishes guides and articles about Medicare, Social Security, retirement planning, caregiving, and health topics. Much of this content is free and available to anyone on their website — you do not have to be a member to read it. Members receive AARP Magazine six times a year, which includes articles on similar topics plus lifestyle and entertainment pieces.

AARP also runs a toll-free helpline (1-888-687-2277) where you can ask questions about Medicare, Social Security, and other benefits. The service is free for members and non-members. They do not provide personalized financial information, but they can explain how programs work and point you toward resources.

Who benefits most from membership

AARP membership makes the most financial sense if you travel frequently, eat out regularly, or shop at retailers that offer discounts in your area. If you are shopping for supplemental health insurance, it is worth getting a quote from AARP's partner, but compare it to other insurers first — the group rate is not always the lowest.

If you rarely travel or use discounts, the $24 annual fee is unlikely to pay for itself. In that case, you can still read AARP's free educational content and use their helpline without joining. Some people join for the magazine alone if they find the articles useful, while others join primarily for one or two discounts they use regularly.

How to join and what to expect

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You will need to provide your name, address, date of birth, and email address. You must be 50 or older. The first-year membership fee is $16; renewal is $24 per year. You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account.

After 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 app or website, even before your card arrives. Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel.

Canceling membership if it is not for you

If you join and decide it is not worth the cost, you can cancel at any time. Call 1-888-687-2277 or go to aarp.org and manage your account online. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can still cancel and stop future charges.

You will not lose access to AARP's free content or helpline after you cancel — those remain available to everyone. You will straightforward lose the discount card and the magazine subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP membership affect my Social Security or Medicare benefits?

No. AARP membership is separate from government benefits. Joining does not change what you receive from Social Security or Medicare, and it does not affect your taxes or may be able to access for other programs.

Can I use AARP discounts without carrying the physical card?

Yes. You can show the AARP app on your phone at most retailers and restaurants. For some discounts, especially online, you just need your membership number. A few businesses still require the physical card, so it is good to have both.

Is AARP membership worth it if I do not travel?

That depends on your local discounts. Use the AARP Discounts app to search your zip code and see what is available near you. If you find restaurants, pharmacies, or retailers you use regularly, the membership may pay for itself. If not, you can still read AARP's free guides and use their helpline without joining.

What if I turn 50 but am not retired yet?

You can join AARP at 50 regardless of whether you are working or retired. Membership is based on age alone. Many people join in their 50s and 60s while still working.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

AARP refunds your membership fee if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can cancel anytime to stop future charges.