You must be 50 or older to join AARP

AARP membership is open to anyone age 50 and up. There is no upper age limit — you can join at 50, 65, 80, or any age after that. If you are under 50, you cannot join, even if you are retired or receiving Social Security.

The 50-year threshold is the only age requirement. AARP does not check your income, employment status, or health. You do not need to be retired, and you do not need to be receiving any government benefits. If you are 50 or older, you meet the basic requirement to become a member.

Key Takeaways

  • You must be at least 50 years old to join AARP; there is no maximum age limit.
  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for a standard membership, though introductory rates and discounts are sometimes available.
  • Your membership covers you as an individual; a spouse or partner must have their own membership if they also want to join.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership typically begins within a few days of payment.
  • AARP offers discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus access to their magazine and website resources.

What AARP membership includes

A standard AARP membership gives you access to discounts on car insurance, travel bookings, hotel stays, and restaurant chains. You receive AARP Magazine six times a year and can read articles on their website about health, money, and caregiving. Members can also join AARP's online community forums and attend local chapter events in many areas.

AARP also offers supplemental insurance products — including Medicare supplement plans, long-term care insurance, and life insurance — though these are sold separately and have their own costs and requirements. The membership itself does not include health insurance or coverage of medical expenses.

How much AARP membership costs

Standard AARP membership costs $16 per year. AARP periodically offers introductory rates — sometimes $8 or $12 for the first year — but these promotions change and are not always available. After the introductory period ends, the membership renews at the standard rate unless you cancel.

If you join through certain employers or organizations, your membership may be subsidized or paid for entirely by that employer. Some workplaces offer AARP membership as a retirement benefit. It is worth asking your employer or union whether they cover the cost.

How to join AARP

You can join AARP online at their website by entering your name, date of birth, address, and payment information. The process takes about 10 minutes. You can also join by phone by calling AARP's membership line, or by mailing a paper process if you prefer not to use the internet.

Once AARP receives your payment, your membership typically begins within a few business days. You will receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. You can start using your membership number for discounts as soon as your account is active, even before the physical card arrives.

Membership for spouses and partners

Each person must have their own AARP membership. If you and your spouse both want to join, you each pay the annual fee. AARP does not offer a joint or family membership rate that covers two people for less than two individual memberships.

Some AARP discounts — particularly on travel and insurance — may explore to both spouses if you are booking together or on the same policy, but the membership itself is individual. Each person needs their own membership card and account.

What happens if you are under 50

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP directly. However, AARP does offer some resources to younger people through their website — articles about caregiving, retirement planning, and health — without requiring membership. Some employers offer AARP membership to employees in their 40s as part of retirement planning programs, but this is not standard.

If you are caring for an aging parent or relative, you may find AARP's caregiver resources and community forums useful even without membership. You can read many articles on their website without joining.

Canceling your membership

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling their customer service line or logging into your online account. If you cancel before your renewal date, you will not be charged again. AARP does not require a reason for cancellation and does not charge a cancellation fee.

If you are charged for a renewal you did not want, AARP will refund the fee if you contact them within 30 days. Keep your membership card or account number handy when you call to cancel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I join AARP if I am still working?

Yes. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of employment status. You do not need to be retired to join. Many people join AARP while still employed and use the discounts on travel, dining, and other services.

Do I need to be on Medicare to join AARP?

No. You do not need to be enrolled in Medicare or any government program to join AARP. The only requirement is that you are 50 or older. You can join before you turn 65 and before you are may be able to access for Medicare.

What if I turn 50 soon — can I join now?

No, you must be 50 at the time you join. AARP will verify your age using your date of birth. If you are not yet 50, you will not be able to complete the membership process, but you can join as soon as your 50th birthday arrives.

Is there a senior discount on AARP membership itself?

AARP does not offer a reduced membership rate based on age. The cost is $16 per year for all members, regardless of whether you are 50 or 95. Occasionally AARP runs promotions with lower introductory rates, but these are not age-based.

Can I gift an AARP membership to someone else?

AARP does not sell gift memberships. Each person must join with their own name, date of birth, and payment method. However, you could pay for someone else's membership if they provide you with their information and authorize you to use their payment method.