What an AARP card is and what it does
An AARP card is a membership card that comes with your AARP membership. It is not a government benefit or insurance card — it is proof that you belong to AARP, the nonprofit organization for people 50 and older. The card itself does not provide health coverage or pay for medical care. Instead, it unlocks discounts at stores, restaurants, hotels, and other businesses that have partnered with AARP.
The card is plastic, wallet-sized, and has your name, membership number, and expiration date printed on it. You show it at checkout or when booking a reservation to get the discount. Some discounts are automatic — the cashier scans it or you mention it. Others require you to go to a specific website or call a toll-free number to book at the discounted rate.
The discounts vary widely. Common ones include reduced rates at hotel chains, car rental companies, and restaurants. Some pharmacies offer discounts on over-the-counter items. Movie theaters, museums, and travel agencies sometimes offer AARP member pricing. The specific discounts change, and not every location of a chain participates.
Key Takeaways
- An AARP card is a membership card that proves you belong to AARP and unlocks discounts at participating businesses — it is not health insurance or a government benefit.
- You must be 50 or older and pay an annual membership fee (currently around $16 per year for the basic membership) to receive a card.
- The card arrives in the mail about two to three weeks after you join AARP, and you can start using discounts right away with your membership number.
- Discounts vary by location and business, so you should check AARP's discount directory or ask before assuming a particular store or restaurant participates.
- Your card expires each year on your membership renewal date, and you will receive a new card in the mail before expiration.
How to join AARP and get your card
To get an AARP card, you must first join AARP. You need to be 50 years old or older. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form you request from AARP.
The basic membership costs around $16 per year. AARP also offers a premium membership at a higher cost that includes additional benefits like a magazine subscription and roadside information. You choose which membership level you want when you sign up.
When you join online, you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. You pay by credit card or debit card. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you can use your membership number to access some discounts right away. Your physical card arrives by mail in about two to three weeks.
If you join by phone, a representative will walk you through the same information and process your payment over the phone. If you join by mail, you fill out a form, include a check, and mail it to the address provided. Mail processing takes longer — usually four to six weeks.
Where you can use your AARP card
AARP has partnerships with hundreds of businesses across the United States. The most common discounts are at hotel chains like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Best Western. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer AARP rates. Many restaurants, including some Denny's and Applebee's locations, offer discounts to AARP members.
Pharmacies and health retailers sometimes offer discounts on vitamins, hearing aids, and eyeglasses. Movie theaters, including some AMC locations, offer reduced ticket prices. Travel websites and agencies advertise AARP member rates on cruises, tours, and vacation packages.
The catch is that not every location of a chain participates. A Denny's in one town might offer the discount while another does not. Before you travel or make a purchase, check AARP's discount directory at aarp.org/discounts or call the business directly to confirm they honor the card.
Some discounts require you to book through a specific website or phone number. For example, hotel discounts often require you to book through AARP's travel partner rather than calling the hotel directly. The discount details are listed in the directory so you know how to access each one.
What your card does not cover
Your AARP card is not health insurance. It does not pay for doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, or any medical treatment. If you need health coverage, you will need to look into Medicare, Medicaid, or a private insurance plan separately.
The card is not a government benefit. AARP is a private nonprofit organization. Your card does not may have access to you to any federal or state programs, tax breaks, or Social Security benefits.
The card does not may provide a discount everywhere. Many businesses do not have AARP partnerships. Even businesses that do partner with AARP may not honor the card at every location or during every sale or promotion.
How to use your card and find discounts
When you receive your physical card, write down your membership number or take a photo of it. You can use your membership number to access discounts online or by phone even before your card arrives.
To find discounts, visit aarp.org/discounts and search by category or business name. The directory shows which discounts are available in your area, how much you save, and how to access each one. Some discounts are automatic at checkout; others require you to mention your membership or enter a code online.
When you shop or dine, tell the cashier or server that you have an AARP membership and ask if they offer a discount. If they do, show your card or give your membership number. If they are unsure, you can show them the discount listing from AARP's website.
For hotel and car rental bookings, go to the AARP travel page or call the AARP travel phone line. Do not assume the rate you see online is the AARP rate — you must book through the correct channel to get the member price.
Renewing your card and membership
Your AARP membership and card expire one year from the date you join. About 60 days before your expiration date, AARP will mail you a renewal notice. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods you used to join.
Your new card will arrive in the mail before your old one expires, so there is no gap in your membership. If you do not receive a renewal notice, you can renew at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277.
If your card is lost, stolen, or damaged, you can request a replacement by calling AARP or visiting the website. A replacement card usually arrives within two to three weeks.
Other benefits that come with AARP membership
Beyond the discount card, AARP membership includes access to AARP Magazine, which is mailed to you monthly. The magazine covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older.
Members also get access to AARP's website, which has articles, tools, and resources on topics like retirement planning, health, caregiving, and technology. You can read these articles without paying extra.
Some membership levels include additional perks like roadside information, discounts on insurance products, or access to AARP's online games and entertainment. Check what is included in your specific membership level when you sign up.
AARP also offers separate products you can buy, such as supplemental insurance, life insurance, and auto insurance. These are not included in your membership fee — you pay separately if you want them. Your AARP card does not automatically give you these products.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my AARP card before it arrives in the mail?
Yes. As soon as your membership is active, you have a membership number. You can use this number to access online discounts and book hotels or rental cars through AARP's travel partners. For in-person discounts at stores and restaurants, you will need to show your physical card or give your membership number to the cashier.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes. AARP membership is annual and expires one year from your join date. You must renew to keep your card active and your membership current. AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires.
What if a store says they do not recognize my AARP card?
Not all businesses participate in AARP's discount program, and some locations of a chain may not honor it even if others do. Check AARP's discount directory before you shop to confirm that specific location participates. If a location claims to participate but will not honor your card, you can contact AARP to report the issue.
Is my spouse automatically an AARP member if I join?
No. Each person must have their own AARP membership and card. Your spouse can join at the same time you do, and AARP sometimes offers a discount for household memberships, but they will receive their own separate card and membership number.
Can I cancel my AARP membership and get a refund?
AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied with your membership. After 30 days, you can cancel your membership at any time, but you will not receive a refund for the year you have already paid. Your card will stop working on your cancellation date.