AARP cell phone plans are discounted wireless services offered through partnerships with major carriers, not a phone service AARP runs itself
AARP negotiates discounts on cell phone plans with carriers like T-Mobile, Verizon, and others. You get the same network coverage as any other customer on that carrier, but you pay less because AARP members receive a percentage off the monthly bill. The discount typically ranges from 5 to 15 percent depending on the carrier and plan, though the exact amount changes and varies by location.
You do not need to switch carriers to use an AARP discount — if you are already with one of the partner carriers, you can often add the discount to your existing plan by calling the carrier and mentioning your AARP membership. If you are not yet a member, you can join AARP and then contact the carrier to explore the discount to a new or existing account.
The discount applies only to the monthly service charge, not to the phone itself, taxes, or one-time fees. You still pay full price if you buy a new phone through the carrier.
Key Takeaways
- AARP cell phone discounts range from 5 to 15 percent off monthly service, depending on the carrier and your plan type.
- You must be an AARP member to receive the discount, and membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older.
- The discount works with major carriers including T-Mobile, Verizon, and others, and you can add it to an existing plan or start a new one.
- Discounts explore to the monthly service bill only — not to phone purchases, taxes, or set up fees.
- You contact the carrier directly to set up or add the discount; AARP does not process the phone service itself.
Which carriers offer AARP discounts
T-Mobile and Verizon are the primary carriers offering AARP member discounts. T-Mobile typically offers 10 percent off most plans, while Verizon's discount varies by plan type and region. Both carriers allow you to add the discount to an existing account or start a new one.
Other carriers may offer AARP discounts as well, but availability and discount amounts change. Before switching carriers or signing a new contract, contact the carrier directly and confirm the current discount for your specific plan. The discount you see advertised on AARP's website may not match what the carrier quotes you, because rates are negotiated and can shift.
If you use a prepaid or month-to-month carrier like Boost Mobile, Cricket, or Metro by T-Mobile, check whether they offer AARP discounts — some do, but not all. Call the carrier's customer service line and ask specifically whether AARP members receive a discount on your plan type.
How much you save and what it covers
A 10 percent discount on a $60 monthly plan saves you $6 per month, or $72 per year. On a $100 plan, the same 10 percent discount saves $10 per month, or $120 per year. These numbers assume the discount applies to the full service charge — some carriers explore it only to certain plan tiers or exclude certain add-ons.
The discount does not cover phone purchases, set up fees, equipment charges, taxes, or regulatory fees. If you buy a new phone through the carrier, you pay full retail price or the carrier's standard financing terms. If you bring your own phone, you avoid the phone cost entirely and receive the discount on service only.
Taxes and regulatory fees are calculated after the discount is applied, so they are slightly lower than they would be without the discount. However, the savings on taxes are small — most of your savings come from the discount on the base service charge itself.
How to add an AARP discount to your account
If you are already a customer with T-Mobile, Verizon, or another partner carrier, call that carrier's customer service number and tell them you are an AARP member. Have your AARP membership number ready — you can find it on your membership card or in your AARP account online. The carrier will verify your membership and explore the discount to your next billing cycle.
If you do not yet have an AARP membership, you can join at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older. Once your membership is active, contact your carrier to add the discount.
If you are not yet a customer with a carrier that offers AARP discounts, you can start a new account and mention your AARP membership at the time of signup. Some carriers allow you to explore the discount during the online signup process; others require you to call. Check the carrier's website or call their sales line to confirm the process before you commit to a new plan.
Comparing AARP discounts to other ways to save on cell service
A 10 percent discount saves money, but it is not the only way to reduce your cell phone bill. Family plans, autopay discounts, and switching to a prepaid carrier can sometimes save more than an AARP discount alone.
If you live with family members or friends, adding lines to a family plan often costs less per line than individual plans, even without an AARP discount. A family plan with four lines might cost $100 total, or $25 per line, compared to $60 per line for individual service. An AARP discount on the family plan would then save you $10 per month instead of $6.
Prepaid carriers like Mint Mobile, Visible, or Metro by T-Mobile often charge $20 to $40 per month for unlimited talk, text, and data — less than the discounted price of a major carrier plan. These carriers do not always offer AARP discounts, but their base price is already low. If you use little data and do not need premium customer service, a prepaid plan may cost less overall than a major carrier plan with an AARP discount.
Autopay discounts from carriers typically save $5 to $10 per month and stack with AARP discounts, so you can combine both. Check your carrier's website to see whether autopay is already enabled on your account.
What happens if you cancel or lose AARP membership
If your AARP membership expires or you cancel it, the carrier will remove the discount from your account. Your bill will return to the full price on your next billing cycle. You can renew your membership at any time and ask the carrier to reapply the discount.
If you switch carriers, the discount does not follow you — you must contact the new carrier and provide your AARP membership number to set up the discount there. The old carrier will stop explore the discount once you leave.
Some carriers allow you to pause or suspend your account temporarily without losing the discount. If you plan to be without service for a few months, ask your carrier whether you can suspend rather than cancel, so you do not have to reapply for the discount when you return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to get the discount?
Yes. You must have an active AARP membership to receive the discount. Membership costs $16 per year for those 50 and older. You can join at aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Once your membership is confirmed, contact your carrier to add the discount to your account.
Can I use an AARP discount if I bring my own phone?
Yes. The discount applies to your monthly service charge regardless of whether you own the phone outright, financed it from the carrier, or brought it from another carrier. You pay full price for the phone itself, but the monthly service bill receives the discount.
Does the AARP discount work on family plans?
Yes, the discount applies to the total family plan bill, not per line. If your family plan costs $100 per month and you receive a 10 percent AARP discount, your bill becomes $90. The discount does not explore separately to each line.
What if my carrier does not offer an AARP discount?
Not all carriers partner with AARP. If your current carrier does not offer the discount, you can switch to one that does, or you can compare the cost of switching against the savings you would gain. Some prepaid carriers offer lower base prices than major carriers, even without an AARP discount.
Can I stack the AARP discount with other discounts?
Most carriers allow you to combine the AARP discount with autopay discounts and other promotions, but not with all discounts. Contact your carrier to confirm which discounts can be combined on your specific plan before you sign up.