Where AARP discounts show up and what they're worth

AARP membership opens discounts at specific chains and services, but the savings vary widely depending on what you buy and where you shop. A pharmacy discount might save you 5 to 15 percent on prescriptions at certain chains, while a hotel booking could knock 10 percent off a room rate. The catch: you have to know which businesses participate, ask for the discount by name, and sometimes show your AARP card in person or enter a code online.

The real value depends on your spending habits. If you stay in hotels regularly, eat at participating restaurants, or buy glasses from an in-network optician, the discounts add up. If you rarely use any of them, your membership fee may not pay for itself in savings alone. Many members join for other reasons—the magazine, advocacy work, or travel planning resources—and treat discounts as a bonus.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discounts are real but limited to specific businesses and services, so check the current list before assuming a store participates.
  • You must ask for the discount and show your AARP card or membership number; the discount will not explore automatically at checkout.
  • Pharmacy and vision discounts tend to be the most consistent across locations, while restaurant and retail discounts vary by individual business.
  • The annual membership fee ($16 for the first year, then $24) pays for itself only if you use discounts regularly or value other AARP benefits.

Pharmacy and health-related discounts

AARP has negotiated discounts at major pharmacy chains including CVS, Walgreens, and some independent pharmacies. The discount typically ranges from 5 to 15 percent on most over-the-counter medications and some prescription copays, depending on your insurance. You do not need to use AARP's mail-order pharmacy to get these savings—you can use your own insurance and still ask for the AARP discount on top of it.

Vision care discounts are available through AARP's partnerships with optometry networks. You can get discounts on eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses at participating locations. The amount varies by provider and location, so call ahead or check the AARP website to confirm the discount before your appointment. Hearing aid discounts are also available through select providers, though these tend to be smaller (usually 10 to 20 percent off) than pharmacy savings.

Travel, hotels, and car rentals

Hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and some Marriott properties offer AARP rates that are typically 10 percent off the standard room rate. You book directly through the hotel's website or call the reservation line and mention your AARP membership. The discount does not always beat online travel sites like Kayak or Costco Travel, so compare prices before booking.

Car rental companies including Hertz, Budget, and Avis offer AARP discounts, usually 5 to 25 percent depending on the location and rental dates. Airlines do not offer blanket AARP discounts, but AARP Travel has partnerships with specific carriers that may offer deals on certain routes. Cruise lines including Disney Cruise Line and some others have AARP rates, though again, you should compare against other senior travel discounts and last-minute deals.

Restaurants, retail, and entertainment

Restaurant discounts vary widely by location and franchise. Chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and some regional restaurants offer 10 to 15 percent off meals when you show your AARP card, but not every location honors it. Call the specific restaurant before you go, because franchise owners set their own discount policies. Fast-casual chains and fine dining rarely participate.

Retail discounts are scattered. Some Best Buy locations offer discounts on electronics, and certain clothing and home goods stores have AARP rates, but these are not universal. Movie theaters, including some AMC and Regal locations, offer senior pricing that may or may not require AARP membership—check your local theater's policy. Entertainment venues like theme parks and museums sometimes offer AARP rates, but again, these are negotiated individually and change seasonally.

How to find and use AARP discounts

The AARP website has a searchable discount locator where you can enter your zip code and see what businesses near you participate. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about specific stores or services. Before you assume a chain participates, verify it on the website or by phone, because not all locations of a national chain may honor the discount.

To use a discount, you typically need to show your physical AARP card or provide your membership number. Some online retailers ask for a promo code at checkout. Always ask the cashier or representative if they offer AARP discounts—many employees do not mention them unless asked. If a business says it does not participate, you can report that to AARP, as some locations may not be aware of the program.

Comparing AARP membership cost to actual savings

AARP membership costs $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that. To break even on the membership fee, you would need to save at least that amount through discounts in a year. A single 10 percent pharmacy discount on a $50 prescription saves you $5. A 10 percent hotel discount on a $100 room saves you $10. If you use discounts on just a few purchases a year, the membership may not pay for itself financially.

However, many members value AARP for reasons beyond discounts: the monthly magazine, access to AARP's advocacy work, tax preparation information, and travel planning resources. Some members also join for the auto and home insurance quotes, which are underwritten by third parties but negotiated through AARP. If you are interested in membership primarily for discounts, calculate what you actually spend on the categories where discounts exist before joining.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be an AARP member to get senior discounts?

No. Many businesses offer senior discounts to anyone 55 or 62 and older, regardless of AARP membership. Restaurants, movie theaters, and some retailers have age-based discounts you can ask for without a card. AARP membership straightforward adds another set of discounts on top of those.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Some retailers and services allow you to enter an AARP promo code at checkout, while others require you to show your card in person. Check the AARP website for the specific business to see whether the discount is available online, in-store, or both.

What if a store says it does not honor AARP discounts?

Not all locations of a national chain participate, and some franchises opt out. Ask to speak with a manager, as they may not be aware of the program. If the location genuinely does not participate, you can report it to AARP, though this does not may provide the discount will be added.

Does AARP membership include prescription drug coverage?

No. AARP membership gives you discounts at pharmacies, but it does not replace health insurance or Medicare prescription drug coverage. You still need your own insurance to cover prescriptions; the AARP discount is a secondary savings on top of what your insurance pays.

Can I cancel AARP membership if I do not use the discounts?

Yes. You can cancel at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. 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.