What AARP membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail purchases, plus a magazine and online resources about health and money. You do not have to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. The membership costs $16 per year, though AARP often runs promotions where the first year costs $8.

The discounts vary by location and change over time. Some are national — for example, discounts at certain hotel chains, car rental companies, and restaurants — while others depend on which state you live in. AARP also offers group rates on car and home insurance through partner companies, though you still shop around and choose your own insurer.

Beyond discounts, AARP membership includes a monthly magazine mailed to your home, access to their website with articles on health, caregiving, and finances, and invitations to local events in your area. Members can also join AARP's online community to connect with other people 50 and older.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year (often $8 for the first year) and requires you to be 50 or older, but does not require you to be retired.
  • Discounts are available at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retailers, though which ones and how much you save varies by your location.
  • AARP also negotiates group rates on car and home insurance, but you choose your own insurance company and pay the full premium yourself.
  • Your membership includes a monthly magazine, access to health and money articles on their website, and local events in your community.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form from their website.

How to find AARP discounts in your area

AARP maintains a searchable discount directory on their website at aarp.org/discounts. You can filter by category (restaurants, travel, shopping, health services) and by your state. The directory shows you which businesses near you offer discounts and what percentage or dollar amount you save.

Not every discount works the same way. Some require you to show your AARP membership card in person. Others require you to enter a code online before you buy. A few are automatic — the discount applies when you give the business your membership number. Before you go, check the specific terms for each discount so you know what to bring or what to do.

Discounts change frequently, so a business that offered a discount last month may not offer one this month. Check the directory before each purchase rather than assuming a discount is still there.

AARP insurance products and how they work

AARP does not sell insurance directly. Instead, AARP has partnered with insurance companies — The Hartford for auto and home insurance, UnitedHealthcare for Medicare Supplement plans, and others — to offer group rates to members. When you contact one of these companies, you get a discounted rate because you are part of the AARP group.

You still shop for and buy insurance on your own terms. Getting a quote does not lock you in, and you can compare rates from other insurers before you decide. AARP's role is to negotiate the group discount; the insurance company handles your policy, claims, and customer service.

Be aware that "group rate" does not mean everyone in the group pays the same price. Your actual premium depends on your age, location, driving record, home value, and other factors that the insurance company uses to calculate risk. The group rate is a discount applied to what you would otherwise pay.

Joining AARP and your membership options

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by calling 1-888-687-2277, or by mailing in a form. Online is usually the fastest — you can complete the process in a few minutes and start using your membership number right away. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email.

AARP offers a standard individual membership and a household membership that covers two people at the same address for $24 per year (often $16 for the first year). Both come with the same discounts and magazine. If you are married or live with a partner, the household membership is usually the better value.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date. AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail and email before your membership expires. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail, or you can cancel anytime if you decide membership is not for you.

What AARP membership does not cover

AARP membership does not include health insurance itself. AARP partners with insurance companies to offer discounts on Medicare Supplement plans and Medicare Advantage plans, but you must enroll in Medicare first through Social Security or Medicare.gov. AARP's role is to show you options and rates; Medicare enrollment is separate.

Membership also does not may provide you will save money on every purchase. Some discounts are small — 5 or 10 percent — and may not be worth the trip if you are not already shopping at that business. You have to actively look for and use the discounts; they do not explore automatically to your everyday spending.

AARP does not provide legal information, tax information, or financial planning services through membership. They offer educational articles and resources, but these are general information, not personalized guidance for your situation. If you need information specific to your finances or health, you should consult a professional.

AARP membership and your privacy

When you join AARP, you provide personal information — your name, address, date of birth, and email. AARP uses this information to send you your magazine, renew your membership, and contact you about member benefits. They also sell demographic information (age, location, interests) to third parties, though they do not sell your name or contact details without your permission.

You can control how much mail and email you receive by adjusting your preferences on aarp.org or by calling 1-888-687-2277. You can ask to receive only essential membership notices, or you can opt out of most communications. Your membership will not be affected by your communication choices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. AARP membership is open to working people, retired people, and anyone in between. Your employment status does not matter.

Can I use AARP discounts online and in stores?

It depends on the discount. Some retailers offer the discount both online and in stores. Others offer it only in stores or only online. Check the discount details on aarp.org/discounts before you shop to see how to use each one.

What happens if I do not use my AARP membership?

You can keep your membership without using any discounts. Some people join mainly for the magazine and website content. Your membership stays active as long as you pay the annual fee, whether or not you use the discounts.

Can I cancel my AARP membership anytime?

Yes. You can cancel online, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is not refundable, but you can still cancel and your membership will end on the date you request.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP membership is separate from Medicare and Social Security. Joining AARP does not change your benefits, your premiums, or your may be able to access for any government program. It is a private membership organization.