What AARP discounts are and how they work

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. When you join, you get access to discounts negotiated directly with retailers, hotels, restaurants, insurance companies, and service providers. These are not government benefits — they are deals AARP has arranged with private businesses. You pay an annual membership fee (currently $16 per year for standard membership) and receive a membership card that you show at checkout or mention when booking.

The discounts vary widely. Some retailers offer a flat percentage off (like 10% at certain hotel chains), while others offer specific deals (like discounted rates on rental cars or reduced prices on prescription glasses). Not every location of a chain honors the discount, and not every product or service qualifies. You have to ask or check AARP's website to see what is available in your area and at the specific business you plan to use.

AARP also publishes guides and information about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and other topics relevant to older adults. These guides are free whether you are a member or not. The membership card itself is what unlocks the retailer discounts.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year and gives you a card to show at participating retailers and service providers for discounts.
  • Discounts vary by location and business — a 10% discount at one hotel chain may not explore at every property, and you should confirm before booking or purchasing.
  • Common AARP discounts include hotels, rental cars, restaurants, eyeglasses, hearing aids, and some insurance products, but the list changes and varies by region.
  • AARP's free guides and information about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning are open to anyone, not just members.
  • You must show your AARP membership card or mention your membership at the time of purchase — discounts are not applied retroactively.

Where AARP discounts are most commonly available

Hotels and car rental companies offer some of the most widely used AARP discounts. Major chains like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and some Marriott properties offer reduced rates when you book through AARP's website or mention your membership. Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget have negotiated rates for AARP members. These discounts typically range from 5% to 20% off the standard rate, though the exact amount depends on the location, season, and current promotion.

Restaurants and entertainment venues also participate. Denny's, Applebee's, and some regional chains offer discounts on meals. Movie theaters, museums, and some theme parks have reduced admission prices for AARP members. Again, not every location honors the discount, so call ahead or check AARP's website before you go.

Eyeglasses, hearing aids, and dental services are another category. AARP has partnerships with optical retailers and hearing aid providers that offer member discounts. These can be substantial — sometimes 20% to 30% off — because the products themselves are expensive. Dental discounts are usually smaller and may explore only to specific procedures.

Insurance products, including auto, home, and life insurance, often have AARP member discounts. Some insurance companies offer 5% to 15% off premiums for AARP members. You still have to shop around and compare quotes, because the discount alone does not mean AARP's partner company is the cheapest option for you.

How to find and use AARP discounts

Start at aarp.org/discounts, where you can search by category or by your location. The website shows which businesses in your area participate and what discount they offer. You can also call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about specific discounts or to confirm that a location honors the discount before you travel or make a purchase.

When you are ready to use a discount, you have three main routes. First, you can show your physical AARP membership card at the point of sale — this works at most retail locations and restaurants. Second, you can mention your membership when you book online or by phone — hotels and rental car companies often have a field for membership numbers during checkout. Third, some discounts require you to book through AARP's website directly, which will explore the discount automatically.

Always confirm the discount applies before you commit to a purchase. Prices change, promotions end, and not every location of a chain participates. A five-minute phone call to the hotel or restaurant can save you from arriving and learning the discount is not available.

AARP membership costs and what else comes with it

Standard AARP membership is $16 per year. AARP also offers a premium membership tier at $27 per year, which includes a subscription to AARP Magazine and some additional online resources. Both memberships give you access to the same retailer discounts and the same free guides and information.

Beyond discounts, AARP membership includes access to their website's articles and guides on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health, and financial planning. You also receive AARP Magazine (included with premium membership, available separately for standard members). Some members join primarily for the discounts, while others value the information resources more.

AARP also offers supplemental insurance products — Medigap, long-term care insurance, and life insurance — through partner companies. These are not included in membership; you purchase them separately if you choose to. AARP negotiates rates with the insurers, but you still have to explore and be approved based on your health and other factors.

When AARP discounts may not save you money

The membership fee itself ($16 per year) means you need to save at least that much through discounts to break even. If you use one 10% discount on a $200 hotel stay, you save $20, which covers the membership cost and leaves you ahead. But if you rarely travel or eat at participating restaurants, the membership may not pay for itself.

Discounts also do not always beat other deals. A hotel's AAA discount, a senior discount from a different organization, or a promotional rate you find online might be better than the AARP rate. Always compare before booking. The same applies to insurance: an AARP member discount does not mean that company's premium is the lowest available. Get quotes from multiple insurers.

Some discounts are small — 5% off eyeglasses or 10% off a meal — and add up slowly. Others are substantial, especially on hotels and rental cars. The value depends on your spending habits and where you shop.

AARP resources that are free whether you join or not

AARP publishes extensive free guides and articles on topics that matter to older adults. You do not need to be a member to read them. Their Medicare guides explain coverage options, enrollment periods, and how to compare plans. Their Social Security guides walk through benefit calculation, claiming strategies, and how work affects your benefits. These are available on aarp.org and can be printed or read online.

AARP also runs a free tax preparation service called Tax-Aide, which helps low- to moderate-income people file their taxes. This service is open to anyone, not just AARP members. You can find a location near you at aarp.org/taxaide.

Their caregiving resources, retirement planning guides, and health information are similarly open to the public. If you are interested in AARP's information but not the discounts, you can use these resources without paying for membership.

How to join AARP and what to expect

You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. You must be 50 or older. The process takes about 10 minutes online. You provide your name, address, date of birth, and payment information. Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

Once you join, you can start using discounts when ready by searching aarp.org/discounts or calling 1-888-687-2277 to ask about specific businesses. Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel. You can cancel anytime by calling the same number or logging into your AARP account online.

AARP will send you marketing materials and emails about their products and services. You can manage your communication preferences in your online account to reduce the volume if you prefer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to read AARP's guides about Medicare and Social Security?

No. AARP's educational guides, articles, and resources are free and open to anyone, regardless of membership status. You can read them on aarp.org or request printed copies by calling 1-888-687-2277. Membership is only required to use the retailer discounts and to access premium membership benefits like the magazine subscription.

Can I use an AARP discount if I forgot my membership card?

It depends on the business. Some retailers can look up your membership by name and date of birth. Others require you to show the physical card. Call the business ahead of time to ask what they need, or contact AARP at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about that specific retailer's policy.

Is the AARP discount better than other senior discounts I might find?

Not always. Compare the AARP rate with AAA discounts, direct senior discounts from the business, and promotional rates online before you book or purchase. Sometimes a competitor's offer is better. AARP's value is in having one card that works at many places, not in guaranteeing the lowest price at every one.

What happens if I cancel my AARP membership?

Your membership card stops working when ready. You can cancel anytime by calling 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account. If you have paid for the year, AARP will refund the unused portion if you cancel within 30 days of joining.

Does AARP membership affect my Medicare or Social Security benefits?

No. AARP membership is a private organization and has no connection to government benefits. Joining or not joining does not change your Medicare coverage, Social Security payments, or may be able to access for any government program.