AARP membership costs $16 per year for the basic plan, with a three-year option at $43 total

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. The annual membership fee is $16, or you can pay $43 upfront for three years. You do not have to be retired to join — you only need to be 50 or older. The membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus a magazine and online resources about health, money, and caregiving.

AARP also offers supplemental insurance products — Medicare supplement plans, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance — but these are separate purchases with their own costs. The membership itself does not include insurance coverage; it gives you the ability to shop for these products through AARP's partners at rates negotiated for members.

You can cancel anytime and request a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, the membership fee is not refundable, though you can let it expire without renewing.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year or $43 for three years and requires you to be 50 or older.
  • The membership includes discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail, plus AARP Magazine and access to online health and financial information.
  • Insurance products like Medicare supplements and long-term care policies are sold separately through AARP partners and have their own premiums.
  • You can cancel within 30 days for a full refund, but membership fees are non-refundable after that period.
  • AARP also offers free resources like tax preparation help and caregiving guides that do not require membership.

What discounts come with membership

AARP negotiates discounts with hotels, car rental companies, restaurants, and retailers. The discounts vary by location and business — a hotel discount in one city may differ from another, and not every location honors the discount. You typically show your AARP card or membership number at checkout or when booking online.

Common discount categories include hotels (often 10 percent off), rental cars (Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer member rates), restaurants (chains like Denny's and Applebee's), and retail (Best Buy, Amazon, and others). AARP also offers discounts on eyeglasses, hearing aids, and prescription medications through partner pharmacies.

The value of these discounts depends on how much you travel, dine out, and shop. If you stay in hotels or rent cars several times a year, the membership can pay for itself quickly. If you rarely use these services, the discounts may not offset the annual fee.

Insurance products sold through AARP

AARP does not provide insurance directly — it partners with insurance companies that offer products under the AARP brand. These include Medicare supplement insurance (also called Medigap), long-term care insurance, auto insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance. Each product has its own cost, underwriting process, and terms.

Medicare supplement plans sold through AARP partners typically cost between $100 and $300 per month, depending on your age, location, and the plan level you choose. Long-term care insurance premiums vary widely based on your age and health when you apply — a 60-year-old might pay $1,500 to $3,000 per year, while someone older pays more. Auto and home insurance rates are competitive with other insurers and depend on your driving record, home value, and location.

You do not need AARP membership to buy these insurance products from other companies, but AARP members may see negotiated rates. Compare quotes from multiple insurers before deciding, because the AARP rate is not always the lowest available.

AARP Magazine and online resources

AARP Magazine is included with membership and arrives bimonthly. It covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people 50 and older. The magazine also includes articles on Medicare, Social Security, and caregiving — topics relevant to many members.

AARP's website offers free articles, guides, and tools on health conditions, retirement planning, caregiving, and legal documents. Some resources require membership login, but many are available to anyone. The site includes a caregiving resource center, a Social Security calculator, and information about Medicare enrollment.

AARP also offers free tax preparation help through a partnership with the IRS — volunteers prepare basic tax returns for people 60 and older at no cost. This service does not require AARP membership.

Who should consider AARP membership

Membership makes sense if you travel frequently, use hotel and car rental discounts regularly, or want access to Medicare supplement insurance options. The $16 annual cost is low enough that even occasional use of discounts can justify it. If you are turning 50 and want information about Medicare, Social Security, and retirement planning, the magazine and website resources are useful.

Membership is less valuable if you do not travel, rarely eat at chain restaurants, and already have health insurance through an employer or Medicare. In that case, you can access many AARP resources online without paying for membership.

If you are shopping for Medicare supplement or long-term care insurance, you can compare AARP-branded plans against other insurers' plans before deciding whether membership is worth the cost. Some people join specifically to access insurance options, then cancel after they enroll in a plan.

How to join and manage your membership

You can join online at AARP.org or by phone at 1-888-687-2277. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. Payment is by credit card or bank account. The membership becomes active immediately after payment.

Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks. You can use your membership number to access discounts online or show your card in person at participating businesses. Your membership renews automatically each year unless you cancel.

To cancel, log into your AARP account online or call the membership line. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you receive a refund. After 30 days, you can let the membership expire by not renewing, or you can cancel and simply not renew when the annual date arrives.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You only need to be 50 or older. You can be working full-time, part-time, or retired — employment status does not matter. Some people join at 50 specifically to access the discounts and resources before they retire.

Can I use AARP discounts if I do not have the physical card yet?

Yes. You can use your membership number online or show it on your phone. Many businesses accept a digital membership card or just the membership number. The physical card arrives by mail but is not required to start using discounts.

Is AARP membership the same as Medicare?

No. AARP is a membership organization that offers discounts and information. Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people 65 and older. AARP sells Medicare supplement insurance, but membership does not include or replace Medicare coverage.

What happens if I do not use my membership?

Nothing. Your membership remains active and renews automatically each year unless you cancel. If you decide it is not worth the cost, you can cancel anytime and let it expire without penalty.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind?

Yes, if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, the membership fee is non-refundable. You can still cancel and stop the automatic renewal, but you will not receive money back for the current year.