A Full Guide to AARP-memberships

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What Is an AARP Membership?

Originally known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP has evolved its identity to simply AARP to better reflect the diverse and dynamic community it serves today.

Now, AARP is the largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization in the United States, dedicated to empowering individuals aged 50 and above to live life on their own terms as they age. If you’re considering becoming a member, you’re in luck—I’ve gathered the inside scoop on all the benefits that come with AARP membership! As someone who has enjoyed AARP’s perks for many years, I’ll share my personal experiences, review the extensive discounts and resources available, and explain the details of membership pricing, requirements, and the registration process.

The Fast Facts About AARP Membership

  • The standard price of an AARP yearly membership as of 2025 is $15.
  • A second AARP membership is free for anyone in your household.
  • AARP offers a wide range of savings, including discounts on dining, travel, health and wellness products, and entertainment.
  • AARP members have access to AARP-endorsed medical, auto, property, and life insurance.
  • AARP members receive AARP The Magazine and AARP The Bulletin, America’s most-read publications, with 38.3 million readers.

About AARP

Founded in 1958 by California native and former educator Ethel Percy Andrus, AARP was born from her innovative ideas to provide older Americans with practical financial solutions. Andrus was instrumental in developing market-based approaches—ranging from cost-effective group health insurance and discounted drug purchasing plans to specialized travel services—that helped seniors make their dollars go further while enhancing their overall quality of life.

Today, AARP proudly serves nearly 38 million members. With a physical presence across all 50 states, along with offices in the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, the organization remains steadfast in its mission to improve life for older adults.

What Are the Benefits of an AARP Membership?

Thanks to its strong reputation and influence, AARP can secure substantial discounts and competitive benefits from major companies. With a large and active membership, AARP holds significant political sway and regularly informs its members—often including petitions and action items—about key issues like proposed Medicare reforms, medication coverage (for example, for insulin), and tax credits for caregivers.

Moreover, AARP’s array of programs and resources is designed to help members live their best lives. As an AARP member, I frequently receive updates on exclusive perks available to me, such as local special events. For instance, living in New York, I was given a behind-the-scenes tour of the new Museum of Broadway, along with considerable discounts on opera and Broadway show tickets. In addition to these savings on live events and complimentary virtual events, AARP also provides free access to bestselling books for online reading. Overall, AARP effectively meets the needs of engaged and active older adults, ensuring they can fully enjoy life.

AARP Membership Resources

AARP’s website is jam-packed with resources to aid in planning for and enjoying your life as you age, including:

  • Financial planning and money management
  • Social Security and Medicare guidance
  • Health and wellness education
  • Legal counsel and advocacy services
  • Fraud and identity theft protection
  • Family caregiving solutions
  • Driver safety courses
  • Job boards

AARP Membership Discounts

AARP’s membership discounts are extensive. Before you make any purchases, always ask if an AARP discount is offered. You may be pleasantly surprised! Some popular brands and discounts available to AARP members include:

AARP Health and Wellness Discounts

  • Pharmacy. Save big with prescription discount cards from Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart Pharmacy.
  • Vision. Keep your vision in tip-top shape with savings, including 50 percent off prescription lenses at LensCrafters and discounted eye exams at Target Optical.
  • Hearing. Receive discounted rates on hearing aid products and accessories from HearUSA.

AARP Travel Discounts

  • Car rentals. Save up to 30 percent on base-model rentals at Avis, Budget, and Payless. A free car upgrade may also be available.
  • Hotels and resorts. Save up to 25 percent on the best available rates at hotels and resorts, such as Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western. Some locations offer additional perks, such as late checkout.
  • Airfare and vacation packages. Save up to $349 when booking a flight and hotel vacation package and up to $300 when booking a cruise through AARP’s Travel Center powered by Expedia.
  • Gas prices. While AARP doesn’t directly off discounts on gasoline, if you link your Exxon account with your AARP membership, you can earn extra points.

AARP Financial Discounts

  • Banking. Receive special rates and bonuses on personal loans, high-yield savings, and no-penalty CDs from financial institutions, including Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
  • Credit cards. Cash in on points and perks with AARP’s own credit card through Mastercard.

AARP Technology and Wireless Discounts

  • Phone plans and devices. Members can receive waived activation and upgrade fees, discounts on wireless plans, and discounted accessories from Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
  • Identity theft. Save up to 25 percent on identity theft and online protection from viruses and malware with Norton 360 and Norton LifeLock.

AARP Retail and Grocery Discounts

  • Flowers and gifts. Save 20 percent on online purchases from retailers, including Harry and David, 1-800-FLOWERS, Cheryl’s Cookies, and The Popcorn Factory.
  • Coupons. Access hundreds of free printable coupons from leading brands through AARP’s Grocery Coupon Center.

AARP Restaurant Discounts

  • Save 10 percent off your check. Members save 10 percent on food and nonalcoholic beverages at locations such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Joe’s Crab Shack, and Bonefish Grill.
  • Save 15 percent off your check. Members save 15 percent at Denny’s locations.

AARP Membership Requirements

You don’t have to be retired or over 50 to join AARP, or to enjoy its many benefits. (Case in point: My 30-something son likes reading the money tips in my AARP magazines.) People ages 18 or older are welcome to become members with full benefits. Members also receive a free secondary membership for their spouse or partner.

How to Join AARP

AARP makes it easy to become a member. You can sign up online, by mail, or by phone. AARP’s online signup process is the speediest way to begin receiving benefits. After you sign up online, you’ll instantly receive a digital copy of your membership card. This digital copy can be used right away. Your printed membership card will arrive at your address in about three weeks. I’m in the habit of keeping my membership card with me and asking if it nabs me a discount wherever I shop.

Below is a closer look at the different ways to sign up.

  • Join AARP online. Visit AARP’s signup page. Enter your name, birth date, and billing address, along with the membership term and payment method.
  • Join AARP by phone. If you’d prefer to speak to a customer service representative, contact AARP membership at 866-654-5572 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
  • Join AARP by mail. If you’ve received information on an AARP membership subscription through the mail, you can complete the membership registration and mail it back to AARP along with your payment.

How Much Does AARP Membership Cost?

In 2025, AARP is raising their rates for the first time in 15 years.

The standard yearly price for AARP membership is $15. Looking to save on membership fees? AARP provides several ways to reduce costs.

  • One-year membership subscription. Sign up for AARP automatic renewal and pay just $15 for the first year. That’s 25 percent off the standard membership price.
  • Three-year membership subscription. Sign up for three years and receive 10 percent off the annual rate for all three years.
  • Five-year membership subscription. Sign up for five years and receive 21 percent off the annual rate for all five years.

Is It Possible to Get a Complimentary AARP Membership?

When you enroll in AARP, you receive a free secondary membership for another household member. Additionally, keep an eye out for promotional codes that can help you score free items—like Bluetooth speakers or travel bags—when you join.

Occasionally, Walgreens provides coupons that let you either join AARP or renew your membership at no charge. These promotions include a unique redemption code printed on your Walgreens receipt.

Is an AARP Membership Worth the Investment?

In my experience, the advantages of being an AARP member far exceed the membership fee. You gain access to extensive financial and retirement planning resources, a variety of insurance options, practical guides available in the AARP bulletin, and numerous exclusive discounts that you can use on a daily basis. If you often travel or dine out, the savings you accumulate can quickly make up for the annual cost.

 Deciding whether to join AARP is a personal decision that depends on your lifestyle and budget. If you’re not completely sure if AARP membership suits you, consider giving it a one-year trial. This period will help you evaluate how frequently you make use of AARP’s benefits and discounts.

Final Thoughts on AARP

AARP offers an extensive suite of perks, including a complimentary second membership and highly affordable subscription rates, making it a compelling choice for those aged 50 and older. With a membership base surpassing 38 million, its popularity speaks for itself. Overall, AARP proves to be an outstanding option, delivering benefits that touch nearly every area of daily life.
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