AARP membership costs $16 a year, but you can join at no cost through certain employer or group plans

AARP does not offer a free individual membership to the general public. The standard membership fee is $16 annually. However, you may be able to join without paying if your employer, union, or a group you belong to has negotiated a group membership plan with AARP. These employer-sponsored or group memberships cover the annual fee, so you pay nothing out of pocket.

The most common way to get a no-cost AARP membership is through your current or former employer. Some large employers, particularly in government, education, and healthcare, include AARP membership as a benefit. If you are retired or still working, check with your human resources or benefits department to see whether AARP is part of your plan. You may also may have access to through a union membership, professional association, or alumni organization if that group has partnered with AARP.

If you do not have access to a group plan, paying the $16 annual fee is the standard path. That membership lasts 12 months from the date you join and includes access to AARP's magazine, discounts on insurance products, travel deals, and access to their website resources.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership normally costs $16 per year for individuals, but employer or group plans may cover this fee entirely.
  • Check with your employer's human resources or benefits department to find out whether AARP membership is included as a workplace benefit.
  • Unions, professional associations, and alumni groups sometimes offer group AARP memberships to their members at no individual cost.
  • If you do not have access to a group plan, you can join by paying the annual fee directly to AARP.

How to Check Whether Your Employer Offers AARP Coverage

Start by contacting your employer's benefits office or human resources department. Ask specifically whether AARP membership is included in your benefits package. If you are retired, contact the benefits or pension office that handles your retirement plan — some retiree benefit packages include AARP at no cost.

If your employer does offer AARP membership, the benefits office will provide you with a group code or enrollment link. You will use this code when you sign up on AARP's website or by phone. The group code ensures that your membership is billed to your employer or group rather than to you personally.

Keep in mind that not all employers offer this benefit, and coverage varies widely by company size and industry. If your workplace does not currently offer AARP membership, you can still join as an individual by paying the annual fee.

Group Plans Through Unions and Professional Organizations

Many labor unions negotiate group AARP memberships as part of their member benefits. If you are a union member, contact your union's benefits representative or check your member handbook to see whether AARP is included. The same applies to professional associations — organizations for teachers, nurses, engineers, and other professions sometimes bundle AARP membership with their membership dues.

Alumni associations from colleges and universities occasionally offer group AARP memberships to graduates. If you are a college graduate, contact your alumni association to ask whether this benefit is available. Some military veteran organizations and retiree associations also include AARP membership in their offerings.

To find out whether any group you belong to has an AARP partnership, start by reviewing any membership materials or benefits guides you received when you joined. If you cannot find the information there, contact the group's membership or benefits coordinator directly.

What You Get With an AARP Membership

Whether you join through a group plan or pay the annual fee, your membership includes the same benefits. You receive AARP Magazine six times a year, which covers health, money, and lifestyle topics for people over 50. You also gain access to AARP.org, where you can read articles, watch videos, and use planning tools on topics like retirement, caregiving, and health.

AARP memberships come with discounts on car insurance, travel, dining, and entertainment. You can access their pharmacy discount program, which works at most major pharmacy chains. Some members also use AARP's tax preparation services and financial planning resources.

The membership also gives you access to AARP's community programs and events in your area, which vary by location. These may include health screenings, financial workshops, or social activities. Your membership card is valid for 12 months from your enrollment date.

Paying the Annual Fee if You Do Not Have Group Coverage

If you do not have access to a group membership plan, you can join AARP by paying the $16 annual fee. You can sign up online at AARP.org, by calling AARP's membership line, or by mail. Online enrollment is the fastest option and takes just a few minutes.

When you join, you will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. AARP will ask for a payment method — they accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank account information. Your membership becomes active when ready after payment is processed, and you can start using your membership benefits right away.

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your enrollment date unless you cancel. AARP will send you a renewal notice before your membership expires, and you can choose to renew or let it lapse at that time.

Canceling Your Membership

If you join AARP and later decide it is not for you, you can cancel your membership at any time. You can cancel online through your AARP account, by calling their membership line, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP offers a full refund of your membership fee.

After the 30-day window, you can still cancel, but you will not receive a refund for the remainder of your membership year. However, your membership will not automatically renew, so you will not be charged again unless you choose to rejoin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be 50 to join AARP?

Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to join AARP as an individual member. Some group memberships through employers or organizations may have different age requirements, so check with your group's benefits coordinator if you are under 50 and belong to an organization with an AARP plan.

Can I get a free trial of AARP membership?

AARP does not offer a free trial period. However, they do offer a 30-day money-back may provide if you join and change your mind. If you cancel within 30 days of your enrollment date, you can receive a full refund of your membership fee.

What if my employer used to offer AARP but no longer does?

If your employer drops AARP coverage, you can continue your membership by paying the annual fee directly. Contact AARP to convert your group membership to an individual membership. You will not lose any benefits or membership time during the transition.

Can I use someone else's group code to join for free?

No. Group codes are tied to specific employers or organizations and are only valid for members of that group. Using someone else's code would be fraudulent and could result in your membership being canceled.

Is there a senior discount on the AARP membership fee itself?

No, the $16 annual fee is the same for all individual members regardless of age. However, AARP membership itself gives you access to discounts on many products and services, which can add up to far more than the membership cost over the year.