You can cancel your AARP membership by phone, mail, or online, and the process takes less than five minutes

AARP does not lock you into a contract, so you can stop your membership at any time without penalty. You do not need to wait for your renewal date. The fastest route is calling AARP's member services line at 1-888-687-2277, where a representative can process the cancellation when ready. If you prefer not to call, you can also cancel by mail or through your online account.

When you cancel, your membership ends right away, though you may still receive materials in the mail for a few weeks while they process the request. If you have paid for a membership term that has not yet started, AARP will refund the unused portion — but you need to request this explicitly, as cancellation alone does not trigger an automatic refund.

Key Takeaways

  • Call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 to cancel over the phone, which is the fastest method and takes about five minutes.
  • You can also cancel by mail by sending a written request to AARP's address, though this takes longer to process.
  • If you paid for membership time you have not yet used, ask for a refund when you cancel — it does not happen automatically.
  • Your membership ends when ready upon cancellation, but you may continue to receive AARP materials for a few weeks.
  • AARP does not require you to provide a reason for cancellation, though they may ask if you want to share feedback.

Canceling by Phone

Calling AARP member services is the simplest way to cancel. The number is 1-888-687-2277, and representatives are available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Have your AARP membership number ready — you can find it on your membership card or in any AARP mailing.

When you call, tell the representative you want to cancel your membership. They will confirm your identity and process the cancellation on the spot. The call typically takes three to five minutes. Ask the representative to confirm the cancellation date in writing and to note whether you are due a refund. If you paid for a membership period that has not started, request the refund amount before you hang up.

Canceling by Mail

If you prefer to cancel in writing, send a letter to AARP requesting cancellation. Address it to AARP Membership, P.O. Box 199, New York, NY 10087. Include your full name, membership number, and date of birth so they can locate your account. Keep the letter brief — you do not need to explain why you are canceling.

Mail cancellation takes longer than calling because AARP must receive your letter, process it, and send you a confirmation. Plan for two to four weeks from the time they receive your letter. If you need your membership to end by a specific date, call instead. If you are owed a refund, include a note requesting it in your letter, and provide a mailing address where AARP can send the check.

Canceling Through Your Online Account

AARP members can also cancel through the AARP website. Log in to your account at aarp.org, go to your membership settings, and look for the option to manage or cancel your membership. The exact location varies depending on how your account is set up, but it is usually under "Account" or "Membership" in the main menu.

Online cancellation is faster than mail but slower than calling — you will receive a confirmation email, but processing can take a few business days. If you have trouble finding the cancellation option on the website, call member services instead; they can walk you through it or cancel for you directly.

What Happens to Your Refund

AARP refunds the unused portion of your membership fee if you cancel before your membership term ends. For example, if you paid for a full year and cancel after three months, you should receive a refund for the remaining nine months. However, AARP does not automatically send this refund — you must ask for it when you cancel.

When you request a refund, ask how long it will take to process and whether AARP will mail a check or credit your original payment method. Refunds typically arrive within four to six weeks. If you do not receive your refund within that timeframe, call member services again with your cancellation confirmation number and ask them to track it.

What You Lose When You Cancel

Canceling your AARP membership ends your access to member discounts, AARP Magazine, and the AARP website's member-only content. If you have an AARP-branded insurance product — such as auto, home, or health insurance — canceling your membership does not automatically cancel your insurance policy. You must contact your insurance provider separately if you want to end that coverage.

Some people cancel their AARP membership but keep their insurance. Others cancel both at the same time. Make sure you understand which services you are canceling and which you want to keep before you call member services.

If You Want to Rejoin Later

If you cancel and later decide you want to rejoin, you can do so at any time. AARP does not penalize former members, and you can sign up again through their website or by calling member services. Your membership will start fresh, and you will pay the current membership rate, which may differ from what you paid before.

Some people cancel temporarily to avoid paying the annual fee during a tight financial year, then rejoin when their situation improves. There is no waiting period or reactivation fee — you straightforward pay the current membership cost and your membership begins when ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I get a refund if I cancel mid-year?

Yes, if you cancel before your membership term ends, you should receive a refund for the unused portion. You must request the refund when you cancel — it does not happen automatically. Ask the representative or include a refund request in your cancellation letter, and provide a mailing address where AARP can send the check.

Does canceling my AARP membership cancel my AARP insurance?

No. AARP membership and AARP insurance are separate. Canceling your membership does not end your insurance policy. You must contact your insurance provider directly if you want to cancel auto, home, health, or any other AARP-branded insurance. Check your policy documents for the cancellation phone number.

Can I cancel without giving a reason?

Yes. AARP does not require you to explain why you are canceling. Representatives may ask if you want to share feedback, but answering is optional. You can straightforward say you want to cancel, and they will process it without further questions.

How long does it take to cancel?

Cancellation by phone takes about five minutes and is effective when ready. Cancellation by mail takes two to four weeks from the time AARP receives your letter. Online cancellation takes a few business days to process. Your membership ends right away in all cases, though you may receive materials in the mail for a few weeks afterward.

What if I forgot my membership number?

You can still cancel without it. When you call member services, provide your full name, date of birth, and the phone number or email address associated with your account. The representative can look up your account and process the cancellation. If you are canceling by mail, include as much identifying information as you can so AARP can locate your account.