AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $20 per year after that
The standard membership price is $16 for your first 12 months. After that, your annual renewal costs $20. You can pay month-to-month instead if you prefer — that runs about $1.67 per month for the first year, then $1.99 per month after renewal. Most people find the annual payment simpler and slightly cheaper overall.
AARP sometimes runs promotional offers, especially during open enrollment periods or around the holidays. You might see rates like $12 for the first year or bundled deals that combine membership with other services. These promotions change, so the price you see when you look may differ from the standard rate.
Your membership covers one person only. If your spouse or partner also wants to join, they pay their own membership fee — there is no household or family discount. Some people find the cost worth it for the magazine and discounts alone; others join primarily for the advocacy work or to access AARP's educational resources.
Key Takeaways
- Standard AARP membership is $16 for the first year, then $20 annually, or roughly $1.67 to $1.99 per month if you pay monthly.
- Promotional rates are common and may offer first-year membership for $12 or less, though the price varies by season and offer.
- Your membership includes AARP Magazine, access to member discounts, and educational resources, but does not include health insurance or Medicare coverage.
- Each person must have their own membership; there is no family or household plan that covers multiple people.
- You can cancel your membership at any time, and AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you are not satisfied.
What membership includes and what it does not
Your AARP membership gives you access to AARP Magazine, published six times a year, which covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people over 50. You also receive the AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter with news and updates. Both publications come to your home or inbox depending on how you set up your account.
Membership includes discounts at retailers, hotels, car rental companies, and restaurants — the specific discounts change and vary by location. You get access to AARP's online tools, including a retirement calculator, health and wellness articles, and caregiving resources. Many members use the member-only section of the AARP website to read in-depth guides on topics like Medicare, Social Security, and estate planning.
What membership does not include: it is not health insurance, it does not cover Medicare premiums or costs, and it does not provide medical services. AARP does offer supplemental insurance products (like Medigap plans), but those are separate purchases with their own costs. Similarly, AARP offers tax preparation services and legal document services, but these are add-ons you pay for separately.
How to find current pricing and promotional offers
The easiest way to see current pricing is to visit AARP.org directly and look for the membership section. AARP advertises its promotional rates prominently during enrollment periods, so you will see the offer clearly when you land on the membership page.
You may also receive promotional offers by mail if you are close to turning 50, or by email if you have visited the AARP website. These mailers often include a code that locks in a lower rate. If you receive one, note the expiration date — most promotional codes are valid for 30 to 60 days.
Calling AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 is another option. A representative can tell you what rates are currently available and whether any promotions explore to your situation. They can also answer questions about what specific discounts are available in your area.
Payment methods and how to manage your membership
AARP accepts credit cards, debit cards, and bank account withdrawals for membership payment. When you join, you choose whether to pay annually or monthly. If you pay monthly, the charge appears on your statement each month until you cancel.
You can manage your membership online through your AARP account. Log in to update your payment method, change your mailing address, or pause your magazine subscription if you want to keep your membership but stop receiving print copies. You can also see your renewal date and how much your next payment will be.
If you want to cancel, you can do so online, by phone, or by mail. AARP's 30-day money-back may provide means if you cancel within 30 days of joining, you get a refund of your membership fee. After that, cancellation takes effect at the end of your current membership period — you are not charged again if you cancel before your renewal date.
Whether AARP membership makes financial sense for you
At $16 to $20 per year, AARP membership is inexpensive compared to many subscriptions. The question is whether you will use what it offers. If you read the magazine or use the website resources regularly, the cost is low. If you take advantage of even one or two member discounts per year — say, a hotel stay or a restaurant discount — you may recoup the cost.
Some people join primarily for the advocacy and community aspects. AARP lobbies on issues affecting older adults, from Social Security to prescription drug costs. If supporting that work matters to you, the membership fee funds it. Others join for access to AARP's educational content on Medicare, caregiving, or retirement planning, which is substantial and free to members.
The best way to decide is to think about what you would actually use. If you do not read magazines, rarely travel, and do not need the online resources, membership may not be worth it to you. If you are interested in any of those things, the low annual cost makes it worth trying — especially if you use the 30-day money-back may provide to test it first.
Other AARP services that cost extra
Beyond the base membership fee, AARP offers several services with separate costs. AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service for people with low to moderate income, but AARP also offers a premium tax software option. AARP Legal Services provides access to attorneys for document preparation (wills, powers of attorney, living wills) through a membership plan that costs extra.
AARP insurance products — including Medigap, long-term care insurance, and auto and home insurance — are sold through partner companies. These have their own premiums and terms, separate from your membership fee. AARP does not sell these products directly; it partners with insurers and earns a commission, but you pay the insurance company, not AARP.
AARP also offers a caregiving resource center and support groups, most of which are free to members. Some specialized programs, like in-person caregiving workshops in certain cities, may have a small fee, but the core caregiving information and online support are included in your membership.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get AARP membership for less than $16?
Yes, AARP regularly runs promotions offering first-year membership for $12 or less. These offers vary by season and are most common during open enrollment or holiday periods. Check AARP.org or look for promotional mail to see what rate is currently available. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 to ask about current offers.
Does AARP membership include Medicare or health insurance?
No. Your AARP membership does not include health insurance, does not pay Medicare premiums, and does not provide medical coverage. AARP partners with insurance companies to offer supplemental insurance products, but those are separate purchases with their own costs and terms.
What happens if I cancel my membership?
You can cancel anytime online, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP refunds your membership fee. After 30 days, cancellation takes effect at the end of your current membership period, and you are not charged for renewal. You can also pause your magazine subscription while keeping your membership active.
Do I have to renew my membership every year?
Yes, AARP membership is annual. You are charged each year on your renewal date unless you cancel before that date. You can set up automatic renewal or choose to renew manually each year — either way, you control when it ends.
Is there a family or household membership plan?
No. Each person must have their own AARP membership at the individual rate. There is no discount for couples or families, so if both spouses want to join, each pays $16 for the first year and $20 annually after that.