AARP membership costs $16 per year for your first year, then $24 per year after that

The standard membership price is $16 for the first 12 months when you join. After your first year, your membership renews at $24 per year. AARP occasionally runs promotional offers that reduce the first-year cost to $12 or $8, so it's worth checking their website or waiting for a mailing if you're not in a rush to join.

You become a member the moment you pay and meet AARP's age requirement — you must be 50 or older. There's no waiting period, no approval process, and no hidden fees added to the annual cost. The $16 or $24 is what you pay; nothing else is required to hold membership.

Key Takeaways

  • First-year membership costs $16, and renewal costs $24 per year after that, though promotional rates as low as $8 or $12 for the first year sometimes appear.
  • You must be 50 or older to join, and membership begins when ready after you pay.
  • The membership fee itself does not cover specific services — it gives you access to discounts, publications, and member programs that vary by what you choose to use.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time, and AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you're not satisfied.

What the membership fee includes

Your annual fee covers access to AARP's discounts and programs, but it does not mean every discount or service is free. For example, your membership includes access to AARP's magazine and website, discounts on hotels and car rentals through partner companies, and the ability to join AARP-sponsored groups and events in your area. You also get access to AARP's tax preparation information and some legal services at reduced rates.

The membership also connects you to AARP's advocacy work — your fee supports the organization's efforts on policy issues affecting people 50 and older. However, the specific value you get depends on which discounts and programs you actually use. Someone who uses hotel discounts regularly may feel the membership pays for itself quickly, while someone who doesn't travel may find value mainly in the magazine and website content.

How to join and when your membership starts

You can join online at AARP's website, by phone, or by mail. Online is the fastest route — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay by credit card or debit card. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you can start using your member number right away.

If you join by phone, call AARP's membership line and a representative will walk you through the process. By mail, you fill out a form that comes in AARP's promotional mailings and send it back with a check. Phone and mail memberships take longer to process — usually one to two weeks — so online is the quickest option if you want to use your membership right away.

Promotional offers and how to find them

AARP regularly offers reduced first-year rates, especially to new members. These promotions typically bring the first-year cost down to $12 or $8 instead of the standard $16. You may see these offers in the mail, in email if you've given AARP your address before, or on their website during certain times of year.

If you receive a promotional mailing with a lower rate, you can use the code or link in that mailing to join at that price. If you don't receive one and want to wait for a promotion, you can check AARP's website periodically or call their membership line to ask if a current offer is running. There's no penalty for waiting — the offer will still be available when you're ready to join.

Renewing your membership and cancellation

AARP sends renewal notices before your membership expires, usually 30 to 60 days in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as joining. Renewal costs $24 per year, and your new membership year begins on the date your current membership ends — there's no gap in coverage.

If you want to cancel, you can do so at any time by contacting AARP directly. AARP also offers a 30-day money-back may provide: if you join and decide within 30 days that membership isn't for you, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. You don't need a reason to cancel or request the refund — AARP will process it without questions.

Comparing AARP membership to other senior organizations

Other organizations for people 50 and older charge different amounts and offer different benefits. The National Council of Senior Citizens, for example, has no membership fee but offers fewer discounts. Some local senior centers offer free or low-cost membership and programs, though the discounts and services available vary widely by location.

AARP's main advantage is the breadth of its discount network — hotels, car rentals, insurance, and retail partners are extensive — and its national reach. If you live in an area with strong local senior services, you might find those programs meet your needs without a membership fee. If you travel or shop frequently and can use AARP's discounts, the $16 or $24 annual cost often pays for itself within a few uses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after joining?

Yes. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide from the date you join. If you decide membership isn't right for you within that window, contact AARP and request a refund. You don't need to explain why, and the refund will be processed to your original payment method.

Does AARP membership include Medicare or health insurance?

No. Your membership fee does not include health insurance or Medicare coverage. AARP does offer information about Medicare and sells supplemental insurance products through partner companies, but those are separate purchases with their own costs. Membership straightforward gives you access to information and discounts related to those services.

What happens if I don't use any of the discounts?

Your membership remains active and you keep access to AARP's magazine, website, and member events. The value of membership depends on what you use — if you don't travel, shop at partner retailers, or use other discounts, you may find the main benefit is the publications and community access rather than direct savings.

Can I pause my membership instead of canceling?

AARP does not offer a pause option, but you can cancel and rejoin later without penalty. If you cancel and rejoin within a few months, you'll pay the standard renewal rate of $24 per year. If you wait longer, you may be may be able to access for a promotional first-year rate again.

Is there a family or household membership discount?

AARP membership is individual — each person 50 or older pays their own $16 or $24 annual fee. There is no family plan or household discount that covers multiple people under one payment. Each household member who wants membership must join separately.