AARP membership costs $16 per year for your first year, then $20 per year after that

The standard membership fee is straightforward: $16 for the first 12 months, then $20 annually when you renew. You pay this once a year. AARP does not charge monthly fees or hidden charges on top of the membership cost. If you join online or by mail, you receive a membership card in the post within two to three weeks.

Some people pay less. AARP occasionally runs promotional offers — typically $12 or $14 for the first year — but these are time-limited and advertised on their website or through direct mail. If you see a lower rate advertised, that offer applies only to new members during the promotion period.

The membership covers one person. If your spouse or partner also wants to join, they pay the same rate separately. AARP does not offer household or family plans where one payment covers multiple people.

Key Takeaways

  • Standard AARP membership is $16 for the first year and $20 per year after renewal.
  • You pay once annually, not monthly, and there are no additional hidden fees attached to membership.
  • Promotional rates of $12 to $14 for the first year appear occasionally but are time-limited and advertised directly by AARP.
  • Each person pays separately; AARP does not offer a single membership that covers a spouse or household.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and your membership card arrives by post within a few weeks.

How to pay and when your membership starts

You can pay for AARP membership in three ways: online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by completing a paper form and mailing it with a check or money order. Online payment is fastest — your membership becomes active when ready, and you can access the member website and digital benefits right away. By phone, a representative processes your payment and your membership starts the same day.

If you mail a paper form, allow one to two weeks for AARP to receive and process it. Your membership begins on the date they process your payment, not the date you mail the form. Your physical membership card arrives separately by post, usually within two to three weeks of approval.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. AARP does not offer payment plans or the option to split the annual fee into monthly installments.

What the membership fee covers

Your annual fee gives you access to the AARP website, which includes health and caregiving information, financial planning resources, and articles on Medicare, Social Security, and retirement. You receive AARP Magazine, a bimonthly publication mailed to your home. Members also get discounts on car insurance, hotel stays, and some retail purchases, though the discounts vary by provider and location.

Membership does not include free legal information, free financial planning, or free health services. AARP offers these services separately, and you pay additional fees if you want them. For example, AARP's tax preparation service (Tax-Aide) is free, but their legal services hotline charges per consultation.

The membership itself does not lower your Medicare premiums, Social Security payments, or health insurance costs. It is a membership in an organization, not enrollment in a government program.

Discounts and additional costs to know about

AARP advertises discounts on insurance, travel, and shopping, but these are negotiated between AARP and individual companies. The discount amount, what it applies to, and whether you can use it depend on the company and your location. For instance, some car insurance companies offer AARP members a discount, but not all do, and the discount size varies.

Some AARP services cost extra. AARP's tax preparation service (Tax-Aide) is free if you meet income limits, but their legal services hotline charges per call or consultation. AARP also sells supplemental insurance products — like long-term care insurance or life insurance — which have their own premiums separate from your membership fee.

If you want AARP's printed Bulletin magazine in addition to AARP Magazine, you can add it for an extra fee. Most members receive only the magazine included with membership.

Age requirements and who can join

You must be 50 years old or older to join AARP. There are no other membership restrictions based on income, health status, or employment. You do not need to be retired to join, and you do not need to be a U.S. citizen, though you do need a valid mailing address in the United States.

If you are under 50, you cannot join AARP directly. Some employers and organizations offer group memberships at discounted rates, but these still require members to be 50 or older.

Canceling your membership and refunds

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277, visiting aarp.org, or writing to AARP's customer service address. Cancellation takes effect when ready, though you keep your membership benefits through the end of the 12-month period you paid for.

AARP does not refund membership fees if you cancel partway through your membership year. If you paid $16 or $20 for a full year and cancel after three months, you do not receive a refund for the remaining nine months. Your membership straightforward ends on the anniversary date of your original payment.

If you do not renew when your membership expires, you are not charged automatically. AARP will send renewal notices by mail and email, but you must actively choose to renew and pay the fee again.

Comparing AARP to other senior organizations

Other organizations serve seniors and charge different fees. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) does not charge a membership fee — it is a nonprofit that offers information and referrals for free. The Senior Citizens League charges no membership fee either. These organizations focus on advocacy and information rather than member discounts.

Some state and local senior centers offer memberships or programs for free or at a low cost, usually under $50 per year. These typically provide in-person activities, classes, and meals rather than national discounts and magazines.

AARP's main advantage is scale: it negotiates discounts with national companies and publishes regular magazines and online content. The trade-off is the annual fee. Whether the membership is worth the cost depends on whether you use the discounts and resources available to you in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I cancel my membership early?

No. AARP does not refund membership fees if you cancel before your 12-month period ends. Your membership benefits continue through the end of the year you paid for, but you do not receive money back for unused months.

Do I have to renew my membership every year?

No. Your membership expires after 12 months, and you are not charged automatically. AARP sends renewal notices by mail and email, but you must choose to renew and pay the fee again. If you do not renew, your membership straightforward ends.

Is there a cheaper way to join AARP?

AARP occasionally runs promotional offers for new members at $12 to $14 for the first year instead of the standard $16. These promotions are advertised on aarp.org and through direct mail, but they are time-limited. After the first year, renewal costs $20 regardless of the rate you paid initially.

What if I am under 50 — can I join AARP?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. There is no exception for spouses under 50 or for younger family members. Some employers offer group memberships, but these still require members to meet the age requirement.

Does AARP membership lower my Medicare or Social Security payments?

No. AARP membership is a membership in a private organization. It does not change your Medicare premiums, Social Security benefits, or government program payments. AARP provides information and resources about these programs, but membership does not affect your enrollment or benefit amounts.