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

AARP charges a single annual membership fee that covers one person. You pay $16 for the first 12 months, then the renewal rate is $20 per year. There are no hidden monthly charges, no separate fees for different services, and no cost to use AARP's website or call their helpline. You pay once a year, and your membership runs for 12 months from the date you join.

If you join partway through the year, your membership still runs for a full 12 months from your join date — AARP does not prorate the fee. Some employers and organizations offer group AARP memberships at a discount, sometimes as low as $12 for the first year, but the standard individual rate is $16 initially and $20 thereafter.

Key Takeaways

  • Your first year of AARP membership costs $16, and renewal costs $20 each year after that.
  • You pay one flat annual fee with no monthly charges or additional service fees.
  • Some employers and unions offer discounted group memberships, sometimes $12 or less for the first year.
  • AARP membership includes access to their magazine, website resources, and member discounts on insurance, travel, and retail.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining.

How to pay and when your membership starts

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form sent to you. Online is the fastest route — you enter your name, date of birth, address, and payment method, and your membership begins when ready. By phone, a representative walks you through the same information and can answer questions about what membership includes. By mail, you fill out a form, include a check or credit card information, and mail it to the address on the form; membership starts when AARP receives and processes your payment.

You pay with a credit card, debit card, or check. AARP does not charge a setup fee or processing fee on top of the membership cost. Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks of joining. Until it arrives, you can use your membership number (given to you when ready upon joining online, or by phone after you complete the call) to access member discounts at some retailers and to log into the AARP website.

What membership includes for the $16 or $20 annual fee

Your membership gives you access to AARP Magazine, which arrives six times per year in print and is also available online. You get a login to aarp.org, where you can read health articles, financial planning guides, and caregiving resources. You can call AARP's helpline for questions about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and other topics — this service is included with membership and does not cost extra.

Membership also unlocks discounts on car insurance, home insurance, and travel. AARP negotiates rates with insurance companies and travel providers, and members can see quotes without paying a separate fee. You also get discounts at some pharmacies, hotels, and restaurants, though the specific retailers and discount amounts vary by location and change over time. None of these discounts require an additional membership tier or payment.

Group memberships through employers or organizations

If your employer, union, or professional organization has a group membership agreement with AARP, you may be able to join at a lower rate. Group rates typically start at $12 for the first year instead of $16, though the exact price depends on the organization's agreement with AARP. To learn about your employer or union offers group membership, ask your human resources department or union representative, or call AARP at 1-888-687-2277 and provide your employer name.

Group membership covers the same benefits as individual membership — there is no difference in what you receive. The only difference is the price. If you join through a group, your membership still renews at the standard rate ($20 per year) unless your employer continues to sponsor group memberships and you renew through them again.

Cancellation and refunds

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling 1-888-687-2277 or by logging into your account on aarp.org and managing your membership settings. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable, but you can still cancel and your membership will end on the date you request.

If you cancel before your renewal date, you keep your membership benefits until the end of your paid 12-month period. For example, if you join on January 15 and cancel on March 1, your membership remains active until January 14 of the following year. You will not be charged for renewal.

Comparing AARP to other senior membership programs

Other organizations offer memberships for older adults, though they charge different amounts and include different benefits. The National Council on Aging does not charge a membership fee but offers some resources online. Some state and local senior centers offer memberships or programs for a small fee, usually $10 to $50 per year, but benefits are limited to local activities and services. AARP's $16 first-year cost is competitive with other national programs that offer magazine subscriptions, online resources, and negotiated discounts.

The main difference is scale: AARP has negotiated discounts with national retailers and insurance companies, so the discounts available to members are broader than what a local senior center can offer. If you are primarily interested in local programs and activities, a local senior center membership may be a better fit. If you want access to national discounts and a magazine subscription, AARP's annual fee is the standard option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certain age to join AARP?

You must be 50 or older to join AARP. When you join, you provide your date of birth, and AARP verifies that you meet the age requirement before processing your membership. If you are under 50, you cannot join.

Can I get a refund if I change my mind after 30 days?

No. AARP refunds membership fees only if you cancel within 30 days of joining. After 30 days, the fee is non-refundable. You can still cancel your membership at any time, but you will not receive money back for the time you have already paid for.

Does AARP charge monthly instead of yearly?

No. AARP charges one annual fee only — $16 for the first year, then $20 per year. There are no monthly charges, no automatic recurring payments, and no surprise fees. You pay once per year on your membership anniversary.

What happens if I don't renew my membership?

Your membership ends on the date your 12-month period expires. You will no longer have access to member discounts, the AARP website login, or the helpline. AARP will send you renewal notices by mail and email before your membership expires, but you are not required to renew.

Can I pause my membership instead of canceling?

AARP does not offer a pause option. You can either keep your membership active or cancel it. If you cancel and later want to rejoin, you can sign up again and pay the membership fee at that time.