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

AARP offers a single membership tier at one price. When you join, your first year costs $16. Starting in your second year, the annual renewal cost is $24. You can pay by mail, phone, or online. AARP also runs occasional promotions — sometimes offering the first year at a lower rate or bundling membership with other services — so the introductory price may vary depending on when and how you join.

Your membership covers one person and lasts 12 months from the date you join. If you let it lapse and rejoin later, you pay the standard renewal rate, not the introductory rate again. Membership is open to anyone 50 or older.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that, with no additional membership tiers or levels.
  • You can join online, by phone, or by mail, and membership covers one person for 12 months.
  • AARP occasionally runs promotions that may lower the first-year cost, so the price you see when you join may differ from the standard rate.
  • Your membership includes access to discounts on insurance, travel, dining, and retail, plus a subscription to AARP Magazine and access to their website resources.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and request a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining.

What your membership includes

The $16 or $24 annual fee covers access to AARP's full member benefits package. This includes discounts on car insurance, homeowners insurance, and life insurance through partner companies. You also get discounts at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and retail stores — the specific discounts change and vary by location and partner.

Your membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine, which arrives in print 10 times per year. You also gain access to AARP.org, where members can read health articles, use planning tools, access tax preparation resources, and join online communities. Some members use the site primarily for the health information; others focus on the discount codes and travel deals.

AARP membership also includes access to their member helpline, where you can call with questions about Medicare, Social Security, or other senior-related topics. The helpline does not provide legal or financial information, but staff can point you toward resources and explain how programs work.

How to join AARP

You can join online at AARP.org by entering your name, date of birth, email, and mailing address. The online process takes about 10 minutes. You will be asked to choose a payment method — credit card, debit card, or bank account. Your membership becomes active when ready after payment clears.

You can also join by phone by calling AARP's membership line at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the process and answer questions about membership benefits. Phone enrollment takes about 15 minutes.

A third option is to join by mail. You can request a membership form by calling the number above or visiting AARP.org. Fill out the form, include a check or money order, and mail it to the address provided. Mail-in enrollment typically takes two to three weeks to process.

Renewing your membership

AARP will send you a renewal notice by mail about 60 days before your membership expires. The notice includes the renewal cost and payment instructions. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail using the same methods as initial enrollment.

If you renew online or by phone, your membership extends automatically and you can use your account when ready. If you renew by mail, allow two to three weeks for processing. If your membership lapses because you did not renew, you can rejoin at any time by paying the standard annual rate.

Canceling your membership and getting a refund

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 updating your membership status. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, no refund is issued, but you can still cancel and your membership will end on the date it would normally expire.

If you cancel and later decide to rejoin, you will pay the standard annual rate. AARP does not charge a penalty for canceling or reactivating membership.

Comparing AARP membership to other senior organizations

AARP is the largest membership organization for people 50 and older, but it is not the only one. Other organizations like the National Council of Senior Citizens and the American Association of Retired Persons offer similar discounts and resources, though they operate differently and have different membership costs.

Some people join AARP primarily for the magazine and health information. Others join for specific discounts — for example, if they are shopping for car insurance and know AARP offers a rate reduction with a particular company. Many join for the combination of benefits and find that the discounts alone pay for the membership within a year or two.

If you are unsure whether membership is worth the cost for your situation, you can explore AARP.org as a guest to see what resources and discounts are available. You do not need to be a member to read many of the articles or to see which retailers and service providers offer AARP discounts in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get a refund if I change my mind about membership?

Yes. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP will refund your membership fee. After 30 days, no refund is issued, but you can still cancel and your membership will end on your normal expiration date. Call 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account online to cancel.

Does AARP offer a family or household membership discount?

No. AARP membership is individual — each person pays $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that. If two people in your household want to join, you pay twice. AARP occasionally runs promotions for new members, so it is worth checking their website to see if a discount is currently available.

What happens to my membership if I move to a different state?

Your membership remains active and covers you nationwide. AARP discounts and partner programs vary by location, so some discounts available in your old state may not be available in your new state. Log into your account on AARP.org and update your address so you receive mail at your new location and see discounts relevant to your area.

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are still working, retired, or self-employed. You do not need to provide proof of retirement status. Your age is the only requirement.

Can I use someone else's AARP membership card or discount?

No. AARP membership is personal and non-transferable. When you use an AARP discount, you typically show your membership card or provide the phone number associated with your account. Using someone else's membership is considered fraud and can result in that membership being canceled.