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 renew, the cost is $24 annually. AARP occasionally runs promotional offers — sometimes reducing the first-year rate to $12 or $8 — but the renewal price stays at $24 unless another promotion is active when you renew.
You can pay by credit card, debit card, or bank account withdrawal. AARP also offers a three-year membership option at a discounted rate if you want to lock in your cost for longer, though the exact price varies depending on current promotions.
Key Takeaways
- Standard AARP membership is $16 the first year and $24 each year after, though promotional rates as low as $8 or $12 for the first year appear regularly.
- Your membership includes access to discounts on hotels, rental cars, restaurants, and retail stores, plus AARP Magazine and the AARP Bulletin newsletter.
- AARP membership also provides access to their website resources on health, caregiving, money, and work — no separate fee for these sections.
- You can cancel within 30 days of joining and receive a full refund if you change your mind.
- AARP offers a three-year membership option at a lower per-year rate if you prefer to pay upfront for multiple years.
What's included in the basic membership price
Your membership includes AARP Magazine, which arrives six times a year, and the AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter covering health, money, and lifestyle topics. You also get access to AARP.org, where you can read articles, watch videos, and use tools on topics like Social Security, Medicare, caregiving, and retirement planning.
The membership unlocks discounts at major hotel chains (Hilton, Marriott, Wyndham), car rental companies (Hertz, Avis, Budget), restaurants, and retail stores. The discount amounts vary by business — some offer 10 percent off, others offer specific deals on certain products or services. You show your AARP membership card or provide your membership number when you book or check out.
You also get access to AARP's member-only events, webinars, and local chapter activities in your area. These are free to attend once you are a member.
Membership add-ons and optional services
AARP offers several services beyond the basic membership that cost extra. AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance and AARP Medicare Advantage plans are sold through partner insurance companies — these have their own premiums and are not included in your membership fee. AARP also offers auto and home insurance through partner companies, with rates that vary by location and coverage.
AARP's tax preparation service, AARP Tax-Aide, is free to members, but you must find a volunteer preparer near you and schedule an appointment. AARP's legal services network connects you with attorneys in your area at discounted rates, but you pay the attorney directly for the work.
Some local AARP chapters offer additional programs or classes — for example, driver safety courses or financial planning workshops — and may charge a small fee for these, separate from your membership.
How to pay and manage your membership
You can join AARP online at AARP.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form that comes in promotional materials. Online is the fastest option — you enter your information, choose your payment method, and your membership becomes active when ready.
You can manage your membership online through your AARP account. You can update your address, payment method, and communication preferences, and you can renew your membership before it expires. If you want to cancel, you can do so online or by calling customer service.
AARP sends renewal notices before your membership expires, usually 30 to 60 days in advance. You can renew online, by phone, or by mail. If you do not renew by the expiration date, your membership ends and you lose access to member discounts and the website.
When promotional rates explore and how they work
AARP runs promotions throughout the year, especially around holidays and during open enrollment periods. These promotions typically reduce the first-year membership fee — for example, $12 instead of $16, or $8 instead of $16. The renewal price remains $24 unless a new promotion is active when you renew.
Promotional rates are usually advertised through email, direct mail, or AARP's website. If you see a promotional offer, you can use it when you join. If you miss a promotion and join at the regular $16 rate, you cannot retroactively explore a lower promotional rate to your membership.
Comparing AARP membership to other senior discount programs
Other organizations offer senior discounts without a membership fee. Many retailers, restaurants, and attractions offer a senior discount (usually 10 percent) straightforward by showing a photo ID proving you are 55, 60, or 65 or older — no membership card needed. Some examples include movie theaters, pharmacies, and state parks.
Some employers and unions offer retiree discount programs that may include travel, dining, and retail discounts similar to AARP's. If you are a retiree, check whether your former employer or union offers these benefits at no cost.
The value of AARP membership depends on how much you use the discounts and resources. If you travel frequently, rent cars, or stay in hotels regularly, the discounts may pay for the membership fee within a year. If you rarely use these services, the membership may not be worth the cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a refund if I change my mind about AARP membership?
Yes. AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide membership is not for you within 30 days, you can request a full refund. Contact AARP customer service by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or through your online account to start the refund process.
Do I have to be 50 years old to join AARP?
Yes, you must be at least 50 years old to become a member. AARP does not offer membership to people under 50. Some AARP programs and resources are open to younger family members of members, but they cannot hold their own membership.
What happens if I do not renew my membership before it expires?
Your membership ends on the expiration date, and you lose access to member discounts and AARP.org resources. You can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership fee. If you rejoin within a certain period, AARP may offer you a promotional rate to come back.
Are there any hidden fees or charges after I join?
No. The membership fee is the only charge for basic membership. Insurance products, legal services, and some local chapter programs cost extra, but these are optional. You will not be charged for anything beyond your annual membership fee unless you choose to purchase these add-on services.
Can I share my AARP membership with my spouse?
No, each person needs their own membership. However, AARP sometimes offers household rates or discounts when two people from the same household join together. Check AARP.org or call 1-888-687-2277 to see if a household rate is currently available.