AARP membership costs $16 per year for the first year, then $12 per year after that

AARP charges a single annual membership fee. You pay once a year, not monthly. The first year costs $16; renewal years cost $12. That is the membership itself — there are no hidden monthly charges or surprise fees added later.

You can pay by credit card, debit card, or check. AARP also offers a three-year membership option upfront, which costs less per year than paying annually. The exact price for a three-year term varies, but it works out to roughly $10 per year when you divide the total cost across three years.

Some employers and organizations offer AARP membership as a benefit, meaning they pay the fee for you. If your employer or union offers this, you would not pay anything out of pocket. A few state and local government agencies also include AARP membership in retirement benefits packages.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership is $16 for your first year and $12 for each year after that.
  • You can pay annually, or buy a three-year membership upfront at a lower per-year rate.
  • Some employers, unions, and government agencies pay the membership fee for their employees or retirees.
  • The membership fee itself does not include discounts — you must actively use AARP's discount programs to see savings.
  • AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you join and decide membership is not right for you.

What the membership fee covers

The $16 or $12 annual fee gives you access to AARP's magazine (delivered to your home), their website with health and financial information, and their discount programs. You also get access to AARP's member-only events and webinars on topics like Medicare, Social Security, and caregiving.

The membership itself does not pay for services or products. Instead, it unlocks discounts at certain retailers, hotels, rental car companies, and pharmacies. You have to use these discounts yourself — AARP does not automatically save you money. For example, you might get 10 percent off at a hotel chain or a discount on prescription medications at a participating pharmacy, but only if you show your AARP card or membership number at checkout.

AARP also provides free tax preparation help through their Tax-Aide program, though this is a volunteer service and availability depends on your location. Member discounts on insurance products (auto, home, life) are available through partner companies, but these are separate purchases with their own costs.

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 — you fill out a form with your name, address, and birth date to confirm you are 50 or older, then pay by card. Your membership usually starts when ready, and you receive a membership card in the mail within two to three weeks.

If you join by phone, a representative can answer questions about membership and discounts before you pay. If you join by mail, you fill out a form and send it with a check. Mail processing takes longer — typically three to four weeks before your membership is active.

Your membership renews automatically on the same date each year unless you cancel. AARP sends a renewal notice before your membership expires, so you know the charge is coming. You can cancel anytime by calling AARP's member services or through your online account.

Whether the membership pays for itself

Whether AARP membership saves you money depends entirely on which discounts you actually use. If you regularly stay at hotels that offer AARP discounts, rent cars, or buy medications at a pharmacy with a discount program, the membership fee can pay for itself quickly. A single hotel stay with a 10 percent AARP discount might save you $15 to $30, which covers the annual fee.

If you do not travel, do not use the discounted retailers, or do not need the magazine and website content, the membership may not be worth the cost. Before you join, look at the specific discounts available in your area and at the places you actually shop. AARP's website lists current discounts by state and category.

Some people join primarily for the magazine and health information rather than the discounts. Others join for access to AARP's advocacy work on Social Security and Medicare policy. The value is personal — it depends on what matters to you.

Discounts that come with membership

Common AARP discounts include hotels (Choice Hotels, Hilton, Wyndham), car rentals (Hertz, Avis, Budget), restaurants (Denny's, Applebee's in some locations), and pharmacies (CVS, Walgreens, some independent pharmacies). Discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent, though some offers are deeper. Movie tickets, cell phone plans, and insurance products also have member discounts through partner companies.

Discounts change regularly, and not all are available everywhere. A discount that works in one state might not be available in another. Before you assume a discount exists at a specific location, check AARP's discount locator tool on their website or call the business directly to confirm.

AARP also negotiates discounts on health services in some areas, including vision care, hearing aids, and dental work. These are usually through partner providers, not all dentists or eye doctors. You have to seek out these providers to use the discount.

If you are not sure membership is right for you

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide within 30 days that membership is not for you, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. You do not have to give a reason. Contact AARP's member services by phone or through your online account to request the refund.

You can also try AARP's website and magazine content before you join. AARP publishes some articles and resources free on their website without a membership. This lets you see whether the content is useful to you before you pay.

Another option is to ask whether your employer, union, or professional association offers AARP membership as a benefit. If they do, you can join at no cost to you and try it risk-free for a year.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP membership for less than $16 the first year?

AARP sometimes runs promotional offers where the first-year membership is discounted to $8 or $10. These promotions are not always active, but it is worth checking their website or asking when you join. If you find a promotional offer, the renewal price after that first year is still the regular rate.

Do I have to renew every year, or can I cancel anytime?

You can cancel anytime. Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date, but you can stop the renewal by calling member services or through your online account. If you cancel before your renewal date, your membership stays active until that date.

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

No, AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. You must provide proof of age (usually your birth date) when you join. Some people under 50 can join if they are the spouse of an AARP member, but this is a separate membership category with different rules.

Does AARP membership include health insurance or Medicare coverage?

No. AARP membership does not provide health insurance or pay for medical care. AARP does sell insurance products (supplemental insurance, long-term care insurance) through partner companies, but these are separate purchases with their own costs and are not included in the membership fee.

Can I use AARP discounts without paying the membership fee?

No. You must be a current member to use AARP discounts. Some businesses may honor an expired membership card briefly, but officially you need active membership to access the discounts. The membership fee is how you gain access to the discount programs.