What the AARP Card Does and Does Not Cover

The AARP Card is a membership benefit that gives you discounts at certain retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers — not a payment card like a credit card or debit card. You do not charge purchases to it. Instead, you show it at checkout or mention your AARP membership number to receive a discount on the price. The card itself is a physical membership card that proves you belong to AARP.

The discounts vary widely by merchant and change over time. Some common categories where AARP members report finding discounts include eyeglasses, hearing aids, car rentals, hotel stays, dining, and pharmacy purchases. However, not every store in a category offers the same discount, and some may offer none at all. The card does not cover medical services, prescription drug costs through Medicare, or health insurance premiums — those are handled through separate AARP insurance products if you choose to purchase them.

The card is free to members. AARP membership itself costs money (currently $16 per year for the basic membership), but once you are a member, the card comes with your membership at no additional charge.

Key Takeaways

  • The AARP Card is a membership card that shows you are an AARP member and entitles you to discounts at participating merchants — it is not a payment card.
  • Discounts are offered by individual retailers and service providers, not by AARP itself, so the discount amount and availability vary by location and business.
  • You receive a physical card in the mail when you join AARP, and you can also access your membership number online to use for discounts that do not require showing the card.
  • The card covers retail and service discounts only; it does not cover Medicare benefits, prescription drug plans, or health insurance products sold by AARP.

How to Get the AARP Card

To receive an AARP Card, you must first become an AARP member. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. The membership process asks for your name, date of birth, address, and email. You must be 50 or older to join. Once your membership is approved, AARP mails the physical card to your address within one to two weeks.

If you have already been an AARP member and your card has expired or been lost, you can request a replacement card through your online AARP account or by calling the membership line. There is no charge for a replacement card.

Where You Can Use the AARP Card

AARP maintains a searchable database of participating merchants on its website. You can search by discount category (restaurants, hotels, pharmacies, and so on) or by entering your zip code to find businesses near you that offer AARP discounts. The database is not complete — some merchants offer AARP discounts but are not listed — so it is worth asking at checkout even if a store does not appear in the search results.

Common discount categories include national hotel chains, car rental companies, eyeglasses retailers, hearing aid providers, and some restaurant and retail chains. Local and regional businesses also participate, but the number and type of participating merchants vary significantly by area. Rural areas typically have fewer participating merchants than urban or suburban areas.

Some discounts require you to show the physical card, while others allow you to provide your AARP membership number online or over the phone. A few merchants offer discounts automatically when you provide your membership number at checkout, without needing to mention AARP at all.

What Discounts Look Like in Practice

Discounts range from 5 percent to 25 percent off, depending on the merchant and the product or service. A hotel might offer 10 percent off room rates. A car rental company might discount daily rates by 15 percent. An eyeglasses retailer might offer 20 percent off frames. A restaurant might take $5 off a meal over $25. Pharmacy discounts are sometimes percentage-based and sometimes a flat dollar amount off certain products.

The discount is applied at the point of sale — either the cashier reduces the price when you show your card, or the discount is applied when you enter your membership number online. You do not receive a rebate or cashback later. The reduced price is what you pay in that moment.

Some merchants run promotional discounts on top of the standard AARP discount, and some limit AARP discounts to certain days or times. Always ask whether the current promotion can be combined with your AARP discount, or check the merchant's website before you shop.

AARP Card Versus AARP Insurance Products

The AARP Card and AARP insurance are separate things. The card is a membership benefit that gives you retail discounts. AARP also sells health insurance, life insurance, auto insurance, and other products — these are sold by insurance companies that partner with AARP, not by AARP itself. You do not need to buy any insurance product to use the AARP Card, and buying insurance does not automatically give you better card discounts.

If you are looking for help with prescription drug costs, Medicare supplemental coverage, or other health-related expenses, those are handled through AARP's insurance partnerships, not through the card. The card is purely for retail and service discounts.

How to Check Your Membership Status and Card Details

You can log into your AARP account online at aarp.org to view your membership status, membership number, and card expiration date. Your membership number is also printed on the physical card you receive in the mail. If you need to use your membership number before the card arrives, you can find it in your online account when ready after joining.

If you lose your card or it is damaged, you can request a replacement through your online account or by calling 1-888-687-2277. Replacement cards are mailed to you at no charge and typically arrive within one to two weeks. In the meantime, you can use your membership number for discounts that accept it over the phone or online.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

The most common mistake is assuming the AARP Card works everywhere. It does not. Always check the AARP merchant database or ask the business directly whether they offer AARP discounts before you assume you will receive one. Some large chains offer discounts at some locations but not others, so location matters.

Another mistake is forgetting to mention your membership or show your card. Merchants do not automatically explore the discount — you have to ask for it or provide your membership number. At checkout, say "I have an AARP membership" or "Can I use my AARP discount?" If you are shopping online, look for a field to enter a promo or membership code before you complete your purchase.

A third mistake is confusing the card with a payment method. The AARP Card is not a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card. You cannot use it to pay for anything. You must pay with your own payment method (cash, credit card, debit card, or other) and then show the AARP Card or membership number to receive the discount.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use my AARP Card if I am not yet 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 or older. If you are younger than 50, you are not may be able to access for an AARP Card. Some organizations offer similar discount programs for younger adults, but the AARP Card is restricted to members 50 and up.

Does the AARP Card help with Medicare or prescription drug costs?

The card itself does not. It is for retail and service discounts only. AARP does offer separate insurance products that may help with prescription drug coverage and Medicare supplemental insurance, but those are different from the card and require a separate purchase.

What happens if a merchant refuses to honor my AARP Card?

First, confirm that the merchant is listed as a participating business in the AARP database and that the discount has not expired. If it is current and the merchant still refuses, you can report it to AARP through your online account or by calling 1-888-687-2277. AARP investigates complaints about merchants not honoring discounts.

Can I use my membership number instead of showing the physical card?

Yes, for many merchants. Some require the physical card, some accept the membership number online or over the phone, and some accept either. When you are about to make a purchase, ask the merchant which method they prefer, or check their website for instructions on how to use your AARP membership number.

Is there a fee to replace a lost AARP Card?

No. Replacement cards are free. You can order one through your online AARP account or by calling 1-888-687-2277. The replacement card is mailed to you and typically arrives within one to two weeks.