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

AARP charges a single annual membership fee. You pay once a year, and your membership covers the full 12 months. There are no hidden monthly charges, no separate fees for different services, and no charge to browse their website or read their articles.

The $16 first-year rate is a discount from the standard $20 annual rate. AARP runs periodic promotions — sometimes dropping the first year to $12 or offering multi-year discounts — so the actual price you pay may differ depending on when you join and which offer you find.

You do not pay extra to use AARP's discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, or pharmacies. You do not pay extra to access their health information or their online community. The single annual fee covers all member benefits.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 for your first year and $20 per year after that, with no additional fees for using member discounts or services.
  • Promotional offers sometimes reduce the first-year cost to $12 or bundle multiple years at a lower rate.
  • You can cancel your membership at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.
  • AARP offers a free membership tier called AARP Digital that provides access to some articles and resources without paying the annual fee.

What the annual fee includes

Your membership fee covers access to AARP's full range of member discounts. These include discounts at national chains like Best Buy, Hertz, Walgreens, and UnitedHealth insurance plans, as well as discounts at local restaurants and services in your area. The discounts vary by location and change over time.

Your fee also covers access to AARP Magazine, which arrives in print six times per year, and to AARP's website and mobile app. You can read health and caregiving articles, use their online tools and calculators, and join their online community forums.

Some AARP services do charge separately. AARP's tax preparation service (Tax-Aide) is free to members, but AARP's legal services plan, identity theft protection, and certain insurance products require additional payments beyond your membership fee.

How much you might save with discounts

Whether membership pays for itself depends on which discounts you actually use. A single hotel stay at a chain offering AARP rates, or a pharmacy discount on regular medications, can cover the annual cost. A member who uses multiple discounts throughout the year — on car rentals, restaurant meals, movie tickets, and insurance — typically saves far more than $16 or $20.

The catch is that not all discounts are large. Some retailers offer 5 to 10 percent off; others offer 15 to 25 percent. You have to know which businesses near you participate and remember to ask for the discount or show your membership card. AARP's website and app let you search for participating locations by zip code.

If you live in a rural area or rarely shop at national chains, you may find fewer local discounts available. If you already receive discounts through your employer, union, or insurance plan, some AARP discounts may duplicate benefits you already have.

AARP Digital: the free option

AARP offers a free membership tier called AARP Digital. You do not pay the annual fee, and you can read selected articles on AARP's website and use some of their online tools. You do not receive AARP Magazine in print, and your access to member discounts is limited.

AARP Digital is useful if you want to explore AARP's content and resources before paying for a full membership, or if you are interested only in reading their health and caregiving information. The trade-off is that you miss out on the discounts and the print magazine.

Payment methods and billing

You can pay for AARP membership by credit card, debit card, or bank account withdrawal. AARP bills you once per year on your membership anniversary. You can manage your membership and update your payment information through your AARP account online.

If you join through a third-party retailer — for example, buying a membership card at a pharmacy or through a direct-mail offer — the cost and billing process may differ slightly. Always check the terms of the specific offer you are using.

Canceling and refunds

You can cancel your AARP membership at any time by calling AARP's member services line or through your online account. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP refunds your full membership fee. If you cancel after 30 days, you receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership year.

For example, if you pay $20 for a full year and cancel after six months, you would receive a refund for the remaining six months. The exact refund amount depends on the date you cancel and the date your membership year ends.

Group and household memberships

AARP does not offer a separate household or family plan. Each person who wants AARP membership must pay the individual annual fee. However, if you are part of a group — such as an employer, union, or professional association — that has negotiated a group rate with AARP, you may pay a lower fee. Group rates vary depending on the organization.

Some employers and unions cover AARP membership as a retiree benefit, meaning you do not pay the fee yourself. If your employer or union offers this, you would receive information about it when you become may be able to access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP membership for less than $16?

AARP runs periodic promotions that reduce the first-year cost to $12 or offer multi-year discounts. You can also check whether your employer, union, or professional association has negotiated a group rate. Some organizations cover AARP membership for retirees at no cost to you.

Do I have to renew my membership every year?

Yes, AARP membership is annual. You are billed once per year on your membership anniversary. You can cancel at any time and receive a refund for the unused portion of your membership year.

What happens if I don't use the discounts — is membership still worth it?

That depends on what you value. If you read AARP Magazine or use their website for health and caregiving information, membership has value even without discounts. If you use no discounts and do not read the magazine, AARP Digital (the free tier) may be a better fit.

Are there any hidden fees or charges after I join?

No. Your annual membership fee covers all standard member benefits and discounts. Some optional services — like AARP's legal services plan, identity theft protection, or certain insurance products — charge separately, but you choose whether to purchase them.

Can I get a refund if I'm not satisfied?

Yes. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP refunds your full membership fee. After 30 days, you receive a prorated refund for the unused portion of your membership year.