How to contact AARP by phone, email, and online chat

AARP's main customer service line is 1-888-687-2277. This number works for membership questions, billing issues, magazine subscriptions, and general account help. The line is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Wait times are usually shortest early in the morning or mid-afternoon on weekdays.

You can also reach AARP through their website at aarp.org. Look for the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of any page — it will show you options for your specific question. AARP offers online chat during the same hours as phone support, and you can submit written questions through their contact form if you prefer not to call or chat in real time.

For membership-specific issues, you may also find a phone number on your membership card or in your welcome materials. Some departments, like AARP's insurance programs, have separate customer service lines listed on your policy documents or statements.

Key Takeaways

  • Call AARP customer service at 1-888-687-2277 Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, or Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time for membership, billing, and account questions.
  • Online chat and written contact forms are available through aarp.org if you prefer not to call, using the same hours as phone support.
  • Have your membership number or account information ready before you call to speed up the process.
  • Insurance-related questions may have a separate customer service number found on your policy documents or statements.
  • Early morning and mid-afternoon weekday calls typically have shorter wait times than late morning or late afternoon.

What information to have ready before you call

Gathering a few pieces of information before you dial saves time on hold and gets your issue resolved faster. Have your AARP membership number available — it appears on your membership card and in any welcome emails. If your question is about billing or a specific account, also locate your most recent statement or invoice.

If you are calling about a magazine subscription, have the mailing address on file ready to confirm. For insurance questions, pull out your policy number and any recent correspondence about your claim or coverage. If you are reporting a problem with the AARP website or app, note the exact error message you saw and what you were trying to do when it happened.

Write down the main reason for your call in one or two sentences. When the representative answers, leading with this helps them route you to the right department when ready rather than transferring you multiple times.

Common reasons people contact AARP customer service

The most frequent calls are about membership status — whether a membership is active, how to renew it, or how to update contact information. Billing questions come in second: charges that appear unfamiliar, duplicate charges, or requests to change a payment method. Magazine subscribers often call to report missed issues, change their mailing address, or pause delivery.

AARP also handles questions about member discounts and how to use them at partner retailers and restaurants. Some callers need help navigating the AARP website or app, or they want to know which programs or services are included with their membership level. Insurance customers call with questions about coverage, claims, or switching plans.

Less common but still handled by the main line are requests to cancel membership, complaints about unwanted mail or email, and questions about AARP's advocacy work or publications.

What to do if you cannot reach customer service

If the phone line is busy or you reach a message saying wait times are too long, try calling back 30 minutes later or the next morning. AARP's system does not offer callback options, so you will need to call again. Online chat often has shorter waits than phone lines during peak hours, so that is a good alternative if you are having trouble getting through by phone.

You can also submit a written question through the contact form on aarp.org and expect a response within one to two business days. This method works well if your question is not urgent or if you prefer written communication. For time-sensitive issues like a billing error or a missed payment important date, calling remains the fastest option.

If you are an AARP member and have a complaint about customer service itself — such as a rude representative or an unresolved issue — ask to speak with a supervisor during your call, or mention this in your written contact form submission.

Understanding AARP membership levels and what each includes

AARP offers a standard membership and a premium membership. Standard membership costs less and includes access to the AARP website, the magazine, and most member discounts. Premium membership costs more and adds additional benefits such as discounted legal services, tax preparation help, and access to certain online tools.

When you call customer service, representatives can explain what is included in your current membership level and what you would gain by upgrading. They can also tell you whether a specific discount or service you are interested in comes with your membership or requires an upgrade. If you are unsure which level is right for you, the representative can walk you through the differences.

Your membership level appears on your membership card and in your account on aarp.org. You can change your membership level at any time by calling customer service or updating it yourself on the website.

How to update your account information online or by phone

The easiest way to change your address, email, or phone number is to log into your AARP account on aarp.org and update it yourself in the account settings section. This change takes effect when ready. If you prefer to update information by phone, call customer service and a representative will make the change for you while you are on the line.

If you are changing your mailing address because you moved, let customer service know so they can update it for your magazine subscription and any other mail AARP sends you. The same applies if you want to change how AARP contacts you — for example, if you want to receive notices by email instead of mail, or if you want to opt out of certain types of communication.

Changes to payment methods for membership renewal or any AARP services can also be made online or by phone. If you are updating a credit card because the old one expired, do this as soon as possible to avoid a lapse in your membership.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is AARP's customer service number?

The main customer service line is 1-888-687-2277. It is open Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. Some services like insurance have separate numbers listed on your documents.

Can I cancel my AARP membership by phone?

Yes. Call customer service at 1-888-687-2277 and tell the representative you want to cancel. They will process the cancellation and may ask why you are leaving. You can also cancel online through your account settings on aarp.org if you prefer.

How long does it take to get a response if I submit a question online?

Written questions submitted through the contact form on aarp.org typically receive a response within one to two business days. Phone and chat support are faster if your question is urgent.

What if I was charged twice for my membership?

Call customer service right away with your membership number and recent statements showing both charges. Representatives can review your account, confirm the duplicate charge, and process a refund. Keep records of the charges and any confirmation numbers you receive.

Does AARP have customer service on weekends?

Yes, AARP is open Saturday 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Eastern time. They are closed on Sundays and federal holidays. For non-urgent questions, you can submit them online anytime and receive a response within one to two business days.