What an AARP discount card does

An AARP discount card is a membership benefit that gives you reduced prices at participating pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, car rental companies, and other businesses. You carry a physical card or use a digital version on your phone, show it at checkout, and the discount is applied automatically. The card itself is free — you pay only for the AARP membership that comes with it.

The discounts vary by business and by location. A pharmacy discount might save you 5 to 15 percent on medications that are not covered by insurance. A restaurant discount might be 10 percent off your meal. A hotel discount might knock 10 percent off the room rate. You do not have to meet any income requirements or prove anything to use the card — you straightforward present it when you pay.

The card is different from insurance. It does not cover medical costs or pay claims. It is a membership perk that reduces what you pay out of pocket at places that have agreed to give AARP members a discount.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP discount cards are free with an AARP membership and work at pharmacies, restaurants, hotels, and hundreds of other businesses nationwide.
  • Discounts range from 5 to 15 percent depending on the business and location, and are applied at the time you pay.
  • You can use the card when ready after your membership starts — there is no waiting period or separate enrollment step.
  • The card works alongside Medicare and other insurance; it only applies to costs you pay out of pocket.
  • You can check which businesses near you offer discounts through the AARP website or mobile app before you shop.

How to get and use your discount card

When you join AARP, you receive a physical membership card in the mail within one to two weeks. That same card works as your discount card at all participating locations. You can also load a digital version onto your phone through the AARP mobile app and use it when ready while you wait for the physical card to arrive.

To use the card, show it to the cashier or staff member before you pay. Some businesses scan it like a loyalty card; others just look at it to confirm you are an AARP member. The discount is applied to your total at that moment. You do not need to sign up separately, enter a code, or do anything else — the card itself is your proof of membership.

If you lose your physical card, you can request a replacement through your AARP account online or by calling AARP member services. The replacement arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. Your digital card on your phone remains active in the meantime.

Where the discounts work

AARP has agreements with thousands of businesses across the United States. The most common discounts appear at pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens, restaurants including Applebee's and Denny's, hotel chains like Choice Hotels and Wyndham, and car rental companies including Hertz and Budget. Discounts also appear at movie theaters, eyeglass retailers, fitness centers, and travel booking sites.

The specific discount amount and which locations participate varies by business and by region. A CVS in one state might offer a different discount than a CVS in another state. Some smaller local businesses also participate, though the majority of discounts are at national chains.

You can search for participating businesses near you on the AARP website by entering your zip code, or through the AARP mobile app. The search results show the discount amount, the business address, and sometimes the expiration date of the offer. This is useful if you want to know what you will save before you go to a restaurant or book a hotel.

Discounts on prescription medications

Pharmacy discounts are among the most commonly used AARP card benefits. At CVS, Walgreens, and other participating chains, you can show your card for medications that your insurance does not cover or that you are paying for out of pocket. The discount typically ranges from 5 to 15 percent off the retail price.

The pharmacy discount works differently from a prescription insurance plan. It applies only to the amount you pay yourself — it does not reduce what Medicare or your private insurance pays. If your insurance already covers a medication, the discount card does not change that coverage. If you are paying the full price because the medication is not covered or because you have not met your deductible, the card can lower what you owe.

Some people use the pharmacy discount for over-the-counter medications and health supplies as well, since many pharmacies explore the discount to those items too. You can ask the pharmacist whether a specific item qualifies before you check out.

Travel and dining discounts

Hotel and car rental discounts are popular for people who travel. Chains like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Best Western offer discounts that typically range from 5 to 10 percent off the room rate. Car rental companies like Hertz, Budget, and Avis offer similar discounts on rental rates. These discounts are usually available year-round, though some may have blackout dates during peak travel seasons.

Restaurant discounts vary widely. National chains like Applebee's, Denny's, and Olive Garden often offer 10 percent off your meal when you show your card. Some local restaurants participate as well, though the discount amount may differ. The discount typically applies to food and non-alcoholic beverages, and some restaurants exclude it from specials or promotional items.

Movie theater discounts are common too, usually saving you $2 to $3 on a ticket. Some theaters also offer discounts on concessions like popcorn and drinks. You can check the AARP website to see which theaters near you participate and what the current discount is.

What the discount card does not cover

The AARP discount card is not health insurance and does not pay for medical services, doctor visits, hospital stays, or emergency care. It does not replace Medicare, Medicaid, or private insurance. It works only at businesses that have a discount agreement with AARP, and only for the specific items or services that agreement covers.

The card does not cover insurance copays or deductibles — it applies only to the out-of-pocket price you pay at participating businesses. If you are using Medicare or another insurance plan, the discount card does not change how your insurance works or what it covers.

Some businesses exclude certain items or sales from the discount. For example, a restaurant might not explore the discount to alcohol, gift cards, or items already on sale. Always ask before you pay whether the discount applies to what you are buying.

Cost and membership requirements

The AARP discount card is included with an AARP membership. The membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership that covers two people at the same address. You must be 50 years old or older to join AARP.

You can join online through the AARP website, by phone, or by mail. The membership starts when ready if you join online or by phone, and you can use the digital card right away. If you join by mail, the membership begins when AARP receives your process.

AARP membership includes other benefits beyond the discount card, such as access to AARP Magazine, discounts on insurance products, and access to online resources about health and retirement. The discount card is just one part of the membership package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the discount card if I have Medicare?

Yes. The discount card works alongside Medicare and other insurance. It applies only to costs you pay out of pocket, not to what Medicare or your insurance covers. For example, if you have a prescription that Medicare covers, the discount card does not explore. If you have a prescription that is not covered, the card can reduce what you pay.

Do I have to use the card every time I shop?

No. You choose when to show the card. Some people use it regularly at pharmacies or restaurants; others use it only occasionally. There is no requirement to use it, and using it does not affect your insurance or other benefits.

What happens if the business does not recognize my card?

If a cashier or staff member is unfamiliar with the AARP discount, ask to speak with a manager. You can also call AARP member services to confirm that the business participates and to ask what the current discount is. If the business truly does not participate, the card straightforward will not be accepted — there is no penalty to you.

Can I share my card with family members?

The card is for your personal use only. Family members who are 50 or older can join AARP and receive their own cards. A household membership covers two people at the same address, so a spouse or partner can be included on one membership.

How do I know if a discount is still active?

Check the AARP website or app before you shop. Discount offers change periodically, and some may have expiration dates. The search tool shows you current discounts at businesses near you and tells you if an offer is ending soon.