Free AARP membership and what it covers
AARP membership itself is free. You pay nothing to join, and you do not need to pay to keep your membership active. When you turn 50, you become may be able to access to join AARP at no cost.
The free membership gives you access to AARP's website, their monthly magazine, and their toll-free helpline. You can read articles about health, money, caregiving, and work. You can call 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277) to speak with someone about Social Security, Medicare, or other topics AARP covers.
Free membership also means you can attend AARP events in your community, join local chapters, and use AARP's online tools like their Medicare plan finder and Social Security calculator. None of these cost extra money.
Key Takeaways
- AARP membership is free when you turn 50, and there is no annual fee to keep it active.
- Free membership includes the magazine, website access, a helpline, and community events, but does not include insurance products or tax preparation services.
- AARP offers some services at a discount to members (like tax help through AARP Tax-Aide) but these discounts are not the same as free.
- AARP's educational guides and information sheets about Medicare, Social Security, and caregiving are free to read online or request by mail.
- Some AARP programs like driver safety courses charge a small fee, usually $15 to $20, which is lower than non-member pricing.
What costs money even with AARP membership
AARP membership is free, but some things AARP sells are not. AARP offers insurance products — car insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and supplemental health insurance — through partner companies. These are not free. You pay a monthly or annual premium, just as you would with any insurance company.
AARP also sells memberships to their travel club, which costs extra. They sell books, merchandise, and discounted services through their website. These all have a price tag.
Tax preparation through AARP Tax-Aide is free if you have a low to moderate income, but you must meet income limits that change each year. If your income is above the limit, you pay a small fee. The AARP Driver Safety Course costs around $15 to $20 depending on your state, though this is less than you would pay elsewhere.
How to tell the difference between free and paid AARP offerings
When you visit AARP.org or call AARP, look for the word "free" or a price listed. If a page says "free resource" or "free guide," you do not pay. If it says "shop," "buy," "enroll," or shows a price, you will be charged.
AARP's main educational content — articles about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health, and money — is free to read. Their downloadable guides and worksheets are free. Their calculators and planning tools are free. If you want to buy a book AARP publishes or enroll in an insurance plan, that is when money changes hands.
When you call AARP's helpline at 1-888-OUR-AARP, the call is free and the information you receive is free. Staff can answer questions about your benefits, direct you to resources, or help you understand your options. They cannot sell you anything over the phone.
AARP Tax-Aide: free tax help with income limits
AARP Tax-Aide is a program where trained volunteers help you prepare and file your federal and state tax returns for free. The catch is that your income must fall below a certain limit. For the 2024 tax year, the income limit is $64,000 for single filers and $128,000 for married couples filing jointly, though these numbers change each year.
If you meet the income limit, you pay nothing. You schedule an appointment at a location near you — usually a library, community center, or AARP office — bring your documents, and a volunteer prepares your return. The service is completely free.
If your income is above the limit, some Tax-Aide sites charge a small fee, usually $50 to $100, though not all sites offer this option. You can also use commercial tax software or hire a tax professional if you prefer.
AARP's free educational resources and how to find them
AARP publishes guides, fact sheets, and checklists about Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, retirement planning, and health topics. All of these are free to read on their website or to request by mail. You do not need to be a member to read them, though membership gives you faster access to some content.
You can read guides like "Medicare & You," "Social Security: What You Need to Know," and "Caregiving: A Guide for Family and Friends" directly from AARP.org. You can also call 1-888-OUR-AARP and ask for a printed copy to be mailed to you at no cost.
AARP also offers free webinars and online workshops on topics like managing chronic illness, planning for long-term care, and understanding your Medicare options. These are listed on their website and you can register without paying.
When AARP programs charge a fee
AARP's Driver Safety Course teaches defensive driving techniques and may lower your car insurance premium. The course costs $15 to $20 depending on your state, and you take it online or in a classroom. This is not free, but it is cheaper than most driving schools charge.
AARP's Fraud Watch Network offers free information about scams and how to protect yourself. However, if you want to enroll in their identity theft protection service, that costs money — usually around $100 to $200 per year depending on the level of coverage.
AARP's travel services, including group tours and travel discounts, are not free. You pay for the trip itself, though AARP members may receive a discount compared to non-members.
How to contact AARP and confirm what is free
If you are unsure whether something AARP offers is free, call their main helpline at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277). Staff can tell you whether a specific service, guide, or program costs money. The call itself is free and you do not need to be a member to call.
You can also visit AARP.org and use their search function to look for the topic you are interested in. Most free resources are labeled clearly. If you see a price or a "buy now" button, that item is not free.
AARP also has a local office locator on their website. You can find the AARP office nearest you and call them directly with questions about programs in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to pay to join AARP?
No. AARP membership is free when you turn 50. There is no annual fee, no hidden charge, and no requirement to buy anything to keep your membership active. You can cancel anytime without penalty.
Is AARP's Medicare information free to read?
Yes. AARP's guides, articles, and tools about Medicare are free to read on their website or to request by mail. You do not need to be a member to read this information, though members may have faster access to some content.
What does AARP charge money for?
AARP charges for insurance products (car, home, life, supplemental health), travel services, the Driver Safety Course ($15–$20), and some identity theft protection services. Tax preparation through Tax-Aide is free only if your income is below the annual limit; above that limit, some sites charge a fee.
Can I get AARP's printed guides mailed to me for free?
Yes. Call 1-888-OUR-AARP and request a printed copy of any AARP guide. They will mail it to you at no cost. Delivery usually takes one to two weeks.
Is the AARP helpline free to call?
Yes. Calling 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277) is free, and the information staff provide is free. You do not need to be a member to call, and there is no charge for the service.