What AARP membership costs and what you get

AARP 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 become a member the moment you pay and provide your information — there is no waiting period or approval process.

Your membership gives you access to AARP's magazine, website resources, and discounts at retailers, restaurants, hotels, and car rental companies. You also get access to AARP's online community forums, health and wellness tools, and financial planning resources. The specific discounts change by location and partner, so what is available near you may differ from what is available elsewhere.

You must be 50 or older to join. If you are under 50 but your spouse is 50 or older, you can join as part of a household membership, though you will not receive the same materials or access to all member benefits until you reach 50.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership requires you to be at least 50 years old and costs $16 per year for an individual or $27 per year for a household of two.
  • You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a paper form, and membership begins when ready after payment.
  • Your membership card arrives by mail within two to three weeks, but you can start using your membership benefits right away with your confirmation number.
  • AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide if you join and decide membership is not right for you.
  • Discounts and programs vary by state and partner company, so the benefits available to you depend on where you live.

Joining online through the AARP website

The fastest way to join is through aarp.org. Go to the membership page and select whether you want an individual or household membership. You will enter your name, date of birth, email address, and mailing address. AARP will ask for a payment method — they accept credit cards, debit cards, and bank account transfers.

After you complete payment, you will receive a confirmation number and temporary membership ID on screen. You can use this temporary ID when ready to access member discounts and online resources. Your official membership card will arrive by mail within two to three weeks. If you do not receive it after four weeks, call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 to request a replacement.

During signup, AARP will offer you the option to add supplemental products like auto insurance, health insurance, or travel protection. These are separate from your membership and cost extra. You do not need to buy any of these to be a member.

Joining by phone or mail

If you prefer not to join online, you can call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277. A representative will walk you through the membership options, answer questions about discounts in your area, and process your payment over the phone. This call usually takes 10 to 15 minutes. You will receive your confirmation number when ready and can start using your membership benefits the same day.

You can also join by mail. Visit aarp.org and read the paper membership form, or call 1-888-687-2277 and ask for a form to be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your name, date of birth, address, and payment information. Mail it back to the address on the form along with a check or money order. Processing takes two to three weeks from the date AARP receives your form, and your membership begins on the date they receive payment.

What happens after you join

Once your membership is active, you can log into your account at aarp.org using your email address and a password you create. From your account, you can view your membership card, update your contact information, manage your email preferences, and explore member discounts by category or location.

AARP will send you a welcome email with links to member resources and a guide to discounts available in your state. You will also receive AARP Magazine, which comes to your home every other month. If you prefer not to receive the print magazine, you can opt out in your account settings and read it online instead.

Your membership renews automatically each year on your membership anniversary date. AARP will charge your payment method on file about two weeks before your renewal date. You will receive an email reminder before the charge goes through. If you want to cancel before renewal, you can do so in your account settings or by calling member services.

The 30-day money-back may provide

AARP offers a 30-day money-back may provide. If you join and decide within 30 days that membership is not right for you, you can request a full refund of your membership fee. You do not need to provide a reason, and you will keep your membership benefits through the end of the 30-day period.

To request a refund, call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 or log into your account at aarp.org and select the cancellation option. Refunds are processed within two to four weeks and are returned to the payment method you used to join.

Discounts and benefits by state

AARP negotiates discounts with national and local partners, so what you can save on depends on where you live. Common discounts include 10 to 15 percent off hotel stays, rental cars, and restaurant chains. Many states also have partnerships with local retailers, pharmacies, and entertainment venues.

To see what discounts are available in your area, log into your account at aarp.org and search by zip code or category. You can also call member services at 1-888-687-2277 and ask what major discounts are active in your state. Some discounts require you to show your membership card or enter a code at checkout, while others are automatic when you provide your membership number.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, whether you are working, retired, or not in the workforce. Your employment status does not affect your membership or the benefits you receive.

Can I give my membership card to someone else to use?

No. Your membership is personal to you and tied to your name and date of birth. Discounts require you to present your own card or provide your own membership number. Sharing your membership violates AARP's terms and can result in cancellation.

What if I move to a different state after I join?

Your membership stays active and follows you. Log into your account at aarp.org and update your address. Your discounts and benefits will adjust to reflect your new location. You do not need to rejoin or pay again.

Can I pause my membership instead of canceling it?

AARP does not offer a pause option. If you want to stop your membership temporarily, you can cancel and rejoin later. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, you can request a refund. After 30 days, cancellation is final, though you can rejoin at any time by paying the annual fee again.

Is there a senior discount on AARP membership itself?

AARP does not offer a reduced membership rate based on age. The cost is $16 per year for individuals and $27 per year for households regardless of how old you are, as long as you meet the 50-year-old minimum.