What you get as an AARP member

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, publications, and programs designed for people 50 and older. The core membership includes a subscription to AARP Magazine and the AARP Bulletin (a newsletter covering health, money, and caregiving), access to the AARP website with articles and tools, and a membership card you can use at participating retailers and service providers. You also get invitations to local AARP events and programs in your community.

Beyond the basics, membership opens doors to discounts on travel, dining, entertainment, and everyday purchases. Many members use the pharmacy discount program at CVS, Walgreens, and other chains — you don't need insurance to use it, just your membership card. AARP also offers resources on topics like Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, grandparenting, and staying active, many of which are free to read online or read.

Membership costs $16 per year for a single person or $27 for a household. AARP sometimes runs promotional rates for new members. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail using a form sent to your home.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership includes a magazine, newsletter, website access, and a discount card you can use at thousands of retailers and restaurants.
  • Pharmacy discounts through CVS, Walgreens, and other chains are available to members without requiring insurance.
  • You can read articles and read guides on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, health, and money topics at no extra cost beyond membership.
  • Local AARP chapters host events, classes, and volunteer opportunities in your area that members can join.
  • Membership costs $16 per year for one person or $27 for a household, and you can join online, by phone, or by mail.

Using your AARP card for discounts

Your membership card is your ticket to discounts at restaurants, hotels, car rentals, and retail stores. Show your card at checkout or mention your membership number when booking travel or making a purchase. Not every location honors AARP discounts, so it's worth asking before you buy — many chains participate, but individual franchises may not.

The AARP website has a searchable discount locator tool that shows participating businesses near you, organized by category (dining, travel, shopping, entertainment). You can also call AARP member services at 1-888-687-2277 to ask about a specific retailer or service. Discounts vary — some offer a percentage off, others a flat dollar amount, and some explore only to certain products or times of day.

Pharmacy discounts don't require a separate card. When you fill a prescription at a participating pharmacy, straightforward provide your AARP membership number. The discount applies automatically at the register. This works even if you have Medicare or other insurance — the pharmacy discount is separate and can sometimes save you money on out-of-pocket costs.

AARP publications and online resources

AARP Magazine arrives in your mailbox six times a year and covers health, money, relationships, travel, and hobbies. The AARP Bulletin comes monthly and focuses on news, policy updates, and practical tips. Both are included with membership at no extra cost.

The AARP website (aarp.org) is open to members and non-members alike and holds thousands of free articles, videos, and downloadable guides. Members can create an account to save articles, customize topics of interest, and receive email newsletters on specific subjects like caregiving, health, or Social Security. You can read about Medicare enrollment, Social Security claiming strategies, managing chronic conditions, staying active, grandparenting, and many other topics without paying extra.

AARP also publishes free downloadable guides on topics like "Medicare and You," "Social Security Strategies," and "Caregiver Support." These are available on the website and can be printed or saved to your device. Some guides are updated annually to reflect changes in programs or tax law.

Local AARP chapters and community programs

AARP has chapters in all 50 states, and most states have multiple local chapters organized by county or region. Your local chapter hosts events, classes, volunteer opportunities, and support groups. These might include fitness classes, financial planning workshops, caregiver support meetings, technology training, or social gatherings. Many programs are free or low-cost for members.

To find your local chapter, visit aarp.org and search for your state and city, or call 1-888-687-2277 and ask for chapter contact information. Chapter staff can tell you what programs are happening in your area this month and how to register. Some chapters also coordinate volunteer opportunities, such as tax preparation help through AARP's Tax-Aide program or one-on-one technology coaching.

Programs vary by location. A chapter in a large city might offer dozens of classes and events each month, while a rural chapter might hold quarterly meetings and an annual event. Calling or visiting your chapter's website is the best way to see what's available near you.

AARP's health and caregiving resources

AARP offers free information on managing health conditions, staying active, nutrition, sleep, and mental health. Articles cover topics like arthritis management, heart health, diabetes, hearing loss, and memory changes. The website also has a symptom checker tool and links to reliable health information from sources like the National Institutes of Health.

For people caring for a family member, AARP's caregiving section includes guides on managing common caregiving tasks, finding local resources, handling difficult conversations, and taking care of your own health while caregiving. You can read about long-term care options, Medicaid planning, and how to talk with aging parents about finances and end-of-life wishes. AARP also runs a Caregiver Support Community online where members can connect with others in similar situations.

AARP's Driver Safety program offers a classroom or online course on defensive driving techniques. Completing the course may lower your car insurance premium — check with your insurance company to see if they offer a discount for AARP Driver Safety completion.

AARP's money and benefits information

AARP publishes detailed guides on Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, and managing money in later life. These guides explain how benefits work, when to claim them, and how they interact with other income. The information is free to read online or read, though it is educational material and not personalized financial information.

The website includes a Social Security calculator tool that estimates your benefit amount based on your birth year and earnings history. There are also articles on Medicare enrollment periods, how to compare Medicare plans, and what to do if you disagree with a Medicare decision. AARP's money section covers topics like scam prevention, managing debt, paying for long-term care, and estate planning basics.

AARP also offers a tax preparation program called Tax-Aide, which provides free tax help to people with low to moderate income. Trained volunteers prepare your return at local sites during tax season. You can find a Tax-Aide location near you on the AARP website.

Membership renewal and managing your account

Your membership renews automatically each year on the anniversary of your join date. AARP sends a renewal notice by mail about 30 days before your membership expires. You can renew online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by returning the renewal form by mail.

You can update your address, email, phone number, and communication preferences by logging into your AARP account online or by calling member services. If you want to pause or cancel your membership, you can do that online or by phone — member services can also tell you about any promotional rates that might explore if you rejoin later.

If you lose your membership card, you can request a replacement online or by phone. Your membership number is also available in your online account, so you can use it for discounts or pharmacy purchases even while waiting for a new card to arrive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You must be 50 or older, but you don't have to be retired. Many working people join AARP for the discounts and resources. Your employment status doesn't affect your membership or the benefits you receive.

Can I use AARP discounts if I have Medicare?

Yes. AARP membership and Medicare are separate. You can have both and use AARP discounts at the same time you use your Medicare benefits. The pharmacy discount, for example, works alongside Medicare or any other insurance you carry.

What if I don't want to receive AARP Magazine?

You can manage your communication preferences in your online account or by calling member services at 1-888-687-2277. You can choose to receive only the newsletter, only the magazine, or switch to digital versions. Changing your preferences doesn't affect your membership cost or other benefits.

Are AARP's online articles and guides really free?

Yes. AARP's website is free to browse for anyone, and members get the same access as non-members. You don't pay extra for articles, guides, or tools. The only cost is your annual membership fee, which covers the magazine, newsletter, card, and access to all online content.

How do I find out about AARP events near me?

Visit aarp.org and search for your state and city to find your local chapter's website and contact information. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 and ask what programs are happening in your area. Most chapters post their calendar online or send it by email to members who sign up for updates.