What AARP's portal gives you and how to get your free guide
AARP's online portal is a members-only website where you can manage your membership, read health and caregiving articles, access discounts, and find local programs in your area. You reach it by going to aarp.org, signing in with your email address and password, or creating an account if you are new. Once you are logged in, the portal shows you personalized content based on your interests and membership status.
The portal is free to use if you are an AARP member. Membership itself costs money — currently $16 per year for a standard membership — but the online tools and most articles are included once you join. You do not need to read anything; you access it through any web browser on a computer, tablet, or phone.
Key Takeaways
- Sign in at aarp.org with your email and password to reach member-only content, discounts, and local program information.
- The portal lets you update your membership details, manage communications preferences, and view your membership card digitally.
- You can search for programs and services by location, including caregiving resources, fitness classes, and volunteer opportunities.
- Articles on health, money, caregiving, and work are organized by topic and searchable, so you can find information relevant to your situation.
- If you forget your password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page to reset it by email.
Signing in and setting up your account
To sign in for the first time, go to aarp.org and look for the "Sign In" button in the top right corner. Enter the email address associated with your AARP membership and your password. If you do not have a password yet, click "Forgot Password" and AARP will send you a link to create one.
Once you are signed in, you can update your profile by clicking your name or account icon. From there, you can change your email address, update your phone number, adjust your communication preferences (such as how often you receive emails), and manage which topics interest you. These settings help the portal show you articles and programs that match what you care about.
If you are not yet an AARP member, you can join directly through the website. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and email. AARP will verify your age — you must be 50 or older — and process your membership, usually within a few days.
Finding health, caregiving, and lifestyle articles
The portal organizes articles into sections: Health, Caregiving, Money, Work, and Life. You can browse by section or use the search bar at the top of the page to look for specific topics. For example, if you search "arthritis," the portal returns articles about managing arthritis pain, exercises for arthritis, and medication information.
Articles are written for a general audience and often link to other resources, such as government websites or nonprofit organizations. They are not medical information, but they can help you understand a topic before you talk to your doctor. Many articles also include a "Resources" section at the bottom with links to organizations that offer more detailed information or support.
You can save articles to read later by clicking a bookmark or heart icon (the exact icon varies by page). Your saved articles appear in a "My Saved" or "Favorites" section of your account, so you can return to them without searching again.
Searching for local programs and services
The portal includes a tool to find programs and services near you. Look for a "Find Programs" or "Services Near You" section, or search by your zip code. You can filter by category — such as fitness classes, volunteer opportunities, caregiving support, or financial planning — and the portal shows you what is available in your area.
Results include the program name, location, contact information, and a brief description. Some programs are run by AARP itself; others are partner organizations that AARP has vetted. You can call the program directly using the phone number provided, or visit their website if one is listed.
Keep in mind that programs change. A class or service that was listed last month may no longer be running, so it is worth calling ahead to confirm times and whether spots are still open before you travel.
Viewing and managing your membership card
Your digital membership card is stored in the portal and can be shown on your phone at checkout to receive discounts. To find it, sign in and look for a "Membership Card" or "My Card" section. You can take a screenshot of the card or, on some phones, add it to your digital wallet (Apple Wallet or Google Pay) so it is straightforward to access.
Your membership card shows your membership number, which you may need when you contact AARP customer service or when you are using a discount. If you lose your physical card or your digital card is not working, you can request a replacement card through the portal, though it may take one to two weeks to arrive by mail.
Troubleshooting common portal problems
If you cannot sign in, the most common reason is a forgotten password. Click "Forgot Password" on the sign-in page and follow the steps to reset it. Check your email (including spam or junk folders) for the reset link. If you do not receive an email within a few minutes, try again or contact AARP customer service.
If you are signed in but cannot see certain articles or features, your browser may need to be refreshed. Press Ctrl+R (or Cmd+R on a Mac) to reload the page. If that does not work, try a different browser or clear your browser's cache and cookies, then sign in again. If the problem continues, AARP's customer service team can help troubleshoot.
To reach AARP customer service, call 1-888-687-2277 (toll-free) or visit the "Contact Us" page on aarp.org. Have your membership number ready. Customer service hours are typically Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time, though hours may vary by season.
Using the portal on mobile devices
The AARP portal works on phones and tablets through any web browser. You can also read the official AARP app (available on Apple App Store and Google Play) for a mobile-optimized experience. The app includes the same sign-in, articles, and program search features as the website, plus push notifications for articles on topics you follow.
Whether you use the website or the app, your account is the same. Articles you save on your phone will appear in your saved list on a computer, and vice versa. If you prefer not to use the app, the website works just as well on a mobile browser.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be an AARP member to read articles on aarp.org?
No. Many articles are free to read without signing in. However, some content and all member-exclusive discounts and program searches require you to be signed in as a member. If you see a "Sign In" prompt, you can either sign in or look for similar information elsewhere on the site that does not require membership.
Can I change my password after I set it up?
Yes. Sign in to your account, go to your profile or account settings, and look for a "Change Password" or "Security" option. You will need to enter your current password and then create a new one. If you forget your current password, use the "Forgot Password" link on the sign-in page instead.
What if I do not want to receive emails from AARP?
You can manage your email preferences in your account settings. Sign in, go to your profile, and look for "Communication Preferences" or "Email Settings." You can choose which types of emails you want to receive — such as newsletters, program updates, or promotional offers — or unsubscribe from all emails. You can change these settings anytime.
Is my information safe on the AARP portal?
AARP uses encryption and security measures to protect your personal information. Your password is not shared with anyone, and you should never share it. If you use a shared computer, always sign out when you are done. If you notice suspicious activity on your account, contact AARP customer service right away.
Can I use the portal if I do not have an email address?
The portal requires an email address to sign in. If you do not have one, you can create a free email account through Gmail, Yahoo, or Outlook. Once you have an email address, you can use it to set up your AARP account and access the portal.