AARP does not offer a discount on Costco membership itself, but AARP members may receive other benefits when shopping at Costco

Costco does not partner with AARP to reduce the cost of a membership card. The membership fee — currently $65 for a Gold Star membership or $130 for an Executive membership — is the same whether you are an AARP member or not. However, AARP members who already have a Costco membership can sometimes access special offers and discounts on Costco products through AARP's website or member benefits program.

The confusion often arises because AARP negotiates discounts on many services — car insurance, travel, prescriptions — but Costco membership is not one of them. Costco sets its own membership structure and does not reduce the price for any group, including seniors or AARP members.

Key Takeaways

  • Costco membership costs the same for everyone: $65 for Gold Star or $130 for Executive, regardless of AARP membership status.
  • AARP members with an existing Costco membership may find occasional discounts on specific Costco products through AARP's member benefits portal.
  • Costco does offer a senior discount on some items in-warehouse, but this is separate from membership pricing and available to all shoppers age 55 and older.
  • If cost is a concern, ask Costco about their membership trial period or look into whether a household member's membership could cover your shopping needs.

How AARP and Costco benefits actually work together

If you are already an AARP member and already pay for Costco, you may see deals listed on the AARP website or in the AARP mobile app under a "Costco offers" section. These are typically discounts on specific products — things like vitamins, household items, or seasonal goods — not reductions in the membership fee itself. The availability and type of offer change regularly.

To see what is currently available, log into your AARP account online or open the AARP app and search for "Costco." You will see any active offers listed there. You then take that offer into the warehouse or use it online at Costco.com, depending on how the offer is structured. Not every AARP member sees the same offers, and not all offers are available in all regions.

Senior pricing at Costco that has nothing to do with AARP

Costco does offer discounts to seniors on certain items, but this is a separate benefit from membership pricing. If you are 55 or older, you can ask a Costco employee about senior discounts on specific products while you shop. These discounts vary by location and change over time, so there is no fixed list of what will be discounted on any given day.

This senior pricing is available to anyone 55 and older — you do not need to be an AARP member to receive it. You straightforward need to ask at the register or speak to a department manager. Some Costco locations are more consistent about offering these discounts than others, so it is worth asking even if you have shopped there before.

What Costco membership actually costs and what it covers

A Gold Star membership at Costco costs $65 per year and gives you access to the warehouse, online shopping, and member-only prices on most items. An Executive membership costs $130 per year and includes the same access plus additional rewards on Costco purchases and travel discounts. Both memberships are household memberships, meaning one card can be used by anyone in your household.

Costco occasionally runs promotions where new members receive a gift card or discount on their first purchase, but these are not AARP-specific. You can ask at the membership desk whether any current promotions are running when you sign up. Some employers and organizations also negotiate group rates for their members, but AARP is not one of them.

Whether a Costco membership makes sense for you

The decision to join Costco depends on how much you shop and what you buy. If you live alone or have a small household, the membership fee may not pay for itself unless you shop there regularly. If you have a larger household or buy in bulk, the member prices often offset the annual cost within a few months.

Before you commit, ask whether you can do a trial visit with a friend or family member who has a membership. Some Costco locations allow non-members to shop once or twice with a member to see whether it is worth joining. You can also ask the membership desk about their return policy — Costco will refund your membership fee if you are not satisfied, though this is typically within a set timeframe.

Other ways AARP members save money on groceries and household items

If Costco membership does not fit your budget, AARP offers other discounts that may help with grocery and household costs. AARP members receive discounts at some pharmacies, including mail-order prescription programs that can reduce medication costs. AARP also negotiates deals with certain grocery delivery services and online retailers, though these vary by region and change over time.

Check your AARP membership materials or log into your AARP account to see what discounts are currently available in your area. You can also call AARP member services to ask what grocery or household shopping discounts they currently offer. These benefits are separate from Costco and may be a better fit depending on your shopping habits.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does AARP give you a discount code for Costco membership?

No. AARP does not provide discount codes or reduced rates for Costco membership fees. The membership price is set by Costco and is the same for all members. AARP members may see occasional discounts on individual Costco products through the AARP website, but not on the membership itself.

Can I use my AARP card to get a discount at Costco?

Your AARP card does not reduce the cost of a Costco membership or give you a discount at checkout. However, if you are 55 or older, you can ask Costco staff about senior discounts on specific items in the warehouse. These discounts are available to anyone 55 and older, not just AARP members.

What if I am on a fixed income and cannot afford Costco membership?

If the membership fee is a barrier, ask Costco about their trial shopping option or whether a family member's membership could cover your needs. You can also explore other bulk retailers or discount grocery stores in your area. AARP offers discounts at other retailers and services that may help stretch your budget without requiring a membership fee.

Are there any current AARP and Costco promotions I should know about?

Promotions change frequently and vary by region. Check your AARP account online or call AARP member services to see what Costco offers are currently available to you. You can also ask at the Costco membership desk whether any new-member promotions are running when you visit.

Does Costco offer a military or senior membership discount?

Costco does not offer reduced membership rates for seniors, military members, or any other group. The membership fee is the same for everyone. However, Costco does offer senior pricing on select items in the warehouse, and military members may find discounts on certain Costco services like travel or insurance through other programs.