AARP discounts are available to members 50 and older through partnerships with retailers, restaurants, travel companies, and service providers

AARP membership opens access to discounts at hundreds of businesses, but the discounts vary widely by company and location. Some are automatic — you show your AARP card and receive a percentage off. Others require you to shop through AARP's website or use a specific code. A few are regional, meaning a discount at one grocery chain may not exist at another. The membership fee itself is $16 per year for a single membership, or $27 for a household membership covering two people at the same address.

The discounts themselves do not require a separate process or enrollment step. Once you have your AARP card, you can use it when ready at participating locations. However, not every store, restaurant, or service provider in a given chain honors the discount — it depends on whether that individual location has chosen to participate in the AARP program.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for one person or $27 per year for two people at the same address, and discounts begin as soon as you receive your card.
  • Discounts vary by retailer and location, so a 10 percent discount at one grocery store may not be available at another location of the same chain.
  • Some discounts require you to present your AARP card in person, while others require shopping through AARP's website or entering a promo code online.
  • AARP membership also includes access to their magazine, online resources, and member-only events, separate from retail discounts.
  • You can search AARP's discount directory on their website by entering your zip code to see which businesses near you offer discounts.

Where AARP discounts are most commonly found

Grocery and pharmacy chains, including Walgreens, CVS, and regional supermarkets, often offer AARP discounts on select items or during specific promotional periods. The discount amount and which products may have access to vary by location and change seasonally. Some pharmacies offer discounts on over-the-counter medications or health supplies rather than groceries.

Hotels and car rental companies frequently partner with AARP, offering 10 to 20 percent off room rates or rental fees. You typically book through AARP's travel portal or enter an AARP code when reserving. Airlines, cruise lines, and tour operators also offer member rates, though these are often available only during certain travel windows or on specific routes.

Restaurants, movie theaters, and entertainment venues participate in AARP discounts in many areas, though participation is inconsistent. A restaurant in one town may offer a discount while the same chain's location 20 miles away does not. Always call ahead or check AARP's website before assuming a discount is available at a specific location.

How to find and use AARP discounts near you

AARP maintains a searchable discount directory on their website at aarp.org/discounts. Enter your zip code and the type of business you are looking for — grocery, pharmacy, restaurant, hotel — and the tool shows participating locations near you. The listing includes the discount amount, whether you need a code or card, and sometimes a link to book or shop directly.

For in-person discounts, bring your AARP membership card to the register or service desk. Some businesses ask to see it before you pay; others ask after. If a location says they do not honor AARP discounts, it means that individual store has not joined the program, even if other locations of the same chain have.

For online shopping and travel bookings, AARP's website often provides a direct link to the retailer's AARP page or a promo code to enter at checkout. These codes are specific to AARP members and typically cannot be combined with other discounts or sales. Read the terms before completing your purchase, as some AARP discounts exclude sale items or have minimum purchase requirements.

AARP discounts on insurance and financial services

AARP offers discounts on auto and home insurance through partnerships with companies like The Hartford and State Farm. These are not automatic — you request a quote and mention your AARP membership, and the company applies the discount if you meet their underwriting standards. The discount amount varies by state, age, and driving record.

Medicare supplement insurance plans and prescription drug plans are also marketed through AARP, though these are not discounts on existing plans — they are insurance products AARP has negotiated rates for. You compare plans and enroll directly through AARP's website or by phone.

Financial institutions offer AARP-branded checking accounts, credit cards, and investment services with reduced fees or higher interest rates on savings accounts. These products vary by state and financial institution, so check AARP's website to see what is available in your area.

What AARP membership includes beyond discounts

AARP membership includes a monthly magazine covering health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics for people 50 and older. Members also receive access to AARP's website, which has articles, tools, and resources on caregiving, retirement planning, Social Security, Medicare, and other topics relevant to older adults.

Members can attend AARP-sponsored events and workshops in their community, often focused on topics like tax preparation, fraud prevention, or health screenings. Some local AARP chapters offer volunteer opportunities and social groups as well.

AARP also provides a member helpline for questions about Medicare, Social Security, and other benefits, though this service does not replace official government resources or personalized financial or legal information.

Comparing AARP membership to other senior discount programs

Other organizations offer senior discounts without membership fees. Many retailers, restaurants, and attractions offer a standard senior discount — typically 10 percent — to anyone 55, 60, or 65 and older who asks, with no card or membership required. These discounts are often smaller than AARP rates but require no upfront cost.

Some states and localities offer senior discount programs through their aging departments or community centers. These may include discounts on public transportation, recreation programs, or property tax relief, and are usually free to residents who meet the age requirement.

Whether AARP membership pays for itself depends on how often you travel, dine out, or use services that offer discounts. If you travel several times a year or regularly use pharmacies and restaurants that participate, the $16 annual fee can be recovered quickly. If you rarely use the discounts, the membership may not be worth the cost.

How to join AARP and get your membership card

You can join AARP online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online enrollment is fastest — you provide your name, address, date of birth, and payment information, and your membership becomes active when ready. You can read a temporary digital card to use right away, and your physical card arrives by mail within two to three weeks.

By phone, a representative can answer questions about membership and process your enrollment while you wait. By mail, you complete an process form and mail it with payment; processing takes longer, typically two to four weeks.

AARP occasionally offers promotional rates for new members, such as $8 for the first year instead of the standard $16. Check their website or call to see if a promotion is currently running.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use my AARP card in person, or can I get discounts online?

Both. Some discounts require showing your card at checkout. Others are online-only and require entering a code at checkout or shopping through AARP's website link. A few businesses offer both options. Check the discount listing on AARP's website to see how each discount works.

Can I combine an AARP discount with a sale or coupon?

Usually not. Most AARP discounts cannot be stacked with other promotions, sales, or manufacturer coupons. Some retailers allow you to use either the AARP discount or a sale price, whichever is larger. Read the terms for each discount before checkout.

What if a store says they do not honor AARP discounts?

Not every location of a chain participates in AARP discounts, even if others do. Call ahead to confirm, or check AARP's discount directory, which lists participating locations by address. If a location does not participate, you can still ask if they offer a standard senior discount.

Does AARP membership cover my spouse if we live together?

A household membership for $27 per year covers two people at the same address. Both receive membership cards and can use discounts independently. A single membership covers only one person.

Can I cancel my AARP membership if I decide it is not worth it?

Yes. You can cancel online, by phone, or by mail. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP typically refunds your membership fee. After 30 days, refunds depend on AARP's current policy, so contact them directly to ask.