A Guide to AARP Memberships

What Is an AARP Membership?

The American Association of Retired Persons, better known as AARP, is the country's largest nonprofit, nonpartisan organization with the mission to empower people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age.1 If you're thinking about joining AARP, we have the inside scoop on the benefits of membership! In this article, we'll cover the wide range of AARP discounts and resources that are available and break down membership pricing, requirements, and how to become a member.

The Fast Facts About AARP Membership

• The standard price of an AARP yearly membership is $16.
• A second AARP membership is free for anyone in your household.
• AARP offers a wide range of savings, including discounts on dining, travel, health and wellness products, and entertainment.
• AARP members have access to AARP-endorsed medical, auto, property, and life insurance.
• AARP members receive AARP The Magazine, America's most-read magazine, with 36 million readers.

AARP Magazine. Source: AARP

About AARP

Ethel Percy Andrus, a retired educator from California, founded AARP in 1958. Andrus pioneered marketplace solutions to help older Americans stretch their dollars and improve the quality of their lives, such as affordable group health insurance, a discount drug-buying plan, and a travel service.2

Fast-forward to the present day, and AARP has nearly 38 million members.3 With offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP is dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults.

What Are the Benefits of an AARP Membership?

AARP memberships offer several benefits. Source: AARP

Its reputation and stature give AARP the ability to obtain deep discounts and access to competitive benefits from large companies. AARP's programs and resources lead the way for members to live their best lives.

AARP Membership Resources

AARP's website is jampacked with resources to aid in planning for and enjoying your life as you age, including:

• Financial planning and money management
• Social Security and Medicare guidance
• Health and wellness education
• Legal counsel and advocacy services
• Fraud and identity theft protection
• Family caregiving solutions
• Driver safety courses

AARP Membership Discounts

AARP's membership discounts are certainly extensive. Before you make any purchases, always ask if an AARP discount is offered. You may be pleasantly surprised! Some popular brands and discounts available to AARP members include:

AARP Health and Wellness Discounts

• Pharmacy. Save big with prescription discount cards from Kroger, Walgreens, and Walmart Pharmacy.
• Vision. Keep your vision in tip-top shape with savings, including 50 percent off prescription lenses at LensCrafters and discounted eye exams at Target Optical.
• Hearing. Receive discounted rates on hearing aid products and accessories from HearUSA.

Save on medications with the AARP Prescription Card. Source: AARP

AARP Travel Discounts

• Car rentals. Save up to 30 percent on base-model rentals at Avis, Budget, and Payless. A free car upgrade may also be available.
• Hotels and resorts. Save up to 25 percent on the best available rate at hotels and resorts, such as Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western. Some locations offer additional perks, such as late checkout.
• Airfare and vacation packages. Save up to $349 when booking a flight and hotel vacation package and up to $300 when booking a cruise through AARP's Travel Center powered by Expedia.

AARP Financial Discounts

• Banking. Receive special rates and bonuses on personal loans, high-yield savings, and no-penalty CDs from financial institutions, including Marcus by Goldman Sachs.
• Credit cards. Cash in on points and perks with AARP's own credit card through Mastercard.

AARP Technology and Wireless Discounts

• Phone plans and devices. Members can receive waived activation and upgrade fees, discounts on wireless plans, and discounted accessories from Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
• Identity theft. Save up to 25 percent on identity theft and online protection from viruses and malware with Norton 360 and Norton LifeLock.

AARP Retail and Grocery Discounts

• Flowers and gifts. Save 20 percent on online purchases from retailers, including Harry and David, 1-800-FLOWERS, Cheryl's Cookies, and The Popcorn Factory.
• Coupons. Access hundreds of free printable coupons from leading brands through AARP's Grocery Coupon Center.

AARP Restaurant Discounts

• Save 10 percent off your check. Members save 10 percent on food and nonalcoholic beverages at locations such as Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Joe's Crab Shack, and Bonefish Grill.
• Save 15 percent off your check. Members save 15 percent at Denny's locations.

AARP Insurance Options

AARP members have access to a wide range of AARP-endorsed insurance choices, including:

• Dental insurance from Delta Dental
• Homeowners, renters, and RV insurance from The Hartford
• Life insurance from New York Life
• Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage from UnitedHealthcare
• Mobile home and motorcycle insurance from Foremost
• Petplan pet insurance
• Long-term care insurance from New York Life
• Short-term care insurance from Medico
• Vision insurance from EyeMed

AARP Membership Requirements

You don't have to be retired to join AARP! AARP offers two types of membership.

1. Full membership. Adults aged 50 and over are eligible for AARP's full membership. Full members also receive a free secondary membership for their spouse or partner.
2. Associate membership. For adults under the age of 50, AARP's associate members receive all the benefits that are not limited by contract or law. Associate members are eligible to become full members on their 50th birthday.

AARP membership card. Source: AARP

How to Join AARP

AARP makes it easy to become a member! You can sign up online, by mail, or by phone. AARP's online signup process is the speediest way to begin receiving benefits. After you sign up online, you'll instantly receive a digital copy of your membership card. This digital copy can be used right away. Your printed membership card will arrive at your address in about three weeks.

Below is a closer look at the different ways to sign up.

• Join AARP online. Visit AARP's signup page. Enter your name, birth date, and billing address, along with the membership term and payment method.
• Join AARP by phone. If you'd prefer to speak to a customer service representative, contact AARP membership at 866-654-5572 between the hours of 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. (ET), Monday through Friday.
• Join AARP by mail. If you've received information on an AARP membership subscription through the mail, you can complete the membership registration and mail it back to AARP along with your payment.

There are several ways to access your AARP membership card. Source: AARP

How Much Does AARP Membership Cost?

The standard yearly price for AARP membership is $16. Looking to save on membership fees? AARP provides several ways to reduce costs:

• One-year membership subscription. Sign up for AARP automatic renewal and pay just $12 for the first year. That's 25 percent off the standard membership price.
• Three-year membership subscription. Sign up for three years and receive 10 percent off the annual rate for all three years.
• Five-year membership subscription. Sign up for five years and receive 21 percent off the annual rate for all five years.

AARP Membership Term. Source: AARP

Is There a Way to Get a Free AARP Membership?

Your AARP membership comes with a free secondary membership for another member of your household. Keep an eye out for AARP promo codes to snag free items such as Bluetooth speakers or travel bags when you join.

From time to time, Walgreens offers coupons to join AARP or renew your membership for free. You'll be provided with a personal redemption code on your Walgreens' store receipt.

Is an AARP Membership Worth It?

The rewards of AARP far outweigh the membership fee. The financial and retirement resources, insurance options, and wide range of exclusive discounts offer perks you can use daily. If you travel or dine out regularly, the savings will quickly make up for the annual cost.

Choosing to enroll in AARP is a personal choice based on your lifestyle needs and budget. If you're unsure if AARP membership is right for you, try it for one year. This will give you an idea of how often you take advantage of AARP's resources and discounts.

Final Thoughts on AARP

AARP's robust range of benefits, free second membership, and low-priced subscription make AARP an attractive option for the 50+ crowd. The fact that AARP has 38 million members speaks volumes! Overall, AARP is an excellent choice, offering benefits for just about every aspect of life.