SeniorLiving.org is compensated when you click on the provider links listed on this page. This compensation does not impact our ratings or reviews.
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.
AARP Magazine. Source: 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.
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's website is jampacked with resources to aid in planning for and enjoying your life as you age, including:
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:
Save on medications with the AARP Prescription Card. Source: AARP
Did You Know: You can earn points through AARP Rewards by tracking your exercise, taking interactive quizzes, or signing up for an AARP newsletter. Cash in your points for local deals, discounted gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and charitable donations.
Did You Know: AARP discounts are just one of many ways to save! Our research team has compiled over 100 senior discounts to cash in on, from retail and grocery to insurance and travel.
AARP members have access to a wide range of AARP-endorsed insurance choices, including:
You don't have to be retired to join AARP! AARP offers two types of membership.
AARP membership card. Source: 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.
Safety Tip: Keep Your Personal Information Safe! If you create your AARP account online, choose a unique and secure password. Learn more about some of the top options for internet fraud and identity theft.
Below is a closer look at the different ways to sign up.
There are several ways to access your AARP membership card. Source: AARP
The standard yearly price for AARP membership is $16. Looking to save on membership fees? AARP provides several ways to reduce costs:
AARP Membership Term. Source: AARP
Insider Tip: Autorenewal is an easy way to keep your membership up to date. AARP will notify you each year with a reminder before your credit card is charged. You always have the option to cancel your membership at any time.
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.
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.
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.
With your AARP membership, you can add a spouse or partner for free! Once you’ve added your secondary member, their card will arrive in approximately two to three weeks.
AARP offers exclusive member-only discounts on medical alert systems, including Lively and Lifeline. Visit our Lively medical alert review and Lifeline review to learn more.
AARP Rewards is a program that allows you to earn points for various activities, like tracking your exercise, taking quizzes, or signing up for AARP’s newsletter. These points can be cashed in for local deals, discounted gift cards, sweepstakes entries, and charitable donations.
Full AARP membership is open to adults age 50 years or over. Associate membership is open to adults under the age of 50.
AARP. (2021). AARP Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere for the Third Consecutive Year.
AARP. (2018). Ethel Percy Andrus: One Woman Who Changed America.
PR Newswire. (2021). New, Expanded Member Benefits Announced for AARP Members.