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Is an AARP Membership Worth It? AARP Benefits & Discounts Explained
AARP membership provides access to hundreds of benefits. From everyday savings to resources that can help you navigate life's big decisions with confidence, your AARP membership never stops working for you.
Key Takeaways:
- An AARP membership includes access to benefits, discounts and member-only offers across several categories.
- Savings opportunities highlighted in the article include travel, dining, entertainment, health and wellness and other everyday expenses.
- The article explains membership costs, answers common questions and helps readers decide whether joining is worthwhile.
The key takeaways were created with the assistance of generative AI. An AARP editor reviewed and refined the content for accuracy and clarity.
For many people, AARP membership can be worth it, especially if you take advantage of just a handful of its benefits. With access to hundreds of discounts, tools, and everyday resources — plus, AARP’s work in support of its mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age, including advocacy efforts to protect Social Security, Medicare and other priorities for people 50+ — joining AARP can make a lot of sense (even if you haven’t turned 50 yet). Because benefits and offers can change over time, AARP is the official source for the latest information about what comes with membership. The value can depend on how a member uses the benefits available to them and what matters most to their life. Many people who join AARP find membership to be well worth the cost, which starts at just $15 for your first year when you sign up with Automatic Renewal.
AARP Member Testimonials:
"With one discount they offer, it pays for the whole year."
- Kerry S. | Real AARP Member
AARP Member Testimonials:
"If you like discounts, AARP is a no-brainer."
- Pat B. | Real AARP Member
AARP Member Testimonials:
"We are thinking about Social Security…AARP is thinking about us."
- Howard & Joyce W. | Real AARP Members
AARP Member Testimonials:
"I did not know how much AARP could help me save until I joined."
- Michelle Lisa S. | Real AARP Member
AARP Member Testimonials:
"I'm not even retired yet, and I'm reaping the benefits."
- Kerry S. | Real AARP Member
AARP Member Testimonials:
"AARP speaks up about things that affect my future."
- Mary S. | Real AARP Member
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What Do You Get With an AARP Membership?
Think of an AARP membership as a mix of helpful resources, everyday savings, practical tools, and a few fun extras along the way. Members get access to hundreds of benefits designed to help you...
- Members can save money on things you already need and do – Looking for ways to save on travel, dining out or your insurance bills? AARP membership comes with hundreds of benefits that can help you save every day.
- Members can plan for the future with confidence – AARP offers a range of retirement and financial planning resources and tools, plus Social Security and Medicare guidance to help you make informed decisions and save money as you get older.
- Members can stay active, engaged and connected – You'll find a variety of entertainment benefits, health and wellness resources, volunteering opportunities, in-person and online events and more.
Some resources are available to everyone, but many benefits and discounts are only available to AARP members. Want to check out the free stuff first? Create an online account today.
What Are Some Popular AARP Benefits?
AARP membership gives you access to a huge collection of benefits you can actually use. A few examples of some of the most popular AARP benefits are provided below.
Entertainment from your couch or out on the town:
- AARP Movies for Grownups – Tune in for a free movie screening (virtual or in-person), plus find the latest movie news, interviews and more.
- AARP Games – Play dozens of fun online games and puzzles.
- Local Entertainment Offers – AARP members can find savings on entertainment activities and attractions at home and on the road — including movie ticket discounts and savings at popular theme parks like Walt Disney World®.
Travel savings and planning tools:
- Travel Planning Resources – Explore travel tips, destination guides and more resources from AARP’s travel experts to help you plan your next adventure.
- Car Rentals – AARP members get exclusive savings of up to 35% off base rates with Pay Now and other benefits at Avis and Budget.
- AARP Travel Center Powered by Expedia – Members can get exclusive deals, seasonal offers and special savings on hotels, cruises, flight packages and more.
Everyday savings that can add up:
- Restaurant Discounts – Members save at a variety of national chains like Denny’s and Outback Steakhouse®, plus you can find offers at your favorite local spots.
- Cell Phone Plans – AARP members can get two lines of unlimited talk, text and data for $55 per month and other benefits with Consumer Cellular.
- Gas & Auto Services – Members can find savings on auto insurance, fuel, roadside protection plans and more. Plus, AARP offers a variety of safe driving resources to help you feel confident when you hit the road.
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
Money, work and life planning tools:
- Financial Planning – AARP offers a wealth of retirement and planning resources, including resources to help you navigate Social Security.
- Family Caregiving – Explore resources and support services for family caregivers and their loved ones.
- Work & Jobs – Stay competitive and give your career a boost with AARP's online courses, job toolkits and resources, plus a free job search platform from AARP and Indeed.
Health, wellness and insurance-related programs:
- Medicare Resources – Explore a range of plans and tools to help you make informed decisions, navigate Open Enrollment and optimize your coverage.
- Dental Insurance – AARP members can get individual or family coverage with the AARP® Dental Insurance Plan administered by Delta Dental Insurance Company.
- Fitness Resources – The AARP Fitness Center offers a library of workout videos and resources help you on your fitness journey. Plus, members can save on gym memberships.
- Vision & Hearing – Members can take a free hearing test once a year, plus find savings on vision plans and prescription eyewear from companies like LensCrafters, Target Optical and Visionworks.
More Ways to Benefit
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How Much Does AARP Membership Cost?
The regular annual rate for AARP membership is $20 per year, but there are several ways to save:
- $15 for your first year – save 25% on the regular annual when you sign up with Automatic Renewal.
- 3 years of membership for $55 – save 8% on the regular annual rate with a one-time payment.
- 5 years of membership for $79 – save 21% on the regular annual rate with a one-time payment.
AARP also occasionally offers special sales that can bring down the cost of membership even more. The relatively low cost is why many people feel comfortable trying it — because even one or two useful benefits may offset the cost, depending on how you use it. You can also cancel your membership at any time.
What Is AARP's Membership Age Requirement?
AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older. While AARP's mission is dedicated to the needs of the 50+ population, anyone can become an AARP member for as low as $15 for the first year with Automatic Renewal. Once you’re a member, you’ll gain access to hundreds of discounts, programs and resources.
Who Should Consider an AARP Membership?
Regardless of your age, you might find AARP membership especially useful if you...
- Want to save money on travel, car rentals or filling up your gas tank
- Are looking for financial planning or retirement resources to help boost your savings and plan for the future
- Enjoy saving at local restaurants, shops and entertainment activities
- Want access to resources that can help you stay healthy and live well
- Enjoy movies, games and books
- Want to save on car insurance (on average, members save $597 with AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford)
- Want to support AARP’s mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age
Deciding to join AARP is less about how old you are and more about whether you’ll use the benefits included in membership.
How Do I Get Membership Questions Answered?
You can visit the AARP Help Center online or contact by phone at 1-888-687-2277 (Mon - Fri, 8am - 8pm ET). The Ask AARP AI assistant can also help you get quick answers to questions about membership, the benefits available to you, and how much you might be able to save with specific offers. Ask AARP can even help you find benefits nearby.
Ask AARP About Membership & Benefits
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Is AARP Membership Worth It?
AARP membership opens the door to hundreds of benefits designed to help you save money and live life to the fullest. Besides all the member discounts you might expect, every member receives AARP's award-winning publications — AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin — plus access to special members-only content online. When you join, you also get a free second membership to share all the benefits with a household member (18 years or older) at no extra cost. With all the savings, resources and tools you get, many AARP members think membership is worth the cost.
What Others Are Saying About AARP Membership:
Leading financial news organizations and trusted senior resource sites have examined the value AARP membership offers. Don't just take our word for it. See what independent experts are saying about the benefits, discounts, and resources available to members:
- CBS News: Offering reasons why membership might be beneficial, CBS News explores: Is joining AARP worth it? 5 reasons it may be
- SeniorLiving.org: For a detailed breakdown of current membership costs and benefits into 2025, check out: A Guide to AARP Memberships: 2025 Cost and Benefits
A Membership That Never Stops Working for You
AARP membership is something you can use every day. You’ll find a lot more than just savings. AARP advocates on issues that matter to you, like protecting Medicare and Social Security. Plus, AARP’s helpful tools and resources can help you navigate life's big decisions with confidence and live life on your terms.
AARP Membership & Benefits FAQs
- Standard 1-Year Rate: $20/year
- Auto-Renewal Rate: $15 for the first year
- Secondary Household Member: Free! AARP membership includes a free second membership for a spouse or partner in your household.
No. Anyone age 18 or older can become a member. While AARP focuses on advocating for Americans 50+, there are many benefits that can help you save money along with resources on topics such as caregiving, health and wellness and financial planning. However, certain age-restricted financial products and specific insurance plans remain restricted to members 50 and older.
Yes. For an annual fee of $20 (or $15 for the first year with automatic renewal), members gain access to hundreds of benefits, including discounts on travel and dining, access to insurance plans, entertainment options, savings on gas and more. Taking advantage of just one or two benefits can often offset the annual membership cost.
Popular options include travel and restaurant discounts, entertainment benefits, health and wellness tools, and insurance coverage options and more.
Yes. Your AARP membership includes a free secondary membership for one secondary adult residing in the same household, who receives their own individual membership card and full access to member benefits.
Yes. AARP does not sell insurance but provides access to AARP-branded and endorsed insurance products. These include Medicare plans from UnitedHealthcare, auto and home insurance through The Hartford, life insurance via New York Life, and dental plans from Delta Dental.
You can contact the AARP Help Center for assistance by phone at 1-888-687-2277 or online at aarp.org/help.
- Toll-Free Phone: 1-888-687-2277 (1-888-OUR-AARP)
- Spanish Support: 1-888-687-2278
- Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time (ET)
- Online Help Center: aarp.org/help
You can also get quick answers to questions about membership and benefits by using the Ask AARP AI assistant.
AARP Membership
Join AARP for only $15 per year with automatic renewal. Get instant access to members-only products and hundreds of benefits, a free second membership, and a subscription to AARP The Magazine.
Lola Webb is a Senior Marketing Communications Manager with AARP's Member Benefits Engagement & Communications team. She leads digital marketing strategies focused on helping members discover and engage with AARP's benefits, discounts and resources. Her work centers on member engagement, benefit awareness and delivering digital experiences that connect members with the value of their AARP membership.
Lauren Strasfeld is a Senior Advisor on AARP’s Member Benefit Engagement & Communications team and a subject matter expert on AARP member benefits. She helps connect members with the discounts, programs and services available through membership and works to ensure they understand and maximize the value of their AARP membership.
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