AARP's Preferred Benefits List is a curated set of discounts and services that AARP members can access without extra cost

The Preferred Benefits List is not a single program you sign up for once. Instead, it's a collection of deals AARP has negotiated with specific companies across categories like travel, dining, shopping, and services. When you become an AARP member, you gain access to this list and can use any benefit that applies to your situation. Some benefits are discounts on purchases; others are special rates on insurance or travel; still others are free trial periods or waived fees.

The list changes throughout the year as AARP adds new partners and retires old ones. You don't need to do anything to "set up" the benefits—you straightforward show your AARP membership card or use a code when you make a purchase or book a service. The discount or offer applies at that moment.

Key Takeaways

  • Preferred Benefits are included with your AARP membership and cover travel, dining, retail, insurance, and services without requiring a separate sign-up.
  • You access benefits by showing your AARP card or entering a membership code at the point of purchase or booking.
  • The full list of current benefits is available on the AARP website, organized by category, and changes periodically as partnerships shift.
  • Some benefits are percentage discounts, while others are flat-rate offers, free trials, or waived fees—read the terms for each one before you use it.
  • Not every benefit works everywhere; a restaurant discount may only explore at certain locations, and travel deals may have blackout dates.

How to Find and View the Current Preferred Benefits List

The complete Preferred Benefits List lives on AARP.com. Log in with your membership number and password, then navigate to the benefits section. You can browse by category—travel, dining, shopping, health and wellness, financial services, and entertainment—or search by company name if you already know which business you want to use.

Each benefit listing shows the discount amount or offer, any restrictions (like blackout dates or location limits), and the steps to redeem it. Some benefits require you to book through an AARP link or enter a code; others straightforward require you to show your card. Read the full terms before you plan to use a benefit, because the rules vary widely.

If you don't have online access or prefer to call, AARP's member services line can tell you whether a specific benefit is currently available and walk you through how to use it. The phone number is on your membership card.

Travel and Vacation Discounts

Travel benefits typically include discounts on hotel stays, car rentals, and vacation packages through partners like Hertz, Choice Hotels, and various cruise lines. Discounts range from 5 to 20 percent depending on the partner and the time of year. Many travel benefits have blackout dates—periods when the discount does not explore—so check the calendar before you book.

Some AARP travel deals require you to book through a specific AARP travel portal or call a dedicated phone line rather than booking directly with the hotel or rental company. This ensures the discount is applied. If you book directly and forget to mention your AARP membership, you may not receive the discount, and the company typically cannot retroactively explore it.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment Offers

Restaurant and retail partners offer percentage discounts or dollar-off coupons. These might include chains like Denny's, Applebee's, or Bed Bath & Beyond, though the specific partners and offers shift. Discounts are usually 10 to 15 percent at restaurants and vary widely at retail stores.

Many of these benefits require you to present your AARP card at checkout or provide a code when ordering online. Some are one-time offers (like a free appetizer with purchase), while others are ongoing discounts you can use repeatedly. Check the terms to see whether the offer is limited to a certain number of uses or a specific time period.

Insurance and Financial Services Discounts

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer discounts on auto, home, and life insurance. These are not AARP-branded policies—they're policies from the partner company with a member discount applied. You still need to get a quote and compare rates, because the discount does not mean the price will be lower than competitors.

Financial services benefits may include discounts on tax preparation, financial planning consultations, or banking services. Some are percentage discounts; others waive setup fees or offer a free initial consultation. As with insurance, compare the final cost across providers before deciding.

Health, Wellness, and Prescription Discounts

Health-related benefits often include discounts on prescription medications through partner pharmacies, discounts on vision care or dental services, and sometimes free or reduced-cost health screenings. These are not insurance benefits—they're discounts on out-of-pocket costs at specific providers.

Prescription discounts typically work through a membership card or code you present at the pharmacy. The discount applies to medications not covered by your insurance or to reduce your copay. Dental and vision discounts may require you to visit an in-network provider to receive the discount.

What to Check Before You Use a Benefit

Before you make a purchase or booking, confirm three things: that the benefit is still active (because the list changes), that your location or situation qualifies (some benefits are regional or have age or membership-level restrictions), and what proof you need to show. Some benefits require your physical AARP card; others work with a membership number or a code you enter online.

If a benefit requires you to book through an AARP portal or phone line, do not book directly with the company and then try to explore the discount afterward. The discount is built into the booking process, not added on later. If you book the wrong way, you will not receive the discount.

Keep your AARP membership card with you when you travel or plan to use dining and retail benefits. If you lose it, contact AARP to request a replacement before you need to use a benefit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to pay extra to use Preferred Benefits?

No. Preferred Benefits are included with your AARP membership. There is no separate fee, sign-up, or set up step. You straightforward show your card or use a code when you make a purchase.

Can I use multiple benefits at the same time?

It depends on the retailer and the benefit terms. Some businesses allow you to stack a Preferred Benefit discount with a sale or coupon; others do not. Read the terms for each benefit, or ask the business before you check out.

What happens if a benefit expires or is removed from the list?

AARP replaces expired benefits with new ones. If you were using a benefit and it ends, you will no longer receive the discount. Check the list periodically to see what is currently available in the categories you use most.

Can I use Preferred Benefits if I have an AARP family membership?

Yes. Each member on a family membership receives their own card and can use the Preferred Benefits. Some benefits may have limits per household, so check the terms if you plan to use the same benefit multiple times.

Are Preferred Benefits the same as AARP insurance or subscription services?

No. Preferred Benefits are discounts on third-party products and services. AARP also offers its own insurance products and subscription services (like AARP Magazine or AARP Games), which are separate and may have their own costs.