AARP membership gives you discounts on insurance, travel, and everyday purchases, plus access to resources on health, money, and caregiving

AARP membership is primarily a discount program. You pay an annual fee (currently $16 for the first year, then $24 per year) and gain access to negotiated rates on car and home insurance, hotel bookings, rental cars, and thousands of retail partners. The membership also includes subscriptions to AARP Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, a monthly newsletter, and access to their website's articles on health, financial planning, and caregiving.

The value depends on what you actually use. Someone who switches to AARP auto insurance might save $500 to $800 per year, which covers the membership cost many times over. Someone who never travels or changes insurance may find the membership less useful. AARP does not provide health insurance itself—it negotiates group rates with insurers like UnitedHealthcare and Mutual of Omaha, which you then purchase directly.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP negotiates discounts with insurance companies, hotels, car rentals, and retailers, but you must contact the provider directly to claim each discount.
  • AARP auto and home insurance quotes are available to members age 50 and older, but rates vary by location, driving record, and home details.
  • The membership includes free access to tax preparation help through AARP Tax-Aide, a volunteer program that prepares returns for people with low to moderate income.
  • AARP's website offers free articles and tools on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and retirement planning, but these resources are available to anyone—membership is not required to read them.
  • Discounts vary by state and change over time, so the best way to know your actual savings is to request quotes from AARP partner companies.

Insurance discounts and how to claim them

AARP's largest partnership is with insurance providers. The organization negotiates group rates for auto, home, and life insurance, but you must contact the insurance company yourself to get a quote. straightforward having an AARP card does not automatically lower your premium—you need to mention your membership when you request a quote, and the insurer will explore the group rate if you meet their underwriting standards.

Auto insurance through AARP partners (primarily UnitedHealthcare and The Hartford) is available to members age 50 and older. Rates depend on your driving record, age, location, and the vehicle you drive. Home insurance works the same way: you request a quote, mention your AARP membership, and the company quotes you a group rate if you may have access to. Some states allow AARP members to bundle auto and home policies for an additional discount.

Life insurance is also available through AARP partners, typically in the form of term or whole life policies. These are not free—you pay a monthly or annual premium—but the rates are negotiated for the group. AARP also offers supplemental health insurance (called Medigap or Medicare supplement insurance) through UnitedHealthcare, which covers some of the costs that Original Medicare does not pay.

Travel and everyday shopping discounts

AARP negotiates rates with major hotel chains, car rental companies, and airlines. Hotels like Choice Hotels, Wyndham, and Marriott offer AARP member rates that are typically 10 percent below the standard rate, though the actual discount varies by location and season. You book directly through the hotel or through a travel website and enter your AARP membership number at checkout.

Car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer AARP discounts, usually in the 10 to 25 percent range depending on the location and rental dates. Airlines do not offer blanket AARP discounts, but AARP's travel partner (currently Expedia) bundles hotel and flight bookings and applies member rates to both.

Retail discounts are available at chains like Best Buy, Rite Aid, and Walgreens, though the discount amount varies—sometimes 5 to 10 percent, sometimes a specific dollar amount on certain products. AARP's website lists current partners and their discount terms, but you should verify the discount applies to your specific purchase before you buy.

Tax preparation and financial planning resources

AARP Tax-Aide is a free tax preparation service for people age 60 and older with low to moderate income. The program is run by trained volunteer tax preparers who file your federal and state returns at no cost. You can find a Tax-Aide site near you through AARP's website by entering your zip code. Appointments fill up quickly during tax season (January through April), so registering early is important.

AARP also offers free financial planning tools and articles on its website covering Social Security claiming strategies, Medicare enrollment, retirement savings, and managing debt. These resources are written for a general audience and do not provide personalized financial information. If you need information tailored to your specific situation, you would need to consult a financial advisor or tax professional separately.

The organization publishes a monthly magazine and newsletter with articles on health, money, and caregiving. Both are included in your membership and arrive by mail or email depending on your preference.

Health information and caregiving support

AARP's website contains extensive free information on Medicare, prescription drug coverage, managing chronic conditions, and caregiver resources. This content is available to anyone—you do not need to be an AARP member to read it. The articles are written by health journalists and reviewed for accuracy, but they are educational material, not medical information.

AARP also runs a caregiving resource center with guides on topics like managing dementia, long-term care planning, and finding in-home care. Again, these are informational resources, not services. AARP does not provide caregiving itself or match you with caregivers; it provides information to help you understand your options.

Some AARP local chapters offer in-person programs on health topics, but availability depends on your area. Check your local chapter's website to see what programs are offered near you.

Membership cost and how to decide if it's worth it

AARP membership costs $16 for the first year and $24 per year after that. You can join at age 50. The membership is month-to-month after the first year, so you can cancel anytime without penalty.

To figure out whether membership makes financial sense for you, request quotes from AARP insurance partners for auto and home coverage. If you currently pay for auto insurance, getting a quote takes 10 to 15 minutes and shows you the actual dollar savings. If the annual savings exceed $24, the membership pays for itself. If you also use hotel discounts or other perks, the value increases.

If you do not drive, do not travel, and do not plan to use tax preparation services, the membership may not be worth the cost. The free content on AARP's website is available to everyone, so you do not need to pay to read articles about Medicare or caregiving.

What AARP membership does not include

AARP does not provide health insurance itself. It negotiates rates with insurance companies, but you purchase the insurance directly from the provider. AARP does not pay your premiums or cover your medical bills.

AARP does not provide caregiving services, home care, or assisted living placement. It publishes information about these topics, but finding and paying for services is your responsibility.

AARP does not provide legal information or representation. Some local chapters partner with legal aid organizations, but AARP itself does not offer legal services.

AARP membership does not change your Medicare coverage or Social Security benefits. It provides information to help you understand these programs, but enrollment and benefit amounts are determined by the government, not by AARP.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. You must be age 50 or older, but you do not have to be retired. You can work full-time, part-time, or not at all. AARP membership is based on age alone.

Can I use AARP discounts if I'm not a U.S. citizen?

AARP membership is open to U.S. residents age 50 and older. You do not need to be a U.S. citizen, but you do need a valid mailing address in the United States. Check AARP's membership page for current residency requirements.

What happens to my AARP membership if I move to another state?

Your membership stays active. Some discounts and partner programs vary by state, so you may have access to different retailers or insurance options in your new state, but your membership itself does not change.

Can I get AARP discounts without paying for membership?

No. Discounts are a membership benefit. However, AARP's website content—articles on Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, and health—is free to read for anyone, whether you are a member or not.

How do I cancel my AARP membership?

You can cancel online through your AARP account, by phone at the number on your membership card, or by mail. After the first year, there is no penalty for canceling. If you cancel within 30 days of joining, AARP offers a full refund.