What you get with an AARP membership

AARP membership gives you access to discounts, insurance products, and information resources—but the specific benefits depend on which membership level you choose and where you live. The organization offers two main membership tiers: standard membership and membership plus additional services. Most people start by joining for the discounts on travel, dining, and retail, but many discover they use the insurance products, magazine subscriptions, or tax preparation help more often.

The core membership includes AARP Magazine (delivered to your home), access to the AARP website and mobile app, and a membership card you can use at participating retailers. Beyond that, the benefits split into categories: things that save you money when ready, things that protect you financially, and things that help you plan or understand a specific topic.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP membership costs $16 per year for standard membership, with discounts available for multi-year memberships and first-time members.
  • Discounts on hotels, rental cars, and restaurants are available through the AARP Travel Center and partner networks, though you must show your membership card or use a code at booking.
  • Insurance products—including auto, home, life, and long-term care insurance—are offered through partner companies, and you receive quotes based on your profile, not automatic coverage.
  • AARP offers free tax preparation help through a partnership with the IRS, available to people 60 and older with limited income, and you can find a location through the AARP website.
  • Membership includes access to educational content on health, caregiving, money management, and legal topics, plus discounts on prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy partner.

Travel and dining discounts

AARP negotiates rates with hotel chains, car rental companies, and restaurant groups. When you book through the AARP Travel Center website or call their dedicated phone line, you receive a discount code or rate that you explore at checkout. Major hotel chains like Choice Hotels, Hilton, and Wyndham participate, as do rental car companies including Hertz, Avis, and Budget. The discount amount varies by location, season, and availability—there is no fixed percentage.

Restaurant discounts work differently: you receive a card or digital offer that you present at participating locations, typically saving 10 to 15 percent on your bill. The restaurant network includes both national chains and regional establishments, but not all locations in a chain participate. You can search the AARP website to see which restaurants near you offer discounts before you plan a meal.

Insurance products and quotes

AARP does not sell insurance directly; instead, it partners with insurance companies that offer products to AARP members. These include auto insurance, homeowners insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance. When you request a quote, you are contacting the partner company, not AARP itself, and you can compare rates from multiple insurers through the AARP website.

The insurance products are optional—membership does not automatically enroll you in any coverage. You receive a quote based on information you provide, and you decide whether to purchase. Some members find that AARP-partnered insurers offer competitive rates; others find better prices elsewhere. It is worth comparing quotes from at least two or three companies before deciding.

Tax preparation and financial planning resources

AARP partners with the IRS to offer free tax preparation through the Tax-Aide program. This service is open to people 60 and older with limited income (the income limit changes yearly and varies by state). You can find a Tax-Aide location near you through the AARP website, and appointments are typically available from February through April. A trained volunteer prepares your return at no cost, and you can file electronically or on paper.

Beyond tax help, AARP provides free educational content on topics like Social Security, Medicare, retirement planning, and managing debt. You can read articles, watch videos, or use interactive tools on the AARP website. This content is informational and does not replace information from a financial advisor or tax professional, but it helps you understand how different decisions affect your finances.

Prescription drug discounts and pharmacy services

AARP offers discounts on prescription medications through a mail-order pharmacy partner and participating retail pharmacies. The discount is not insurance—you pay out of pocket—but the negotiated price is often lower than the full retail cost. You can search for a specific medication on the AARP website to see the discounted price at different pharmacies in your area.

This benefit is separate from Medicare Part D prescription coverage. If you have Part D, your insurance plan sets your medication costs. If you do not have Part D or if a medication is not covered by your plan, the AARP pharmacy discount may help reduce what you pay. Some people use both: they use their Part D coverage for regular medications and the AARP discount for medications their plan does not cover well.

Magazine, website, and member services

AARP Magazine arrives at your home six times per year and covers health, money, travel, and lifestyle topics aimed at people over 50. The magazine also includes advertisements for AARP products and partner services. You can read articles online at no additional cost, and the AARP website hosts thousands of articles, videos, and tools on topics like caregiving, grandparenting, technology, and legal issues.

AARP members also receive a member services phone line where you can ask questions about your membership, get help finding a discount, or learn about a specific benefit. This is a general information line, not a personal advisor service, but it can point you toward the right resource or partner company.

State and local benefits that vary by location

Some AARP benefits are specific to your state or region. For example, certain states offer discounts on prescription medications through state programs that AARP members can access. Some local AARP chapters organize events, classes, or volunteer opportunities. A few states have negotiated additional discounts with retailers or service providers that are only available to AARP members in that state.

To find out what is available where you live, visit the AARP website and enter your state. You can also contact your local AARP chapter directly—chapters are organized by county or region and often have staff who know about local discounts and programs that national membership does not advertise widely.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use all the benefits to make membership worth it?

No. Many members join for one or two specific benefits—like the magazine or a hotel discount—and never use the others. At $16 per year, even a single discounted hotel stay or restaurant meal can pay for the membership. The value depends on what you actually use, not on using everything available.

Can I share my membership card with my spouse or family?

Membership is individual, but AARP offers a household membership option that covers two people at the same address for a higher annual fee. If you have a standard individual membership, only you can use the card and discounts. Check the AARP website for current household membership pricing and what it includes.

What if I do not find the discount I want in my area?

The network of participating retailers and restaurants varies by location. If you do not see discounts you want, you can search the AARP website by category and zip code to see what is actually available near you. You can also contact AARP member services to ask whether a specific business participates or to suggest a business you would like to see added.

Is the AARP insurance the same as Medicare?

No. AARP-partnered insurance products are separate from Medicare. Auto, home, and life insurance are not government programs. Long-term care insurance is a private product that covers nursing home or in-home care costs that Medicare does not pay for. If you have questions about how AARP insurance works with your Medicare coverage, contact the insurance company directly.

Can I cancel my membership if I change my mind?

Yes. AARP offers a membership cancellation period, typically 30 days from the date you join. If you cancel within that window, you receive a full refund. After that period, you can still cancel your membership, but you do not receive a refund for the year you have already paid. You can renew or cancel through the AARP website or by calling member services.