Learn About AARP Membership Costs and Benefits

Understanding AARP Membership Basics

AARP is a nonprofit organization that focuses on issues related to aging and retirement. The organization was founded in 1958 and has grown to include millions of members across the United States. AARP offers various membership levels, with the most common being a standard membership that costs $16 per year. This annual fee is significantly lower than many other membership organizations, making it accessible to a broad range of people.

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The primary membership is designed for individuals age 50 and older. Some people wonder whether the cost is worth it, and that question often depends on how much someone plans to use the membership benefits. AARP's main purpose is to advocate for older adults on policy issues, but the organization also provides member discounts and resources related to health, financial planning, and lifestyle topics.

It's important to understand that AARP membership is voluntary. There is no requirement to join, and the organization does not have any government authority to enroll people. The membership fee goes toward supporting the organization's advocacy work, publications, and member services. AARP generates additional revenue through partnerships with various companies and service providers that offer discounts to members.

Many people join AARP primarily for access to discounts on products and services. These discounts cover categories like travel, insurance, dining, and retail shopping. The specific discounts available can vary by location and change periodically as AARP establishes new partnerships. Members receive information about available discounts through the AARP website, monthly magazine, and email communications.

Practical Takeaway: Before considering membership, think about which categories of discounts matter most to you personally. If you frequently travel, shop at particular retailers, or need certain types of insurance, you might recoup the $16 annual cost quickly through discounts.

Membership Costs and Renewal Information

The standard AARP membership costs $16 per year. This is the primary membership option for most people age 50 and older. The annual fee is charged once per year on the membership anniversary date. AARP typically sends renewal notices before the membership expires, and members can renew through the website, by phone, or by mail.

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AARP occasionally offers discounted introductory rates for new members. These promotional offers might reduce the first-year membership cost to $8 or $12, depending on the current marketing campaign. These reduced rates are typically advertised during sign-up periods and are widely available to most new members. After the introductory period ends, the membership renews at the standard $16 annual rate.

Membership renewal is automatic unless someone cancels. This means if you join AARP, your membership will renew each year, and your payment method will be charged automatically on the renewal date. AARP provides options to manage renewal settings through your account portal. If you prefer not to have automatic renewals, you can modify this preference in your account settings or contact AARP directly.

There are no hidden fees or additional charges beyond the annual membership cost. The $16 annual fee covers membership status and includes items like the AARP Magazine, access to the member website, and the ability to use available discounts. Some discounts offered through partnerships may require additional purchases or payments, but those are separate transactions with the individual companies, not charges from AARP itself.

AARP offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on new memberships. This means if someone joins and finds that they are not satisfied with the membership within 30 days, they can request a refund. This policy allows people to try membership without financial risk during an initial period.

Practical Takeaway: When budgeting for AARP membership, count on paying $16 annually after any introductory offer ends. Set up a calendar reminder around your membership anniversary so you can review the membership benefits before renewing and ensure the membership still meets your needs.

Travel and Lodging Discounts

One of the largest categories of AARP discounts involves travel. Hotels, rental car companies, and airlines negotiate discounted rates specifically for AARP members. These discounts typically range from 5 to 15 percent off standard rates, though some promotions may offer larger reductions during specific periods.

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Hotel discounts are among the most commonly used travel benefits. AARP has partnerships with major hotel chains including Best Western, Choice Hotels, Marriott, Hilton, and Wyndham. Members can typically receive a discount when they book through the AARP Travel website or call the hotel's reservations line and mention their AARP membership. The discount percentage varies by hotel and by specific room rates available on the booking date. Luxury hotels and resorts may offer smaller percentage discounts, while mid-range and budget properties sometimes offer more substantial reductions.

Car rental discounts are available through partnerships with companies like Hertz, Budget, and Avis. Members can usually save 10 to 25 percent on rental rates when they book with a special discount code. These codes are provided to members through the AARP website and email communications. The actual savings depend on the rental location, dates, and vehicle type selected.

Airlines offer select discounts to AARP members, though airline discounts tend to be smaller than hotel or car rental savings. Discounts may apply to specific flights or routes and often require advance booking. Members should check the AARP Travel section regularly since airline discounts change frequently and may be limited to certain travel dates or destinations.

AARP also offers information about vacation packages, cruises, and tours that feature group discounts for members. These organized travel options combine lodging, transportation, and activities at negotiated group rates. Travel packages range from domestic trips to international destinations and vary in length from long weekends to multiple weeks.

Practical Takeaway: If you take at least one hotel stay or car rental per year, compare AARP member rates with standard rates before booking to see if the discount covers the $16 annual membership cost. The AARP Travel website has a rate comparison tool that allows you to check member pricing alongside regular rates.

Insurance and Financial Services Options

AARP partners with insurance companies to offer members discounted rates on auto insurance, home insurance, and supplemental health insurance products. These are not insurance policies provided directly by AARP, but rather policies issued by partner companies that offer reduced rates to AARP members. The most commonly used insurance discount involves auto insurance, where members may save 10 to 20 percent compared to standard rates.

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Supplemental health insurance, often called Medigap or supplemental coverage, is offered through United Healthcare, an insurance company that has a long-standing partnership with AARP. Medigap policies help cover healthcare costs that Medicare does not pay, such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. AARP's association with United Healthcare does not mean AARP provides the insurance; rather, AARP members receive discounted rates on these plans. It is important to note that while AARP endorses these insurance products through its partnership, individual circumstances vary, and each person should review any insurance policy carefully before purchasing.

Financial services options include investment accounts, annuities, and banking products. AARP does not directly provide these services but partners with companies like Merrill Lynch and other financial institutions to offer products to members. These partnerships typically provide members with consultation services or discounted fees. For example, some partners offer reduced initial consultation fees or waived account minimums for AARP members.

Long-term care insurance is another area where AARP has partnerships. Long-term care insurance helps pay for nursing care, assisted living, or in-home care services if someone becomes unable to care for themselves. These policies are issued by insurance companies, but AARP members may receive discounted rates or group pricing. The cost and coverage of long-term care insurance varies widely based on age and health status at the time of purchase.

Members should understand that financial and insurance products require individual decisions based on personal circumstances. The fact that these products are available at a discount through AARP does not mean they are right for every member. It is advisable to compare terms and pricing from multiple providers before making any insurance or financial services purchase.

Practical Takeaway: If you currently have auto or home insurance, contact your current provider and request a quote, then compare it with an AARP partner quote. Even small percentage savings on insurance premiums can quickly add up to more than the $16 annual membership cost.

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment Discounts