"Learn About AARP Membership Discounts and Savings"

Understanding AARP Membership and Its Basic Structure

AARP is a nonprofit organization that serves adults age 50 and older. As of 2024, AARP has over 37 million members in the United States. The organization offers a membership program that includes various discounts and savings opportunities across different categories of everyday spending.

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AARP membership comes in different tiers. The basic membership level provides access to many discounts, while premium membership options offer additional benefits. Annual membership dues are typically around $16 per year for standard membership, though promotional rates are frequently available. Some members pay slightly more for household memberships, which can cover two people at the same address.

The organization partners with hundreds of companies and service providers to offer these discounts. These partnerships span retail stores, restaurants, travel services, insurance products, and health and wellness services. AARP does not directly provide the discounts themselves; rather, the member organization works with partner companies that have agreed to offer reduced prices to AARP members who present valid membership credentials.

Understanding the structure matters because it helps you know what to expect. When you see an AARP discount advertised, it means that specific company has an agreement with AARP to offer a reduced price. The discount is not something AARP creates—it comes from the partner business. Different partners may offer different types of reductions, such as percentage discounts, fixed dollar amounts off, or special promotional pricing available only to AARP members.

Practical Takeaway: Before exploring specific discounts, understand that AARP membership connects you with partner businesses. The value depends on which partners you use regularly. Make a list of where you shop, eat, and travel most often, then check whether those companies participate in the AARP program.

Travel and Vacation Discounts Through AARP

Travel discounts represent one of the most substantial categories of AARP member savings. Hotels, car rental companies, and airlines have established partnerships with AARP that can reduce travel costs considerably. For hotels, many major chains offer discounts ranging from 5% to 20% off standard room rates when you present your AARP membership card. Brands including Hilton, Marriott, Best Western, and Choice Hotels participate in these programs.

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Car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise offer AARP member discounts. These discounts typically range from 10% to 25% off base rental rates, though the exact percentage varies by location and time of booking. Some rental agencies offer additional savings on insurance upgrades or vehicle upgrades. It's important to mention your AARP membership when making your reservation, as some discounts require booking codes provided specifically for AARP members.

Airlines and vacation packages also participate. While airline discounts from AARP have become less common in recent years, some carriers still offer reduced rates on specific flights or fare classes. Travel package companies that specialize in group tours often provide AARP member pricing. AARP itself operates a travel website that bundles discounts from multiple providers, allowing members to compare options across hotels, flights, and rental cars in one location.

According to AARP's internal data, members who travel frequently can save hundreds of dollars annually on accommodations and transportation. For example, a week-long hotel stay at a 15% discount can save $150 to $300, depending on nightly rates. A car rental for a two-week vacation with a 20% discount might save $80 to $200 on the rental itself.

When booking travel, check multiple resources. Some deals through AARP's website may not be better than rates found on independent travel booking sites on any given day. The value lies in knowing these discounts exist and comparing them against other available options.

Practical Takeaway: When planning your next trip, contact hotels and rental companies directly mentioning AARP membership, and also check AARP's dedicated travel website. Compare at least three quotes before booking—sometimes the AARP rate is best, and sometimes it isn't. Keeping your membership card accessible during travel ensures you can present it at check-in if you booked without mentioning it initially.

Retail Shopping Discounts and Everyday Savings

Retail stores across various categories offer AARP member discounts on general merchandise. Major retailers participating include CVS, Walgreens, and other pharmacy chains. These establishments typically offer percentage discounts on specific merchandise categories or discounts on products during certain days of the week. For example, some locations provide 10% off total purchases on designated senior discount days, which often fall on specific weekdays.

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Clothing retailers such as Eddie Bauer, L.L.Bean, and J.Crew offer AARP member discounts ranging from 10% to 15% off purchases. Home improvement stores including Home Depot and Lowe's provide discounts that vary by location and product category. Some locations offer blanket percentage discounts on all purchases, while others limit discounts to specific departments or products on certain days.

Office supply stores like Staples and Office Depot offer AARP member pricing on supplies, furniture, and technology products. Furniture retailers including Ashley Furniture and Rooms to Go participate in the program. The specific discount percentages and terms vary by store and sometimes by individual location, making it important to ask about AARP pricing when making purchases.

To use these discounts, you typically present your AARP membership card at the point of purchase. Some retailers have incorporated AARP discounts into their loyalty programs, allowing you to link your AARP membership to a store rewards account. This method eliminates the need to present your physical card each time. Many stores also display signage indicating AARP discounts are available, though you should ask if you don't see any notification.

The cumulative value of retail discounts depends heavily on your shopping habits. A person who makes weekly pharmacy purchases and shops regularly for clothing or household items might save $30 to $50 monthly through retail discounts alone. Someone who purchases less frequently would see proportionally lower savings.

Practical Takeaway: Before making a purchase at any retail location, ask specifically whether AARP discounts are available. Some stores do not advertise these discounts widely, so direct inquiry often reveals savings opportunities. Keep your membership card in your wallet alongside payment methods so you remember to mention it at checkout.

Dining, Entertainment, and Recreation Savings

Restaurants and food service establishments represent another major category of AARP discounts. Casual dining chains including Bob Evans, Denny's, and Perkins offer percentage discounts or free menu items for AARP members. For example, some locations provide 10% to 15% discounts on the total bill when you present your membership card. Other restaurants offer specific promotions, such as free appetizers or discounted entrées on particular days of the week.

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Fast casual and quick service restaurants also participate. Some locations offer percentage discounts on purchases, while others provide free upgrades such as free beverages with meal purchases or free desserts. The specific offers vary significantly by location and change periodically, so asking your server or cashier about current AARP offers at the time of your visit is important.

Entertainment venues including movie theaters, museums, and historical sites frequently offer discounted admission for AARP members. Movie theater chains may provide reduced ticket prices for matinee or non-peak showings. Museums and cultural institutions often offer discounted or free admission on specific days. Many zoos and botanical gardens provide admission discounts. Recreation facilities including golf courses, bowling alleys, and fitness centers commonly participate in the AARP discount program.

AARP's website and mobile app maintain a searchable database of dining and entertainment discounts available in your area. You can enter your city or zip code and select the type of business you're interested in to see what's available nearby. This tool helps you discover local participating businesses you may not have known about.

The value of dining and entertainment discounts varies based on frequency of use. Someone who eats out three times weekly at restaurants offering 10% to 15% discounts might save $30 to $50 monthly on meals alone. Someone who visits museums and entertainment venues monthly could save $15 to $40 on admission depending on the venues involved.

Practical Takeaway: Check the AARP discount website or app before dining out or attending entertainment events. Some restaurants and venues offer better discounts on specific days, and you may find discounts at places you already enjoy visiting. Always ask about AARP discounts when ordering