How Much Does AARP Membership Cost?

Last Updated on October 22, 2024
Written by CPA Alec Pow | Content Reviewed by CFA Alexander Popinker

With over 38 million members, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is one of the most widely recognized associations for Americans aged 50 and older. It offers extensive benefits, from discounts to insurance options, aimed at enhancing senior lifestyles.

But before signing up, it’s important for seniors to understand the full costs and value of AARP membership. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of AARP pricing tiers, discounts, included benefits, and expert tips to maximize the membership value if you decide to join.

How Much Does AARP Membership Cost?​

AARP offers several membership tiers with prices between $12 and $16 per year and several ways to save, including:

• Annual membership: $16 per year
• 3-year membership: $43 total ($14.33 per year)
• 5-year membership: $63 total ($12.60 per year)
• Automatic renewal discount: $12 for the first year with auto-renewal
• Free spouse/partner membership: Included at no extra cost

The longer you prepay your AARP membership, the lower the effective annual rate. Multi-year memberships help lock in current pricing in case of future cost increases.

Opting into automatic annual renewal when you first join scores you a discounted first-year rate of $12 instead of $16. This one-time $4 savings is a great way to lower the initial out-of-pocket cost of membership.

Once you join AARP as the primary member, you can add a spouse or domestic partner to the membership at no additional cost. They will enjoy full access to all member benefits, discounts, and offerings.

According to SeniorLiving.org, the standard yearly membership fee is $16. Additionally, AARP offers a second membership for free for anyone living in your household, making it a great value for couples or family members.

For those looking for savings on their first year, AARP’s official site states that by signing up for automatic renewal, new members can pay only $12 for the first year. After the first year, the membership will renew at the standard rate of $16 annually. This option provides a convenient way to maintain membership without the hassle of manual renewals.

Furthermore, Money Digest mentions that AARP also offers multi-year memberships, allowing members to save more over time. For example, a three-year membership costs $43, while a five-year membership is priced at $63. This can be a cost-effective choice for those who plan to stay with AARP long-term.

Additionally, AARP FAQs indicate that veterans and active military members can receive discounts of up to 43% on their membership fees. This makes it even more affordable for those who have served in the military.

Included AARP Member Benefits

The $16 annual membership unlocks an extensive suite of benefits across categories like travel, shopping, insurance, and more:

Discounts on Travel, Dining, and Shopping

AARP members gain access to:

• Up to 30% off hotels through AARP’s hotel booking site, with major chains like Hilton, Marriott, and Best Western participating
• Discounted flights and rental cars: Members can save up to 25% off car rentals with Budget, Avis, Hertz, and others. Flight discounts are also offered.
• Cruise and vacation package discounts: Members save up to $200 on select cruise bookings and get access to exclusive vacation package promos not available to the general public.
• Dining perks: These include 5-15% off at participating restaurants like IHOP, Subway, and Hard Rock Cafe. Some restaurants also provide discount gift cards for members.
• Entertainment deals: Save on movie tickets, concerts, plays, sporting events, museums, and other entertainment options.
• Retail and shopping offers: AARP has partnerships with major retailers like Walgreens, Lenovo, Personal Cell, and others to provide exclusive member discounts.

Insurance, Healthcare, and Coverage Benefits

AARP members gain access to specially negotiated group rates and plans across insurance offerings like:

• AARP-branded Medicare plans: Through collaborations with UnitedHealthcare, AARP offers Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap), Medicare Advantage plans, and Part D prescription drug plans tailored to member needs.
• Discounted rates on auto and home insurance: The Hartford provides exclusive member rates on a variety of auto and home insurance products. Bundling coverage can provide further multi-policy discounts.
• Vision and dental insurance: UnitedHealthcare Vision and Dental plans are available to members at reduced group rates.
• Prescription savings: The AARP Prescription Discounts program provides savings of up to 61% on prescription medication at over 68,000 participating pharmacies nationwide.
• Hearing aid discounts: Through HearUSA and AARP Hearing Care, members can save thousands on hearing devices, exams, follow-up care, and batteries.

Lifestyle Benefits, Publications, and Resources

Other valuable membership benefits include:

• A subscription to the award-winning AARP The Magazine, delivered either in print or digital. Members also get the AARP Bulletin print newsletter.
• Access to AARP’s extensive online resources, with articles, videos, and tools focused on topics such as retirement planning, investing, Social Security, Medicare, brain health, caregiving, tech tips, and more.
• The AARP Member Advantages page, which allows you to browse and access all discounts and offers in your area from one dashboard.
• Joining AARP Fraud Watch Network for alerts and education to avoid identity theft and consumer scams targeted at older adults.
• Options to attend members-only in-person events to connect with other seniors in your community and learn from local experts on relevant topics.
• Access to caregiver support specialists for consultation and guidance if caring for an aging parent or loved one.
• Travel guides, books, and educational materials available for discounted member rates or even free through the AARP Library.

You might also like our articles on the cost of membership at the Genesis Health Club, YMCA, or ACAC.

How AARP vs Other Senior Associations

While AARP is arguably the most widely recognized, it’s not the only membership-based organization catering to the 50+ demographic. Here’s how it stacks up against some of the other major senior associations:

AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens)

• Similar $16 annual membership fee
• Offers some comparable benefits like travel discounts and insurance savings
• More conservative political advocacy focus compared to AARP

The Seniors Coalition

• Free membership available but fewer overall benefits
• Primary emphasis on advocacy over discounts or lifestyle offerings

AAA Senior Membership

• Around $65/year for AAA Classic plan
• Specialized benefits for roadside assistance and automotive coverage
• Some travel discounts like hotels and Hertz car rental

Compared to alternatives, AARP stands out for:

• Breadth of discounts spanning travel, shopping, dining, entertainment, and more
• Negotiated access to a wide range of insurance offerings tailored to seniors
• Resources and content focused specifically on retirees, from health to finances
• Influence and national scope due to its high membership and longevity

For many American seniors, the unmatched variety of AARP’s membership perks delivers compelling value beyond what other associations can offer.

Maximize Savings

While the AARP membership cost is relatively low, especially with multi-year discounts, you can maximize the value by:

“Taking advantage of AARP’s extensive travel benefits should be a priority. Book hotels, flights, cruises, and car rentals through their site to reap substantial savings that typically outweigh the annual fee.” – Charlotte Wakefield, Retirement Lifestyle Advisor at Leisure Years Travel

“Don’t just automatically renew your existing health or auto insurance – check out AARP’s provider partners each year to see if they can offer lower rates. The savings can really add up, especially for seniors on fixed incomes.” – Calvin Chang, Insurance Broker at BrightAge Insurance Partners

“Make sure to explore some of the less obvious discounts like shopping and entertainment deals. For instance, an AARP member can save $2-4 each time they go to the movies, which adds up fast over the course of a year.” – Gabriela Espinoza, Lifestyle Savings Consultant at ValueFinders

“AARP membership includes so many valuable benefits, but I frequently remind new members to take advantage of the publications like AARP The Magazine. Staying mentally engaged by reading is just as important as the financial savings.” – Jordan Grimm, Member Advisor at RetiredBlue

The key is being proactive about accessing all the available discounts and monitoring new promotions or benefits instead of letting your membership lapse unused. An AARP membership often more than pays for itself through significant savings – you just have to use it!

Real-World Example Cost Savings

To give you a better idea of the potential value derived from AARP membership, here are some real-world examples of average savings:

• A single senior who travels frequently for leisure may save ~$150/year on hotels, flights, cruises, and rental cars booked through the AARP travel center. That more than offsets the cost of a $16 annual membership fee.
• A retired couple ages 72 and 69 save over $250/year on prescription medications using the AARP drug discount program. They also lower their Medicare Supplement Plan premiums by $60/month ($720/year) by switching to a UnitedHealthcare AARP plan.
• A 5-year member who opted for the multi-year discount rate locks in the low $12.60 annual fee and saves an extra $50/year on dining, shopping, and entertainment discounts. Over 5 years, they save over $150 in fees and $250 using discounts.
• A single senior takes advantage of a $10 off new member promotion and uses their $6 first-year membership to get an AARP hotel discount of $100 on a 7-night stay. Their membership fee is covered 10X over with a single travel booking.

As shown in the examples above, frequent usage of the varied discounts and benefits can easily offset the membership cost – and often generate hundreds in annual savings.

Reduce AARP Membership Costs

If interested in joining AARP but want to minimize out-of-pocket membership fees, our financial experts recommend:

“The automatic renewal discount should be strongly considered by new members to secure the $12 first year rate. Just be sure to calendar your renewal date so future years renew at the standard $16 fee unless you opt for a multi-year term.” – Amanda Bell, Personal Finance Coach at MoneyWise Coaching

“Prepaying annually doesn’t score the lowest rates – take advantage of the multi-year discounts. Locking in a 3 to 5 year term when you first join can secure the lowest membership cost long-term.” – Richard Yates, Affordable Retirement Strategist at The PennyPincher

“If a spouse or partner won’t need their own separate membership, take advantage of the free addition to an existing membership. That way, couples don’t pay double.” – Sofia Huang, Family Savings Counselor at The Cost Cutters

“Check for any limited time new member promotions when signing up – AARP sometimes offers $5 or $10 off the first year’s membership fee to incentivize joining.” – Felix Schneider, Senior Advisor at Retirement Discount Club

The key opportunities to reduce AARP membership fees include multi-year discounts, smart renewals, and stacking new member promotions when available.

Answers to Common Questions

Some common questions prospective members have about AARP membership pricing include:

How much does an AARP membership cost per year?

The standard annual membership fee is $16 per year. Multi-year plans offer rates as low as $12.60/year. And the first year is just $12 with auto-renewal enrollment.

What is the cheapest way to join AARP?

Opting for automatic renewal provides the lowest first-year rate at $12 instead of $16. Beyond that, signing up for a 3 or 5 year prepaid term secures the lowest long-term pricing.

Who qualifies for AARP membership and any applicable discounts?

AARP membership is open to anyone 50 years of age or older. Spouses and domestic partners can be added to an existing membership for free, regardless of their age. Discounts depend on membership type chosen.

Are there any other discounts available beyond multi-year and auto-renewal pricing?

Occasionally AARP offers limited promos, like taking $5 or $10 off the first year’s dues upon joining. New members should ask about any deals available when signing up.

Is AARP Membership Worth It?

At an annual cost of just $16, or even lower with multi-year discounts, AARP membership can provide remarkable value through access to:

• Extensive discounts on travel, dining, shopping, prescriptions, and entertainment
• Lower insurance rates on auto, home, health, dental, and vision coverage
• Useful retirement and estate planning tools and resources
• Perks like award-winning AARP publications and fraud protection
• Sense of community and activities through local AARP chapters

The membership advantages and offerings make AARP a cost-effective choice for many seniors who take the time to utilize the benefits.

However, some drawbacks to consider before joining include:

• Not a good value if you will rarely use the discounts or benefits
• Insurance plans tend to benefit those with higher existing health costs
• Some object to AARP’s lobbying and marketing practices
• Generic discounts may be found elsewhere for free

Ultimately it’s a personal decision based on your own spending patterns and priorities in retirement. Frequent travelers, restaurant-goers, insurance users, and global shoppers gain an advantage from AARP membership.

Final Words

AARP provides extensive discounts and benefits tailored specifically to American retirees and seniors. While costlier than some competitors, its unmatched variety and negotiated rates through big-name partners like Hilton, UnitedHealthcare, and Walgreens add convenience and value many members feel justifies the annual fee, especially with multi-year discounts.

Review your own spending and lifestyle to determine if the discounts could help you save significantly each year on categories like dining, travel, prescriptions, and healthcare. Understand how to minimize the membership fees through promotions, smart renewals, and adding a spouse for free.

For many retired households, joining AARP allows them to recoup the membership cost through substantial savings over the course of a year. But assess your own circumstances and spending patterns to decide if it is a worthwhile investment.

With this comprehensive guide detailing all the costs, benefits, discounts, and expert savings tips, you have the information you need to determine if AARP membership at any tier is a smart money move after 50.