The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a membership organization that champions social change and delivers value to the 50+ population through information, service and advocacy. It helps people move through ageless realities like health, financial well-being, contributing to local communities and society, and enjoying life to the fullest.
Although AARP is dedicated to empowering people over 50, there is actually no minimum age to join. Americans of all ages can sign up for AARP membership for $12 for their first year if they sign up for automatic renewal (charged $16 when membership renews).
Looking to be an AARP member cardholder ? Read on to find out when you can join, the cost of joining, and the benefits of being a club member.
When can you join AARP?
There is no age requirement to join AARP. Anyone age 50 and older can become a full member of AARP; individuals under age 50 can also join AARP and access membership benefits that are not subject to provider restrictions, such as age-restricted insurance products.
AARP also provides a secondary member slot so you can add a spouse or household member for free. They will receive their membership card once you add them to your account.
Benefits for AARP Members of All Ages
Membership in AARP gives you access to a range of programs, discounts and services:
Travel
An AARP membership gives you access to exclusive travel discounts and vacation ideas with the AARP travel website, powered by Expedia. You’ll get 10% off select hotels, up to 30% off standard car rental rates, and up to $300 in additional onboard credits on specific cruises.
You’ll also pay no booking fees on flights, get $10 off activity bookings over $100, and 5% cash back (up to $350) on hotel bookings eligible group accommodations of nine or more rooms.
health and wellbeing
A range of health and wellness programs and policies are available through AARP:
- Long Term Care Insurance : Members of any age can access AARP’s custom long-term care options from New York City.
- AARP Dental Insurance : Administered by Delta Dental, PPO plans and a dental HMO are available in most states for family or individual coverage.
- AARP’s Hearing Care Program : Provided by HearUSA, members receive 20% off retail hearing aid prices and receive other benefits including a free hearing exam, free ear cleaning, check for current hearing aids, a free demonstration of the latest hearing aid technology, one year of extended follow-up care at no additional cost, and a three-year manufacturer’s warranty.
- AARP MyVision Care : Available through EyeMed, members can access three vision plans starting at $4.38 per month. Comprehensive eye exams with a $10 copayment and diabetic and vision loss benefits are included in all plans.
- Free Prescription Discount Card : AARP members receive discounts on prescription drugs, home delivery, and dependent coverage at more than 66,000 pharmacies nationwide.
Life, car and pet insurance
AARP endorses discounted products from various insurers to its members. Members can apply for up to $100,000 term life insurance coverage through New York Life. Members who purchase pet insurance through Pet Plan will get up to 10% off premiums when they register online and will also receive a $35 prepaid Visa card.
Car owners can get up to 10% off their premium with The Hartford’s AARP car insurance program.
finance
AARP members have access to a few financial benefits, which may or may not be better than those available to nonmembers:
- Marcus Banking Products by Goldman Sachs : Eight-month penalty-free certificate of deposit (CD), high-yield savings account, and digital banking services are available to AARP members. Both the savings account and the CD offer special rates for AARP members.
- AARP’s Barclays Mastercard : AARP members can apply for either the Barclays Essential Rewards or Travel Rewards Mastercard . Cardholders can earn $100 cash back on purchases worth $500 in the first 90 days, plus up to 3% cash back on qualifying purchases.
- AARP Fraud Watch Network : Sign up to receive free watchdog alerts and to scan for scams in your area.
- AARP Money Card : This free tool can help you manage your finances and debts.
Work and jobs
AARP operates a careers site where members can search and be matched with employers who are committed to a workforce of diverse ages. Webinars, online career expos, interactive videos and virtual seminars are also available to help the 50+ population.
Members can also get resume help with the AARP Resume Advisor, powered by Top Resume, which provides feedback on layout, design, and using appropriate keywords to make you noticed by employers.
Gasoline and automobile services
The AARP Car Buying Program is a way for AARP members to buy new and used cars online at a guaranteed upfront price. You can also get up to 20% off the annual fee for Allstate roadside plans. If you link your AARP membership to your ExxonMobil Rewards account, you can earn points for fuel, car washes and convenience store purchases, and double points when you fill up on AARP membership days. You can also get a 15% discount on instant Valvoline oil changes and preventative maintenance services.
Technology and wireless
AARP members are eligible for a number of technology and wireless services, including:
- AT&T Plans and Accessories : AARP members can save up to $45 in waived activation and upgrade fees, get discounts on AT&T wireless plans, and 15% off select accessories.
- Norton LifeLock : Identity Theft Protection AARP by Norton LifeLock offers members 20% off the monthly rate for plans that offer identity theft protection and restoration.
- Norton 360 Protection : Plans are priced at up to 25% off the regular monthly rate.
- Consumer Cellular : Members can get 5% off monthly service and usage fees and 30% off select accessories.
- UPS store : Members receive a 5% discount on international and domestic shipping and 20% on online printing.
Shopping, groceries and entertainment
AARP members who produce their membership cards at any Tanger Shopper outlet receive a free coupon book with up to $1,000 in savings. To entice you to try Schwan home delivery, if you spend $50 or more on your first order, you’ll get $20 off plus double Schwan Rewards points on all online orders thereafter.
If you want to try another delivery service, you can get free delivery and 25% off your first Silver Cuisine Bistro® Home Delivery Order valued at $99 or more plus 10% off and free shipping on all subsequent orders valued at least $99. There are also many discounts on flowers and gifts purchased from affiliated retailers.
AARP members can save $30 on an annual Audible subscription and can join Ancestry at an exclusive 30% discount on a World Explorer or All Access subscription for the first year.
Family care
AARP members who are new to CareLinx, a nationwide online network that connects families with caregivers, receive a 3% discount on home care services. You can also get $60 off a year on Lively Mobile Medical Alert plans when you purchase a Lively Wearable2 or Lively Mobile Plus Medical Alert device.
Philips Lifeline Medical Alert Service has a 15% monthly discount, plus free shipping and activation for AARP members.
Home services
AARP members who use a Realogy brand, such as Century 21 and Coldwell Banker, to buy or sell their home can receive up to $5,500 in benefits based on the sale or purchase price. Homeowners can also save 15% on new security systems from SimpliSafe and 5% on small jobs with a Porch Handyman.
How much does AARP membership cost?
AARP membership starts at $16 per year, but you can get a 25% discount on your first year if you choose to automatically renew your membership. Multi-year membership plans are also available. You can cancel your membership at any time.
Your membership lets you add a partner or spouse for free, so you’ll both receive membership cards and enjoy AARP benefits.
Alternatives to AARP Membership
Although restricted to US citizens 50 and older, the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) was designed to be an alternative to AARP and also offers a range of benefits such as life insurance, travel discounts, personalized assistance for Medicare recipients and new enrollees, exclusive restaurant offers, discounted hotel reservations, vision care discounts , and more.
