AARP Membership Review: 2025 Costs, Discounts & Benefits

You've probably seen the letters AARP before, maybe on a birthday card that showed up a little too close to a milestone birthday, or during a commercial break. And if you're like most people, you might have thought, "Isn't that just for retired people?" It's a common assumption, but the reality is much more interesting for deal seekers. While AARP started as the American Association of Retired Persons, it has long since evolved. Today, it's a massive nonprofit organization open to anyone 18 or older, functioning as part consumer watchdog and part gigantic discount club.

That consumer-focused advocacy is one half of the AARP story, but the part that really catches our eye as deal seekers is the massive list of discounts and perks it offers. AARP leverages its giant membership - we're talking nearly 38 million people - to negotiate deals on just about everything. But does that translate to real savings for you? The day-to-day value comes down to a simple question: are the membership benefits actually worth the annual fee? Can it really save you money on travel, dining, and tech?

We're here to answer exactly that. We're going to break down what an AARP membership costs, dig into the long list of benefits, and give you a clear verdict on whether it's a smart addition to your wallet. At DealNews, our entire job is to crunch the numbers and do the research so you can make the best decision for your money. Let's see if this one makes the cut.

Top AARP Promo Codes

AARP 5-Year Membership

$11 per year

Get an AARP 5-year membership for just $11 per year in 2025. Even better, this deal allows you to start your senior discounts journey with a free gift; choose from an insulated trunk organizer or a 6-port power and USB charging donut (far less tasty than an actual donut, but still useful). Although not as good as the old 5-year membership for $9 per year offer, that's still a savings of 45% off the normal annual rate (currently $20).

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AARP Car Rental Discounts

Up to 35% off

AARP members can save on car rentals from select brands including Avis, Budget, and more. Your discount will vary based on which company you use for your rentals, but in general you can expect things like up to 35% off base rates for Avis and Budget, and even things like $40 off an annual Zipcar membership.

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AARP Auto Insurance Promotion

Up to 10% off premium

AARP members can save up to 10% off your insurance premium when you purchase auto insurance through The Hartford. In addition to that, you could receive even more discounts for requesting quotes online as well as bundling your home policy with your auto one. You'll also be able to enjoy perks like Accident Forgiveness and Disappearing Deductible.

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AARP Rewards Discounts Program

Earn points w/ select activities

Sign up for the AARP Rewards program and you'll be able to earn points by doing things like syncing your fitness tracker, taking themed quizzes, adopting healthy habits, watching videos, and more. The good news is while you don't have to be a AARP member to take advantage of the Rewards program, if you are a member, you'll earn those points 50% faster than non-members. And what can you do with all those points you earn? You can redeem them for things like discounted gift cards, local deals, and more.

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AARP Flight Discounts

Up to $200 off

AARP members can receive awesome perks when booking flights with their membership. For instance, you can get up to $200 off round-trip tickets through British Airways fares purchased online, but even through the AARP Travel Center you can receive a $50 gift card of yoru choice when booking any flight package for a vacation through Expedia. You can also save up to $250 off select small group tours through Collette and up to $100 off guided vacations through GET.

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AARP Membership Walmart+ Annual Subscription Promotion

$40 off

AARP members can save $40 on your Walmart+ membership every single year, as long as you remain an AARP member and your Walmart+ subscription remains active. That means receiving benefits like free delivery from your store, free shipping with no minimum order, free pharmacy delivery, savings on fuel, a Paramount+ membership at no additional cost, and so much more all for $58 per year.

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What Is AARP and How Much Does A Membership Cost ?

Think of AARP as having two different, but related, personalities. On one hand, it's a nonprofit organization with a mission to empower people as they age. It was founded in 1958 by a retired teacher who wanted to help other retirees find affordable health insurance, a huge challenge before Medicare existed. Today, that mission continues through free resources like job boards, retirement calculators, fraud protection alerts, and driver safety courses. This is the "wise friend and fierce defender" side of AARP, focused on providing information and support.

On the other hand - and this is the part that deal seekers will care most about - AARP is a massive discount club. With nearly 38 million members, it has incredible bargaining power to negotiate deals on behalf of its members. Companies want access to that huge consumer base, so they offer AARP exclusive discounts on everything from hotels and car rentals to cell phone plans and restaurant meals. This is the side of AARP that can put real money back in your pocket, and it's open to anyone 18 or older.

One of the most appealing things about AARP is that, for all the benefits it offers, the price of entry is incredibly low. A standard 1-year membership costs $20, but there are several ways to pay even less, especially if you're willing to commit to a longer term.

It's also worth noting that AARP membership comes with a huge hidden perk: a free secondary membership for anyone in your household. They get their own card and full access to all the same benefits, which effectively cuts the cost in half if you share it. Plus, AARP often throws in a free welcome gift for new members, which in the past has included things like a free tote bag or a USB charging hub. Keep an eye out for special promotions, too, as we've seen discounts for veterans and even bigger sales around Black Friday.

The "No-Brainer" Deals: Benefits That Instantly Pay for Your Membership

This is where the rubber meets the road. For a low annual fee, you unlock a massive catalog of discounts. The full list can be a bit overwhelming, so we've sorted through it to highlight the perks that offer the most bang for your buck. These aren't just your standard senior discounts either; they cover a wide range of categories that almost anyone can use to save money throughout the year.

Discounts on Flights, Hotels, and Car Rentals

If you travel even once a year, the savings in this category alone can easily pay for your membership. AARP has negotiated some impressive deals with major travel brands. Members get up to 35% off car rentals from Avis and Budget, which often includes a free upgrade and a complementary additional driver. For hotels, you can get 10% off at major chains like Wyndham (including La Quinta, Days Inn, and Super 8), Choice Hotels, and Best Western. The most eye-popping deal might be for international flyers: members can save between $65 and $200 on round-trip tickets with British Airways.

Special Discounts for Military and Veterans

In recognition of their service, AARP offers special pricing for military members and veterans. Eligible individuals can receive up to 43% off the standard membership cost, making an already affordable membership even more accessible. This discount is a direct way AARP supports the military community, ensuring that those who have served can take full advantage of the organization's resources and savings.

Everyday Savings on Dining Out

Your AARP card can also act as a permanent coupon when you eat out. While local deals can vary, dozens of national restaurant chains offer a consistent discount to members. You can get 15% off your check at Denny's and 10% off food and non-alcoholic drinks at popular spots like Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba's Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill, and Joe's Crab Shack. It's a simple way to chip away at your dining budget every time you go out.

Savings on Tech, Shopping, and Your Cell Phone Bill

This is where AARP shows it's not just for the pre-internet generation. The tech discounts can be surprisingly valuable. You can also get a 5% discount on monthly plans from Consumer Cellular. Beyond that, there are discounts on services you might already use, like 25% off identity theft protection from Norton LifeLock and $40 off an annual Walmart Plus membership.

Valuable Health and Wellness Discounts

AARP offers significant savings on out-of-pocket health costs. The AARP Prescription Discounts program, provided by Optum Rx, gives members deeper discounts on medications and home delivery. For vision care, you can get 50% off prescription lenses at LensCrafters and access to AARP-branded vision insurance plans through VSP. And for hearing, members get a free annual hearing test and can save up to 50% on hearing aids. There are even wellness perks, like access to discounted gym memberships through the Active and Fit Now program.

Access to Insurance and Financial Tools

It's crucial to understand that AARP is not an insurance company. What it does is lend its brand name to plans offered by other providers, which are then made available to members. You can get quotes for AARP-branded auto and home insurance from The Hartford, life insurance from New York Life, and dental insurance from Delta Dental. You should always shop around, but these are often competitive options worth checking. The membership also gives you access to a suite of free financial planning tools, retirement calculators, and guides.

Free Subscriptions to Top-Read Publications

Beyond digital discounts, your AARP membership includes a tangible benefit that arrives right in your mailbox: free subscriptions to both AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. This isn't just junk mail; with a combined readership of nearly 38 million, these are two of the most widely-read publications in the United States. The Magazine is packed with lifestyle features, health and wellness tips, and financial advice, while The Bulletin is a news-focused publication that keeps you up-to-date on important consumer protection alerts, policy changes, and other vital information. It's a valuable stream of entertainment and knowledge, included at no extra cost with your membership.

Is AARP Worth It in 2025?

For the vast majority of consumers, the answer is a clear yes. The math on this is incredibly simple and overwhelmingly positive for the deal seeker. With an annual cost that can be as low as $15, you only need to use a single significant discount once a year to make the membership pay for itself several times over. The risk is minimal, and the potential for savings is huge.

Think about it this way: renting a car from Avis for a weekend could easily save you more than $20. Taking one international flight on British Airways could net you a $200 discount, paying for a decade of membership on the spot. Even if you just use the 10% to 15% dining discounts a few times a year, you'll likely break even. The only way an AARP membership isn't worth it is if you sign up and then completely forget you have it.

Is There a Free Trial for AARP?

There is no free trial for an AARP membership, and frankly, it doesn't need one. With a cost as low as $15 for the first year, the standard 1-year membership essentially functions as a very low-risk trial period. This gives you a full year to test drive the benefits and see how much you save. If you find you're not using it, you can simply cancel before it renews.

Do I Have to Be 50 to Join AARP?

No, and this is probably the biggest myth about AARP. While its advocacy work is focused on the 50-plus community, anyone 18 or older can join and get a membership card. The vast majority of benefits, especially the valuable travel, dining, and retail discounts, are available to all members, regardless of age.

Do I Have to Be Retired?

Not at all. AARP officially dropped its original name, the American Association of Retired Persons, for this very reason. A huge portion of AARP members are still in the workforce, and the organization offers many resources for them, including job boards that feature age-friendly employers, free resume reviews, and career planning tools.

Does My Spouse Need to Buy a Membership?

No, and this is one of the best and most overlooked perks. Every primary AARP membership includes a free secondary membership for another adult in your household. They get their own physical card mailed to them and have full, independent access to all the same discounts and benefits. This effectively doubles the value of your membership.

Do I Really Get a Free Gift for Joining?

Yes, AARP almost always offers a free welcome gift to new and renewing members as a little bonus for signing up. The specific gift changes from time to time, but in the past, these have included items like a free insulated tote bag, a handy USB charging hub for your car, or a red and black travel day bag.

How to Sign Up for AARP

AARP makes the sign-up process quick and easy, and you can start using your benefits almost immediately. Once you join, you'll get instant access to a digital membership card through the AARP Now app, with your physical card arriving in the mail in about three weeks.

• First, go to the AARP website and navigate to the membership page. Click the Join Now button to get started.

• Next, choose your membership term. You can select a 1-year, 3-year, or 5-year plan and decide whether you want to enroll in automatic renewal for an extra discount on your first year.

• Then, you will be prompted to enter your personal details, including your name, address, and date of birth, and create an online account password.

• Finally, enter your payment information to complete the purchase. Voila!

Once you've signed up, you'll be prompted to add the second household member to your account for free. It's a good idea to do this right away so they can get their own card.

How to Save the Most with Your AARP Membership

Just having an AARP card in your wallet isn't a strategy. To truly maximize your savings and get a return that far exceeds the small annual fee, you need to be proactive. The good news is that with a few simple habits and a bit of insider knowledge, you can transform your membership from a good deal into a great one. Here are all the ways you can squeeze every drop of value out of your AARP membership.

Lock in the Lowest Price for Your Membership

The first way to save is on the membership itself. While the standard price is $20 a year, you should never have to pay that. Signing up for automatic renewal will drop your first year's cost to just $15. For the best long-term value, choose a multi-year plan; the five-year option brings the per-year cost down to just $15.80.

Also, look for special promotions. AARP has offered discounts for veterans and even bigger sales around major holidays like Black Friday. And don't forget the most important money-saver of all: add a second person from your household to your membership for free to instantly double its value.

Use the AARP-Branded Credit Cards

If you're in the market for a new rewards card, AARP has two co-branded options with Barclays that can accelerate your savings. The AARP Essential Rewards Mastercard offers 3% cash back on gas and drugstore purchases, while the AARP Travel Rewards Mastercard gives you 3% back on airfare, hotels, and car rentals. For the right kind of spender, these no-annual-fee cards can be a great way to earn cash back on categories that are highly relevant to AARP's other benefits.

Stack Your Savings by Linking Your Accounts

This is a "set it and forget it" strategy that pays off automatically. Several of AARP's partners allow you to link your AARP membership number directly to their own loyalty programs. For example, you can link your card to your Exxon Mobil Rewards Plus account to earn extra points on fuel and in-store purchases. You can do the same with the rewards programs for restaurant chains like Schlotzsky's and Moe's Southwest Grill. This way, you're earning extra rewards without even having to show your card.

Let Technology Do the Work for You

You don't have to memorize the entire list of AARP benefits. The easiest way to stay on top of deals is to download the AARP Now app and allow location services. The app will send you a push notification when you are physically near a store, restaurant, or hotel that offers a member discount. For online shoppers, the AARP Perks browser extension is a must-have. It works just like other shopping extensions, automatically searching for and alerting you to AARP discounts when you're browsing a partner's website.

Don't Forget the AARP Rewards Program

This is a completely separate system from the direct discounts, and it's a way to get rewarded for just engaging with AARP's content. By signing up for the free AARP Rewards program, you can earn points for simple online activities like reading an article, taking a financial quiz, or using a fitness tracker. As an AARP member, you earn points 50% faster than non-members. You can then redeem these points for tangible rewards, like discounted gift cards to popular retailers, entries into sweepstakes, or local deals.

Dig Into the Less Obvious Benefits

Many members focus on the big-name travel and dining discounts, but some of the most valuable perks are hiding in plain sight. For example, your membership gives you access to free online movie screenings through the Movies for Grownups program. You can also take the AARP Smart Driver course at a discount; completing it may qualify you for a multi-year discount on your auto insurance, which is a fantastic double-dip. Furthermore, the AARP Foundation Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation help from trained volunteers, a service that can save you hundreds of dollars.

Make It a Habit to Always Ask

This might be the oldest trick in the deal-seeker's book, but it works. Not every business that offers an AARP discount advertises it heavily. Many local shops, smaller restaurant chains, and independent service providers may have a deal available. Whether you're at a hotel check-in desk, a restaurant, or a ticket counter, get in the habit of asking, "Do you offer an AARP discount?" The worst they can say is no, and you might uncover a hidden deal that isn't listed on the main AARP website.

Master the Art of the Double Dip

True deal seekers know that a single discount is just the starting point. The beauty of AARP is that its discounts can often be the first layer in a "deal stack." For example, when you book a hotel through the AARP Travel Center, you get the member discount. But you can also pay for it with a travel rewards credit card to earn points or miles on the purchase. The same goes for dining: use your AARP discount on the bill, and pay with a credit card that gives you bonus cash back at restaurants. You're getting two benefits on a single transaction.

Book Through the Right Channels

This is especially important for travel. While you can sometimes get a discount by just showing your card at a hotel front desk, the best and most guaranteed rates are often found by booking online through the official AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia or a partner's dedicated AARP portal. This is because many of the best deals are pre-negotiated "Pay Now" rates. Don't assume you can just show up and get the best price; take a moment to check the AARP website or app first to make sure you're following the right steps to secure the discount.

How to Cancel an AARP Membership

If you find that the membership isn't the right fit for you, AARP makes it easy to cancel. They even offer a full refund if you cancel your membership within the first 30 days.

• Cancel by Phone: The most direct way to cancel your membership is to call the AARP contact center at 1-888-687-2277. Have your membership number ready to make the process smoother. A representative can process your cancellation immediately.
• Cancel Automatic Renewal Online: If you simply want to stop future payments, you can do this through your online account. Log in to your "My AARP" account on the website, navigate to the "Renew" tab, and you will find the option to turn off automatic renewal. This will prevent you from being charged again at the end of your term.

Remember that if you turn off auto-renewal, your membership will remain active until its current expiration date, so you can still use the benefits you've paid for.

What Else Should You Consider This Summer?

As you think about joining AARP this June, it's smart to consider how it fits into your overall savings strategy. Memberships like Costco, Sam's Club, and even AAA operate on a similar principle: a small annual fee unlocks a world of discounts. AARP is unique because its benefits are so broad — from travel and dining to tech and healthcare — and it can work beautifully alongside these other services. Think of it as another powerful and very low-cost tool in your deal-seeking arsenal.

With the summer travel season kicking into high gear, now is the perfect time to evaluate all your options. While AARP offers fantastic discounts on car rentals and hotels, a membership like AAA might be a better fit if your primary concern is dedicated roadside assistance. Similarly, if you're planning a family road trip, the savings on bulk snacks and gear from a warehouse club could be significant. The smart move is to identify your biggest spending categories for the season and see which membership, or combination of memberships, offers the best return.

Why Trust DealNews?

Just like an AARP membership empowers you with access to pre-negotiated deals, our mission at DealNews is to put the power of savings directly in your hands every single day. We have a team of expert deal hunters who spend all day sifting through thousands of offers to find only the best ones, so you don't have to. The best way to take advantage of our work is to sign up for the DealNews Select newsletter, which drops a handpicked list of the hottest deals on travel, tech, and more into your inbox every weekday.

And if you have something specific in mind — maybe you're waiting for a price drop on a new set of luggage for that trip you're planning, or a discount on your favorite hotel chain — you can set a deal alert. We'll notify you the moment a matching deal goes live, making sure you never miss a chance to save. It's the perfect way to complement the everyday savings you get from a membership like AARP.