AARP is one of the easiest paid memberships to justify if you want practical savings and trusted everyday resources. When this page was updated on April 16, 2026, AARP said a one-year membership cost $15 for the first year with automatic renewal, included a free second household membership, and came with access to discounts, rewards, AARP The Magazine, and planning help around money, health, and retirement.
Key specs
- Type: Annual membership
- Price on April 16, 2026: $15 for the first year with automatic renewal, then $20 per year at the standard annual rate
- Multi-year pricing on April 16, 2026: $55 for 3 years or $79 for 5 years
- Eligibility: Anyone 18 or older can join; some benefits are limited by law or contract
- Household perk: Free second household membership
- Founded: 1958
- Includes: Discounts, AARP The Magazine, AARP Rewards, and access to member tools and guides
Quick answer: Is AARP worth it?
For most people who will use even a few benefits each year, yes. The cost is low, the second household membership is included, and one travel, dining, pharmacy, or roadside perk can easily cover the yearly fee.
The real value is not only the discounts. AARP also bundles trustworthy guides and tools around Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, work, fraud, and retirement planning. That makes it more useful than a discount club alone.
What you get with AARP membership
- Access to hundreds of member discounts across travel, restaurants, entertainment, insurance, and more
- A free second membership for another adult in your household
- A subscription to AARP The Magazine
- AARP Rewards, which adds extra points and member-only offers
- Access to the AARP Now app, including a digital membership card
- Planning help and explainers for Medicare, Social Security, caregiving, fraud, and retirement
How AARP works
You join online, by phone, or by mail, and benefits start right away. Your physical card can take a few weeks to arrive, but AARP says you can use a printable or digital card sooner through your account and the AARP Now app.
Because the membership is broad, the best way to think about it is as a bundle. Some members join for travel discounts. Others join for the money and health guides. Many end up using both.
Why AARP stands out
The mix of low price and low friction is hard to beat. AARP keeps the yearly cost low enough that you do not need to use many perks before the membership starts paying for itself.
It also does a better job than most membership programs at turning benefits into useful tools. Instead of only pushing offers, AARP puts real effort into guides, explainers, and resources people actually need as they get closer to retirement or help aging parents.
What to watch before you join
- Some discounts are small, so the value depends on whether you actually use them
- You should still compare hotel, rental car, and insurance prices instead of assuming the member rate is always best
- Some benefits are age-limited even though membership itself is open to anyone 18 or older
- AARP promotes many programs by email and mail, which some people find noisy
Best for
- Adults nearing retirement who want both discounts and planning help
- Travelers who will use hotel, rental car, or cruise benefits
- Households that can use the free second membership
- People helping parents or spouses with Medicare, Social Security, fraud, or caregiving questions
Frequently asked questions
Can you join AARP before age 50?
Yes. AARP says membership is open to anyone 18 or older. Some benefits are still limited by age or by partner rules, but the membership itself is not restricted to people over 50.
Does AARP include a spouse or partner?
AARP includes a free second household membership for another adult in your household. That is one of the strongest reasons the value is easy to justify.
Can AARP pay for itself quickly?
Yes, if you use the benefits. One or two travel, dining, or pharmacy savings can cover the yearly fee for many members.