AARP membership costs $16 per year for the basic Red membership, or $27 per year for Gold membership, which includes additional benefits

AARP is a membership organization for people 50 and older. The Red membership tier is the standard option and includes access to AARP's magazine, discounts at retailers and restaurants, and online resources about health, money, and caregiving. Gold membership adds roadside information through Better World Club, travel discounts, and a quarterly publication called AARP Bulletin.

Both tiers renew automatically each year unless you cancel. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. AARP also offers a one-month trial membership for $1 if you want to explore the benefits before committing to a full year.

Some employers and organizations offer group AARP memberships at a discount. If you belong to a union, professional association, or large employer, check whether they have negotiated a reduced rate for their members.

Key Takeaways

  • Red membership costs $16 per year and includes the AARP Magazine, member discounts, and online resources about retirement, health, and caregiving.
  • Gold membership costs $27 per year and adds roadside information, travel discounts, and the AARP Bulletin quarterly magazine.
  • Both memberships renew automatically each year, and you can cancel anytime through your online account or by calling 1-888-687-2277.
  • AARP offers a $1 trial membership for one month so you can test the discounts and resources before paying the full annual rate.
  • Some employers and unions negotiate group rates that may be lower than the standard individual membership price.

What discounts come with Red membership

Red membership includes discounts at major retailers, restaurants, and hotels. The specific merchants and discount amounts change, so AARP publishes an updated list on its website that you can search by category or location. Common partners include Best Buy, Walgreens, Applebee's, and Choice Hotels.

You also get access to AARP's online tools for managing finances, planning retirement, and understanding Medicare. The site includes calculators for Social Security, pension decisions, and long-term care costs. AARP's caregiving section has guides for managing a parent's or spouse's health and finances.

Red members receive the AARP Magazine six times per year, which covers health, money, and lifestyle topics. The magazine is also available online if you prefer digital reading.

What Gold membership adds beyond Red

Gold membership includes everything in Red, plus roadside information through Better World Club. This covers towing, lockout service, fuel delivery, and jump starts. The service is available 24/7 and covers your vehicle anywhere in North America.

Gold members also receive travel discounts through AARP Travel, which negotiates rates with hotels, car rental companies, and tour operators. These discounts are listed on the AARP Travel website and can be booked directly or through a travel agent.

Gold membership adds the AARP Bulletin, a quarterly publication focused on news and policy issues affecting people 50 and older. This is in addition to the six issues of AARP Magazine that come with both tiers.

How to cancel your AARP membership

You can cancel your membership anytime without penalty. The easiest way is to log into your AARP account online and select the option to cancel your membership. You can also call 1-888-687-2277 and speak with a representative who will process the cancellation.

If you cancel before your renewal date, you will not be charged again. Your membership remains active until the date it was set to renew. If you cancel after being charged for a renewal, AARP will refund the charge if you request it within a certain timeframe — ask the representative about the current refund window when you call.

Some people cancel and then rejoin later. AARP does not penalize you for this, and you can rejoin at any time by paying the current membership rate.

Comparing AARP membership to other senior discount programs

AARP is the largest membership organization for people 50 and older, but other programs offer discounts and resources. Senior Discount Club and GoodRx offer pharmacy and retail discounts without membership fees. Some states run their own senior discount programs through the Department of Aging.

AARP's advantage is the breadth of discounts, the online resources specific to retirement planning and Medicare, and the advocacy work the organization does on policy issues. The disadvantage is the annual cost and the fact that not all discounts are available everywhere or at every location of a partner retailer.

If you are mainly interested in pharmacy discounts, GoodRx may be more useful and costs nothing. If you want comprehensive resources about retirement, Medicare, and caregiving, AARP's online tools and magazine may justify the membership fee even if you use only a few discounts.

AARP membership and Medicare

AARP membership does not include health insurance. However, AARP offers supplemental insurance plans (called Medigap) and Medicare Advantage plans through partner insurance companies. These are separate products that you purchase in addition to your AARP membership, and they have their own costs and coverage rules.

AARP's website includes detailed information about Medicare enrollment, coverage options, and how to compare plans. This educational content is available to members and non-members alike. If you are approaching 65 or newly enrolled in Medicare, AARP's resources can help you understand your options, but the membership itself does not cover any medical expenses.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be retired to join AARP?

No. AARP membership is open to anyone 50 or older, regardless of employment status. You do not need to be retired, and you do not need to prove your age when you join online — you straightforward confirm that you are 50 or older during registration.

Can I get a refund if I do not use my membership?

AARP does not offer refunds based on how much you use the membership. However, if you cancel within a certain timeframe after being charged for a renewal, you can request a refund. Call 1-888-687-2277 to ask about the current refund window and whether you are within it.

Are AARP discounts available online and in stores?

It depends on the retailer. Some discounts explore only in physical stores, some only online, and some both ways. Check the AARP discount directory on aarp.org before you shop to confirm how to use a specific discount.

What happens if I turn 50 while already a member of another organization?

You can join AARP as soon as you turn 50. If you are already receiving discounts through another senior program, you can keep both memberships or switch to AARP. There is no requirement to choose one or the other.

Is AARP membership tax deductible?

AARP membership dues are generally not tax deductible for individual members. AARP is a nonprofit organization, but membership fees do not may have access to as charitable donations under IRS rules. Consult a tax professional about your specific situation.