Can I put my AARP card in my Apple Wallet?

Over 40 million Americans are AARP members, and many prefer the convenience of mobile technology. Yes, you can put your AARP card in your Apple Wallet to access your membership benefits easily from your iPhone. AARP provides a streamlined process for adding your digital card via their website or the official AARP Now app.

Quick Summary

Adding your AARP membership card to Apple Wallet is simple and can be done through the AARP Now mobile app or the AARP website. This allows for quick, digital access to benefits and discounts directly from your iPhone. The process is straightforward, requiring you to log in to your AARP account and follow the prompts to add the card.

Key Points

• Digital card compatible: Yes, AARP officially supports adding your membership card to Apple Wallet.

• Use the AARP Now app: The most direct method is by using the AARP Now mobile app and navigating to the 'My Account' section.

• Add via the AARP website: You can also add the card from your iPhone's browser by visiting aarp.org/digitalcard and logging into your account.

• Access quickly: A digital card offers the convenience of accessing your membership benefits instantly from your iPhone, eliminating the need to carry the physical card.

• Troubleshooting tips: If you encounter issues, ensure your apps and iOS are updated and that you are logged into your AARP account.

Adding Your AARP Card via the AARP Now App

One of the most convenient ways to add your AARP membership card to your Apple Wallet is by using the official AARP Now mobile app. This method ensures all your membership details are correctly transferred and kept up-to-date.

Steps for using the AARP Now app:

1. Download the AARP Now app from the Apple App Store.
2. Open the app and log in using your AARP account credentials. If you don't have an online account, you can create one within the app.
3. Navigate to the "My Account" section within the app.
4. Tap on the image of your digital membership card.
5. Tap the "Add to Apple Wallet" button.
6. Follow the on-screen instructions in the Wallet app to finalize the process.

Adding Your AARP Card Through the AARP Website

If you prefer not to use the AARP Now app, you can still add your digital membership card by visiting the AARP website on your iPhone's browser. This is an equally effective way to digitize your card.

Steps for using the AARP website:

1. Open Safari or another browser on your iPhone and go to aarp.org/digitalcard.
2. Log in to your AARP online account.
3. Find your membership card displayed on the page and tap the "Add to Apple Wallet" button.
4. The Apple Wallet interface will appear. Tap "Add" in the top-right corner to complete the process.

Comparison: App vs. Website Method

Feature	AARP Now App Method	AARP Website Method
Primary Use	All-in-one access to news, events, benefits, and digital card.	Quick, single-purpose access to add your digital card.
Convenience	Slightly more convenient for regular AARP users, as the card and benefits are in one place.	Useful for those who only need to add the card to their wallet once and don't require other app features.
User Interface	Integrated experience within the app's 'My Account' tab.	Straightforward, browser-based process.
Updates	Potential for automatic updates and notifications related to your membership.	Card details are added once; manual updates might be required in some cases.

Benefits of a Digital AARP Card

Using a digital AARP card offers several advantages over the traditional physical card:

• Never forget your card: With your AARP card in Apple Wallet, you always have it with you as long as you have your phone.
• Faster access: A digital card can be accessed quickly by double-clicking your iPhone's side button (or home button on older models) when near a location-enabled merchant.
• Enhanced security: Your phone is likely password-protected, providing an extra layer of security compared to a physical card that could be lost or stolen.
• Environmentally friendly: Reducing reliance on plastic cards helps minimize waste.
• Keeps your physical wallet clutter-free: Free up space in your physical wallet by moving membership cards to your digital one.

What to Do If You Encounter Issues

If you have trouble adding your AARP card to your Apple Wallet, consider these troubleshooting steps:

• Update the AARP Now App: Ensure you have the latest version installed, as older versions can sometimes cause issues.
• Check iOS Version: Make sure your iPhone is running the latest version of iOS to ensure compatibility.
• Log Out and In Again: Sometimes, simply logging out of your AARP account and logging back in can resolve synchronization problems.
• Contact AARP Support: If issues persist, AARP's help center provides specific instructions and contact information for further assistance.

Conclusion

In conclusion, adding your AARP membership card to your Apple Wallet is a straightforward and beneficial process. By following the simple steps provided by AARP through either their mobile app or website, you can quickly and securely digitize your membership card. This shift from physical to digital offers greater convenience, faster access to discounts, and a lighter wallet, ensuring you can always take advantage of your AARP benefits wherever you are.

Visit AARP's Help Center for more information

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the physical AARP card if it's in my Apple Wallet?

No, you do not need the physical card. The digital version in your Apple Wallet is fully valid and can be scanned or shown to merchants to prove your membership.

Can I add my AARP card to Apple Wallet on my iPad?

While you can manage your AARP account on an iPad, the process of adding the card to Apple Wallet is designed for the iPhone. The Wallet app on the iPhone is used to add membership cards, which then syncs to the Wallet on a paired Apple Watch.

Is adding my AARP card to Apple Wallet secure?

Yes, it is secure. Adding the card is handled through AARP's official channels and Apple's secure Wallet infrastructure. Your iPhone's biometric security (Face ID or Touch ID) and passcode protect your digital cards.

Can I add my AARP card to Google Pay or other digital wallets?

Yes, AARP also supports adding your digital membership card to Google Pay for Android users. The process is similar and can be done through the AARP Now app on an Android device.

What if my membership renews? Will the digital card update automatically?

Typically, the digital card will update automatically with your new expiration date after you renew. However, if the expiration date does not update, you can remove the old card and re-add it using the same process.

Can I get a digital card even if I haven't received my physical one yet?

Yes, you can. After joining or renewing online, AARP provides immediate access to your digital card, which you can add to your Apple Wallet while you wait for the physical card to arrive in the mail.

What information is visible on the digital AARP card in Apple Wallet?

The digital card in Apple Wallet displays your name and membership number, similar to the physical card. No financial or other sensitive personal information is stored on the card.