AARP Membership for Couples: The Simple Truth
While a single AARP membership covers two adults living in the same household, your wife cannot legally use your physical card. The membership policy is designed to give both you and your spouse or partner access to benefits, but each person needs their own unique membership card. Fortunately, adding your wife as a secondary member is a quick, easy, and free process, giving her immediate access to a wide array of discounts and resources.
How to Get a Free Card for Your Spouse
Adding your wife as a secondary member is straightforward. It ensures she receives her own card, either digital or physical, which she can then use to access benefits without relying on your card. You can complete this process online in just a few minutes, giving her the peace of mind of having her own proof of membership.
- Log in to Your AARP Account: Go to the AARP website and sign in to your account. If you don't have an online account, you can create one for free using your membership number.
- Navigate to Account Details: Once logged in, find the "My Account" section and click on the "Account Details" tab.
- Find the Household Members Section: Scroll down to the "Personal Information" section and look for "Members in this household." This is where you can manage secondary memberships.
- Add Your Spouse's Information: Click the "Add Member" button and fill in your wife's required information, including her name and other details. The system will then generate a new membership for her.
- Receive the New Card: AARP will automatically send a physical card to your address for your wife. In the meantime, you can print a temporary digital card from your account or have her download the AARP Now app to access her digital card immediately.
Benefits for Secondary AARP Members
Once your wife is set up with her own secondary membership, she gains access to nearly all the same benefits as the primary member. This is a significant advantage, as it effectively doubles the household's access to savings and resources at no extra cost. These benefits can include:
- Travel Discounts: Reduced rates on hotels, car rentals, and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Dining Discounts: Savings at thousands of restaurants across the country, including major chains and local eateries.
- Health and Wellness: Access to the AARP Prescription Discounts program, vision and hearing benefits, and health insurance resources.
- Financial Resources: Exclusive rates on banking products from partners like Marcus by Goldman Sachs, as well as access to financial planning and advice.
- Technology & Insurance: Discounts on mobile phone plans from companies like Consumer Cellular, plus access to AARP-endorsed insurance products.
- AARP Publications: A free subscription to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
It's important to note that certain benefits, particularly age-restricted insurance products, may have specific limitations based on eligibility. However, for the vast majority of everyday discounts, both household members enjoy the same access.
Comparison: Primary vs. Secondary Membership
To clarify any potential confusion, here is a comparison of the roles of a primary and secondary member within an AARP household membership.
| Feature | Primary Member | Secondary Member |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Pays the annual membership fee. | Included for free in the primary membership. |
| Online Access | Manages the main account, including adding/removing secondary members. | Can create their own AARP online account to manage their details. |
| Membership Card | Receives a unique card with their name and membership number. | Receives a unique card with their name, but the primary's membership number. |
| Member ID | Has their own individual member ID number. | Shares the same member ID number as the primary member. |
| Benefits | Has access to all AARP benefits and resources. | Has access to virtually all benefits, with some age-restricted exceptions. |
| Voting | Eligible to vote in AARP governance elections (if over 50). | Not typically eligible for voting privileges. |
Avoiding Confusion and Misunderstandings
Some spouses might wonder if they can simply use their partner's card. This is not recommended for several reasons:
- Verification Issues: Many merchants and service providers will verify the name on the card with a photo ID. If the names don't match, the discount may be denied.
- Fraud Concerns: Using someone else's card can be perceived as fraudulent, even if the intent is harmless. It can cause awkwardness and delays at the point of sale.
- Membership is Personalized: The membership is intended for the individual, providing personalized resources and access to certain services. Using a shared card can lead to confusion and incorrect information being used for things like insurance quotes or rewards programs.
The safest and most efficient solution is to add your spouse or partner to your account and ensure they have their own card. This eliminates all guesswork and ensures they can confidently and smoothly access all available discounts.
Beyond the Card: Maximizing Household Benefits
An AARP membership is more than just a card for discounts. By adding your spouse, you both gain access to a treasure trove of resources. Take advantage of the AARP website's tools and guides on topics like financial planning, health management, and retirement. You can also explore local events together and participate in online activities that help keep your minds sharp and your bodies active.
For more detailed information on managing your household membership and other member benefits, visit the official AARP Help Center.
Conclusion: Sharing the Benefits, Not the Card
In short, while you cannot simply hand your AARP card to your wife and expect it to work, you can and should add her as a free secondary member to your account. This ensures she receives her own card and is entitled to the same great discounts and resources. It's a simple, free process that avoids confusion and allows both of you to maximize the value of your AARP membership.
