Can you share your AARP card? Understanding the official policy
Many members mistakenly believe their AARP membership is a transferable asset, similar to a loyalty card they can simply hand to a friend or family member. However, this is not the case. An AARP membership is a contract between the organization and the individual member. It is specifically tied to the person who signed up and paid the dues, and sharing it with unauthorized individuals is a violation of the terms of service. This is particularly important for age-restricted products and services, like certain insurance plans, where eligibility is based on the age of the member.
The key distinction lies in the free secondary membership included with every standard membership. This is the only official, legitimate way to share your AARP benefits. Instead of handing over your own card, you can add one adult who resides at the same address to your account at no additional cost. This person will then receive their own official membership card, which they can use to access all the applicable benefits.
How to add a secondary household member
Adding a spouse or another adult household member is a straightforward process that takes just a few minutes. This is the only method AARP supports for sharing membership benefits, ensuring both members are properly documented and have their own access credentials. To add a secondary member, follow these steps:
- Log in to your AARP account: Visit the AARP website and sign in to your online account using your credentials.
- Navigate to your account details: Once logged in, go to the 'My Account' section and select the 'Account Details' tab.
- Find the household members section: Scroll to the 'Personal Information' area, where you will find an option to add a member to your household.
- Enter the secondary member's information: Provide the necessary details for your spouse or other adult household member, including their name and address.
- Save your changes: Complete the process by saving the information. AARP will automatically send a personalized membership card to your new secondary member within a few weeks.
By following this process, both you and your household member can legally and securely take advantage of all the perks and discounts that come with the membership, including benefits like travel discounts, prescription savings, and magazine access.
Consequences of misuse vs. legitimate sharing
Misusing an AARP card can lead to several problems, while utilizing the secondary membership feature offers a secure way to share benefits. Here's a quick comparison:
| Sharing (Misuse) | Adding (Legitimate Sharing) | |
|---|---|---|
| Card Usage | Unauthorized person uses your card. | Authorized secondary member uses their own card. |
| Compliance | Violates AARP's terms of service. | Fully compliant with AARP policy. |
| Fraud Risk | High risk of the card being questioned or benefits denied if the provider checks ID. Could be considered a form of fraud. | No risk. Providers can verify the unique card number and member name. |
| Access to Benefits | Benefits may be denied if the name on the card doesn't match the user's ID. Some providers may only ask to see the card. | Both members have independent and equal access to eligible benefits. |
| Personal Data | Sharing your personal information and membership number with someone else poses a security risk. | Keeps personal information separate and secure, as the secondary member can manage their own account details. |
Potential issues with unauthorized sharing
While some discounts may not require ID verification, relying on this is a risky strategy. Many participating businesses, especially for larger discounts on travel or financial products, reserve the right to verify the member's identity. Here are a few risks associated with unauthorized sharing:
- Denial of Discount: A business can legally deny a discount if the name on the AARP card does not match the name on a photo ID. This can lead to embarrassment and frustration at the point of sale.
- Membership Revocation: Repeated or egregious violations of the terms of service could result in AARP revoking your membership and associated benefits without a refund.
- Security Risk: Your AARP card contains your membership number. Sharing this can expose your personal information to others, potentially leading to other security risks.
- No Access to Certain Benefits: Many benefits, like insurance products, require specific member details and are not transferable by simply sharing a card.
Conclusion: The right way to share is to add
In short, while you cannot simply pass your AARP card to just anyone, AARP provides a clear, free, and secure way to extend the benefits to a deserving household member. Instead of risking the denial of a discount or potential security issues by misusing your card, follow the official process for adding a secondary member. This ensures that both you and your authorized household member can enjoy the full range of perks legally and with peace of mind. For more information on your specific benefits, it is always best to consult the official AARP website. AARP provides a reliable, comprehensive help center on its website for member questions.
Resources for maximizing your AARP membership
For those looking to maximize their AARP benefits, here are some key areas to explore:
- AARP Now App: This mobile app provides access to a digital version of your card, local deals, daily news, and more. Both the primary and secondary member can utilize this for convenience.
- AARP Rewards: A free loyalty program that lets you earn points for completing activities. Members earn more points and have access to exclusive rewards.
- AARP Magazine: A subscription to AARP The Magazine is included with your membership for award-winning content.
- Travel Benefits: AARP members can save on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and vacation packages through exclusive partnerships.
By leveraging these resources and correctly adding household members, you can unlock the full value of your AARP membership for everyone in your home.
Can you share your AARP card? The definitive answer
While it's against AARP policy to hand your card to just anyone, you can officially and legally share your membership benefits with one other adult in your household by adding them as a free secondary member. This person will receive their own card and can access discounts and resources independently, avoiding the risks and violations of unauthorized sharing.
