Understanding AARP's Cancellation and Refund Policy
AARP's official policy confirms that members can cancel their membership at any time and receive a pro-rated refund. This refund covers the unused portion of your current membership term, based on when you cancel. It is not a full refund for the entire term unless you cancel shortly after joining or renewing. For example, if you are halfway through a one-year membership, you will receive approximately half of your annual fee back.
The refund will be processed and sent back to you using the original payment method, whether that was a credit card, PayPal, or check. It is important to note that it may take some time for the process to complete. AARP indicates that it can take up to 12 weeks to fully update all related systems after a cancellation request has been submitted.
Before you proceed with cancellation, it is wise to confirm the exact policy details on their official site, particularly if you have a multi-year membership, to fully understand the financial implications.
Step-by-Step Guide to Canceling Your Membership
The most effective ways to cancel your AARP membership involve direct contact with their member services team. The methods available differ, especially between canceling the membership itself and simply stopping an automatic renewal.
Canceling by Phone
This is often the most direct way to cancel your membership entirely. To cancel your AARP membership, you can:
- Call the Member Services team: The toll-free number is 1-888-687-2277. Their hours are generally Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
- Have your information ready: Be prepared to provide your member ID number, full name, address, and potentially other identifying details to confirm your account.
- Follow the representative's instructions: Clearly state your intention to cancel and request a pro-rated refund. Make sure to get a cancellation confirmation number or email for your records.
Canceling via Online Chat
Another convenient option is to use AARP's online chat feature. Live agents are typically available during specified hours, though an AARPBOT is available 24/7 for initial questions.
- Visit the AARP help center: Go to help.aarp.org and look for the chat icon, often located in the corner of the screen.
- Request to speak with a live agent: The AARPBOT can often connect you to a live agent during business hours.
- Provide your details and request cancellation: Similar to the phone call, provide your member information and state your request to cancel and receive a pro-rated refund.
What About Canceling Online?
It is crucial to understand the difference between canceling your membership and canceling automatic renewal. Some online resources and past user experiences suggest that canceling the membership itself often requires a phone call or chat, not just an online form. However, you can easily stop your automatic renewal online.
To cancel automatic renewal:
- Log in to your AARP online account.
- Go to the "My Account" section and select the "Account Details" tab.
- Find the "AARP Membership Payment Details" section and click "Cancel Automatic Renewal".
What to Consider Before You Cancel
Before you finalize your decision to cancel and receive a refund, it's important to weigh the potential loss of benefits against the savings. Consider the following:
Comparison of Benefits vs. Cost
| Membership Term | Current Annual Fee | Key Membership Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| 1-Year (Auto-Renew) | $15 (1st year, renews at $20) | Discounts, magazine, wellness resources |
| 3-Year | $55 | Expanded benefits, greater savings |
| 5-Year | $79 | Maximum savings on annual rate |
Disclaimer: Pricing is subject to change. Always verify current rates on the official AARP website.
The Impact of Losing AARP Benefits
Cancellation means you will immediately lose access to a wide array of discounts and services. This includes savings on travel, dining, and insurance products. For many members, the loss of health and wellness resources can also be significant. AARP offers extensive programs and materials on fitness, nutrition, and mental health, which are highly beneficial for those in the healthy aging demographic. Take a moment to review if you utilize any of these benefits, especially those for long-term care planning or preventative measures, that might be more valuable than the pro-rated refund you would receive. For a detailed list of offerings, you can explore the organization's resources on their website.
Frequently Encountered Cancellation Issues
While the process is straightforward, some members have reported challenges, primarily related to the distinction between canceling automatic renewal online and needing to contact support for a full membership cancellation. If you encounter difficulties, remain patient and persistent.
- If you cancelled online but are still getting charged, you likely only cancelled the auto-renewal. You will need to contact member services via phone or chat to cancel the remaining term and request the refund.
- If your refund is delayed beyond the expected timeframe, follow up with member services. Have your initial cancellation date and any confirmation details handy.
- If you get unsolicited mail after cancellation, it's a known issue that can take up to 12 weeks for all systems to update. You can inform the agent during your cancellation call that you wish to be removed from all mailing lists.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Decision
Ultimately, whether you should cancel your AARP membership depends on your personal circumstances and whether the value of the benefits outweighs the membership cost. AARP does provide a path to receive a pro-rated refund, which is a fair compromise for those whose needs or financial situations have changed. By following the steps to contact member services directly and considering the benefits you will lose, you can make a well-informed decision. Just remember to document your cancellation details and be prepared for the possible wait time for your refund to be processed.
For more information on the various programs and resources available through the organization before you make your final choice, visit the official AARP website.
