Maximizing Your AARP Membership Savings
For anyone considering an AARP membership, especially those looking to manage their budget effectively, finding the most affordable entry point is a priority. The key to securing the lowest price often involves taking advantage of introductory offers and understanding the long-term value. Enrolling in automatic renewal is consistently the most direct path to the lowest initial cost. However, several other strategies can further reduce your membership fees over time, making this an accessible option for people 18 and older, not just those over 50.
How to Get the Lowest Price with Auto-Renewal
The single cheapest way to get an AARP membership for your first year is to sign up for the introductory automatic renewal offer. New members can join for a significantly reduced rate for their first year by agreeing to have their membership automatically renewed annually. While the standard yearly price is higher, this initial discount provides immediate savings. This is a risk-free option as you can cancel the automatic renewal at any time if you choose. After the first year, the membership renews at the regular rate, but the initial saving is substantial and gives you plenty of time to explore the vast array of benefits.
Multi-Year Membership Discounts
Another way to reduce the annual cost is by committing to a multi-year membership term. AARP offers discounts for longer commitments, which lock in a lower average annual rate and protect you from potential future price increases. The available terms typically include three-year and five-year options, which offer deeper discounts per year than the standard annual rate. While the upfront cost is higher than the first-year auto-renewal rate, the overall per-year price can be a better long-term value proposition for those who plan to remain members for several years.
Add a Free Household Member
One of the most valuable, and often overlooked, aspects of an AARP membership is the ability to add a secondary member to your household for free. This means a spouse, partner, or any adult living at the same address can receive their own card and access all the same benefits at no additional cost. This effectively halves the annual per-person cost of the membership. For a couple, securing the introductory auto-renewal rate and adding a second member is a highly cost-effective way to get two memberships for the price of one.
Finding Promotional Deals and Referral Bonuses
From time to time, special promotional offers may be available through AARP's partners, such as discounts via a Groupon deal or a coupon on a store receipt from Walgreens. Keeping an eye out for these limited-time deals can occasionally offer a first-year rate even lower than the auto-renewal price, sometimes including a free gift. Additionally, AARP has a referral program that rewards members for signing up new participants, which can provide bonuses or credits towards your renewal. These are less consistent than the standard offers but are worth looking for if you are not in a rush to join.
Membership Cost Comparison
To help visualize the options, here is a comparison of different AARP membership plans and their associated costs, based on current offerings:
| Plan Option | First-Year Cost | Subsequent Annual Rate | Key Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Automatic Renewal | $15 | $20 | Lowest first-year price; must opt-in for auto-renew; can be canceled anytime. |
| 1-Year Standard | $20 | $20 | Standard yearly rate; no automatic renewal required. |
| 3-Year Membership | N/A | Approx. $18.33 ($55 total) | Locks in a lower annual rate for three years; one-time payment. |
| 5-Year Membership | N/A | Approx. $15.80 ($79 total) | Deepest annual discount for long-term members; one-time payment. |
Note: All plans include a free second household membership.
The Real Value of an AARP Membership
While cost is a primary consideration, it's the value of the benefits that makes AARP membership a worthwhile investment. The discounts can quickly offset the membership fee. For example, AARP members save up to 35% on car rentals with companies like Avis and Budget, and receive dining discounts at popular restaurants. The organization also offers significant savings on vision, dental, and hearing care. Beyond the direct financial perks, AARP provides valuable resources, publications, and advocacy efforts on issues important to its members. For a full list of available offers, you can visit the official AARP Member Benefits page at https://www.aarp.org/membership/benefits/.
Conclusion
For those asking "what is the cheapest way to get an AARP membership?", the most straightforward answer is to take advantage of the introductory rate by signing up with automatic renewal. This immediately provides the lowest first-year price and includes a free secondary membership for an adult in your household, doubling your value. For those planning a longer membership, the multi-year options offer a lower average annual cost over the long run. By understanding these various options, you can choose the plan that best fits your budget and enjoy the extensive benefits of being an AARP member.
