Understanding the Shared AARP Membership Number
When one person pays for an AARP membership, they can add an adult from their household as a free secondary member. Both individuals will receive their own card, but these cards will feature the exact same membership number. This shared number streamlines household membership under a single account, allowing both partners to access the full range of discounts, benefits, and publications that AARP offers.
This structure prevents the need for couples to pay for two separate memberships. The primary member is the person who initially joins and pays the fee, while the secondary member can be a spouse, partner, or any other adult residing at the same address, regardless of age. Even if the secondary member is under 50, they can still enjoy many of the benefits of membership.
How to Add a Secondary Member
To ensure your spouse has a card with the shared number, you must add them as a secondary member to your existing account. This process is simple and can be done online through the official AARP website.
Steps for adding a secondary member:
- Log in to your AARP online account. If you don't have one, it's free to create one.
- Navigate to the My Account section.
- Click on the Account Details tab.
- Find the Personal Information section and look for the Members in this household option.
- Click Add Member and fill in your spouse's information.
- Select Save to confirm the changes.
After adding your spouse, AARP will automatically send them their own membership card in the mail, which will have the same number as yours. They can also create their own online account with a unique email address to access a digital card and manage their information.
Can We Have Separate AARP Accounts?
Yes, it is possible for a couple to have separate, individual AARP memberships, but it is not the most cost-effective approach. Here is a comparison to illustrate the difference:
| Feature | Shared Household Membership | Separate Individual Memberships |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | One annual fee covers two people. | Each person pays their own annual fee. |
| Membership Number | Both individuals share the same number. | Each person has a unique membership number. |
| Cards | Each person receives their own card, but with the shared number. | Each person receives their own card with their unique number. |
| Online Access | Both can create separate online accounts and access digital cards. | Each person has their own online account. |
| Benefits | Both can access the full range of benefits. | Both can access the full range of benefits, but at a higher total cost. |
For most couples, the shared household membership is the most logical and economical choice, as it provides all the same benefits at half the cost. The main advantage of separate memberships is if you need completely distinct accounts for specific reasons, such as managing different insurance products that require individual policy numbers. However, for everyday discounts and services, the shared number works seamlessly.
Using Your Shared Membership Number
For most AARP services, you or your spouse can simply provide the shared membership number to prove eligibility. This applies to accessing member discounts on travel, restaurants, and shopping, as well as using the benefits available through the AARP website and mobile app. For example, either of you can show your card to a partner business to receive a discount. For online services, your spouse will use their own unique AARP online account login, but the system recognizes them as a secondary member linked to the single membership number.
What if My Spouse's Card Doesn't Arrive?
If you have added your spouse as a secondary member but their card hasn't arrived within three to four weeks, there are a few options. First, you can print a temporary digital card from your online account. Second, your spouse can create their own online account and access a digital card through the AARP Now app. Finally, you can contact AARP customer service directly to inquire about the delay and request a new card be sent.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when a couple has an AARP membership, they do share the same membership number. This is a core feature of the free secondary membership program, which allows one paid member to add a spouse or household adult at no extra cost. By sharing the same number, both individuals can independently access all the valuable benefits of AARP with their own personal cards. The process is straightforward, ensuring that couples can maximize their savings and resources without having to pay for multiple memberships. This is one of the key benefits that makes an AARP membership so valuable for households.
Finding Your Shared AARP Number
If you or your spouse need to find your shared AARP number, there are a few easy methods:
- On Your Card: The number is printed on the front of both the primary and secondary membership cards.
- Online: Log into your account on AARP.org, navigate to "My Account," and your membership information will be displayed.
- AARP Now App: Your digital card, visible in the AARP Now app, also contains your membership number.
- Customer Service: You can contact AARP's customer service line or use the online chat feature for assistance.
If you have added your spouse but they are having trouble accessing benefits or their digital card, double-check that they have created their own online account with a unique email address. This is the one step that is not automatically shared when you add them as a secondary member. If you encounter any issues, AARP's support resources are readily available to help.
Here is a helpful FAQ about AARP membership from their official website.
