AARP Discounts: From Travel to Everyday Savings
One of the most immediate and tangible benefits of an AARP membership is access to a vast network of discounts. These savings can quickly recoup the cost of the annual membership fee, which starts at $15 for the first year with automatic renewal.
Travel discounts
- Hotels: Exclusive rates at major chains like Wyndham, Choice Hotels, and Best Western.
- Car Rentals: Savings of up to 35% off base rates with Avis and Budget, often with added perks like a free second driver.
- Flights and Cruises: Discounts on British Airways flights ($65 to $200 off roundtrip tickets) and onboard credit on select cruises through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Travel Planning: Access to destination guides and vacation ideas through the AARP Travel Center.
Dining and shopping discounts
- Restaurants: Discounts of 10% or more at popular chains such as Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Denny's.
- Groceries: Members can save annually on a Walmart+ membership.
- Tech and Wireless: Savings on cell phone services from Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
Entertainment discounts
- Movies and Events: Exclusive discounts on tickets at Regal Cinemas and other entertainment options through Ticketmaster.
- Online Games and Content: Free access to online games like puzzles and solitaire, plus exclusive content from AARP The Magazine.
- Streaming Services: A 10% discount on Paramount+.
Insurance and Financial Services
Beyond everyday discounts, AARP offers members access to a suite of co-branded and endorsed insurance and financial products through reputable partners.
Insurance programs
- Auto Insurance: The AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford offers potential savings and special benefits like Accident Forgiveness.
- Homeowners Insurance: Exclusive savings with The Hartford for homeowners and renters insurance.
- Health Insurance: Access to AARP-branded Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D plans through UnitedHealthcare.
- Life Insurance: Various life insurance options from New York Life, including Guaranteed Acceptance policies.
Financial tools and resources
- Retirement Planning: Access to retirement calculators, financial tools, and resources to help plan for retirement.
- Fraud Prevention: Assistance through the AARP Fraud Watch Network to help members and their families protect themselves from scams.
- Tax Help: The AARP Foundation offers free tax assistance to low-income seniors.
- Banking: Offers on savings and CDs from Barclays.
Health and Wellness Support
Maintaining good health is a priority for many adults over 50, and AARP provides a range of benefits to support this goal.
Health resources
- Prescription Discounts: A free prescription discount card from Optum Rx can provide savings on FDA-approved medications, with deeper discounts for members.
- Vision and Hearing: Discounts on eyewear at LensCrafters and Target Optical, plus access to vision plans from VSP and a free annual hearing test.
- Wellness Programs: Online fitness videos, brain-boosting games, and a wealth of health and wellness content.
Comparison: Is an AARP Membership Worth it for You?
To determine if an AARP membership is worthwhile, consider how frequently you would use the core benefits compared to the annual fee.
| Benefit Category | Potential Savings | Is It Right For You? |
|---|---|---|
| Insurance (Auto, Home, Health) | Significant annual savings, potentially hundreds of dollars. | Yes, if you need or are shopping for new policies. The savings could easily exceed the membership cost. |
| Travel (Hotels, Flights, Cars) | Variable, depends on frequency and cost of travel. | Yes, if you travel frequently for leisure or business. A single trip could cover the annual fee. |
| Discounts (Retail, Dining, Wireless) | Cumulative savings on everyday purchases and services. | Yes, if you plan to use multiple discounts regularly. Casual use might not justify the cost alone. |
| Advocacy | Indirect benefits through political influence on Social Security, Medicare, and other issues. | Yes, if you value supporting an organization that advocates for issues affecting older Americans, regardless of direct financial savings. |
| Resources (Financial, Health, Fraud) | Value comes from informational access and peace of mind. | Yes, if you seek reliable guidance on retirement, Medicare, or fraud prevention. |
Conclusion: The Final Verdict on AARP Benefits
So, does AARP have real benefits? The answer is a definitive yes, but their value is highly individual. For many people, especially those who travel frequently or are looking to save on insurance, the financial savings can far outweigh the low annual membership fee. The added layer of advocacy, exclusive publications, and access to a wealth of resources offers a deeper value beyond simple discounts. Before joining, it's wise to review the extensive list of benefits and assess which ones align with your lifestyle and financial needs to ensure you get the most out of your membership. Ultimately, AARP is more than just a discount card; it's a resource hub and advocacy group for adults navigating life over 50.
