Understanding the AARP Membership Cycle
An AARP membership functions much like a subscription service, providing access to a range of benefits and resources for a specified term. For most members, this term is one year, but multi-year options are also available. Regardless of the term length, the membership will eventually expire, and renewal is necessary to prevent any lapse in benefits. This model ensures that members stay engaged and that AARP can continue its advocacy work and provide services. The key takeaway is that an active AARP membership is never permanent and requires attention every few years at a minimum.
The Convenience of Automatic Renewal
For many members, the simplest way to handle the periodic renewal requirement is to enroll in AARP's Automatic Renewal program. This feature automatically charges your designated payment method when your term is up, guaranteeing seamless, uninterrupted access to all your benefits. AARP sends a reminder notice well in advance of the renewal date, giving you a chance to make changes or cancel if you wish. Signing up for automatic renewal often comes with a discount on the first year's membership fee, making it a popular choice for new members. It eliminates the hassle of tracking expiration dates and manually completing the renewal process, making it an ideal option for those who want to set it and forget it.
How to Check Your Membership Status
If you're unsure when your AARP membership expires or whether you are enrolled in automatic renewal, there are several easy ways to check:
- Online Account: The most efficient method is to log in to your account on AARP's official website. Your membership status, expiration date, and payment details are all visible under the 'My Account' or 'Account Details' tab.
- Membership Card: Your expiration date is printed directly on your physical AARP membership card. Locate the card, and the date should be clearly listed on the front.
- By Phone: AARP's customer service line is available to provide you with your membership information. You can reach them at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277) to inquire about your status or renewal options.
Manually Renewing Your AARP Membership
If you prefer not to use automatic renewal or want to select a longer-term plan, you can always renew manually. This can be done online, by mail, or over the phone. AARP typically sends out several renewal notices in the months leading up to your expiration date. These notices usually include instructions on how to renew and may contain special promotional offers. Renewing manually gives you more control over your payment schedule and allows you to consider multi-year options that provide greater savings over time, such as the 3-year or 5-year plans.
Automatic vs. Manual Renewal: A Comparison
To help you decide which renewal method is best for you, here is a comparison of automatic versus manual renewal.
| Feature | Automatic Renewal | Manual Renewal |
|---|---|---|
| Convenience | Highly convenient; requires no action from the member after initial setup. | Requires manual action each renewal period (annual or multi-year). |
| Price | Often provides a discounted rate for the initial year. | No first-year discount; allows for multi-year savings. |
| Reminders | AARP sends an automatic reminder before the charge is processed. | AARP sends multiple mail and email renewal notices. |
| Control | Less direct control; requires logging in or calling to cancel. | Complete control over every renewal cycle. |
| Lapse Risk | Very low risk of membership lapse. | Higher risk of forgetting to renew and benefits lapsing. |
What Happens If My Membership Lapses?
If your AARP membership expires, you will lose access to member-specific benefits, discounts, and publications like AARP The Magazine. However, AARP makes it very easy to rejoin. If your membership has lapsed, you can simply renew it to reactivate all your benefits. There is no penalty for letting your membership lapse, and you can pick up right where you left off, though you will be without benefits during the lapsed period. This is especially important for members who have insurance products tied to their AARP membership, as a lapse could have more significant consequences. You can find resources on how to rejoin on the official AARP website, such as this guide: How Do I Reactivate My AARP Membership?.
Navigating Multi-Year Membership Options
In addition to the standard annual membership, AARP offers multi-year options that can save you money and reduce the frequency of renewal notifications. These plans lock in a lower average annual rate and are a great way to commit to AARP benefits for the long term. For example, a 3-year or 5-year plan provides significant savings over the standard annual rate. These can be purchased during an initial sign-up or at any point during your renewal cycle.
Conclusion
In summary, yes, an AARP membership does need to be renewed to remain active. The frequency depends on whether you opt for an annual or multi-year term. However, managing this is straightforward, whether you choose the hands-off approach of automatic renewal or prefer the flexibility of manual renewal. By understanding your options and keeping track of your expiration date, you can ensure a seamless experience and continue to enjoy all the valuable resources and discounts AARP provides.
