How do I unsubscribe from AARP? A Comprehensive Guide to Canceling and Opting Out

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of adults aged 65 and older is projected to grow significantly, meaning many more individuals will receive mail from senior-focused organizations. For those asking, "how do I unsubscribe from AARP?", this guide provides authoritative and clear instructions to manage your communication preferences and membership status.

Quick Summary

You can unsubscribe from AARP by canceling your membership for a pro-rated refund, managing communication preferences online to opt out of emails, or using the privacy opt-out form to stop unwanted postal mail. The most effective approach involves addressing all three channels directly to ensure all outreach ceases.

Key Points

• Differentiate Cancellation and Opt-Out: Canceling membership is distinct from opting out of marketing. To stop all contact, you must do both.

• Membership Cancellation: For a full termination and pro-rated refund, you must call AARP's Member Services at 1-800-514-4564 or send a formal letter.

• Stopping Mail: Use AARP's official online privacy opt-out form to remove yourself from postal mailing lists. This can take several weeks to take full effect.

• Managing Email: Stop email newsletters by using the unsubscribe link in the email or by managing your preferences in your AARP online account.

• Ending Automatic Renewal: Log in to your online account to cancel automatic renewals under the 'Account Details' tab, allowing your membership to expire naturally.

• Be Persistent: Wait up to 12 weeks for all communications to cease. If they continue, contact AARP's customer service again for assistance.

Understanding the Different Ways to Unsubscribe from AARP

To effectively stop all communication from AARP, you must understand the distinction between cancelling your membership, ending your automatic renewal, and opting out of their marketing communications. Simply clicking "unsubscribe" on an email does not cancel your membership or stop physical mail. To ensure a complete end to all contact, it is best to use multiple methods.

How to Cancel Your AARP Membership

For those who are members and wish to terminate their affiliation, you can receive a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your membership. The most reliable methods for canceling your AARP membership are by phone or mail.

Canceling by Phone

This is often the quickest method for a full membership cancellation. You can speak directly with a representative to confirm your cancellation and the status of your refund.

1. Gather your AARP member ID number, which can be found on your membership card or any mailing you have received from AARP.
2. Call the toll-free AARP Member Services number at 1-800-514-4564. For automated renewal cancellations, a different number may apply (1-866-804-1278).
3. Inform the representative that you wish to cancel your AARP membership completely.
4. Confirm your personal details and member ID to verify your identity.
5. Request a confirmation number or email verifying your cancellation and inquire about the process for your pro-rated refund.

Canceling by Mail

If you prefer a written record of your cancellation, sending a letter is a valid option. Be aware that this method can take longer to process.

1. Write a formal letter stating your clear intention to cancel your AARP membership.
2. Include your full name, address, phone number, and AARP member ID.
3. Request a pro-rated refund for the remainder of your membership term.
4. Send the letter to the AARP Membership Center, 3200 E. Carson St., Lakewood, CA 90712.
5. Consider sending the letter via certified mail with a return receipt requested to ensure it was received.

How to Stop Unwanted AARP Emails and Mailings

If you are not a member or wish to stop marketing communications without cancelling, you can use the official opt-out channels. Stopping unsolicited mail and email requires a separate process from membership cancellation.

Opting Out of Emails

There are two primary ways to stop emails from AARP.

• Unsubscribe Link: The fastest way to stop a specific type of newsletter is to click the “Unsubscribe” link at the bottom of any AARP email you receive. Please note that this only unsubscribes you from that particular list and may not stop all future emails.
• Online Account Settings: For more control, log in to your AARP online account and navigate to the “My Account” section. Under the “Newsletters” or “Communications Preferences” tab, you can review and unsubscribe from all email newsletters.

Stopping Postal Mail

AARP provides a dedicated privacy opt-out form to remove yourself from their postal mailing lists. This is the most effective way to stop physical junk mail.

• Visit the official AARP Privacy Policy page to find the opt-out form. The URL for this form is often a direct link on their website, such as https://www.aarp.org/forms/privacy-opt-out-form-new.html. Submitting your information here will begin the opt-out process.
• It is important to know that it can take up to 6 to 12 weeks for your request to be fully processed and for all mailings to cease. It may be necessary to write “Refused, Return to Sender” on any unopened, first-class mail from AARP during this period.

How to Cancel Automatic Renewal

For members enrolled in automatic renewal, you can stop this feature without canceling your entire membership. This is a good option if you want to let your current membership expire naturally.

1. Log in to your AARP online account.
2. Go to “My Account” and select the “Account Details” tab.
3. Scroll to “AARP Membership Payment Details” and click the “Cancel Automatic Renewal” link.
4. Confirm your choice in the pop-up window.

Comparison: Full Cancellation vs. Opt-out

Feature	Full Membership Cancellation	Opting Out of Marketing Communications
Effect	Terminates all membership benefits, magazine subscriptions, and premium discounts. Includes a pro-rated refund.	Stops marketing emails and/or postal mail. Membership benefits may continue until the expiration date.
Best For	Individuals who no longer want any affiliation with AARP or want to stop all communication and benefits.	Individuals who want to continue benefits until expiration but stop unwanted solicitation.
Method	Phone call or formal mail letter.	Online via account settings or privacy opt-out form. Can also use unsubscribe links in emails.
Refund	Yes, a pro-rated refund is issued for the remaining term.	No, as membership remains active until the expiration date.
Timeframe	Cancellation is usually immediate, but refunds and final mailings can take several weeks.	Marketing emails stop within days, but postal mail can take up to 12 weeks.

What to Expect After Unsubscribing

After you have initiated the process to unsubscribe or cancel, it is important to be patient and persistent. You may still receive communications for a few weeks as AARP's various departments and partners update their records. If you continue to receive unwanted mail after the designated timeframe (4-12 weeks), you can make a formal complaint by contacting AARP directly via phone or email, or use the “Refused” method for first-class mail.

Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Senior Care Communications

Managing unwanted communications is an important step in personal privacy and mental wellness. By understanding the distinct methods for canceling your membership, ending automatic renewal, and opting out of marketing outreach, you can take full control of your relationship with AARP. Whether you want to end your membership entirely or simply stop the flood of junk mail, following the steps outlined above will ensure your request is processed effectively. For more details on their data handling, please review the official AARP Privacy Policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

If I unsubscribe from AARP emails, will it also stop the mail?

No. Unsubscribing from emails only stops the electronic communications. To stop physical mail, you must separately use the official online opt-out form or contact them directly.

Can I cancel my AARP membership online?

You can cancel automatic renewal online, which will let your membership expire. However, for a full, immediate membership cancellation that includes a refund, it is best to contact AARP by phone or mail.

What is the phone number for AARP membership cancellation?

The phone number for general AARP Member Services is 1-800-514-4564. It is recommended to have your member ID ready before calling.

How long does it take for AARP to stop sending mail after I opt out?

After submitting an opt-out request for postal mail, it can take anywhere from 4 to 12 weeks for all mailings to completely stop. Their internal systems need time to update and remove your address.

Will I get a refund if I cancel my AARP membership?

Yes, if you have a prepaid membership, you are eligible for a pro-rated refund for the remaining term. You must specifically request this refund when you cancel.

Is there a way to cancel just the AARP magazine subscription?

The magazine subscription is part of the membership benefits. To stop receiving the magazine, you must cancel your full membership. You can, however, opt-out of marketing mailings which often include promotional magazines.

I am not an AARP member, but I still receive mail. How do I stop it?

If you are not a member, you are likely on their marketing list. To stop the mail, you should use the official AARP privacy opt-out form on their website, and potentially write 'Refused, Return to Sender' on any unopened first-class mail.