How do you unsubscribe from AARP? A Comprehensive Guide

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately 56 million people were over age 65 in 2020, many of whom may have been AARP members at some point. For various reasons, you may decide that you no longer wish to be a member and need to know how do you unsubscribe from AARP.

Quick Summary

You can unsubscribe from AARP by canceling your membership via phone or mail, or by opting out of specific communications like emails and mailings through their online account portal or privacy opt-out form. Unsubscribing from emails and physical mail is managed separately from canceling a paid membership.

Key Points

• Cancel by Phone: The most direct way to cancel an AARP membership is by calling their customer service line at 1-888-687-2277.

• Cancel Automatic Renewal Online: You can stop recurring payments through your 'My Account' page on the AARP website, but this does not immediately cancel the entire membership.

• Opt-Out of Emails: Use the 'Unsubscribe' link at the bottom of any AARP email or manage subscriptions via your online account under the 'Newsletters' tab.

• Stop Physical Mail: You must submit a request via AARP's online privacy opt-out form, call customer service, or write a letter to be removed from their physical mailing list, a process that can take several weeks.

• Different Processes: Remember that canceling a membership is separate from opting out of marketing communications, and you may need to take both steps to fully unsubscribe.

Unsubscribing from an AARP Membership

If you have a paid AARP membership, it is important to understand the process for complete cancellation. This goes beyond simply opting out of marketing emails or physical mail. AARP offers a pro-rated refund for cancellations, which is an important detail to note if you have a multi-year membership.

How to Cancel by Phone

For many members, canceling over the phone is the most direct method and ensures immediate processing. It also provides the opportunity to speak with a representative directly, which can be helpful if you have specific questions about your refund or account status.

Here is how to proceed:

1. Gather your information: Have your AARP membership number ready. This will expedite the process when you speak with a representative.
2. Call AARP Customer Service: The toll-free number for membership services is 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).
3. Follow the prompts: Navigate the automated system to reach a member services representative. Explain clearly that you wish to cancel your membership entirely.
4. Confirm cancellation: Ask the representative for a confirmation number or email verifying the cancellation. This serves as a record of your request.

How to Cancel by Mail

If you prefer to submit a written request, you can send a letter to AARP's membership center. This method may take longer to process, so it is advisable to send it well in advance of your renewal date.

Your letter should include:

• Your full name
• Your mailing address
• Your AARP membership number
• A clear statement that you wish to cancel your membership

Mail your letter to: AARP Membership Center 3200 E. Carson St. Lakewood, CA 90712

Unsubscribing from AARP Communications

Even if you are not a paid member, or if you cancel your membership, you may still receive mail and email communications from AARP. Managing these requires a separate process from canceling a membership.

Opting Out of Emails

Emails are generally the easiest communication type to stop. You have two main options for unsubscribing from AARP emails.

• Unsubscribe link: The fastest method is to click the 'Unsubscribe' link found at the bottom of any AARP email you receive. This should immediately remove you from that specific email list.
• Online account: If you have an online account, you can manage all your newsletter subscriptions from one place:
  1. Log in to your account at AARP.org.
  2. Navigate to the 'My Account' section.
  3. Select the 'Newsletters' tab to see a list of all your subscriptions.
  4. Click 'Unsubscribe' next to any newsletter you no longer wish to receive.

Opting Out of Physical Mail

Stopping unwanted physical mail from AARP can be a multi-step process, as it can take time for your request to be processed by third-party data brokers as well.

• Online Privacy Opt-Out Form: AARP provides a dedicated online form for opting out of all communications.
  1. Visit the Your Privacy Choices page on AARP's website.
  2. Fill out the form with your details, including your full name and mailing address.
  3. Confirm that you wish to stop receiving all communications from AARP.
• Contact by Phone: Calling AARP's customer service (1-888-687-2277) and clearly stating your desire to be removed from all mailing lists is another effective option.
• Write to AARP: Similar to canceling a membership, you can send a written request to be removed from the mailing list. Address it to the AARP Membership Center at the address provided earlier.

Comparison of Unsubscribing Methods

Method	Best for	Pros	Cons	Time to Take Effect
Online Membership Cancellation (Automatic Renewal)	Canceling automatic renewal payments.	Quick, online confirmation.	Does not cancel entire membership, only future payments.	Immediate
Phone Call (Membership)	Full membership cancellation & refund inquiry.	Immediate response, direct confirmation.	Potentially long wait times, requires speaking to a representative.	Immediate for cancellation, refund may take longer.
Phone Call (Mailing List)	Removing yourself from physical mailing list.	Direct communication ensures clear request.	Requires calling during business hours.	4-6 weeks to take effect.
Online Opt-Out Form (Mailing List)	Stopping all communications.	Convenient, can be done anytime.	Slower to take effect than phone call, requires internet access.	4-6 weeks to take effect.
Mail (Membership & Mailing List)	Providing a permanent, paper trail request.	Provides a written record of your request.	Slowest method, no immediate confirmation.	Several weeks.
Email Unsubscribe Link	Stopping specific email newsletters.	Instantaneous for that specific list.	Must be done for each type of email, does not affect other communications.	Immediate for emails.

Potential Complications and Tips for Success

While the process is generally straightforward, you may encounter issues. Here are some tips to ensure your request is handled efficiently.

My Opt-Out Request Did Not Work

If you continue to receive communications after waiting the expected timeframe, you can take a few extra steps:

• Write "Refused" on Junk Mail: For physical mail that is not First Class, writing "Refused. Return to Sender" on the unopened envelope and putting it back in the mailbox can be effective.
• Submit Another Request: Re-submit your request through a different channel. For example, if you used the online form, try calling them directly next time.
• Check Third-Party Brokers: Understand that AARP may have sold your information to other companies. A service that removes personal data from data brokers, like DeleteMe, can help with this issue.

Canceling Automatic Renewal vs. Membership Cancellation

It is crucial to differentiate between these two actions. Canceling automatic renewal online prevents future payments but keeps your membership active until its expiration date. A full membership cancellation immediately revokes your membership and can result in a pro-rated refund.

To cancel automatic renewal online, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your account on AARP.org.
2. Go to 'My Account' and then the 'Account Details' tab.
3. Find 'AARP Membership Payment Details' and click 'Cancel Automatic Renewal'.
4. Confirm your decision in the pop-up window.

Conclusion: How to Best Unsubscribe

Knowing how to unsubscribe from AARP depends on what you want to accomplish—canceling a paid membership or stopping promotional communications. For membership cancellation, the phone is typically the fastest route, offering direct interaction and confirmation. For stopping mail and emails, using the online opt-out form is convenient but requires patience, as it can take several weeks for changes to fully take effect. For the most permanent solution, a combination of methods—canceling by phone and using the online opt-out form—is recommended to address both membership and general communications. For further information on privacy options, you can consult the official AARP privacy policy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you unsubscribe from AARP online?

You can cancel automatic membership renewal and opt out of emails and physical mail online. However, a full membership cancellation typically requires a phone call or mailing a letter for processing and receiving a pro-rated refund.

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

After submitting an opt-out request for physical mail, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks for the process to take full effect. This timeframe is needed to stop the mailing process already in motion.

Is there a difference between canceling my AARP membership and opting out of the mailing list?

Yes, canceling your membership stops your access to member benefits and services. Opting out of the mailing list only prevents AARP from sending you marketing emails and physical mail. These are two distinct actions.

What is the phone number to call to cancel my AARP membership?

To cancel your AARP membership, you should call the member contact center at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).

How do I unsubscribe from AARP emails?

To stop receiving emails, click the 'Unsubscribe' link found at the bottom of any AARP email. Alternatively, log in to your AARP online account and manage your newsletter subscriptions in the 'My Account' section.

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

Yes, if you cancel your membership before its expiration date, AARP will provide a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your membership term.

What if I continue to receive AARP mail after opting out?

If you still receive mail after a few weeks, write 'Refused. Return to Sender' on the unopened mail and put it back in the mailbox. You may also want to contact customer service again to confirm your request.