What are AARP Rewards points?
Before diving into their value, it's important to understand the two distinct AARP rewards systems. The free AARP Rewards loyalty program is separate from the cash back rewards offered by AARP-branded credit cards (such as the Barclays card). This guide focuses on the AARP Rewards program, where points are earned for engaging in activities like quizzes, games, and tracking your fitness, not from credit card purchases. While the AARP credit cards once offered points, they have since transitioned to a cash back system, which provides a more straightforward redemption value.
How to earn points in the AARP Rewards program
The AARP Rewards program is designed to incentivize healthy living and mental engagement. Points are accumulated by performing a variety of online and physical activities:
- Online Activities: Take health and finance quizzes, watch informational videos, and read educational articles on the AARP website.
- Brain Games: Play games like crosswords, puzzles, and solitaire on the AARP website and app to earn points daily.
- Fitness Tracking: Sync a fitness tracker or health app, like Apple Health or Google Fit, to earn points for hitting daily activity goals.
- Signing Up: New members can earn a welcome bonus just for joining the free program.
As a bonus, AARP members earn 50% more points on these activities and gain access to special, members-only rewards.
The true value of your AARP Rewards points
There is no flat conversion rate (e.g., 1,000 points = $10) for AARP Rewards because their value is dynamic. The worth of your points is determined by the specific reward you choose, which falls into several categories:
Redemption option analysis
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Sweepstakes Entries: These offer a low-value, high-risk redemption. Each entry costs a certain number of points and gives you a chance to win a prize, but there's no guaranteed return. This is the least reliable way to extract value from your points.
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Discounted Gift Cards: This is often the most tangible and valuable redemption option. AARP frequently offers discounted gift cards from major retailers and restaurants. The value is not a fixed cash conversion but a specific saving (e.g., use 10,000 points to get a $10 gift card). By calculating the percentage discount you receive relative to the number of points used, you can determine if a particular gift card offers a good value.
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Local Deals and Coupons: The AARP Rewards catalog includes discounts and coupons for local businesses and services. The value here is variable, depending on the usefulness of the deal to your specific needs. If it's for a restaurant or service you were planning to use anyway, the value is high.
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Exclusive Member Rewards: AARP members can access exclusive rewards, including steeper discounts or unique offerings. These can sometimes provide a higher value per point compared to standard rewards.
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Magazine and Subscription Discounts: You can use points to offset the cost of certain magazine subscriptions or other AARP-affiliated services. The value depends on whether you would have purchased the subscription otherwise.
Calculating the potential worth
To find the effective value of your points, you must compare the cost of a reward against its cash equivalent. For example, if a $10 gift card costs 10,000 points, your points are essentially worth 0.1 cents each for that specific redemption. However, if a sweepstakes entry costs 100 points, it's impossible to calculate a precise cash value, as your return depends entirely on luck.
| Redemption Type | How to Calculate Value | Potential Worth per Point | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sweepstakes | Cost of entry vs. probability of winning | Very low (highly variable) | Members who enjoy gambling or have excess points |
| Discounted Gift Cards | Discount value vs. points spent | Medium to High (most reliable) | Saving on everyday purchases |
| Local Deals | Savings on offer vs. usefulness | Highly Variable | Geographically-focused savings |
| Merchandise | Retail price vs. points spent | Variable (often low) | Finding unique AARP-specific items |
| Donations | Points per dollar contributed | Low to Medium | Supporting charitable causes |
Maximizing your AARP Rewards points
Because the value is not fixed, the key to getting the most out of the program is strategic redemption.
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Focus on Discounted Gift Cards: Prioritize redeeming your points for gift cards to stores or restaurants you frequent. This offers the most predictable and highest return on your points.
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Use Sweepstakes Sparingly: Don't spend a large portion of your points on sweepstakes unless you have a surplus and enjoy the thrill of a chance to win.
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Be an AARP Member: If you plan on using the program frequently, becoming an official AARP member (currently $15/year) is a smart move. The 50% point bonus and access to members-only rewards can significantly increase your earning potential and overall value.
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Track Expiration Dates: AARP Rewards points expire after 12 months on a rolling basis, so you'll need to stay active in the program. Check your account regularly to ensure you redeem points before they disappear.
AARP Rewards vs. AARP credit card cash back
A common point of confusion is mistaking the free AARP Rewards program for the cash back earned on AARP-branded credit cards. The two are completely separate:
- AARP Rewards Program: Earn points through engaging activities, redeemable for various non-cash rewards.
- AARP Credit Cards: Earn cash back on purchases, redeemable for statement credits, bank deposits, or gift cards. The credit card cash back has a direct monetary value (e.g., 1% cash back = 1 cent per dollar), making it easier to determine its worth.
For those looking for a straightforward monetary return, the AARP credit card cash back is the better option. However, the free AARP Rewards program is an excellent way to supplement your savings through games, quizzes, and other online engagement.
Conclusion: How to value your AARP rewards
Ultimately, the worth of your AARP Rewards points is what you make of it. There's no universal cash equivalent, but by strategically redeeming points for discounted gift cards or member-exclusive deals, you can extract tangible value. For the highest potential return, focus your redemption efforts on offers where you receive a clear discount on a product or service you were already planning to purchase. Always remember to check your points balance and expiration dates to ensure you never let your rewards go to waste. For more details on the program, visit the official AARP Rewards website: aarp.org/rewards.
