AARP membership costs: a 2025 breakdown
The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) offers several membership options to suit different budgets and commitment levels. As of 2025, the standard yearly membership is $20, but new members can secure a lower introductory rate. Multi-year options provide further savings for those planning to maintain their membership for the long term.
Membership plans and pricing
Here is a detailed look at the current pricing structure for an AARP membership, with the best value coming from multi-year commitments:
- One-year with automatic renewal: $15 for the first year, renewing at the standard annual rate thereafter.
- Standard one-year: $20 per year.
- Three-year: $55 for a total of three years, an 8% discount on the annual rate.
- Five-year: $79 for a total of five years, a 21% discount on the annual rate.
It's important to note that these costs include a free secondary membership for a spouse or other adult in the same household, essentially doubling the value for a single fee.
The value proposition: what's included for the charge?
For many, the cost of an AARP membership is quickly offset by the value of the included benefits and discounts. The organization leverages its large member base to negotiate deals on a wide range of products and services.
Travel discounts
- Car rentals: Up to 35% off base rates from Avis and Budget.
- Hotels: Discounts of 5% or more at major hotel chains like Best Western and Wyndham.
- Expedia: Access to the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, offering members-only deals on flights, hotels, and cruises.
Everyday savings
- Dining: Save on meals at popular restaurants, including 10% off at Outback Steakhouse and 15% off at Denny's.
- Grocery coupons: Access to online coupons to save on everyday purchases.
- Wireless service: Waived activation fees and discounts on wireless plans from partners like Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
Insurance and health benefits
- Insurance access: Members can access a range of endorsed insurance products, including auto insurance from The Hartford and various plans through UnitedHealthcare.
- Prescription discounts: Get savings on FDA-approved medications not covered by insurance through the AARP Prescription Discounts program provided by Optum Rx.
- Vision and hearing: Discounts on eyewear from LensCrafters and Target Optical, and reduced rates on hearing aids.
AARP vs. AAA: a comparison of membership costs and benefits
When evaluating membership fees, it's helpful to compare AARP with another popular member-based organization, AAA. While both offer discounts, their primary focuses and costs differ.
| Feature | AARP | AAA |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Advocacy for people 50+, discounts across many categories | Roadside assistance, travel, automotive discounts |
| Typical Cost | ~$15-$20 annually for a single-year membership | Varies by state and plan level, often higher than AARP |
| Key Benefits | Dining, travel, insurance, magazine, advocacy | Roadside assistance, trip planning, auto discounts |
| Membership Eligibility | Anyone 18 or older | Open to all, not age-restricted |
| Primary Age Demo | 50+ population | All ages |
Maximizing your AARP membership
To ensure the charge for your AARP membership is a worthwhile investment, it's crucial to utilize the benefits. Beyond the obvious discounts, AARP offers a range of valuable resources:
- Publications: Receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, which offer news, lifestyle articles, and expert advice.
- Financial tools: Utilize resources for retirement planning, fraud prevention, and managing finances.
- Community: Participate in virtual events and community activities designed for learning and social engagement.
- Advocacy: Your membership supports AARP's efforts to advocate for legislation on issues important to older adults, such as Social Security and Medicare.
If you find yourself regularly using just a few of the available discounts, the membership often pays for itself. For example, a single discount on a hotel stay or a car rental could easily save you more than the annual fee. The organization is so confident in its value proposition that it makes cancellation a straightforward process. You can explore the full range of offers and manage your account online through the official AARP website. For a complete list of all benefits available, you can visit the AARP Member Benefits page.
Is an AARP membership worth the charge?
Ultimately, whether the cost of an AARP membership is worth it depends on your individual lifestyle and usage of the benefits. For those who frequently travel, dine out, or need access to health and financial services, the savings can significantly outweigh the annual fee. Consider a one-year term to test the value for yourself, and if it doesn't meet your needs, you can cancel and receive a pro-rated refund. With its advocacy work and broad range of resources, AARP provides a lot of value beyond just discounts, making it a comprehensive program for healthy aging.
