A Detailed Look at AARP Membership Costs for 2025
For anyone considering joining, understanding the tiered pricing structure is crucial. While the advertised price is often low for the first year, subsequent years and longer-term commitments have different rates. These figures reflect the latest information available for 2025, as AARP implemented its first price increase in over 15 years starting January 15, 2025.
One-Year Membership Options
- First-Year with Automatic Renewal: The most advertised price for new members is $15 for the first year. This special rate requires you to enroll in automatic renewal, which can be canceled at any time. It’s an effective way to try out the benefits for a low cost.
- Standard One-Year Term: If you prefer not to enroll in automatic renewal, the standard annual rate for a new or renewing membership is $20 per year.
Multi-Year Membership Plans
To provide more value to committed members, AARP offers discounts for longer-term commitments paid upfront.
- Three-Year Membership: This plan costs a one-time payment of $55. This equates to approximately $18.33 per year, saving you $14 compared to paying the standard annual rate for three separate years.
- Five-Year Membership: The best value is the five-year plan for $79. This breaks down to about $15.80 per year, which is a significant discount over the standard rate and only slightly more than the first-year auto-renewal rate.
What’s Included in the Membership Fee?
Your AARP membership fee covers more than just access to a card. It also includes:
- A complimentary secondary membership for a spouse, partner, or other adult in your household.
- Subscriptions to the award-winning AARP The Magazine (bi-monthly) and the AARP Bulletin (monthly).
- Access to the AARP Rewards program, where members earn 50% more points for completing learning activities.
- Advocacy efforts on state and federal levels concerning issues affecting those 50 and older, such as Social Security and Medicare.
Unlocking Value: A Comparison of AARP Membership Plans
To help potential members visualize the savings, here is a comparison of the different membership options available, based on 2025 pricing.
| Plan | First Year Cost | Subsequent Years | Total Cost (5 Years) | Average Annual Cost | Savings Over 5 Years (vs. Standard) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year w/ Auto-Renew | $15 | $20 | $95 | $19.00 | $5 |
| Standard 1 Year | $20 | $20 | $100 | $20.00 | $0 |
| 3-Year Prepaid | N/A | N/A | $95* | $18.33* | $5* |
| 5-Year Prepaid | N/A | N/A | $79 | $15.80 | $21 |
*Assumes renewing with a 3-year term after the initial one.
Beyond the Price: The Real Value of AARP Membership
The annual fee is only one part of the equation; the real value lies in the benefits and discounts. For many, just one or two discounts can easily cover the cost of the yearly dues.
Significant Discount Categories
- Travel: Members save on flights, hotels, car rentals (up to 35% with Avis and Budget), and cruises through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Insurance: AARP offers access to specially endorsed auto, home, life, dental, and health insurance plans through trusted providers like The Hartford and UnitedHealthcare.
- Dining: Enjoy savings of up to 15% at popular restaurant chains like Denny's, Carrabba's Italian Grill, and Outback Steakhouse.
- Technology & Wireless: Discounts are available on cell phone service from Consumer Cellular and on an annual Walmart+ membership.
- Prescriptions: The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx program offers deeper savings for members on medications not covered by insurance.
More Than Just Discounts
In addition to the tangible financial savings, membership also provides access to resources that support a healthy and engaged lifestyle.
- Health & Wellness: Free online fitness classes, brain-boosting games, and helpful articles on health topics are available.
- Community & Events: The AARP Virtual Community Center hosts free events, classes, and workshops. Members can also find local events and volunteer opportunities.
- Fraud Prevention: AARP offers robust resources and a helpline to help members and their families combat fraud and scams targeting older adults.
- Career Support: AARP provides resources for experienced workers, including a job board and resume writing services.
Is an AARP Membership Worth It for You?
The answer to whether the membership is a good investment depends on your lifestyle and how you intend to use the benefits. For those who travel frequently, dine out often, or seek insurance products, the savings can far outweigh the cost. Even if you only use one or two benefits, the membership can pay for itself.
Consider the following to help you decide:
- Assess Your Spending Habits: If you regularly use a service or shop at a retailer that offers an AARP discount, you might save more than the annual fee.
- Factor in the Second Membership: If you have a partner or household member who can also use the benefits, the value is essentially doubled for a single fee.
- Weigh the Intangible Benefits: Access to information, advocacy, and community events may hold significant value beyond monetary discounts.
To learn more about a wide range of topics related to aging and wellness, you can explore resources from organizations like the National Council on Aging.
How to Join AARP
Joining is a simple process and can be done in a few ways:
- Online: The quickest method is to sign up on the AARP website, where you can choose your plan and get instant access to a digital membership card.
- By Phone: You can call AARP's toll-free number to join with the help of a representative.
- By Mail: If you received a membership offer in the mail, you can fill out the form and send it back with your payment.
Conclusion: A Small Investment for Substantial Potential Savings
Ultimately, the cost of an AARP membership is a relatively small and affordable investment, especially when compared to the potential savings and resources it unlocks. With a first-year rate as low as $15 and significant discounts on multi-year plans, the financial commitment is minimal. The key to maximizing its value is to actively engage with the range of benefits, from travel and dining discounts to insurance and advocacy. By exploring the full suite of offerings, members can easily recoup their annual fee and enjoy the many advantages that come with being part of the AARP community.
