AARP Membership Costs for 2025
In 2025, AARP adjusted its pricing for the first time in over 15 years to continue expanding member benefits. While the standard annual rate is now $20, several options are available to make membership more affordable, including a significant discount for new members and savings for multi-year commitments.
Standard vs. Discounted Annual Rate
For seniors considering joining, the annual cost depends on your enrollment choice. If you opt for the standard one-year membership, the cost is $20. However, for those who sign up with automatic renewal, the rate for the first year drops to just $15. After the first year, the membership automatically renews at the standard $20 annual rate, providing a straightforward way to save immediately.
Long-Term Membership Savings
For those who prefer a longer-term commitment and want to lock in a lower price, AARP offers attractive multi-year plans. These options provide a pre-paid, discounted rate that offers peace of mind and further savings over the annual renewal process.
- 3-Year Membership: A one-time payment of $55. This saves you 8% off the annual rate, which would typically cost $60 over three years.
- 5-Year Membership: A one-time payment of $79. This offers the best value, saving you 21% over the five-year period compared to paying annually.
The Free Second Household Membership
One of the most valuable aspects of an AARP membership is the ability to add a second person from your household for free. This means that a couple can enjoy all the benefits of membership for the price of a single membership, effectively doubling the value for those living together. Your spouse or partner will receive their own card and access to all the same discounts and resources.
Is an AARP Membership Worth the Cost?
Deciding if an AARP membership is right for you depends on how much you plan to use the available benefits and discounts. For many seniors, the savings from just one or two benefits can easily cover the annual fee.
Potential Savings and Key Benefits
An AARP membership unlocks hundreds of discounts on products and services relevant to seniors and older adults. Here is a look at some of the most popular categories of savings:
- Travel: Members can save on hotel stays at chains like Hilton and Wyndham, get discounts on car rentals with Avis and Budget, and find exclusive offers on cruises and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Dining: Numerous popular restaurant chains, including Denny's and Outback Steakhouse, offer members a 10-15% discount on their checks.
- Insurance: Access to AARP-endorsed insurance products for auto (The Hartford), home (The Hartford), dental (Delta Dental), and Medicare plans (UnitedHealthcare).
- Health and Wellness: Benefits include discounts on hearing aids, vision exams and eyewear, and prescription drugs through the AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx.
- Technology and Wireless: Members can save on cell phone plans and accessories from Consumer Cellular and AT&T.
- Entertainment: Enjoy discounts on movie tickets, live events, and exclusive access to online games and movie screenings.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
To determine if an AARP membership is a good investment, consider your lifestyle and spending habits. If you travel frequently, dine out often, or are looking for new insurance options, the savings could be significant. If you use few of the benefits, the membership might be less valuable from a purely financial perspective. However, the membership also supports AARP's advocacy work on behalf of older Americans regarding issues like Medicare and Social Security.
Comparing AARP Membership Terms
To help you decide which membership term is right for you, here is a comparison of the different options available to seniors and other adults in 2025. It is important to note that the cost shown is for the entire term, not the annual rate.
| Membership Term | Initial Cost | Renewal Cost | Average Annual Cost | First-Year Enrollment Option |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year | $20 | $20 | $20 | $15 with auto-renewal |
| 3 Years | $55 | $55 | ~$18.33 | N/A |
| 5 Years | $79 | $79 | $15.80 | N/A |
How to Join AARP and Get Started
Joining AARP is a straightforward process, and you can start accessing your benefits almost immediately. For the fastest service, you can sign up online, but other options are also available.
- Join Online: Visit the official AARP website and click the 'Join' or 'Renew' button. You will be prompted to select a membership term and enter your personal and payment information. A digital membership card is available instantly upon completing your enrollment.
- Join by Phone: If you prefer to speak with a representative, you can call AARP's toll-free number at 1-888-OUR-AARP (1-888-687-2277).
- Join by Mail: If you received a membership offer in the mail, you can fill out the form and send it back with your payment. Your physical card will arrive within a few weeks.
Beyond Discounts: Resources and Advocacy
Beyond the tangible discounts, an AARP membership provides valuable access to a wide array of resources and supports a vital advocacy mission. Members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, which offer up-to-date information on health, finances, and entertainment. The organization also provides expert guidance on topics like Social Security, Medicare, and caregiver support. This commitment to informing and empowering its members adds a layer of value that goes beyond mere savings.
Conclusion
When considering how much is AARP per year for seniors, the standard annual rate is $20. However, smart enrollment choices can significantly lower that cost. New members can pay just $15 for their first year with auto-renewal, and multi-year options offer ongoing savings. With the added benefit of a free second household membership and a wealth of discounts and resources, an AARP membership remains an affordable and valuable option for many. The ultimate value comes from actively using the benefits and engaging with the information and advocacy the organization provides.
