The AARP Magazine Is a Member Benefit
Unlike traditional publications you might purchase at a newsstand, AARP The Magazine is not sold on its own by AARP itself. Instead, it is bundled as part of a comprehensive AARP membership package. When you join AARP, you gain access to a wide array of resources, benefits, and services, and the subscription to the magazine is a complimentary part of that bundle. This model ensures that all members receive the publication, covering topics from health and finance to entertainment and travel, all tailored for individuals 50 and older and their families.
Can You Purchase the Magazine Separately?
While the magazine is not sold directly by AARP as a standalone product, it is possible to acquire a digital version through third-party platforms like Barnes & Noble. However, this digital-only purchase does not include any of the other numerous benefits associated with an official AARP membership. A standalone digital subscription might cost around $16 per year, but for a slightly higher annual fee, a full AARP membership offers far greater value, including the print magazine, access to the digital version, and much more.
AARP Membership Tiers and Costs
To understand the cost of the magazine, you must look at the price of AARP membership, which starts at a surprisingly affordable rate, especially for the first year. AARP offers flexible payment options to fit different budgets and commitment levels.
Current Membership Pricing
- One-Year Membership (Automatic Renewal): For new members who enroll in automatic renewal, the first year is available for just $15. After the initial year, the rate renews at the standard annual cost.
- One-Year Membership (Standard): The standard annual rate for AARP membership is $20.
- Multi-Year Memberships: You can also save money by opting for a longer-term plan.
- Three-Year Term: A single payment of $55, saving you money off the annual rate.
- Five-Year Term: A single payment of $79, offering even greater savings over the long term.
How to Join AARP and Get Your Magazine
The process to become an AARP member and start receiving your magazine is straightforward.
- Visit the official AARP website: Navigate to the membership section to see the latest offers. AARP Official Website
- Select your membership term: Choose from the one-year or multi-year options that best suit your needs.
- Provide your information: Fill out the required details, including your name and address.
- Complete the payment: Enter your payment information to finalize your membership.
- Receive your benefits: Shortly after, you'll receive your membership card, and your first issue of AARP The Magazine will arrive in the mail.
Value Beyond the Magazine: AARP's Robust Benefits
When you consider the full scope of an AARP membership, the included magazine subscription becomes just one piece of a much larger value proposition. AARP members gain access to a wide variety of discounts and services that can quickly outweigh the cost of membership itself.
Key Member Benefits
- Travel Discounts: Exclusive savings on car rentals, hotels, cruises, and flights through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.
- Dining and Shopping: Discounts at numerous national and local restaurants, plus savings on groceries, tech, and retail.
- Insurance Products: Access to specially priced insurance products for auto, home, and health, offered through partnerships with reputable companies.
- Financial and Career Resources: Valuable information, tools, and counseling to help with financial planning and career opportunities for those 50 and over.
- Health and Wellness: Resources including access to fitness centers, vision plans, and a prescription discounts program.
- Entertainment: Discounts on movie tickets, theme park tickets, and online access to games and events.
- Free Second Household Membership: You can add another adult in your household to your membership at no extra cost.
Comparing AARP Membership vs. Other Magazine Subscriptions
To illustrate the value, consider this comparison table. The cost of a few popular magazines is shown next to an AARP membership, which includes its own publication plus a wealth of other benefits.
| Feature | AARP Membership (1-Yr Auto-Renew) | National Geographic (Print + Digital) | The New Yorker (Print + Digital) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Cost | $15 (first year) | ~$39 | ~$120 |
| Magazine Included? | Yes, print + digital | Yes | Yes |
| Additional Benefits? | Extensive discounts (travel, dining, retail), insurance, free second membership, digital vault, etc. | No | No |
| Target Audience | 50+ and their families | All ages | Adults interested in culture, politics, etc. |
| Overall Value | High, magazine is a bonus | Specific to magazine content | Specific to magazine content |
Conclusion: The True Cost is in the Value
For those asking "how much is an AARP magazine subscription?" the simple but potentially surprising answer is that it's a non-separate component of an AARP membership. With first-year membership costing as little as $15 with automatic renewal, the magazine is a bonus feature alongside hundreds of dollars' worth of potential discounts and exclusive resources. An AARP membership provides a wide range of benefits designed to support the financial, health, and social well-being of its members, making the cost of the magazine, in effect, negligible when considering the full value proposition. For anyone over 50, or even 18 and older, it's worth exploring the complete list of member benefits to see if the overall value fits your needs.
