How to end AARP membership and cancel automatic renewal

According to the AARP Help Center, you can cancel your membership at any time, with a potential pro-rated refund available for annual payments. For those seeking to understand how to end AARP membership, it's a straightforward process that can be completed online or over the phone, giving you full control over your subscription. This authoritative guide will walk you through the various options to ensure a smooth and hassle-free cancellation.

Quick Summary

Ending an AARP membership involves either canceling online through your account details or contacting member services via phone or chat to process the request. If you are on an automatic renewal plan, you can specifically cancel that feature while maintaining your membership until its expiration date. Be aware of the potential for a pro-rated refund on annual fees.

Key Points

• Online cancellation: The fastest way to cancel auto-renewal is via your AARP online account under the 'Account Details' tab.

• Phone or chat options: For more direct assistance or to request a refund, contact AARP Member Services by calling 1-866-804-1278 or using the live chat feature on their website.

• Pro-rated refund: If you paid annually, you are likely eligible for a partial refund; you must explicitly ask for this when you cancel.

• Mailing list removal: Mailings, like the magazine, may continue for several weeks after cancellation as mailing lists are prepped in advance.

• Distinction between cancellation and auto-renewal: Canceling auto-renewal lets your current term finish, while a full cancellation ends your membership immediately.

• Keep confirmation records: For your records, print the online confirmation page or save the chat transcript after completing the cancellation.

Online Cancellation Process

The most direct and efficient method to cancel an AARP membership is by managing your account online. If you haven't yet created an online account, you'll need to do so using your membership number or other identifying information. This process provides a clear, documented trail of your cancellation request.

Step-by-Step Online Guide

1. Log in to your AARP online account. Visit the official AARP website and access the 'My Account' section by clicking on your name in the top-right corner.
2. Navigate to 'Account Details'. From the dropdown menu, select 'Account Details'. This section contains all your personal information, including payment and membership status.
3. Find 'Membership Payment Details'. Scroll down the page until you locate the section labeled 'Membership Payment Details'. This area controls your billing preferences.
4. Click 'Cancel Automatic Renewal'. You'll see a link or button to cancel your automatic renewal.
   • Important: Clicking this does not immediately end your entire membership. It simply prevents your subscription from renewing on its next billing date.
5. Confirm the cancellation. A pop-up window will appear, asking you to confirm your decision.
   • Your membership will remain active until the end of your current paid term.

Troubleshooting Online Access

If you have trouble logging in, use the 'Forgot Username' or 'Forgot Password' links. If you cannot find the cancellation link, your membership might not be on an auto-renewal plan, and will simply expire on its own.

Canceling by Phone or Chat

For those who prefer a more personal touch or have issues with the online portal, AARP offers phone and chat support for cancellations. Having your membership number or the last four digits of the credit card used for payment ready will speed up the process.

Phone Call Method

• Call the AARP Member Services toll-free number at 1-866-804-1278.
• Operating hours are typically Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. ET.
• Inform the representative that you wish to cancel your membership.
• The representative may ask for verification information to confirm your identity.

Live Chat Support

• Visit the AARP Help Center and find the live chat icon.
• The chat feature connects you with a representative in real-time.
• Type your request, such as "I need to cancel my AARP membership," and follow the instructions provided by the agent.
• Be sure to save a transcript of the conversation for your records.

The AARP Refund Policy

It is possible to receive a pro-rated refund on your AARP membership if you paid for an annual term and cancel partway through. This is a crucial point for anyone asking how to end AARP membership with a financial consideration.

How Refunds Work

• Eligibility: Refunds are typically available for annual memberships, not monthly subscriptions.
• Pro-rated basis: The refund amount is calculated based on the unused portion of your membership term.
• How to request: You should explicitly request a refund when you contact AARP to cancel, whether over the phone or via chat.

What to Expect

Once your refund is processed, it may take several weeks to appear on your original form of payment. Confirm the expected timeline with the representative during the cancellation process.

What Happens After Cancellation?

After successfully canceling your membership, there are a few things you should be aware of regarding publications and other communications.

Post-Cancellation Mailing

• Magazine and Mail: It can take up to six weeks for AARP's mailing lists to update.
  • You may receive one or two more issues of AARP The Magazine and other mailings during this period.
• Stopping physical mail: You can specifically request to be removed from the mailing list when you cancel, or contact AARP separately to manage your communication preferences.

Other Services

• Access to member-exclusive benefits and discounts will cease once your membership expires.
• Make sure to use or cancel any related services, like insurance products, before your membership ends, as your rates could change.

Comparison of Cancellation Methods

Feature	Online Cancellation	Phone Call Cancellation	Live Chat Cancellation
Convenience	High (24/7 access)	Medium (during business hours)	High (real-time assistance)
Speed	Immediate action to stop auto-renewal	Immediate processing by rep	Immediate processing by rep
Proof of Cancellation	Email confirmation, printable confirmation page	Spoken confirmation, can ask for email confirmation	Transcript of chat conversation
Complexity	Low, if you have online access	Low, but requires patience	Low, can be a quicker resolution
Refund Request	No specific online refund link; best to call or chat for pro-rated refund	Direct verbal request	Direct written request

Conclusion

Navigating how to end AARP membership is a simple process, with several options available to suit your preference. By using the online portal, calling member services, or engaging with live chat, you can cancel your subscription and halt any automatic renewals. Be sure to confirm if you are eligible for a pro-rated refund on your annual payment, and remember that it may take a few weeks to stop all mailings. Taking these clear steps ensures your membership is properly canceled, providing a definitive end to your relationship with the organization.

Visit the official AARP Help Center for assistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I stop AARP from automatically renewing my membership?

To stop automatic renewal, log in to your online AARP account, go to 'Account Details', and click 'Cancel Automatic Renewal' under the 'Membership Payment Details' section. Alternatively, you can call or chat with a representative.

Can I get a refund if I end my AARP membership early?

Yes, if you have an annual membership, you may be eligible for a pro-rated refund for the unused portion of your term. You should specify that you are requesting a refund when you contact AARP to cancel.

Will I still receive mail from AARP after I cancel?

It may take up to six weeks for you to stop receiving mail and publications like AARP The Magazine. This is due to mailing lists being prepared in advance. You can also explicitly request to be removed from all mailing lists when you cancel.

What is the difference between canceling my membership and canceling auto-renewal?

Canceling auto-renewal means your membership will not renew after its current expiration date, but you will retain benefits until that date. A full membership cancellation terminates your membership immediately, and you may be entitled to a pro-rated refund.

Is there a penalty for canceling my AARP membership?

No, there is no penalty or fee for canceling your AARP membership. You may, however, lose access to member benefits and discounts immediately upon full cancellation.

How can I cancel my AARP membership if I don't have an online account?

If you don't have an online account, you can call AARP Member Services at 1-866-804-1278 or use the live chat feature on the AARP Help Center website to speak with a representative and cancel.

What information do I need to cancel my membership?

When contacting AARP, it's helpful to have your membership number, your full name, and your mailing address ready for verification. If you are a primary member, you are the one who can initiate the cancellation.

Can my spouse cancel our joint AARP membership?

Generally, only the primary member on the account can cancel the membership. However, policies can vary, so it's best for the primary member to contact AARP to confirm and complete the cancellation.