Debunking the Myth: AARP Membership is Not Free
Contrary to a widely held belief, AARP does not automatically grant free membership to individuals once they reach age 50. Joining the organization requires paying an annual fee, which provides access to a wide array of resources, discounts, and advocacy services. However, the organization makes membership affordable and offers ways to reduce the cost, especially for those who commit to multi-year plans or automatic renewals.
Who Can Join AARP and What Are the Fees?
AARP's primary mission is to empower people 50 and older, but its membership is actually open to anyone aged 18 and up. This means you can begin to access most of the benefits—excluding some age-restricted insurance products—long before you reach the 50-year mark.
Annual membership fees as of 2025 range from $15 for the first year with automatic renewal to $20 for a standard one-year term. Longer-term memberships are also available, which offer deeper discounts.
- Standard One-Year Membership: $20 per year.
- First-Year with Automatic Renewal: $15 for the first year, renewing at the standard rate afterward.
- Three-Year Membership: One payment of $55, which offers a discount on the annual rate.
- Five-Year Membership: One payment of $79, offering the highest annual discount.
This tiered pricing structure allows individuals to choose the option that best fits their budget and commitment level. Many find that the savings from just one or two discounts, such as those on insurance or cell phone plans, can easily offset the annual cost of membership.
A Comparison of AARP Membership Plans
To help you decide which plan is right for you, here is a comparison of the different options available, with updated pricing as of early 2025.
| Membership Plan | First-Year Cost | Renewal Cost | Total Cost Over 5 Years | Average Annual Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard 1-Year | $20 | $20 | $100 | $20 | Most flexible option. |
| 1-Year Auto-Renewal | $15 | $20 | $95 | $19 | Best initial value. |
| 3-Year | $55 (single payment) | N/A | $95* | $18.33 | Offers an 8% discount on the annual rate. |
| 5-Year | $79 (single payment) | N/A | $79 | $15.80 | Offers the best value with a 21% discount on the annual rate. |
*Note: This calculation assumes the 3-year term is renewed once and a final 2-year payment is made at the standard rate. The 5-year option remains the best long-term value.
Can You Ever Get AARP Membership for Free?
While a standard AARP membership is not free, there are a couple of circumstances where you can receive one at no cost or for a reduced rate.
- Free Secondary Membership: Every paying AARP member receives a free secondary membership for another adult in their household. This is essentially a two-for-one deal, allowing a spouse or partner to enjoy the same benefits at no additional cost.
- Partner Promotions: Some companies and retailers partner with AARP to offer promotional opportunities. For example, Walgreens has, at times, offered free AARP membership renewal coupons on its store receipts. It's wise to keep an eye out for these special deals.
- Health Plan Incentives: In some cases, health insurance providers that offer AARP-endorsed plans, such as UnitedHealthcare, may cover the cost of membership. You should check the details of your specific insurance policy to see if this applies.
Conclusion
In summary, the notion that an AARP membership becomes free once you turn 50 is a common misconception. All members must pay a fee, with prices varying based on the length of the plan and whether you opt for auto-renewal. However, the annual fee is affordable, and the membership provides access to hundreds of discounts on travel, dining, insurance, and more, which can quickly offset the cost. Anyone over 18 can join, and a free secondary membership is included for another person in your household. Ultimately, the value of an AARP membership depends on how much you take advantage of its various benefits and resources.
How to Assess the Value of an AARP Membership
Deciding whether an AARP membership is worth the cost involves weighing the annual fee against the potential savings. A good approach is to project your yearly spending on items where AARP offers discounts. For example, if you save $5 on a meal twice a month, that's $120 a year in savings from dining alone, far exceeding the membership fee. Consider your regular purchases, travel habits, and any potential insurance needs to determine if the benefits align with your lifestyle. The AARP website provides a comprehensive directory of all discounts and programs, allowing you to easily browse and calculate potential savings before committing.
Potential Drawbacks to Consider
While the cost-benefit analysis often favors joining, it's also important to be aware of potential drawbacks. Some members report an increase in unwanted junk mail and email, though it is possible to opt out of these communications. Also, it's important to remember that certain insurance products may still have age restrictions, despite membership being open to anyone 18 or older. Reviewing the specifics of each benefit you plan to use is a smart move before purchasing a membership.
Is an AARP membership worth it? Why it just might be (and what to avoid)
