Understanding the AARP Membership
Initially the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is now a nonprofit organization focused on empowering people 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. While its mission is tailored to older adults, anyone over the age of 18 can join and access a wide array of discounts, programs, and informational resources. For a nominal annual fee, members gain access to a powerful network, but the real question is whether the potential savings and resources justify the cost.
The Cost of an AARP Membership
An AARP membership is surprisingly affordable. The standard annual rate is $20, but there are ways to lower that cost significantly.
- Automatic Renewal Discount: You can get your first year for as little as $15 by signing up for automatic renewal.
- Multi-Year Plans: Locking in for longer terms offers deeper savings, such as multi-year packages at a reduced annual rate.
- Free Second Membership: Each paid membership includes a free secondary membership for any other adult in your household, effectively halving the individual cost.
Extensive Member Discounts
The most tangible benefit of an AARP membership comes from its vast network of discounts. These savings cover a wide range of categories, potentially offsetting the membership cost with a single purchase. Some of the most popular discount categories include:
Travel and Entertainment
- Hotels: Save up to 25% on the best available rates at major hotel chains like Hilton, Radisson, and Best Western.
- Car Rentals: Get up to 30% off base rates at Avis, Budget, and Payless, plus potential upgrades.
- Travel Protection: Receive up to 20% off Medjet memberships for medical transfers during travel.
- Restaurants: Enjoy discounts at national chains such as Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Denny's.
- Entertainment: Access exclusive savings on events through Ticketmaster and free online movie screenings.
Insurance and Wellness
- Auto Insurance: AARP Auto Insurance from The Hartford offers special rates for members aged 50 and over. Younger family members can also be included.
- Health Insurance: Access Medicare plans from UnitedHealthcare and supplemental insurance options.
- Vision and Hearing: Receive savings at LensCrafters and Target Optical, and discounts on hearing products through HearUSA.
- Pharmacy: Use the AARP Prescription Discounts program for savings on medications.
Retail and Technology
- Wireless: Save on cell phone plans and accessories with companies like Consumer Cellular.
- Home Services: Find discounts on home and technology services.
Valuable Resources and Advocacy
Beyond the discounts, AARP provides a wealth of information and advocacy that offers significant, though less direct, value. Members receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, providing articles on health, finance, and lifestyle.
The organization also actively lobbies on behalf of its members, influencing policy on issues like Social Security and Medicare. For many, supporting this advocacy is a key reason for membership, viewing it as an investment in a better future for older Americans. Free online resources cover everything from job searching and financial planning to brain games and fitness videos.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
To decide if an AARP account is right for you, consider a balanced view of its offerings.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Hundreds of discounts on travel, dining, and more | Discounts may not always be the absolute best deal available; comparison shopping is still needed. |
| Free secondary membership for a household member | Politically active organization, with advocacy positions that may not align with everyone's personal views. |
| Access to a wide range of insurance products | Must actively use the benefits to justify the annual fee; some members may not break even. |
| Valuable resources on financial planning, health, and more | Some insurance benefits (like The Hartford auto insurance) are restricted to those over 50. |
| Powerful advocacy for older Americans' issues in Washington | Can receive frequent marketing materials from AARP and its partners. |
How to Decide If AARP is Right for You
- Assess Your Needs: Do you travel frequently? Are you a regular diner at participating restaurants? Do you need new auto or health insurance soon? Your lifestyle and needs will determine the value of the discounts.
- Estimate Potential Savings: Look at the list of AARP partners and calculate how much you might save in a year based on your spending habits. If the total savings outweigh the low membership fee, it's a solid investment.
- Consider the Non-Financial Benefits: Think about the value of the information, advocacy, and community resources. If these resonate with you, the membership offers more than just financial perks.
- Try a Short-Term Membership: If you're still unsure, consider signing up for a single year with auto-renewal to see how much you use the benefits. You can cancel at any time if you don't find it worthwhile.
Conclusion: Making an Informed Choice
Deciding if an AARP account is worth it depends entirely on your individual circumstances and habits. For those who can take advantage of the numerous travel, dining, and insurance discounts, the membership often pays for itself many times over. For others, the value may come from supporting AARP's important advocacy work or utilizing its wealth of informational resources. The low cost and free second membership make it a low-risk option to explore. As financial experts suggest, the key is to weigh the costs against the benefits to determine its value for your specific lifestyle and budget, and you can get an outside perspective from financial news outlets like CNBC Select.
