Understanding the AARP Card
An AARP membership card is your key to accessing a vast network of benefits, discounts, and resources. Once known as the American Association of Retired Persons, AARP is now open to anyone over the age of 18, though its core mission remains focused on issues affecting those 50 and older. The decision to join is a personal one, based on whether the potential savings and resources justify the annual fee for your specific situation.
The Cost of an AARP Membership
The annual membership fee for AARP is modest, making it an accessible option for many. As of 2025, the standard yearly price is $15 with automatic renewal for the first year, and $16 each subsequent year. Multi-year options offer additional savings. A significant perk is that a second membership for another adult in your household is included for free, effectively doubling the value for couples or families.
The Expansive List of Discounts and Benefits
AARP offers a comprehensive suite of benefits spanning numerous categories, many of which can lead to substantial savings. These benefits fall into several key areas:
Travel and Entertainment:
- Hotels: Discounts of 5% to 20% or more at major hotel chains like Hilton, Best Western, and Wyndham, often with added perks like late checkout.
- Car Rentals: Savings of up to 30% on base rates with companies such as Avis and Budget.
- Cruises and Flights: Exclusive offers and discounts when booking through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, including savings on airfare and vacation packages.
- Dining: Discounts at popular restaurant chains like Denny's and Outback Steakhouse.
- Events: Savings on concerts, movies, and other events through Ticketmaster and other partners.
Insurance and Financial Services:
- Auto Insurance: Access to the AARP Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford, which offers competitive rates and excellent customer service.
- Health Insurance: A variety of AARP-endorsed health insurance options from UnitedHealthcare, including Medicare plans.
- Financial Planning: Tools and resources for money management, tax assistance, and fraud prevention.
Health and Wellness:
- Prescription Discounts: An AARP prescription card that offers significant savings on medications.
- Vision and Hearing: Discounts on eyewear, exams, and hearing care.
- Fitness: Free online workout videos, brain-boosting games, and other resources to promote an active lifestyle.
Everyday Living:
- Technology and Wireless: Discounts on phone plans and devices from providers like AT&T and Consumer Cellular.
- Magazines: Subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, featuring articles on health, finance, and culture.
Weighing the Potential Downsides
While the benefits are plentiful, there are a few potential downsides to consider. Some members have reported receiving a large amount of mail and emails, which can feel like spam. While AARP provides an option to opt out, it can take some time for the unwanted mailings to stop completely. Additionally, some critics raise concerns about AARP's political advocacy, which may not align with every member's personal views. It's also worth remembering that some discounts may be available elsewhere, such as through credit card rewards programs or direct offers from retailers, so a comparison is always wise.
Is AARP for the Savvy Saver?
For those who are good at tracking and using discounts, an AARP membership can be a significant money-saver. A single discount on a hotel stay, a car rental, or an insurance policy could easily cover the annual fee. The key is to actively seek out and use the benefits that are relevant to your spending habits. For a frequent traveler or someone looking to change insurance policies, the value can be immediate and substantial.
Advocacy as a Membership Benefit
Beyond the direct discounts, an AARP membership contributes to the organization's broader advocacy efforts. AARP is a nonpartisan organization that lobbies on behalf of its members on issues critical to older Americans, such as Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs. For some, this support for initiatives that protect and empower seniors is a primary reason for joining, even if they don't use all the discounts. This advocacy work can be viewed as an investment in the future of aging services. For more information on their advocacy work, you can visit the official AARP site.
Comparison Table: AARP vs. Alternative Savings
| Feature | AARP Membership | Alternative Savings Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Low annual fee ($15-$16 for one person). | Varies widely, may involve higher fees for premium credit cards or other memberships. |
| Discount Breadth | Hundreds of partners across many categories (travel, dining, tech, insurance). | More limited scope, often tied to a single card's rewards program or a specific retailer. |
| Advocacy | Dedicated, ongoing political and social advocacy for older adults. | None. Alternatives are purely for commercial savings. |
| Exclusive Content | Subscription to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. | None. |
| Ease of Use | One card, one annual fee for access to a large network. | Requires managing multiple credit cards, apps, and websites to find specific discounts. |
Conclusion: How to Decide for Yourself
Ultimately, whether an AARP card is a worthwhile investment is a personal calculation. The membership offers a low-cost entry to a wide array of discounts, benefits, and advocacy efforts. For individuals who travel, dine out, or are looking to save on insurance and wireless services, the savings can easily exceed the annual fee. If you value the advocacy work and the community resources, the card offers an additional layer of value beyond the monetary savings. The best way to determine the value is to consider your lifestyle and spending habits. Try it for a year and actively track how much you save. If the benefits you use outweigh the cost, it’s a clear win. If not, you can cancel at any time.
