AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit organization focused on individuals aged 50 and older, although anyone 18 or older can join. With over 38 million members, AARP leverages its size to offer significant discounts from various companies. The value of a membership is tied to how well the benefits match your personal needs and spending habits.
The Financial Benefits of an AARP Membership
A primary draw of AARP is the potential for cost savings across numerous areas, from dining out to insurance policies.
- Travel Discounts: Members can find savings on rental cars with companies like Avis and Budget, and at hotels such as Hilton and Best Western. Discounts are also available for cruises and vacation packages booked through the AARP Travel Center.
- Insurance Savings: AARP provides access to endorsed insurance plans for auto, home, life, and Medicare supplements through partners like The Hartford and UnitedHealthcare. Some partners indicate potential significant savings on car insurance.
- Prescription Discounts: The AARP Prescription Discounts program can help members save at numerous pharmacies, including major chains like CVS and Walgreens. These discounts may be greater than non-member offers and can be extended to dependents.
- Dining and Retail Discounts: AARP lists restaurants offering discounts, typically 10% to 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages. Online retail discounts are also available through partners.
- Technology Deals: Savings on wireless plans and devices are offered through partners like Consumer Cellular and AT&T. Some AT&T users can receive monthly line discounts.
Beyond the Discounts: Information and Advocacy
An AARP membership also provides access to informational resources and supports advocacy efforts, offering value beyond monetary savings.
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Informative Publications: Members receive AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, which cover topics such as personal finance, health, and lifestyle. Many members find the content alone justifies the membership cost.
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Advocacy and Lobbying: AARP advocates for its members' interests on key issues affecting those 50 and older, including Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug costs. Membership supports these efforts.
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Health and Wellness Resources: AARP offers tools and information for navigating Medicare, long-term care, and improving health, including online fitness options and discounts on vision and hearing care.
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Career Support: Resources like a job board, virtual career fairs, and advice for entrepreneurs are available for members in the workforce or seeking employment.
AARP Membership vs. The Alternatives
Considering alternatives helps in deciding if AARP is the right choice. Other organizations like AAA offer different primary benefits, and some bank or credit card programs provide similar discounts, though often on a smaller scale.
| Feature | AARP | AAA | Credit Card Rewards |
|---|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Lifestyle benefits, advocacy, and discounts for 50+ | Automotive services (roadside assistance), travel discounts | Cash back, points, or discounts on purchases |
| Membership Cost | As low as $15/year (with auto-renewal) | Varies by level, often starting around $60+/year | Varies; some no-annual-fee cards offer rewards |
| Age Eligibility | 18+ (most benefits available to all) | All ages | Varies by card/program |
| Main Discounts | Travel, insurance, dining, technology, prescriptions | Travel, dining, entertainment, auto repair | Varies widely by card issuer and category |
| Additional Benefits | Advocacy, publications, financial tools, career resources | Roadside assistance, travel agency services | Purchase protection, extended warranties |
If roadside assistance is a priority, AAA might be a better fit. However, AARP's extensive range of discounts and advocacy efforts offer a broader value proposition at a lower annual fee.
Potential Downsides of Membership
Some potential drawbacks of AARP membership include a high volume of mail and emails, though these can often be reduced. Finding and redeeming some online discounts may require effort, and not all offers will be relevant to every member. For example, someone who doesn't travel won't use travel discounts but could still benefit from insurance or prescription savings.
Conclusion
Determining is it worth it to be a member of AARP depends on a personal assessment of costs versus benefits. The relatively low annual fee, particularly with auto-renewal or multi-year options, can often be recovered through just one or two uses of discounts on items like rental cars, insurance, or phone bills. The added value of publications, advocacy, and financial tools further enhances the membership's appeal for many. However, if you are concerned about marketing communications or don't foresee using many of the perks, the value might be limited. A trial year can be a straightforward way to evaluate if an AARP membership provides sufficient benefit for your needs.
Final Recommendations
For frequent travelers, diners, or those in need of insurance or a new phone plan, the savings from an AARP membership are likely to outweigh the annual cost. For others, the decision rests on the perceived value of the additional resources, publications, and advocacy. Consider your typical spending habits and how they align with AARP's discounts to make an informed decision {Link: AOL.com https://www.aol.com/finance/aarp-worth-it-201257670.html}.
