Is there any real benefit to joining AARP?

With nearly 38 million members nationwide, AARP is a powerful advocacy group for Americans over 50. But many question, Is there any real benefit to joining AARP? Beyond the magazine subscription, the value of a membership truly depends on how you use the extensive offerings.

Quick Summary

AARP membership provides a wide array of discounts on travel, insurance, and dining, alongside valuable advocacy and resources for older Americans. The true value depends on a member's lifestyle and how actively they utilize the available benefits.

Key Points

• Significant Discounts: Members can unlock substantial savings on travel, dining, and retail purchases that can easily outweigh the annual membership fee.

• Valuable Resources: AARP provides access to crucial information on finances, health, and fraud prevention, along with engaging online and local events.

• Powerful Advocacy: Membership supports AARP's lobbying efforts on issues critical to older adults, such as Social Security and Medicare, giving you a voice in policy debates.

• Subjective Value: The real benefit of an AARP membership is highly personal and depends on how frequently and effectively you utilize the offered discounts and programs.

• Non-Monetary Perks: Beyond savings, members receive subscriptions to publications and gain access to a supportive community, which can enrich their daily lives.

• Insurance Options: While AARP offers a range of insurance products through partners, comparing rates from multiple providers is still recommended to ensure the best deal.

Understanding the Core Offerings

AARP, formerly the American Association of Retired Persons, was founded in 1958 with a mission to empower older Americans to choose how they live as they age. The organization is a non-profit, but it derives significant revenue from its partnerships with for-profit companies. This dual nature is often at the heart of the debate over its value. A standard membership costs around $16-$20 per year, which includes a free second membership for an adult in your household, subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, and access to the full suite of member benefits.

Unlocking Financial Savings: The Discount Matrix

The most tangible benefit of an AARP membership for many people is the potential for financial savings. The organization offers hundreds of discounts across a wide range of categories, though how much you save ultimately depends on your spending habits.

Travel Discounts: Hotels, Car Rentals, and More

For frequent travelers, AARP offers numerous deals that can quickly offset the membership fee. Discounts are available on hotels, car rentals, cruises, and vacation packages.

• Hotels & Resorts: Save 5% or more at many hotel chains, including Wyndham, Best Western, and Choice Hotels.
• Car Rentals: Receive significant discounts (up to 35%) with partners like Avis and Budget. Members may also add an additional driver at no extra cost.
• Cruises & Packages: Get onboard credit or other deals on select cruises through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

Insurance Products: A Critical Look

One of AARP's most prominent offerings is its suite of insurance products, which are underwritten by third-party partners. While these can be convenient, it's crucial for members to compare rates and not assume the AARP-endorsed plans are always the cheapest or best fit.

• Auto & Home Insurance: AARP's auto and homeowners insurance is underwritten by The Hartford. Members receive special discounted rates, but individual quotes are essential.
• Health Insurance: AARP offers various Medicare-related plans through UnitedHealthcare, including Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans.
• Life Insurance: Different types of life insurance are offered through New York Life, with coverage options and terms varying based on the plan.
• Other Plans: Members can also access dental, vision, pet, and mobile home insurance.

Dining and Entertainment Deals

Eating out and staying entertained is more affordable with an AARP membership. Discounts are available at many popular chains and local venues.

• Restaurant Discounts: Save 10% or more at dozens of national chains, including Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Carrabba's Italian Grill.
• Entertainment: Access free online games, exclusive movie screenings, and discounts on event tickets.
• Shopping & Groceries: Enjoy savings on meal delivery services, annual Walmart+ memberships, and other retail offers.

Beyond Discounts: The Non-Monetary Benefits

For many, the real value of AARP lies outside of the coupons. The organization's mission-driven work offers benefits that can't be measured in dollars and cents.

Powerful Advocacy and Social Impact

AARP is a vocal lobbyist on Capitol Hill, advocating for issues that directly affect older Americans. By joining, you lend your voice to these efforts.

• Advocacy Efforts: AARP campaigns for policies that protect Social Security and Medicare benefits, lower prescription drug costs, and prevent age discrimination.
• Fraud Watch Network: Provides resources and support to help members protect themselves from financial scams, which are a major threat to seniors.

Educational Resources and Community

Access to information and community can be a major benefit, especially for those in retirement or approaching it.

• Publications: Members receive bi-monthly issues of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin, covering news, health, finances, and more.
• AARP Smart Driver Course: Take an online or in-person course to refresh your driving skills and potentially qualify for an auto insurance discount.
• Online & Local Events: Participate in virtual classes, workshops, and local events to stay active and engaged.

Comparison with AARP Alternatives

To determine the best fit for your needs, it's helpful to compare AARP with other organizations and services. Here is a brief overview:

Feature	AARP	Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC)	AAA (American Automobile Association)
Primary Focus	General interests, advocacy, and discounts for those 50+ (but anyone can join)	Conservative political advocacy and member discounts for those 50+	Automobile and travel services, discounts, and benefits for all ages
Political Stance	Non-partisan, but often criticized as having a left-leaning bias	Explicitly conservative, founded as a rival to AARP	Non-partisan
Core Benefits	Discounts, insurance, publications, advocacy, resources	Discounts, insurance, advocacy, publications	Roadside assistance, travel discounts, insurance, banking services
Membership Cost	Annual fee ~$16-$20	Annual fee ~$16	Annual fee varies by region and membership level

For those primarily focused on advocacy without a specific political leaning, or for those seeking broader resources, AARP remains a strong choice. If you prefer a conservative-focused organization, AMAC is a direct competitor. If your main priority is roadside assistance and travel, AAA may be a better fit. For broader resources on aging and policy, nonprofit organizations like the National Council on Aging are excellent options.

The Verdict: How to Decide if AARP is Right for You

So, is there any real benefit to joining AARP? The answer is yes, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. The value is a personal calculation. If you are someone who actively uses discounts on travel, dining, and insurance, and you support the organization's advocacy efforts, your membership fee can be easily recouped and surpassed in savings. However, if you rarely use the benefits, you may not find it to be a worthwhile investment. Evaluate your own needs and spending patterns. If you take one flight or rent a car just once using an AARP discount, you might save more than the annual fee. Alternatively, if you only seek out savings on insurance, it's wise to comparison shop first, as the partner rates are not guaranteed to be the lowest. Ultimately, AARP's benefits are real, but only if you take the time to use them. The key is to be an active, not a passive, member. Consider signing up for a single year to test out the discounts and resources before committing to a multi-year plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can join AARP?

Anyone aged 18 or older is eligible to join AARP. While the organization focuses on the 50+ demographic, many discounts and resources are available to members of all ages. Some age-restricted benefits, particularly certain insurance products, are limited to those 50 and over.

How much does an AARP membership cost?

A standard annual membership typically costs $20. However, new members can often receive a discount for their first year, especially when signing up for automatic renewal. Multi-year options are also available at a reduced rate.

Can I add my spouse to my AARP membership?

Yes, a free secondary household membership is included with every AARP membership. This allows another adult in your household to access all the same benefits and receive their own membership card.

Is AARP insurance always the cheapest option?

Not necessarily. AARP partners with insurance providers like The Hartford and UnitedHealthcare, offering special member rates. However, individual circumstances vary, so it is always wise to shop around and compare quotes from multiple companies to find the best policy and price for your needs.

What are some of the most significant discounts offered?

Popular discounts include savings on travel (hotels, car rentals), dining at major restaurant chains, health-related products (vision, prescriptions), and various entertainment options. The highest savings are typically seen by frequent travelers or those bundling insurance policies.

What if I don't use the discounts? Is there still a benefit?

Even if you don't use the discounts, AARP membership can be beneficial. Non-monetary perks include access to the Fraud Watch Network, publications like AARP The Magazine, community resources, and supporting AARP's advocacy efforts on issues important to older Americans.

Is AARP a non-profit organization?

Yes, AARP is a non-profit organization. However, it earns a significant portion of its revenue from royalties and fees associated with the sale of insurance and other products through its for-profit partnerships. This business model has drawn some criticism over the years.

Are there any political drawbacks to joining AARP?

AARP is non-partisan, but its advocacy work on issues like Social Security and Medicare has led some, particularly conservative-leaning critics, to accuse it of having a political bias. Alternatives like the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) were founded specifically as conservative-leaning rivals.