Redeeming AARP Rewards Points for Gift Cards
One of the most popular ways to redeem AARP Rewards points is for discounted gift cards. The program offers a constantly updated catalog of gift cards for major brands, including airlines, hotels, and retail stores. Some gift cards are offered at a significant discount, allowing you to effectively use your points to purchase gift cards for less than their face value. Accessing these deals often requires logging into your AARP account on the rewards page and navigating to the gift card section.
The range of options is broad, encompassing travel partners like American Airlines and Royal Caribbean, home improvement stores such as The Home Depot, and grocery chains like Kroger. AARP members frequently get exclusive, deeper discounts on many of these gift card offers, further enhancing the value. Availability for some of the best deals can be limited and change frequently, so it's wise to check the site often for new opportunities.
Winning Big with Sweepstakes and Instant Wins
For those who enjoy a little extra thrill, AARP Rewards points can be exchanged for entries into various sweepstakes and instant win games. These can offer the chance to win prizes ranging from cash and gift cards to unique experiences and once-in-a-lifetime trips. The process is straightforward, requiring you to navigate to the sweepstakes section of the rewards page, select an active sweepstakes, and use your points to enter.
Users can typically submit up to 10 entries per day for each sweepstakes, increasing their chances of winning. There are also instant win games where you might get a chance to win a prize instantly or have the opportunity to purchase it if you don't win. AARP promotes these games and sweepstakes through its website, with details on how to enter and what prizes are up for grabs.
Supporting a Cause with Charitable Donations
For a more philanthropic use of your points, AARP Rewards provides the option to donate them to a number of charitable organizations. This allows users to support causes they care about without spending any money. Supported charities may include the AARP Foundation and other nonprofits. The process for donating is simple: log into your rewards account, find the charity section, and confirm your point donation. This offers a meaningful way to redeem points, giving back to the community and furthering AARP's mission.
Accessing Deals and Unique Experiences
Beyond gift cards and sweepstakes, AARP Rewards provides access to a variety of other deals and exclusive experiences. This includes local deals on dining and shopping, daily deals on rotating merchandise, and special member-only offers. Experiences can range from guided city tours to exclusive discounts on travel packages.
- Local Deals: Members can find coupons for nearby activities, restaurants, and attractions.
- Daily Deals: Limited-time offers on specific products are available Monday through Friday, though they sell out quickly due to high demand.
- Experiences: Points can be redeemed for unique opportunities or special discounts on various excursions.
AARP Rewards vs. AARP Member Discounts
It's important to distinguish between AARP Rewards, a free points program, and the broader benefits offered to paid AARP members. While both offer valuable savings, they function differently.
| Feature | AARP Rewards (Free) | AARP Membership (Paid) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free to join and participate | Starts at $12-$16 per year |
| Point Earning | Earn by taking quizzes, playing games, and other online activities | Earn 50% more points on all rewards activities |
| Gift Cards | Access to standard discounted gift card catalog | Access to exclusive, deeper discounts on gift cards |
| Program Access | Open to anyone over 18 | Offers the full spectrum of member benefits |
| Exclusive Perks | Offers sweepstakes, daily deals, and donations | Includes exclusive member-only rewards, travel, and more |
Conclusion
The AARP Rewards program provides multiple avenues for redeeming points earned through simple, daily activities. Whether you're interested in saving money on everyday purchases with discounted gift cards, trying your luck with sweepstakes, or contributing to a worthy cause, the program offers a variety of options. While non-members can participate, paying AARP members can significantly enhance their rewards by earning more points and unlocking exclusive, members-only deals. This tiered approach ensures the program provides value to a wide range of participants.
Get More Value from Your AARP Rewards
To maximize the value of your AARP Rewards points, start by frequently visiting the Redeem page on the AARP website. Keep an eye on the Daily Deals, which offer the potential for higher discounts, and participate in sweepstakes for a chance at bigger prizes. Additionally, consider syncing your fitness tracker to earn points passively by staying active. By staying engaged with the platform, you can discover new ways to leverage your points for items and experiences that matter most to you.
