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A Complete Guide to What Discounts Do You Get with Your AARP Card?

4 min read

With over 38 million members, AARP is a powerful advocacy organization, but it is also a gateway to significant savings. A comprehensive understanding of exactly what discounts do you get with your AARP card can lead to substantial reductions on daily expenses and major purchases, often making the low annual membership fee well worth it.

Quick Summary

An AARP card provides access to a vast network of hundreds of discounts, covering everything from travel and dining to technology and financial products. The wide array of savings, available to members aged 18 and older, can help reduce costs on everything from daily essentials to major expenses like insurance.

Key Points

  • Travel Savings: AARP members get exclusive deals on hotels, car rentals, flights, and cruises through partners like Expedia, Avis, and British Airways.

  • Insurance Programs: Access to special pricing and bundling options for auto, home, and life insurance through partners such as The Hartford and New York Life.

  • Health and Wellness Perks: Significant savings are available on prescriptions via Optum Rx, as well as on vision, hearing, and wellness services.

  • Dining and Retail Discounts: Members can receive 10-15% off at various restaurants and access discounts on everyday items and digital services like Walmart+.

  • Access for All Adults: While targeted at the 50+ demographic, AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older, providing benefits that are not age-restricted.

  • Digital Tools for Savings: The AARP Now app helps locate nearby deals and provides a digital membership card for convenience.

In This Article

Your Ticket to Exclusive Savings and Benefits

An AARP membership is more than just a magazine subscription; it's a key to unlocking hundreds of discounts on products and services from a wide variety of businesses. These savings extend beyond just the over-50 crowd, with many benefits available to any member aged 18 or older.

Travel and Transportation Discounts

Whether you're planning a cross-country road trip or an international getaway, your AARP card offers numerous ways to save. The benefits in this category are some of the most popular and can quickly recoup the cost of your annual membership.

  • Hotels: Receive discounts of up to 10-25% at hotel chains like Wyndham, Best Western, and Choice Hotels. Some hotels also offer additional perks like late checkout.
  • Car Rentals: Get significant savings with major rental car companies. Avis and Budget, for example, offer up to 35% off base rates, plus free upgrades on select rentals.
  • Cruises and Packages: Save on cruises with Holland America Line or receive special onboard credits. The AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia provides exclusive discounts and gift card offers on vacation packages.
  • Flights: British Airways offers members $65-$200 off round-trip flights, depending on the fare class.

Insurance and Financial Services

Protecting your assets and planning for the future is a key focus for many members, and AARP offers access to a variety of insurance and financial programs designed to help.

  • Auto and Home Insurance: Get access to the AARP Auto and Home Insurance Program from The Hartford, which offers exclusive member rates and discounts. Bundling policies can lead to substantial savings.
  • Life Insurance: New York Life provides various life insurance options endorsed by AARP, including guaranteed acceptance plans.
  • Dental and Vision: Save on dental insurance through Delta Dental and access vision plans from VSP, which includes savings at LensCrafters and Target Optical.
  • Fraud Protection: Members can get discounts on online security and identity theft protection services from Norton 360.

Health and Wellness Perks

Your AARP card also serves as a resource for maintaining a healthy lifestyle, with benefits covering everything from prescriptions to fitness.

  • Prescription Discounts: The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx can provide deeper savings on FDA-approved medications than the free card available to non-members. This benefit is accepted at over 66,000 pharmacies nationwide.
  • Hearing and Eyewear: Access discounts on hearing aids through HearUSA and significant savings on prescription lenses and exams at partnering retailers.
  • Fitness: Subscriptions to wellness apps like Calm and Silver Cuisine, a meal delivery service, are offered at member-exclusive prices.

Dining, Shopping, and Tech Savings

Day-to-day spending can also be optimized with your AARP card. From eating out to updating your tech, the savings add up.

  • Restaurants: Enjoy 10% or more off your check at a wide range of popular chains, including Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and Denny's.
  • Groceries and Retail: Get savings on an annual Walmart+ membership for free grocery delivery and fuel discounts. Access a coupon center for hundreds of deals on groceries and everyday goods.
  • Mobile Phone Plans: Receive exclusive deals and discounts on wireless services and accessories from providers like Consumer Cellular and AT&T.

How to Maximize Your Membership

To ensure you're getting the most out of your AARP card, follow these simple steps:

  1. Download the AARP Now app: The free app gives you instant access to your digital card and helps you find local deals near you using location detection.
  2. Explore the website: Use the AARP member benefits page to browse all available discounts by category, from travel to shopping.
  3. Link Rewards Programs: Connect your AARP membership to rewards programs like Exxon Mobil Rewards+ to earn extra points and savings on gas.
  4. Check Local Coupons: The AARP website and app offer hundreds of printable coupons and online offers for local stores and restaurants.

AARP Discount Comparison Table

Here is a quick look at some sample savings available to AARP members compared to standard offerings. These are illustrative examples and actual savings may vary based on location and specific terms.

Benefit Category AARP Member Discount Potential Standard Senior Offer Note on Difference
Auto Insurance Up to 10% off with The Hartford Varies by provider and age Exclusive partner with The Hartford
Hotel Stay Up to 10% or more off 5-10% at select properties Varies by chain, often a higher base discount
Car Rental Up to 35% off with Avis/Budget Varies, sometimes 5-10% Substantially higher discount with AARP partners
Restaurant Meal 10-15% at specific chains Varies by location and day Consistent discount at dozens of chains
Walmart+ Membership $20 off annual membership None, except for certain federal programs Exclusive AARP-only discount

Conclusion

For a small annual fee, the AARP card provides a robust portfolio of discounts and resources that can significantly reduce your expenses. From major travel bookings to everyday purchases, understanding what discounts do you get with your AARP card is the first step toward maximizing your savings. By taking advantage of the offerings, especially on insurance, travel, and health-related items, members can easily see a return on their investment.

For the most current and detailed list of offerings, you can always visit the official AARP benefits page.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not an endorsement of AARP, its partners, or the products and services mentioned.

Frequently Asked Questions

With your AARP card, you can get hundreds of discounts on a wide range of products and services. These include savings on travel (hotels, car rentals), insurance (auto, home, life), health and wellness (prescriptions, vision, hearing), and everyday purchases like dining, groceries, and technology.

No, you do not have to be 50 to join AARP. The organization offers membership to anyone 18 or older. While some insurance products and benefits may be age-restricted by law, most discounts are available to all members regardless of age.

The cost of an AARP membership is relatively low. As of late 2025, the standard yearly price is $20, but you can get the first year for $15 by signing up for automatic renewal. Multi-year plans are also available for additional savings.

For many, the discounts easily offset the low annual membership fee. Just one or two uses of the travel or insurance discounts can cover the cost for a full year. The value depends on how often you utilize the various savings offered.

The easiest way to find local discounts is by downloading the AARP Now app. It uses your location to show you nearby participating restaurants, shops, and other businesses. You can also search for coupons on the AARP website by entering your zip code.

Yes, a standard AARP membership includes a free secondary card for another adult in your household, such as a spouse or partner. This allows both individuals to take advantage of the member benefits and discounts.

Some of the most significant travel discounts include up to 35% off base rates on Avis and Budget car rentals, exclusive savings on vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, and discounts on flights with British Airways.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider regarding personal health decisions.