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What does AARP give discounts on for seniors? An in-depth guide to member benefits

4 min read

As of 2025, over 58 million Americans are members of AARP, leveraging its purchasing power for significant savings on everyday necessities. So, what does AARP give discounts on for seniors? From travel deals to insurance plans, the scope of AARP member benefits is extensive, providing tangible value across a wide range of services and products.

Quick Summary

AARP membership offers discounts across multiple categories, including exclusive savings on travel, insurance policies from partners like The Hartford, dining at popular restaurant chains, and various health-related products and services, such as prescriptions, hearing aids, and vision care. Members can also find deals on tech, everyday shopping, and home-related services.

Key Points

  • Extensive Travel Discounts: AARP members receive exclusive deals on rental cars (up to 35% off), hotels (10%+ off), flights, and cruises through partners like Avis, Hilton, and the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

  • Valuable Insurance Savings: Exclusive rates are available on auto and home insurance from The Hartford, life insurance from New York Life, and a variety of Medicare plans from UnitedHealthcare.

  • Dining and Entertainment Perks: Enjoy 10-15% discounts at popular restaurants like Denny's and Outback Steakhouse, along with savings of up to 25% on movie e-tickets.

  • Health and Wellness Benefits: Access discounts on prescriptions via the Optum Rx card, vision care at LensCrafters, and hearing aids from UnitedHealthcare Hearing.

  • Everyday Shopping and Home Savings: Members can find deals on mobile phone services from Consumer Cellular, reduced-price Walmart+ memberships, and discounts on shipping with UPS.

  • More than Just Discounts: Beyond savings, AARP provides a wealth of free resources, including access to a fitness center, virtual events, online games, and informational content for healthy aging.

In This Article

Travel Discounts: Explore the World for Less

Travel expenses can be a major budget item for many seniors, and AARP offers multiple ways to save. Through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia, members can access exclusive deals on flights, hotels, cruises, and rental cars.

Car Rentals

  • Avis & Budget: Members can save up to 35% on base rates when they pay in advance. This often includes additional perks like a free extra driver and vehicle upgrades on select models.
  • Payless® Car Rental: You can receive 5% off base rates and other valuable benefits.

Hotels & Resorts

  • Best Western® Hotels & Resorts: AARP members can enjoy at least 5% off the best available rate at more than 4,000 Best Western properties worldwide.
  • Hilton Hotels: Save 10% on your room and receive late checkout privileges when available.
  • Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Members can get 10% or more off the standard rates at participating hotels.

Insurance Benefits: Secure Your Future with Exclusive Rates

Protection for your assets and health is crucial, and AARP leverages its network to offer members-only pricing on various insurance products. The Hartford is a major partner, providing exclusive rates and benefits on auto and home insurance.

Vehicle Insurance from The Hartford

  • Car Insurance: Save up to 10% on your premium and enjoy added benefits like Accident Forgiveness and a Disappearing Deductible.
  • Other Vehicle Insurance: Coverage for motorcycles, RVs, and boats is also available.

Home & Property Insurance

  • Homeowners & Renters Insurance: The Hartford offers specialized coverage and potential savings of up to 20% when bundling home and auto policies.
  • Manufactured Home Insurance: Policies from Foremost are available with specialized protection and 24/7 claims service.

Life & Health Insurance Options

  • Life Insurance from New York Life: AARP members can choose from a variety of plans, including guaranteed acceptance options for lifelong coverage up to $25,000.
  • Medicare Plans from UnitedHealthcare: Options include Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Dining and Entertainment: Enjoy Your Social Life for Less

Dining out and going to the movies are popular pastimes for many seniors. AARP offers discounts that make these activities more affordable.

Restaurant Deals

Numerous national chains participate, offering 10-15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages.

  • Denny's: 15% off your check.
  • Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, Carrabba's Italian Grill: 10% off your food and nonalcoholic drinks.
  • Landry's Inc. Restaurants: Includes brands like Joe's Crab Shack and Rainforest Cafe, all offering 10% off.

Entertainment Savings

  • Movie E-Tickets: Save up to 25% on e-tickets at select theater chains nationwide, including AMC and Regal.
  • Paramount+: Get a 10% discount on any streaming plan.
  • AARP Theater & Games: Enjoy free online games and movie screenings.

Health and Wellness: Prioritize Your Well-Being

AARP places a strong emphasis on health, offering numerous resources and discounts to help members stay well.

Vision Care

  • LensCrafters & Target Optical: Get discounts on complete pairs of glasses.
  • Vision Insurance: Access plans from VSP.

Hearing Solutions

  • UnitedHealthcare Hearing: Provides discounts on hearing aids and accessories, plus a free hearing test.

Prescription Savings

  • AARP® Prescription Discounts: Offered by Optum Rx, this free card provides savings on FDA-approved medications at thousands of pharmacies.

Fitness Resources

  • AARP Fitness Center: Access free workout videos and other fitness resources.
  • Calm App: Members can save on an annual Calm Premium subscription.

Everyday Shopping and Home Services: Savings for Every Occasion

Beyond major purchases, AARP benefits extend to daily needs and home maintenance.

Shopping and Tech

  • Consumer Cellular: Receive discounts on wireless plans and waived activation fees.
  • Walmart+: Save on an annual membership for grocery and everyday item savings.
  • UPS: Get discounts on shipping and eligible products.
  • Flowers & Gifts: Enjoy 20% off purchases from Harry and David and other retailers.

Home & Auto Services

  • Valvoline Instant Oil Change: Save 15% on oil changes and other maintenance.
  • Home Services: Find discounts on home improvement services and security products.

Making Sense of Your Member Benefits

With so many different discount partners and programs, knowing how to leverage them can be overwhelming. The AARP website offers a comprehensive directory of all benefits, but it is important to check the terms and conditions for each offer, as some may vary by location or have specific eligibility requirements.

Practical Advice for Maximizing Your Savings

  1. Always Ask: Get in the habit of mentioning your AARP membership before paying. You never know when an unlisted local partner might offer a discount.
  2. Use the App: The AARP Now app allows you to access a digital membership card and find nearby discounts, making it convenient to check for savings on the go.
  3. Bundle Services: Take advantage of bundling opportunities for insurance and home services to maximize your overall savings.

Comparison Table of Popular AARP Discounts

Category Provider Typical Discount Example Eligibility
Travel Avis & Budget Up to 35% off base rates Rental car savings, free second driver Active AARP member
Insurance The Hartford Up to 10% off premium Auto insurance discount AARP member
Dining Denny's 15% off check Dine-in and pickup orders Present AARP card
Entertainment Movie Theaters Up to 25% off e-tickets Select chains like AMC, Regal Redeem online via AARP
Health Optum Rx Varies, can be significant Prescription drug savings AARP Prescription Discounts Card
Shopping UPS 5% off shipping Discounts on shipping and eligible products AARP member

Conclusion: More Than Just Discounts

While the discounts on travel, insurance, dining, and other services are a major draw, AARP membership offers more than just financial savings. It provides access to a wealth of resources on caregiving, health, and finances. By taking full advantage of the vast network of partners and information, seniors and adults of any age can enhance their well-being and make their money go further. For authoritative guidance on senior-related topics, including savings, refer to resources like the National Council on Aging.

Frequently Asked Questions

While AARP focuses on the 50+ population, anyone aged 18 or older can join and access the majority of member benefits. Some age-restricted benefits, like certain insurance products, are limited to older members based on law or contract.

The standard annual membership fee is typically $20, though joining via automatic renewal or selecting a multi-year term can reduce the cost. A free second membership can also be added for anyone in your household.

For physical retail and dining locations, simply present your membership card. For online purchases, you will typically need to enter your membership number or book through a dedicated AARP partner portal, such as the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia.

While AARP does not have widespread discounts at traditional grocery stores, members can get coupons for various products through the AARP Grocery Coupon Center. Discounted Walmart+ memberships can also provide savings on grocery delivery.

Members can save up to 25% on movie e-tickets at theaters like AMC and Regal, get a 10% discount on Paramount+ streaming, and access free online movies, games, and concerts through AARP's digital platforms.

Yes, AARP has a partnership with Consumer Cellular, offering members waived activation fees, discounted wireless plans, and savings on phone accessories.

AARP primarily offers discounts on consumer goods and services rather than direct senior care discounts. However, it provides valuable resources and tools, such as the AARP Care Connect program, to help navigate caregiving needs.

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.