Your guide to AARP member discounts
For many adults aged 50 and over, an AARP membership is a valuable tool for stretching their budget and enjoying more of life's experiences. From dining out and travel to essential services like healthcare and insurance, the range of partners who offer AARP discounts is extensive. In fact, the sheer number of participating brands can be surprising, but with a little guidance, you can learn to leverage your membership card for maximum savings. This guide provides a detailed overview of the places that honor AARP, categorized for easy reference.
Dining and restaurant discounts
Dining is one of the most popular and accessible ways to use an AARP membership. Many national chain restaurants and even local spots offer discounts, often around 10% to 15% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Bonefish Grill: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Carrabba's Italian Grill: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Denny's: 15% off dine-in and pickup orders at participating locations.
- Outback Steakhouse: 10% off food and non-alcoholic beverages.
- Landry's Inc. Restaurants: Includes brands like Chart House, Rainforest Cafe, and Saltgrass Steak House, offering 10% off.
- Papa John's: 20% off regular menu prices on online orders.
Remember to always mention your AARP membership when ordering or check the specific details, as offers can vary by location and may have restrictions, such as not applying to catering or delivery.
Travel savings
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or a long-distance vacation, your AARP membership can lead to significant savings on travel expenses.
Hotels and resorts
- Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Participating locations offer 10% or more off the best available rate.
- Best Western: Save 5% or more off the best available rate.
- Choice Hotels: Get 10% off the best available rate at participating brands like Comfort Inn and Quality Inn.
- Hilton Hotels: Receive 10% off your room and late checkout at 2 p.m. at participating locations.
Car rentals and cruises
- Avis and Budget: Members can save up to 35% on car rentals, plus other benefits like upgrades and a free additional driver.
- Expedia (via AARP Travel Center): Find up to 10% off select hotels and up to 30% off select car rentals.
- British Airways: Enjoy discounts on flights, with potential savings of up to $200 on certain round-trip flights.
- Royal Caribbean: Offers special discounts on select cruises.
Health, wellness, and insurance benefits
Protecting your health and financial future is a key pillar of AARP's benefits.
- Pharmacy Discounts: The AARP® Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx® program offers a free card for savings on FDA-approved medications at over 66,000 pharmacies like CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart. AARP members receive even deeper discounts.
- Vision and Hearing: Save on vision exams and eyewear at places like LensCrafters and Target Optical. Special pricing on hearing aids and hearing tests are also available through UnitedHealthcare Hearing.
- Insurance: AARP partners with major providers like The Hartford for home and auto insurance and New York Life for various life insurance options.
- Fitness: UnitedHealthcare's Renew Active® program for Medicare Supplement holders offers gym memberships.
Shopping, tech, and entertainment
Beyond the essentials, AARP offers savings on everyday purchases and leisure activities.
- Retail: Discounts are available at various retailers, including special online offers for shoe brands like Clarks and Crocs. You can also find savings on an annual Walmart+ membership.
- Cellular Service: Consumer Cellular offers a 5% discount on monthly service and usage charges, plus 30% off accessories for members.
- Entertainment: Discounts are available for movie tickets at Regal Cinemas and AMC Theaters, as well as on shows from Cirque du Soleil.
A comparative look at AARP vs. general senior discounts
| Feature | AARP Member Benefits | General Senior Discounts |
|---|---|---|
| Eligibility | Open to anyone aged 50 and older (membership fee applies). | Typically require proof of age, usually 55+ or 60+. |
| Discount Depth | Often includes exclusive, deeper discounts and additional perks. | Varies widely; often a standard percentage for seniors. |
| Access Method | Requires an active membership card or member number. | Often only requires showing ID to verify age. |
| Scope | Covers a vast network of national partners and services across multiple industries, including travel, dining, insurance, and health. | Can be limited to specific local businesses or one-off offers at larger chains. |
| Digital Offers | Extensive online platform with special deals and an app. | Primarily in-store, though some websites may have limited online codes. |
| Perks Beyond Discounts | Access to AARP Magazine, online games, and a rewards program. | Generally limited to the direct discount on a purchase. |
How to maximize your AARP savings
- Always Ask: The easiest way to find out if a place honors AARP is simply to ask. Many businesses offer discounts even if they don't advertise it prominently.
- Use the AARP Now App: The AARP app is a fantastic resource, providing a digital membership card and allowing location-based notifications for discounts near you.
- Explore the AARP Member Benefits Page: The official website is the most comprehensive resource, with an A-Z listing of all partners and offers.
- Check Partner Websites: When booking travel or shopping online, always check for a specific AARP discount code or a dedicated portal on the partner's website.
Conclusion
An AARP membership unlocks a world of discounts far beyond a simple age-based reduction. By knowing what places honor AARP, you can turn your annual membership fee into significant savings across a wide range of categories, from everyday purchases to major travel plans. Regularly checking the AARP website and app, along with simply asking retailers, ensures you never miss an opportunity to save. As an AARP member, the power to save is truly in your hands.
