What's the advantage of having an AARP card?

Oct 15, 2025 4 min read •

senior care Healthy Aging discounts

With hundreds of discounts and benefits available, an AARP card provides a wide variety of savings, services, and information for its members. The advantage of having an AARP card extends far beyond discounts, offering robust advocacy and resources tailored to the needs of older Americans.

Quick Summary

An AARP card grants access to a vast network of discounts on everything from travel and insurance to dining and healthcare, along with a wide range of informational resources and powerful advocacy on issues affecting seniors, such as Medicare and Social Security.

Key Points

Extensive Discounts: An AARP card unlocks hundreds of exclusive discounts on travel, dining, shopping, and more, which can easily exceed the cost of membership.
Valuable Resources: Members gain access to a wide array of informational and practical resources covering health, finances, career, and technology.
Effective Advocacy: AARP actively advocates for policies that benefit older Americans, including issues related to Medicare, Social Security, and age discrimination.
Free Household Membership: A single AARP membership allows you to add another adult in your household for free, maximizing value.
Health and Wellness Perks: Benefit from prescription discounts, savings on vision and hearing care, and access to fitness resources.
No Age Limit: While focused on the 50+ demographic, anyone over 18 can join and receive most of the benefits, with some insurance products reserved for those over 50.
Peace of Mind: Membership provides access to fraud prevention resources and trusted insurance options, helping to protect your assets and well-being.

A World of Discounts and Exclusive Deals

One of the most immediate and tangible advantages of an AARP card is the extensive list of member-only discounts. These savings can quickly offset the affordable annual membership fee and touch nearly every aspect of daily life. From car rentals to restaurant meals, the opportunities to save are substantial and varied.

Travel and Leisure Savings

For those who love to travel, an AARP card is a key to unlocking major savings. Members can access exclusive deals and seasonal offers on hotels, cruises, car rentals, and vacation packages through the AARP Travel Center powered by Expedia. Other travel perks include significant discounts with major car rental companies and select airlines, like British Airways.

Hotels: Enjoy discounts of up to 10% or more at popular chains like Best Western, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels.
Car Rentals: Save up to 35% on base rates with Avis and Budget, plus potential benefits like adding a second driver for free.
Cruises: Members can receive up to $100 in onboard credit on select cruises booked through the AARP Travel Center.
Vacation Packages: Bundling your flights and hotels through the AARP Travel Center can result in additional savings, sometimes including gift cards.

Dining, Shopping, and Entertainment

Beyond travel, AARP members can enjoy savings on everyday purchases and entertainment. Discounts are available at a variety of national restaurant chains, like Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Carrabba's.

Restaurants: Save up to 15% daily at thousands of participating restaurants nationwide.
Shopping: Find discounts on a wide range of goods and services, including potential savings on a Walmart+ membership.
Entertainment: Receive discounts on event tickets through Ticketmaster and enjoy free online movie screenings and games.

Health, Wellness, and Insurance Advantages

An AARP card offers access to a broad array of health and wellness benefits designed to support an active and healthy lifestyle. These include prescription discounts and insurance options from trusted providers.

Comprehensive Health Benefits

Prescription Discounts: The AARP Prescription Discounts provided by Optum Rx can help members save on medications, with even deeper discounts for members.
Vision and Hearing Care: Get savings on eyewear at LensCrafters and Target Optical, and access free annual hearing tests through the National Hearing Test.
Fitness and Gyms: Access workout videos and explore discounted gym memberships through programs like Renew Active.

Insurance and Financial Planning

Members can access a variety of insurance products, including coverage for auto, home, and pets, often with member-exclusive rates. For example, the AARP® Auto Insurance Program from The Hartford provides special benefits for members over 50. Financial resources include tools and resources for retirement planning, fraud prevention, and savings accounts.

Advocacy and Information for a Better Life

In addition to the practical discounts, AARP is a powerful advocate for older Americans, working on important issues that impact financial security, healthcare, and quality of life. Your membership supports these efforts and gives you access to a wealth of educational resources and community programs.

Supporting Your Career and Finances

AARP offers resources for those looking to continue their careers or start an encore career. This includes job boards and tools for small business owners. Informational resources on Social Security and Medicare help members navigate complex benefits.

Community and Connection

AARP provides resources to combat loneliness and social isolation, connecting members with local events, volunteer opportunities, and online communities. Your membership also includes subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin, keeping you informed on a range of topics relevant to your life.

Is an AARP Card Worth It?

Deciding if an AARP membership is worthwhile depends on your personal needs and how often you'll use the benefits. For many, a single discount on a trip or insurance can cover the annual fee. The advocacy work and access to resources are significant, even if not used immediately. The membership cost is also very affordable, especially with multi-year plans. Plus, you can add another adult in your household for free, doubling the value. Ultimately, the value proposition is strong for anyone seeking to save money, stay informed, and support an organization that champions the needs of older Americans.

AARP vs. AAA: A Comparison


Feature	AARP	AAA
Primary Focus	Discounts, advocacy, resources for older adults.	Roadside assistance, travel, insurance, discounts.
Age Requirement	Anyone 18+ can join.	No age restrictions.
Key Discounts	Travel, dining, shopping, health, insurance.	Travel, entertainment, automotive services.
Insurance Products	Endorsed auto and home insurance for 50+, plus supplemental health.	Wide range of insurance products available.
Cost	Low annual fee, discounts for automatic/multi-year renewal.	Varies by region and membership tier.
Advocacy	Strong focus on issues impacting older Americans.	Focused on drivers' rights and travel safety.

Conclusion

Ultimately, what's the advantage of having an AARP card? It's the combination of immediate, practical benefits and long-term, far-reaching advocacy. From saving money on car rentals and prescriptions to gaining access to financial guidance and health resources, an AARP membership is a robust tool for living a fuller, more secure life. For a minimal annual fee, members receive a powerful suite of benefits that can improve their financial well-being and provide peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

No, you do not have to be retired to get an AARP card. While the organization is primarily dedicated to the needs of the 50+ population, anyone aged 18 or older can join AARP.

The age requirement to become an AARP member is 18 years or older. However, some specific benefits, particularly certain insurance products, may be reserved for members who are 50 and older.

Yes, an AARP membership includes a free second membership for another adult in your household. This person receives their own card and access to all the member benefits.

To use your AARP card, simply show your physical or digital card at participating locations, or enter your membership number for online purchases. Many discounts are available through the AARP website or the AARP Now app.

For many, the savings from just one or two AARP discounts, such as on travel or insurance, can cover the annual membership fee. The value increases with frequent use of the various dining, shopping, and entertainment discounts available.

Beyond discounts, AARP provides resources on a wide range of topics, including financial planning, career services for older workers, Medicare guidance, and fraud prevention. They also offer online games, publications, and tools for brain health.

AARP actively lobbies on behalf of older Americans on key issues such as lowering prescription drug costs, preserving Social Security and Medicare benefits, and combating age discrimination in the workplace. Your membership helps support these advocacy efforts.

An AARP membership is very affordable. The annual cost is $20, but you can get it for less with automatic renewal or a multi-year plan. For example, the first year is currently $15 with automatic renewal.

Yes, you can get a digital version of your AARP membership card by downloading the AARP Now app on your smartphone. This allows for instant access to your membership benefits.

References

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.