TL;DR: Honest AARP membership review covering costs, benefits, discounts, and who should join. Learn if AARP is right for you before you sign up.
AARP Membership Review: What You Get and Is It Worth It?
Honest AARP membership review covering costs, benefits, discounts, and who should join. Learn if AARP is right for you before you sign up.
Thinking about joining AARP? You've probably seen the ads or heard friends talk about discounts on dining, travel, and insurance. But is an AARP membership really worth the annual fee? In this honest review, we'll break down exactly what you get, what it costs, and who benefits most. We cover the pros and cons, compare alternatives, and help you decide if it's right for you. By the end, you'll know whether AARP deserves a spot in your wallet.
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What Is AARP Membership?
AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit organization that offers membership to people age 50 and older. For an annual fee, members get access to a wide range of benefits, including discounts on travel, dining, insurance, prescription drugs, and more. AARP also advocates for seniors on issues like Social Security and Medicare.
Membership is open to anyone 50+, and you don't have to be retired. Even if you're still working, you can join and start using the discounts right away. The annual fee is around $16 per year, but it varies with promotions. Many people join for the travel and dining discounts alone.
Key Features and Benefits of AARP Membership
AARP membership comes with several core benefits that can save you money and provide peace of mind. Here's what you get:
- Travel discounts: Save on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and flights through AARP's travel partners like Expedia and Avis.
- Dining discounts: Get 10-15% off at participating restaurants like Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, and Bonefish Grill.
- Insurance options: Access to AARP-branded auto, home, and life insurance through The Hartford.
- Prescription drug discounts: Save on medications at major pharmacies through AARP's prescription discount program.
- Advocacy and resources: AARP fights for seniors' rights and provides tools for retirement planning, Social Security, and Medicare.
Many members also enjoy the free AARP magazine and access to online classes and events. The benefits are designed to help you save on everyday expenses.
Pros of AARP Membership
There are several reasons why millions of people choose AARP. Here are the biggest advantages:
- Low annual fee: At around $16 per year, the membership pays for itself with just one or two uses of the dining or travel discounts.
- Wide range of discounts: From hotels to eyeglasses, AARP partners with hundreds of brands to give you savings on things you already buy.
- Insurance savings: AARP members can get competitive rates on auto and home insurance through The Hartford, often with additional discounts.
- Prescription drug savings: The free discount card can lower costs at many pharmacies, even if you have insurance.
- Advocacy: AARP is a powerful voice for seniors on Capitol Hill, fighting for Social Security and Medicare.
For active travelers or those who dine out often, the savings can far exceed the membership cost.
Cons of AARP Membership
No membership is perfect. Here are some downsides to consider:
- Not all discounts are exclusive: Many AARP discounts are available to anyone, like hotel deals from Expedia. You can often find similar savings without a membership.
- Some benefits require extra work: You may need to sign up for separate programs (like the prescription discount card) to get the savings.
- Insurance not always cheapest: While convenient, AARP insurance through The Hartford may not be the lowest rate for everyone. Always compare quotes.
- Age requirement: You must be 50+ to join, so younger adults can't take advantage.
- Marketing and mail: Expect frequent emails and mailers about AARP products and services.
Overall, the value depends on how often you use the benefits. If you rarely travel or dine out, you might not recoup the fee.
Who Is AARP Best For?
AARP membership is ideal for:
- Frequent travelers: If you take road trips or fly often, hotel and car rental discounts can save you hundreds per year.
- Diners who eat out regularly: 10-15% off at chain restaurants adds up quickly.
- People who want insurance options: AARP's insurance partners offer coverage tailored to seniors.
- Those who value advocacy: If you care about Social Security and Medicare, your membership supports AARP's lobbying efforts.
It's less valuable if you rarely travel, eat out, or already have better insurance rates. But for most people 50+, the low fee makes it worth trying for a year.
Alternatives to AARP
If AARP doesn't seem right, here are some alternatives:
- AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens): A conservative alternative with similar benefits, including insurance and travel discounts. Annual fee is around $16.
- Senior discounts without membership: Many stores and restaurants offer senior discounts (e.g., 10% off at Kohl's on Wednesdays) without any membership fee.
- AAA membership: Provides roadside assistance and travel discounts, but costs more ($50+ per year). Good for drivers.
- Credit card perks: Some cards offer travel and dining discounts that rival AARP, with no age requirement.
Compare the benefits and costs to see which fits your lifestyle best. AARP is often the most well-rounded, but it's not the only option.
Our Verdict
Is AARP membership worth it? For most people age 50 and older, yes. The $16 annual fee is low, and the discounts on travel, dining, and insurance can quickly pay for the membership. Even if you only use a few benefits, you'll likely come out ahead.
However, if you never travel or dine out, or if you prefer conservative advocacy groups like AMAC, you might skip it. But for the price of a couple of fast-food meals, it's hard to go wrong. Sign up for a year and see if you save money. If not, you can easily cancel.
Rating: 4.2 / 5.0 — Great value for active seniors, but not essential for everyone.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an AARP membership cost?
The annual fee is typically $16, but promotions can lower it to $12 or $9 for the first year. Family memberships are also available at a discount.
Can you join AARP before age 50?
No. You must be at least 50 years old to become a member. However, your spouse or partner can join if they are 50+, even if you are not.
Does AARP offer health insurance?
AARP does not directly sell insurance but partners with The Hartford for auto and home insurance, and with UnitedHealthcare for Medicare supplement plans.
What restaurants give AARP discounts?
Participating restaurants include Denny's, Outback Steakhouse, Bonefish Grill, and many others. Discounts are typically 10-15% off the total bill.
Is AARP membership tax deductible?
AARP membership fees are generally not tax deductible as a charitable contribution because you receive benefits in return. But check with your tax advisor.
Our Verdict
Our Verdict: AARP membership is a solid value for most people 50 and older. The low annual fee and broad range of discounts make it easy to recoup the cost. While not every benefit is exclusive, the convenience and advocacy work add extra value. We recommend trying it for a year—if you don't save money, cancel. But for most, it's a keeper.
