David’s parents have been AARP members for years, and when we asked them whether it was worth the $16, his dad said, “I made that back the first time I rented a car.” That’s pretty much the story for most people — the membership pays for itself quickly if you use even one or two of the benefits.
We went through every AARP discount we could find and verified what’s actually available in 2026, because some older lists online include deals that no longer exist. The travel discounts are the biggest winners, but the prescription savings and restaurant deals add up too. Here’s the full picture. Have a question we didn’t cover? Send it to [email protected] and we’ll get back to you.
Is an AARP Membership Worth It?
AARP was founded in 1958 by retired educator Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus. Since then it has grown into one of the largest membership organizations in the country, serving nearly 38 million members. At $16 per year for an individual ($24 for a couple), membership tends to pay for itself within a single travel booking or a few restaurant visits.
Here is what you need to know before joining.
Who Can Join AARP?
Membership is open to anyone 18 or older. AARP’s programs are primarily designed for people over 50, and certain benefits — particularly age-restricted health insurance products — require members to meet minimum age thresholds. For the majority of discounts on travel, dining, and retail, age is not a limiting factor once you hold a membership.
AARP Membership Cost
| Plan | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Annual (individual) | $16 | Standard annual rate |
| Annual (couple) | $24 | Includes household member |
| Multi-year | Varies | Discounted rates available for 3- and 5-year terms |
AARP occasionally offers introductory rates for new members. Pricing and multi-year plan details change periodically — verify current rates at aarp.org.
One additional adult in your household can be added as a secondary member at no extra charge. AARP no longer offers a lifetime membership; five years is the longest available term.
What Benefits Does AARP Membership Include?
Travel
AARP members have access to some of the most practical savings in the category:
- Car rentals: Up to 35 percent off Pay Now rates at Avis and Budget; up to 30 percent off at Payless; up to 20 percent at Hertz (for members 50+)
- Hotels: Discounts at Best Western, Choice Hotels properties (Comfort Inn, Clarion, Sleep Inn), Cambria Suites, Marriott, Crowne Plaza, La Quinta, and many Wyndham brands
- Airlines: Reduced fares on British Airways; discounted select fares on American and United Airlines
- Trains: 10 percent off Amtrak on most rail fares for members 65+
Travel-planning resources and a dedicated AARP Travel Center are also included.
Dining
AARP members receive discounts at a wide range of restaurants, including 10 percent off at Bonefish Grill, Carrabba’s, Chart House, Outback Steakhouse, and Landry’s Seafood, as well as 15 percent off at Denny’s and 20 percent off online orders at Papa John’s.
Prescriptions
AARP’s Prescription Discount Card, powered by OptumRx, provides up to 61 percent off medications at participating pharmacies.
Insurance
AARP partners with several insurers to offer members access to:
- Health insurance, including Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans through UnitedHealthcare
- Auto, homeowners, and life insurance
- The Renew Active gym membership benefit for members enrolled in a UnitedHealthcare Medicare Supplement plan
Home Security
AARP members receive a 5 percent discount on ADT monitoring fees plus free professional installation of a Nest video doorbell.
Cell Phone Plans
Consumer Cellular, one of the most popular carriers for older adults, offers AARP members two lines for $55 per month and 30 percent off select accessories.
How to Join AARP
The simplest approach is to visit AARP’s website and click the Join button. You will need to provide your name, date of birth, address, and payment information. Membership is active immediately — your digital card is accessible through the AARP website or mobile app right away. A physical card typically arrives within a few weeks.
To join by phone, call 888-687-2277 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. ET.
Is AARP Worth It?
For most people over 50, the answer is yes. At $16 per year, a single discounted car rental or a few restaurant visits will typically recover the cost. The value compounds significantly for anyone who travels regularly, uses prescription medications, or pays for cell phone service — all areas where AARP discounts consistently outperform what is available to non-members.
The broader AARP platform also includes free articles, financial planning tools, fraud prevention resources, and tax preparation assistance — all provided regardless of age.
The question is not really whether AARP is worth $16. It is which of the available benefits you are most likely to actually use.
AARP benefits, pricing, and partner discounts change periodically. We recommend verifying current membership costs and available benefits directly at aarp.org before enrolling or relying on specific discounts listed here.