I’ll be honest: When I first heard about AARP decades ago, I assumed it was just junk mail for retirees.
Fast-forward to today, and at age 70, I can say joining AARP was a smart financial move. What surprised me most? You don’t have to be retired—or anywhere near my age—to benefit.
AARP membership is open to anyone 18 or older, and at just $15 a year for the first year with automatic renewal ($20 thereafter), the value is almost ridiculous.
After years of membership, I’m still uncovering new ways to save money and improve my life. Here are the biggest reasons I signed up—and why you might want to, too.
1. The membership price is almost embarrassingly low
A standard AARP membership costs $20 per year, but you get the first year for $15 if you do automatic renewal.
You can add a spouse or household member for free, so my wife and I essentially pay once for two memberships.
2. Travel savings pay for themselves immediately
Members save up to 35% on car rentals with Avis and Budget, plus a free additional driver.
One week-long road trip saved me more than $150—10 times the annual fee. Hotel, cruise and package deals through the AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia, multiply those savings.
3. Restaurant discounts make dining out affordable
I always flash my card at checkout. AARP members get 10% off at Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill and Bonefish Grill, and 15% off at Denny’s, among many other restaurant discounts.
Those small percentages stack up fast for anyone who eats out regularly.
4. Insurance options that actually make sense
AARP partners with trusted brands—such as dental plans from Delta Dental, auto insurance from The Hartford, Medicare options from UnitedHealthcare.
I don’t always use AARP recommendations, but I always check them out. If nothing else, AARP has spared me the hassle of hunting for honest providers.
5. Free entertainment and brain games
The AARP Games Center offers dozens of free puzzles, including member-exclusive crosswords and solitaire.
AARP Theater streams plays, concerts and musicals at no cost: essentially another streaming service, but a nearly free one.
6. Health and wellness resources
The AARP Fitness Center streams workouts from experts like Denise Austin and Kathy Smith, and offers nutrition tips and a body mass index (BMI) calculator.
Staying active at my age, or yours, is critical, and these resources beat paying for a gym.
7. Financial planning and money management tools
From Social Security calculators to retirement income planners, AARP’s tools helped me choose when to claim benefits and how to stretch my nest egg.
Whether retirement is decades away or already here, the guidance is golden.
8. Advocacy that actually works
AARP’s 38-million-member voice fights for Social Security and Medicare, lower drug prices and caregiver support.
Joining adds your weight to causes that eventually touch every American.
9. Shopping and everyday discounts
Think grocery coupons, 20% off gifts from 1-800-Flowers or Harry & David, preferential bank CD rates, cheaper phone plans from Consumer Cellular and AT&T, and discounted Norton identity theft protection.
Little deals, big savings.
10. Two excellent magazines included
Membership brings six issues each of AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin. They cover health, money, travel and culture pretty well.
The bottom line
For $15 a year, AARP membership comes with discounts, information and advocacy worth far more than the fee.
Whether you are 25 or 75, the perks start paying off immediately. Don’t wait decades as I did—join today and start saving tomorrow.
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