AARP has been an American mainstay for decades now. The organization lobbies for various causes while giving its dues-paying members exclusive discounts and other offers. Although it works to benefit Americans over the age of 50, anyone ages 18 and up can join and enjoy the benefits — and many do. AARP currently has nearly 38 million members.
But being a part of that squad is about to get a tad costlier. AARP is raising its prices for the first time in 15 years.
Starting Jan. 15, 2025, one year of membership will cost $20. Or, first-time members can sign up for a membership with automatic renewal and pay $15 for the first year. Those prices are up from $16 and $12, respectively. That translates to a 25% price increase.
Why raise prices? AARP says, “The new price will help ensure that we can maintain the same high level of quality while continuing to offer exclusive discounts for members and benefits, resources, and programs that people 50-plus and their families rely on.”
AARP has a wide variety of benefits, arguably more than what other competitors offer. However, the price hike just may not be worth it to everyone.
If that’s you, maybe one of the following alternatives will be a better fit.
Alliance for Retired Americans
About the organization: The Alliance for Retired Americans was formed by the labor organization AFL-CIO in 2001. It operates under the belief that “every American deserves a secure and dignified retirement after a lifetime of hard work.” This means that the organization’s purpose extends beyond member discounts with its leaders organizing meetings, membership conventions, news conferences and lobbying visits.
The Alliance doesn’t have an age requirement on its sign-up page. Members of participating unions may already be Alliance members, but you don’t have to be a union member to join.
How many members it reports having: 4.3 million
The benefits of membership: Members get discounts on medications, hearing aids, health insurance (including for pets), legal assistance and more. There are also exclusive deals with AT&T and movie theater chains.
The cost of membership: A membership with the Alliance for Retired Americans is $10 a year.
Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC)
About the organization: The Association of Mature American Citizens describes itself as the “conservative’s alternative to AARP.” It was founded in 2007 by Dan Weber who, according to AMAC’s site, didn’t think the AARP served the interests of Americans with conservative values.
Anyone ages 18 and up can apply for membership.
How many members it reports having: 2 million
The benefits of membership: AMAC members have access to benefits like a Medicare advisory service, exclusive life insurance policies, Social Security advisors, discounted roadside service, food and activities discounts, travel discounts and more.
The cost of membership: AMAC has a few different membership options. A standard one-year membership is $16. Or, pay $42 for a three-year membership (saves $6), $59.95 for a five-year membership (saves 25%), or pay $500 for a lifetime membership. All memberships include a spouse for free.
Christ Above Politics
About the organization: Christ Above Politics was founded in 1994 and initially called the Christian Association of Primetimers. It describes itself as the “Christian alternative to AARP.” Its membership is open to Christians at least 50 years of age. Members have to agree with CAP’s statement of faith.
How many members it reports having: Unreported
The benefits of membership: CAP provides finance services to help members with life insurance, credit card fees and even business management. It also gives members exclusive shopping discounts, in-home care discounts, medical alert discounts and more.
The cost of membership: A one-year basic membership is $15. Or, you can pay for seven years at one time for $105, which equates to one free year. Alternatively, you can make a one-time payment of $375 and get 25 years of membership, aka a lifetime membership. That one-and-done payment saves you $100 as opposed to paying year-by-year. Seven-year and lifetime membership holders have additional benefits from annual members. All memberships include spouses.
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