AARP is a nonprofit organization with a primary focus on helping older adults (50 years and older) get the most out of all areas of life as they head into retirement. AARP offers members exclusive benefits and discounts they can enjoy, from discounts on travel, restaurants, and more. At an affordable annual membership fee starting at $16, AARP members can cash in on major savings as they live life to the fullest in their golden years. Read on to learn exactly whether an AARP membership is right for you so you make the most out of life as you head towards retirement, without breaking the bank.

What Does an AARP Membership Cost?

$16 per year.

A standard AARP membership costs $16 each year.

If you are looking to save money on membership fees, you can sign up for their Automatic Renewal and pay only $12 per year.

There are also special deals if you purchase multiple membership years.

For instance, a three-year plan costs just $30, a five-year plan costs $45, and a lifetime membership costs $200.

See Also: 70+ Places That Offer Senior Discounts

What Are the Benefits?

An AARP membership provides a variety of benefits that help members save money and experience life to the fullest thanks to their 15 Member Benefits categories.

These 15 AARP benefit categories include:

• Travel
• Restaurants
• Entertainment
• Work & Jobs
• Finances
• Insurance
• Health & Wellness
• Shopping & Groceries
• Gas & Auto Services
• Home & Real Estate
• Technology & Wireless
• Community
• Family Caregiving
• Magazines & Resources
• Advocacy

I’ll keep this list updated when new categories are added.

Are The Discounts Easy to Use?

Yes.

As soon as you receive your AARP membership card in the mail, you can start using your membership discounts.

To use your AARP membership discount for qualifying discounts, simply show your physical membership card in person OR show a digital copy of your membership card if you have the AARP Now app downloaded on your smartphone.

Or, if you are placing an order by phone and qualify for a discount, you can also provide your AARP membership number found on your card.

You can also discover discounts online or on the AARP Now app.

To do so, log in to your membership online on the AARP website or using the AARP Now app on your smartphone.

Although the app is more convenient and portable, if you aren’t great with smartphones, you can still login to their website the old fashion way to check out the AARP discounts.

This is especially true if you’re not tech-savvy and don’t know how to use a smartphone, don’t own a smartphone, or even just have trouble seeing the smaller font on a smartphone.

What Are Some “Real Life” AARP Discounts Folks Are Getting?

Sometimes it’s better to look at the actual discounts folks are getting with their AARP membership.

So I went out and did some research and here are some discounts members are currently getting, and you might too.

AT&T – A Reddit user is getting $3 off their monthly AT&T bill.

Exxon – The same Reddit user also gets a “few extra cents” per gallon of gas at Exxon.

Regal Cinemas – According to a commenter here you can score $3 off any size tub of popcorn.

Kroger – One user takes advantages of the AARP Rewards program to buy $250 Kroger gift cards for only $230.

See Also: 11 Stores That Offer “Day of the Week” Senior Discounts

Is a Smartphone Required to Take Advantage of Discounts?

No.

A smartphone is not technically required to take advantage of AARP member discounts; however, a smartphone would be convenient and helpful.

This is because with a smartphone you can download the AARP Now app and see a digital copy of your membership card, as well as additional discounts, membership status, and other updates easily on the app.

However, if you don’t have or don’t like using a smartphone, you can also always just log in to your membership online to see your discounts, membership status, and more.

Do I Have to Be 55 or Can Anyone Get a Membership?

Technically, ANYONE can get an AARP membership as there is no minimum age requirement to join.

However, there are limitations on certain benefits depending on your age.

Anyone aged 50 or over can sign up for a full AARP membership and use the full discounts, products, and services available.

Is it Cheaper to Buy a Multiple-Year Membership Upfront?

Yes.

Here’s the multiple-year membership cost breakdown:

• If you buy a three-year AARP plan, you can expect to pay $30.
• If you buy a five-year AARP plan, you can expect to pay $45.
• If you buy a lifetime AARP plan, you can expect to pay $200.

It’s definitely cheaper to buy a multiple-year membership at AARP upfront.

3 AARP Hacks for Success:

1. Opt-Out of Promotional Content – If you don’t opt-out, you’ll be hit with a lot of junk mail and promotional items trying to get you to switch insurance carriers and other various offers you probably have ZERO interest in. If you opt-out and still get junk mail, call them at (800) 687-2277 and ask to be removed and they will.

2. Shop Around – You might find that AAA has better discounts on travel, hotels and rental cars.

3. Don’t Buy Things Just Because They’re On Sale – Don’t get sucked into thinking that you need to take advantage of an AARP discount for “fear of missing out”. Believe me, the deal will be back again when you actually need it.

Ask the Reader: Do you have an AARP membership? Has it been worth the annual fee or is it more hassle than it’s worth?

By Kyle James