Learn About AARP Senior Discounts and Savings

Understanding AARP Membership and Discount Programs

AARP is a nonprofit organization that serves adults age 50 and older. The organization offers a membership program that provides access to various discounts and savings opportunities across different industries. Understanding how AARP membership works is the first step in learning about the discounts that may be available to you.

When you become an AARP member, you receive a membership card and access to a website where you can browse available discounts in your area. The organization partners with thousands of businesses nationally and locally to offer reduced prices on products and services. These partnerships span categories like travel, dining, shopping, entertainment, and more. AARP membership currently costs $16 per year for new members, though introductory rates and renewal rates may vary.

AARP publishes a membership magazine that arrives monthly and features articles about health, money, and lifestyle topics relevant to older adults. The magazine also highlights featured discounts and savings opportunities. Additionally, members receive access to the AARP website and mobile app, where they can search for discounts by category, location, or business name. The website allows you to sort results by distance from your home, making it easier to find nearby participating businesses.

The membership structure is straightforward. You pay an annual membership fee, and in return, you can use your membership benefits throughout that year. AARP also offers membership for couples, which provides cards for both spouses. Some employers and organizations offer AARP membership discounts to their employees or members, which means you may be able to join at a lower cost than the standard rate.

Practical takeaway: Before joining AARP, visit the AARP website and search for discounts available at businesses you already use. This will give you a sense of whether the membership fee might pay for itself through savings at your favorite restaurants, hotels, or retailers.

Travel Discounts and Hotel Savings

Travel is one of the largest categories of AARP discounts. Whether you enjoy road trips, flights, or vacations, AARP members may find reduced rates through various travel partners. Hotels represent one of the most substantial savings opportunities, with many major chains offering discounts to AARP members.

Major hotel chains participating in AARP discounts include Hilton, Choice Hotels, Marriott, Wyndham, and IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group). Discounts typically range from 5% to 15% off room rates, though the exact discount varies by hotel location, season, and availability. For example, a member booking a room that normally costs $120 per night at a participating hotel might pay $100 to $114 per night with an AARP discount, resulting in savings of $20 to $40 for just a few nights. Over a week-long vacation, these savings add up significantly.

To use hotel discounts, members can book directly through the AARP Travel website or use the AARP discount code when booking through the hotel's own website or other travel booking platforms. Some hotels require you to show your AARP membership card at check-in to receive the discount. Other times, the discount is applied automatically during the booking process if you enter an AARP promotional code or book through an AARP-specific link.

Beyond hotels, AARP members may find discounts on car rentals, cruises, and airfare through partner companies. Car rental discounts with companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget typically range from 5% to 25% off standard rates. Cruise lines such as Disney Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean offer reduced fares for AARP members on select sailings. Airfare discounts are less common but may be available through specific airlines or travel packages.

Practical takeaway: When planning any trip, start by searching the AARP Travel website before booking elsewhere. Write down the standard rate you find on a regular travel booking site, then compare it to the AARP member rate. This comparison shows you exactly how much you might save on that specific trip.

Dining and Entertainment Savings

Restaurants and entertainment venues represent another major category of AARP discounts. Many restaurants offer percentage discounts off meals, early-bird specials at reduced prices, or free items with purchase for AARP members. The availability of dining discounts varies greatly by location, as these partnerships are often established at the local level rather than nationally.

National restaurant chains with AARP partnerships have included Denny's, Bob Evans, Perkins, and Red Robin, among others. However, the specific discount structure varies. Denny's, for example, has offered AARP members a discount on select menu items, while other restaurants might offer a percentage off the entire bill. Some venues provide discounts only during specific hours or days, such as early-bird specials Monday through Friday. The key is that these discounts change periodically, so checking the AARP website before dining helps ensure you have current information.

Entertainment discounts through AARP include reduced ticket prices for movies, theaters, concerts, and attractions. Movie theaters participating in AARP discount programs may offer discounted matinee tickets or special member pricing. Broadway shows have occasionally offered AARP member discounts on select performances. Major attractions like national parks, museums, and amusement parks sometimes extend AARP discounts, though these are less common than dining discounts.

One notable entertainment benefit for AARP members is access to special screenings and events. AARP organizes movie screenings throughout the year, showing films of interest to older adults before they arrive in general theatrical release. These screenings provide both entertainment and an opportunity to connect with other community members. Members receive invitations to these events, which are typically held in participating theaters in different cities.

Practical takeaway: Before making a reservation at a restaurant or purchasing entertainment tickets, search the AARP website for that specific venue. Many discounts require you to mention that you are an AARP member or show your membership card, so always inform the business of your membership status.

Healthcare and Prescription Drug Savings

AARP offers various programs related to healthcare and prescription costs, though it's important to understand what these programs do and do not cover. AARP partners with pharmacies to offer potential savings on prescription medications through the AARP Pharmacy program. Members can use their AARP Pharmacy membership to access negotiated rates at participating pharmacies, which may differ from standard retail prices.

The AARP Pharmacy program partners with national chains like Walgreens and CVS, as well as regional and independent pharmacies. When you use your AARP membership at these pharmacies, you may receive discounts on prescription medications. The amount you save depends on the specific medication, the pharmacy, and the quantity you are purchasing. Savings can range from a few dollars to significantly more on expensive medications. For example, certain brand-name medications might have AARP negotiated prices that are 15% to 30% lower than standard retail prices.

To use AARP pharmacy savings, you typically provide your membership number at the pharmacy counter or submit it when filling prescriptions online. The discount is often applied automatically, or the pharmacy may ask you to confirm your membership status. This is different from Medicare Part D prescription coverage; AARP pharmacy discounts may be used by people with or without Medicare, and they work alongside Medicare coverage when applicable.

AARP also offers supplemental health insurance products, including dental, vision, hearing, and long-term care insurance. These products are offered in partnership with insurance companies and provide coverage options beyond what Medicare covers. Additionally, AARP provides information about Medicare, including resources to understand different plan options and enrollment periods. While AARP does not provide healthcare services directly, the organization offers substantial educational materials about health topics relevant to older adults.

Practical takeaway: Ask your pharmacist whether they participate in AARP pharmacy discounts. If they do, provide your membership number the next time you fill a prescription to see the potential savings on that medication.

Shopping and Retail Discounts

AARP members may find discounts at numerous retailers, both online and in physical stores. These discounts span clothing, electronics, home goods, and many other product categories. Major retailers offering AARP discounts have included Best Buy, Bed Bath & Beyond, JCPenney, and various specialty stores. The discounts typically range from 5% to 20% off select items or entire purchases, depending on the retailer and the promotion.

Best Buy, a major electronics retailer, has offered AARP members discounts on computers, televisions, and other electronics. These discounts