Learn About AARP Shopping Discounts and Savings

Understanding AARP Membership and Discount Programs

AARP is a nonprofit organization that serves people age 50 and older. The organization offers memberships that provide access to various discounts and offers from retailers, service providers, and other businesses. When you join AARP, you receive membership benefits that include information about shopping discounts available through partner companies.

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership that covers two people at the same address. The organization partners with thousands of businesses across different industries including retail, groceries, dining, travel, insurance, and health services. These partnerships mean that AARP members can access special pricing and offers that are not available to the general public.

The discount programs work through a combination of methods. Some discounts require you to present your AARP membership card in person at a store or restaurant. Other discounts are available through the AARP website or mobile app, where you may find coupon codes or special offers to use when shopping online. Some businesses offer discounts through their own loyalty programs that you can link to your AARP membership.

AARP publishes a membership guide that lists participating retailers and the specific discounts they offer. This guide is updated regularly as partnerships change and new offers become available. The organization also maintains an online directory where members can search for discounts by category, store name, or location. Understanding how these different discount methods work helps you take full advantage of the programs available to you.

Practical Takeaway: Review the AARP membership guide and online directory to understand which stores and services near you participate in discount programs. Different retailers use different methods to offer discounts, so knowing whether you need your card, a coupon code, or membership verification will help you shop more efficiently.

Retail and Grocery Store Discounts

Many major retail chains and grocery stores offer AARP member discounts. These discounts typically range from 5% to 20% off purchases, though the specific percentage varies by store and product category. Some retailers offer store-wide discounts, while others limit discounts to specific departments or product lines.

For example, department stores like Kohl's offer an AARP discount day where members receive 20% off their purchases. Grocery chains in various regions partner with AARP to provide weekly specials and discounts on household items and food products. Home improvement retailers often have special pricing on tools, building materials, and home goods for AARP members. Pharmacy chains frequently offer discounts on medications and health and beauty products.

Optical retailers and hearing aid providers commonly partner with AARP to offer reduced prices on eyeglasses, contact lenses, and hearing aids. These healthcare-related discounts can represent significant savings since these items are often expensive. Some vision centers offer 30% to 40% discounts on frames and lenses for AARP members.

To use retail discounts, you typically need to present your AARP membership card at the time of purchase or enter a membership number during online checkout. Some stores may have special AARP discount codes that change monthly or seasonally. It's worth checking the store's website or calling ahead to confirm current discount offers before making a purchase.

The AARP website maintains lists of participating retailers organized by category and location. You can search by your zip code to find stores near you that offer discounts. Many retailers also advertise their AARP partnerships prominently in their stores and on their websites.

Practical Takeaway: Before shopping at major retail chains or grocery stores, check the AARP website to see if that store offers member discounts. If so, ask a store associate about how to claim the discount—whether you need to show your card, use a coupon, or provide a membership number at checkout.

Travel and Lodging Discounts

AARP partnerships with travel companies provide members with discounts on hotels, rental cars, cruises, and airline tickets. Hotel discounts typically range from 5% to 25% off standard room rates at major chains. These discounts apply at thousands of hotels across the United States and internationally. Popular hotel chains participating in AARP programs include Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Wyndham, and Best Western properties.

Car rental companies offer 5% to 25% discounts on rental rates through AARP partnerships. Companies like Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise provide special rates for AARP members when you book through their AARP discount pages or use specific discount codes. To receive these discounts, you typically need to provide an AARP member discount code during the booking process.

Cruise lines frequently offer reduced pricing for AARP members on various cruise itineraries. These discounts might apply to the base cabin price, onboard credits, or package deals that include accommodations and activities. Popular cruise lines such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Line, and Norwegian offer AARP member rates.

Airfare discounts through AARP are often available through partner travel websites or by booking directly with airlines that have AARP agreements. The discounts may vary based on the airline, route, and travel dates. AARP also partners with travel agencies that specialize in planning trips for older adults and offer group rates that may provide additional savings.

Before booking any travel, it's important to compare AARP member prices with other discount rates you might find online or through senior travel websites. Sometimes the AARP rate is the best option, but other times general online booking sites or airline sales may offer better deals. Always check multiple sources to ensure you're getting the lowest price.

Practical Takeaway: When planning a trip, visit the AARP travel section of their website to find discount codes for hotels and car rentals before you book. Compare AARP rates with prices on general travel websites to determine which option gives you the best price for your specific travel dates and locations.

Restaurant and Entertainment Discounts

Restaurants and entertainment venues across the country partner with AARP to offer member discounts. Restaurant discounts typically include percentage discounts on meals (often 10% to 20% off total bill), free appetizers or desserts with meal purchases, or special fixed-price menus for AARP members. Both national chains and local independent restaurants participate in these programs.

Major casual dining chains like Applebee's, Buffalo Wild Wings, Denny's, and Olive Garden offer AARP member discounts at most locations. To use these discounts, you usually present your AARP membership card to your server before ordering. Some restaurants have specific discount days when AARP members receive special offers, such as senior discount Tuesdays.

Movie theaters often provide reduced ticket prices for AARP members. Discounts may range from $1 to $3 off regular ticket prices. AMC, Cinemark, and Regal Cinemas are among the chains offering AARP rates. Some theaters have matinee showings with special pricing for seniors, which may be lower than standard AARP member rates.

Entertainment venues including theme parks, museums, theaters, and concert venues frequently offer AARP member discounts. These might include reduced admission prices, special performance dates, or package deals. For example, some zoos and botanical gardens offer member discounts when you present your AARP card at the gate.

The AARP website includes a searchable directory of restaurants and entertainment venues offering member discounts organized by location and type of establishment. Many restaurants and venues also advertise their AARP partnerships on their websites and marketing materials. When making reservations or planning outings, you can check ahead to see if the venue offers AARP rates.

Practical Takeaway: Bring your AARP membership card when dining out or attending entertainment events, and ask about member discounts before paying. Even discounts of 10% to 20% off meals can add up to meaningful savings over time, especially for couples who both have AARP memberships.

Insurance and Financial Services Discounts

AARP offers information about various insurance products and financial services, many of which provide special rates or benefits for AARP members. These programs include auto insurance, home insurance, life insurance, and long-term care insurance products. While AARP does not directly provide insurance, the organization partners with insurance companies to offer member discounts on premiums.

Auto insurance partners may offer discounts ranging from 10% to 25%