Understanding AARP Membership and Available Discounts
AARP is a nonprofit organization that provides information and resources for people age 50 and older. One of the main reasons people join AARP is to learn about discounts and savings options across many areas of life. The organization partners with hundreds of companies to offer members potential savings on everyday purchases and services.
Get Your Free Costco Hearing Test Guide →
AARP membership costs around $16 per year for a standard membership, though various membership levels exist at different price points. Beyond the cost, understanding what discounts are actually available helps members make informed decisions about where they shop and which services they use.
The discount programs span numerous categories. Travel-related savings may include discounts on hotels, rental cars, and airline tickets through partnerships with major companies. Retail savings often cover pharmacy services, restaurants, and shopping clubs. Insurance-related information includes details about supplemental insurance products, though these require separate enrollment and involve additional costs.
One real example: A member might save $10-30 per night on hotel stays when booking through AARP's travel partnerships, depending on the property and season. Another example: Some pharmacies offer 5-10% discounts on prescription medications for AARP members, though prices vary by location and medication type.
The discount landscape changes regularly as AARP adds and removes partnerships. Some discounts are available year-round, while others may be seasonal or promotional. Members can explore available discounts through the AARP website, which maintains a searchable database organized by category and location.
Practical Takeaway: Before shopping or booking travel, search the AARP discount program database to see if your chosen retailer or service provider offers member savings. Even if the discount seems small, checking first takes only a few minutes and compounds over time.
Travel Savings: Hotels, Rentals, and Vacation Planning
Travel discounts represent one of the largest categories of AARP member savings. These partnerships allow members to potentially reduce costs on multiple components of a vacation or trip, from lodging to transportation to activities.
Learn About Updating Your Apple Card Payment Method →
Hotel discounts through AARP partnerships typically range from 5-10% off standard rates, though some properties offer higher percentages during off-peak seasons. Major hotel chains including Choice Hotels, Marriott, Wyndham, and others have AARP partnerships. A real example: booking a hotel room that normally costs $120 per night might cost $105-108 per night with an AARP discount, resulting in $12-15 savings per night. Over a week-long stay, this adds up to $84-105 in savings.
Car rental discounts also typically range from 5-25% depending on the rental company and time of booking. Companies like Enterprise, Hertz, and Avis offer AARP member rates. These discounts apply when members book through the AARP website or use a specific discount code when renting directly.
Airline discounts exist but work differently than hotel or car discounts. Rather than a percentage off published fares, airlines typically offer AARP members access to special promotional fares and advance notice of sales. These aren't always cheaper than booking directly, so comparing prices remains important.
Additional travel-related savings may include cruise lines, tour operators, and vacation rental services. Some of these partnerships offer percentage discounts, while others provide onboard credits or package deals.
A practical consideration: AARP discounts on travel often require booking through specific channels—either the AARP website or using a provided discount code. Booking directly with the hotel or airline without using the discount code means missing the savings. Additionally, some discounts may not combine with other promotions or loyalty program discounts, so comparing the final price across booking methods matters.
Practical Takeaway: When planning a trip, start by checking AARP's travel section and note any available discount codes or booking requirements. Then compare the AARP-discounted price against other booking methods and loyalty program rates to determine which option offers the lowest final cost.
Pharmacy and Healthcare Product Savings
Healthcare and pharmacy savings represent important categories for many AARP members, since medication and healthcare costs often increase with age. AARP has partnerships with major pharmacy chains and health-related retailers that can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Free Guide to Understanding Liver Function Test Results →
Prescription medication discounts vary significantly based on the pharmacy and the specific medication. Some AARP members report savings of 5-10% on prescription fills at major chains including CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid, though actual discounts depend on the medication, quantity, and current promotions. For example, a 30-day supply of a common blood pressure medication might cost $35 at full price but $28-30 with an AARP pharmacy discount—a savings of $5-7 per fill. Over a year of monthly refills, this reaches $60-84 in savings on a single medication.
Over-the-counter medication and health product discounts also apply at many retailers. Discounts on items like vitamins, first aid supplies, and wellness products range from 5-15% depending on the retailer and product. Some retailers offer special AARP member promotions on seasonal items like pain relievers or cold medications during relevant seasons.
Hearing aid-related savings also fall under healthcare discounts. Some hearing aid retailers offer AARP member discounts ranging from 10-20% off services and devices. Vision care discounts through eyeglasses and contact lens retailers may also be available in certain areas.
An important distinction: these pharmacy and healthcare discounts are not the same as Medicare prescription drug coverage (Part D) or Medicare Advantage plans. Members can potentially use both—AARP discounts on retail pharmacy purchases plus Medicare prescription drug coverage. However, understanding which medications are covered under existing insurance plans and comparing prices across coverage options remains essential.
Practical Takeaway: Ask your pharmacist whether AARP member discounts apply to your prescriptions, or check the AARP website for participating pharmacies in your area. Compare this price against what your insurance covers to determine the most cost-effective option for each medication.
Restaurant, Dining, and Entertainment Discounts
AARP discount partnerships extend into dining and entertainment, offering members potential savings on meals, movies, theater, and recreational activities. These discounts appeal to members looking to maintain active social lives while managing discretionary spending.
Get Your Free Police Impound Auction Pickup Truck Guide →
Restaurant discounts vary widely by establishment and location. Some restaurants offer 10-15% off total bills for AARP members, while others offer specific deals like discounted appetizers or free desserts with dinner purchases. National chains with AARP partnerships may include casual dining establishments, though specific participating locations vary by region. A real example: a restaurant offering 10% off might reduce a $50 meal to $45, saving $5 per visit. Visiting even twice monthly results in $120 annual savings.
Movie theater discounts typically apply to ticket purchases and sometimes concessions. Some theaters offer $2-4 discounts on matinee or regular ticket prices for AARP members. Concession discounts, when available, might provide 10-15% off popcorn and drinks. This can reduce a movie outing's cost by several dollars.
Theater and performing arts venues frequently offer AARP member discounts ranging from 10-25% off ticket prices. This includes Broadway and regional theater productions, symphony orchestras, ballet companies, and comedy venues. These discounts often apply to specific performance times or seat sections, so checking the details matters.
Recreational and entertainment activities including museums, botanical gardens, amusement parks, and attraction sites may also offer AARP member discounts. These range from percentage-based discounts to flat-rate reductions to free admission for companions.
Sports and leisure activities might include golf course discounts at participating facilities, fitness center memberships with discounts, or recreational class pricing reductions. Some ski resorts offer AARP member lift ticket discounts during certain seasons.
Practical Takeaway: Before paying for entertainment or restaurant visits, ask whether AARP member discounts apply and what the specific offer is. Keep an AARP membership card accessible when dining or attending events to ensure you receive available savings.
Shopping, Retail, and Membership Programs
AARP has developed partnerships across retail and shopping categories that provide members with discounts on clothing, household items, technology, and specialty products. Understanding these options helps members make informed purchasing decisions across everyday and