AARP Review - Is It Worth The Hype?
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AARP is a nonprofit organization that offers discounts for seniors and resources to help them stay on top of their finances. An AARP membership can help you save money on every day items, get lower premiums from health insurance providers, and protect your wallet. The company has several subscription plans available that fit within most people’s budgets.
Membership starts at $16/yr, and AARP tends to offer a discount during the first year. You can make back your money with the discounts, but you have to assess how frequently you use the discounts before deciding if it’s right for you.
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What is AARP?
The AARP Foundation is a nonprofit organization that caters to senior citizens. The company is headquartered in Washington D.C. and offers many discounts for its members that help them save on travel, eyewear, and everyday purchases. It has offices across America including New York, California, District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Nearly 38 million members use AARP to save money, bur it’s not just about discounts.
AARP has been fighting for individuals and their families for more than 50 years. The company tackles important issues, such as Social Security updates, adequate and affordable health care, and affordable communities. AARP recently played a role in the recently issued family caregiver-support bills in dozens of states. The company has also helped save residential consumers billions of dollars on utility bills in recent years.
Join AARP for $12* and save up to...
- $450 per year at restaurants
- $120 per year on phone service
- At least $100 on new car purchases
- $680 per year on travel
- $60 per year on AARP Online Fitness
- $100 on Resume Advisor
PLUS EARN A 50% BONUS IN AARP REWARDS POINTS and get access to over 30 member only online games!
How does AARP work?
AARP is a membership platform that offers discounts for various products. You have to choose a plan that ranges from 1-5 years, and a longer plan will reduce your total payment. Members receive instant access to an AARP card, as well as digital access to AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin.
You can join AARP at any age, but most of the benefits are for people who are 50 years or older Americans. Younger individuals can still read the company’s publications before they are eligible for benefits.
How much does AARP cost?
AARP offers three payment plans and lets you cancel each plan at any time. The 1-year plan comes to $16/yr, but you’ll only have to pay $12 for your first year. The 3-year plan normally costs $48, but AARP lets you save 10% on the annual rate for the first three years.
A 5-year plan offers the most savings. It normally comes to $80, but you can save 21% on the annual rate for the first five years of your AARP membership. Your membership will renew automatically every year unless you request to have it canceled. It gets renewed in 1-year terms.
AARP features
Everyday discounts. An AARP membership lets you score discounts on every day items, such as wireless services and an insurance plan. Those savings alone can justify the membership.
Travel planning. AARP regularly releases insider tips on the best travel destinations and ways to save money. You’ll also receive exclusive discounts on hotels, car rentals, and other travel-related costs.
RX and eyewear savings. As an AARP member, you’ll enjoy discounts on prescriptions at more than 66,000 pharmacies. Participating retailers can also give you discounts for eyeglasses.
Fraud prevention. You’ll have access to free resources like Watchdog Alerts that notify you if you have been targeted by a fraudster. You can also use these tools to respond to fraud sooner so you can minimize the impact. They can also help keep you safe from a scam.
Advocacy. AARP fights for its members in various areas, such as Social Security, Medicare, and other pressing issues for senior citizens.
Partnerships with trusted brands. You don’t have to settle with an up-and-coming brand to score discounts as an AARP member. The company works with leading brands like AT&T, Hilton, Exxon Mobil, and others.
AARP The Magazine. AARP’s magazine helps people feel great, save money, and have fun. You can catch up on previous issues from the member exclusive magazine. It features interviews, best tips, wellness and caregiving advice, entertaining pieces, diverse perspectives, and other articles.
Free membership for someone in your household. AARP lets you give someone in your household a free complimentary membership if you set up a membership for yourself. This perk lets you help your loved ones and makes it more affordable for households to access exclusive discounts and perks.
AARP free browser extension. This browser extension makes it easier to capitalize on AARP’s deals and discounts when you shop online.
Members only games. AARP isn’t just about saving money. You’ll also get plenty of entertainment with 30 free online games that are included in your membership.
A free course from MindEdge learning. AARP users get to enjoy a free course from MindEdge Learning plus a 40% discount on all future courses. You can learn new career skills or pursue your hobbies with a wide range of courses.
Join AARP for $12* and save up to...
- $450 per year at restaurants
- $120 per year on phone service
- At least $100 on new car purchases
- $680 per year on travel
- $60 per year on AARP Online Fitness
- $100 on Resume Advisor
PLUS EARN A 50% BONUS IN AARP REWARDS POINTS and get access to over 30 member only online games!
Who is AARP best for?
Senior citizens
No one benefits from AARP more than older adults and retirees who are 50 years or older. These individuals get discounts that allow them to recoup their annual membership fee. AARP offers the most value for this group of Americans.
People who want to learn more about money
AARP’s magazine is available to any member, regardless of their age. Each issue includes diverse perspectives that will improve your money management. Magazine issues include a wide range of stories, such as entertainment, recent news, and other topics.
Individuals who support AARP’s causes
AARP fights for Social Security, Medicare, and other important issues. Supporting the company allows you to indirectly support those initiatives so they are in a better place when you need them.
Who shouldn’t use AARP?
Younger consumers
While anyone gets the AARP Magazine, there isn’t much for people who are under 50. You can find financial content on many websites, and you can also choose from many free online games. Plenty of alternatives are available if you are not eligible for discounts.
People who don’t spend much money
You have to spend money frequently to pay back your membership with discounts. While many members find it easy to blend everyday spending with AARP member benefits, it’s important to assess if you can save more than $16/yr to justify your AARP membership.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Save money on various products and services
- Get the AARP Magazine which contains exclusive content
- It only costs $16/yr to join AARP
Cons
- You must spend money to justify the membership fee
- You must be a senior citizen to qualify for the discounts
- There are free alternatives to AARP
AARP vs. competitors
AARP isn’t the only nonprofit organization that readily provides discounts for senior citizens, but it’s been around longer than the two competitors on this list. AARP has a rich history of more than 65 years, while the other two companies haven’t been around for more than 25 years.
However, both of AARP’s competitors are picking up momentum and each has millions of members. It’s good to compare options so you can determine which one is the right choice for you. These are some of AARP’s competitors that you should know about before becoming a member.
AARP | AMAC | The Alliance for Retired Americans | |
Membership price | $16/yr | $16/yr | $10/yr |
Lifetime Offer | No | Yes | No |
Discounts | Everyday purchases and other categories | Everyday purchases and other categories | Everyday purchases and other categories |
Magazine | AARP The Magazine | AMAC Magazine | Blog |
AMAC
AMAC stands for The Association of Mature American Citizens, and it’s been around since 2007. The company offers discounts on everyday items, such as prescription drug costs, cell phone plans, dental insurance, and more. AMAC prioritizes conservative values and advocates for Social Security, Medicare, Border Security, and other issues.
Members are treated to annual giveaways and monthly prizes. Members also receive monthly issues of the AMAC Magazine. Each issue offers a wide range of opinions, insights, and news that help to shape the world.
AMAC has plans that start at $16/mo, but the discounts are more generous. For instance, you can get your first year of membership for only $1. It’s also possible to get a 4-year membership for $30 instead of $64 during the first four years.
AMAC’s subscriptions are more affordable, and you can even get a lifetime plan that never renews again. This lifetime plan normally costs $500, but discounts may apply, cutting the price by up to 50% in some cases.
Many leading brands offer discounts for AMAC members, including Wyndham, Papa John’s, Travel Sherlock, Omaha Steaks, and others. AMAC has more than two million happy members and has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau.
The Alliance for Retired Americans
This retirement group only has a $10 annual fee. However, the nonprofit organization invites incoming and returning members to make higher contributions. More than 4.3 million Americans are members and use the program to score discounts on everyday purchases. If you are a part of one of the company’s sponsoring unions, then you are already a member.
The Alliance for Retired Americans advocates for several issues, including economic security, retirement security, and health care security. The company has a blog that it regularly updates and offers several fact sheets to keep readers engaged on what’s happening with important topics.
The nonprofit organization outlines some of the spending categories that qualify for discounts. Travel, legal, vision and dental care, health insurance, and prescription drugs are some of the expenses that you’ll save money on if you are a member of The Alliance for Retired Americans. The company has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau.
The Alliance for Retired Americans was founded in 2001 with Robert Roach, Jr. currently serving as the organization’s president. The grassroots organization has 39 state alliances and members in every state. Members initiate hundreds of meetings which include membership conventions, news conferences, lobbying visits, and other actions.
FAQs
Is AARP worth it?
You can save a lot of money with an AARP membership if you capitalize on it with every eligible purchase. It only costs $16/yr to get a membership which makes it easy to break even.
Is AARP a reputable organization?
AARP is a leading company that has been around for more than 65 years. The company has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau. AARP has advocated for many important issues, such as Social Security and Medicare.
What is the age limit for an AARP membership?
You must be at least 18 years old to become an AARP member. However, you must be at least 50 years old to capitalize on the discounts and top perks.
Is joining AARP worth it for people who are under 50?
It’s harder to justify using AARP if you are under 50 and do not qualify for the discounts. While the AARP Magazine is a useful resource, you can easily find free financial content on the web. AARP becomes more valuable once people become senior citizens.
Does AARP offer gas discounts?
Yes. You can save money on gas with an AARP membership. You’ll also receive discounts on other everyday purchases, such as groceries, prescriptions, and restaurants.
Join AARP for $12* and save up to...
- $450 per year at restaurants
- $120 per year on phone service
- At least $100 on new car purchases
- $680 per year on travel
- $60 per year on AARP Online Fitness
- $100 on Resume Advisor
PLUS EARN A 50% BONUS IN AARP REWARDS POINTS and get access to over 30 member only online games!
The bottom line
AARP.org is a great resource for senior citizens who want to increase their financial security. Saving money on everyday purchases makes it easier to invest in assets and grow your wealth. You’ll also enjoy a lower cost of living with an AARP membership as long as you use the membership for enough purchases.
Large expenses like travel can pay off the entire AARP membership quickly. Then, you’re making a profit from your membership while accessing several perks. However, AARP isn’t as useful for people who do not yet qualify as senior citizens. While the magazine is good, that shouldn’t be the major selling point. It’s a nice bonus rather than the main benefit of becoming a member.
People who are younger than 50 may want to monitor AARP instead of becoming members right away. However, people who want to contribute to an organization that actively supports important issues may want to consider a membership. The company’s plans are affordable at just $16/yr and even come with discounts for new members.
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Writer
Marc Guberti is a business freelance writer who specializes in personal finance, digital marketing, and entrepreneurship. His award-winning book "Content Marketing Secrets" teaches readers how to create, promote and optimize content for growth and revenue. Marc also hosts the "Breakthrough Success Podcast," where listeners learn how to master content marketing and get more clients.
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