What is the main reason people join AARP?

Editorial team Published on

People primarily join AARP to access financial discounts on everyday expenses, travel, and insurance.

✅ Top Reasons Members Join

  • Money-saving discounts: Save on hotels, car rentals, dining, and cell phone plans.
  • Insurance access: Unlock eligibility for Medicare supplemental (Medigap) plans and preferred auto/home rates.
  • Retirement & health tools: Use guides for Social Security, caregiving, and health wellness.
  • Advocacy impact: Support legislative lobbying for Social Security and Medicare protection.
  • Publications: Receive subscriptions to AARP The Magazine and the AARP Bulletin.

Is there any good reason to join AARP?

Joining AARP is a good choice if you want to save money on everyday purchases, travel, and insurance for a very low annual fee.

An annual membership costs about $15 to $20, and it often pays for itself with just one or two uses. You do not need to be retired or over 50 to join, as membership is open to anyone 18 and older.

Top Reasons to Join

  • Travel Savings: You get special rates on hotels, flights with British Airways, and up to 30% off car rentals with Avis and Budget.
  • Food and Phone Deals: Members save at popular restaurants like Outback and Denny's, and receive monthly discounts on phone plans like AT&T.
  • Health and Wellness: The program offers savings on eye exams, glasses, hearing tests, and prescriptions.
  • Financial and Legal Tools: You gain access to free retirement guides, Medicare plan help, and fraud watch alerts.
  • Advocacy: Your dues help support lobbying efforts for Social Security, Medicare, and caregiving support.

You can read more about the value on the AARP Membership & Benefits Guide. You can also check out CBS News for an independent look at why it may be worth it, or browse the full AARP Member Benefits List for specific perks.

Why are some people against AARP?

Criticism of AARP typically centers on its massive commercial revenue from insurance partnerships, its powerful lobbying footprint, and perceived political biases.

Financial Conflicts of Interest

  • Insurance Royalties: Critics, including various market watchdogs and media reports, note that a large portion of AARP’s revenue comes from royalties and licensing fees (often referred to as kickbacks by detractors) paid by private companies—most notably UnitedHealthcare—for endorsement of supplemental insurance and financial products.
  • Commercial Focus: Some advocacy groups argue that AARP functions more like a massive marketing and sales enterprise for commercial products than a pure public-interest non-profit for seniors.
  • Junk Mail and Marketing: Members frequently complain about receiving a high volume of targeted marketing communications and solicitations for insurance and financial services after joining.

Political Lobbying and Stances

  • Entitlement Programs: Conservative critics and free-market groups contend that AARP lobbies against necessary structural reforms or spending reductions for entitlement programs like Social Security and Medicare, which some economists argue threatens the long-term solvency of those programs.
  • Partisan Perceptions: Opinions on AARP's political advocacy vary widely among the public. While some conservative critics view the organization as aligned with liberal or big-government policies, certain progressive or Democratic lawmakers have also criticized AARP at times for supporting specific healthcare or Medicare legislation that they believed compromised consumer interests. Conversely, the organization maintains that it is non-partisan and does not endorse political candidates.

Is it better to have AARP or AAA?

AAA is best for drivers who need reliable 24/7 roadside assistance and travel planning, while AARP is a low-cost advocacy and lifestyle discount organization tailored for adults aged 50 and older.

Cost & Membership

  • AAA: Typically costs between $58 and $130+ per year depending on your region and coverage tier (Classic, Plus, Premier). Anyone 18 or older can join.
  • AARP: Costs roughly $20 per year (often discounted to $15 for the first year with auto-renewal). While tailored for people 50+, anyone 18+ can join to access benefits.

Core Benefits & Services

  • Roadside Assistance:
    • AAA: Fully proprietary, top-rated 24/7 roadside service including towing, battery replacement, and flat tire changes attached directly to your membership level.
    • AARP: Does not offer direct roadside assistance; members must enroll in a separate partnered plan through Allstate.
  • Travel & Discounts:
    • AAA: Functions as a full-service travel agency with in-person agents, passport photos, international driving permits, and specific hotel/car rental partner networks (like Marriott, Hertz, and AAA Diamond properties).
    • AARP: Provides a vast array of everyday consumer, restaurant, and hotel discounts (such as Wyndham and Avis/Budget) processed largely through a self-service Expedia portal rather than a traditional travel agency.
  • Insurance & Advocacy:
    • AAA: Underwrites and manages its own robust auto and property insurance lines through regional clubs.
    • AARP: Acts primarily as an advocacy group for senior legislation (Social Security, Medicare) and partners with external companies like The Hartford for auto/home insurance and Medicare supplement plans.

Is there anything better than AARP?

Whether an alternative is "better" than AARP depends on your political views, your need for specific benefits like roadside assistance or bulk shopping, and whether you want a broad lifestyle organization or a targeted tool.

Conservative Alternatives

  • AMAC (Association of Mature American Citizens): This is the most popular conservative alternative to AARP. It costs about $16 per year (with a spouse included free) and focuses on conservative advocacy, Medicare guidance, and similar lifestyle discounts. Unlike AARP’s exclusive partnership with UnitedHealthcare, AMAC offers Medicare advisory services partnering with multiple carriers.
  • Other Conservative Groups: Organizations like the 60 Plus Association or American Seniors Association offer alternative political lobbying and senior benefits for those who disagree with AARP's public policy stances.

Practical and Everyday Alternatives

  • AAA: If you care mostly about travel perks and roadside assistance, many seniors find AAA offers far superior and more reliable practical daily value than AARP.
  • Warehouse Clubs: Memberships like Costco or Sam's Club provide bulk savings on groceries, gas, and household items that often add up to more cash-in-pocket savings than an AARP card.
  • Free Discount Apps: Tools like GoodRx for prescriptions or cash-back extensions offer everyday savings with zero annual membership fees.

Know These Things BEFORE Joining AARP!

9 related questions found

What are the cons of joining AARP?

While joining AARP is generally considered highly affordable—costing $20 annually (or $15 for the first year with automatic renewal)—there are several notable disadvantages to consider before signing up:

  • High Volume of Junk Mail and Spam: The most widely cited complaint from members is the sheer amount of physical mail, emails, and newsletters AARP sends. Sorting through these promotional materials can feel overwhelming and chore-like.
  • Political and Lobbying Alignment: AARP operates as a massive political lobbying group in Washington, D.C.. Because they take active stances on public policy, healthcare, and tax reform, some members—particularly those with conservative viewpoints—feel the organization's political alignment does not represent them. Many dissatisfied individuals switch to alternative organizations like the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC).
  • Age Restrictions for Associate Members: Anyone age 18 or older can join AARP. However, members under the age of 50 ("associate members") pay the exact same annual fee but are legally restricted from accessing certain age-restricted financial products, supplemental medical coverage, and insurance policies.
  • Redundant Discounts: Many of AARP's standard perks—such as 10% off certain hotels or rental cars—can easily be matched or beaten by alternative memberships you might already have, such as AAA or standard military and senior discounts. If you do not regularly travel or eat out at their participating national chains, the membership may simply go unused.
  • Third-Party Insurance Rates Can Spikes: AARP does not write insurance policies directly; they partner with third-party corporations like UnitedHealthcare and The Hartford. Some users note that introductory insurance rates offered through these programs can increase significantly after the first year.

Which grocery stores give AARP discounts?

AARP does not partner with traditional brick-and-mortar grocery chains for direct AARP-specific membership discounts at the register, but members can save through AARP Membership Benefits and Discounts on delivery and retail alternatives.

AARP Grocery & Delivery Offers

  • Walmart+: AARP members save $40 off an annual membership (reducing it to $58 per year), which includes free grocery delivery on orders over $35 and fuel savings.
  • Silver Cuisine by bistroMD: Members receive special promotional discounts and savings on prepared meal delivery.
  • Laithwaites Wine Club: Members get introductory discounts and free delivery on wine orders.

Supermarket Senior Discounts (Age-Based, Not AARP)

Many traditional grocery stores offer general senior discounts based on age rather than an AARP card. Participation varies heavily by location, and you usually need a store loyalty card or ID:

  • Harris Teeter
    5% off every Thursday for shoppers aged 60+ using a VIC card.
  • Fred Meyer4.1(2.7K)Grocery storeSpokane, WA
    10% off select items on the first Tuesday of the month for ages 55+.
  • Fry's Food Stores4.4(1.1K)Grocery storeGilbert, AZ
    10% off eligible purchases on the first Wednesday of the month for ages 55+.
  • Albertsons3.9(1.4K)Grocery storePortland, OR
    10% off on designated senior days monthly at participating locations.
  • Hy-Vee
    Participating local stores offer 5% to 10% off on designated days for older adults.

Why is AARP losing members?

AARP experiences fluctuations and localized member cancellations due to political stances and perceived financial conflicts of interest with corporate partners like UnitedHealth Group.

Key Controversies and Criticisms

  • Financial Conflicts of Interest: AARP makes substantial revenue—over $1 billion annually—through royalties from insurance and healthcare partners, such as a 4.95% fee on co-branded UnitedHealthcare Medigap plans. Critics argue this creates a conflict of interest, prioritizing corporate profits and high premiums over senior advocacy.
  • Political Lobbying: Historically, policy positions on major healthcare legislation (such as the 2009 health reform and the Inflation Reduction Act) have alienated segments of the membership who felt the organization supported cuts or failed to represent their economic interests.
  • Alternative Organizations: Disgruntled members have occasionally cancelled memberships en masse—such as tens of thousands dropping out during past healthcare debates—and shifted toward alternative groups like the American Seniors Association.

Despite these controversies and regular monthly churn, AARP remains one of the largest advocacy groups, maintaining millions of active members and continuous renewals.

What is the Republican equivalent of AARP?

The primary conservative and Republican-leaning equivalent to the AARP is the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC).

Overview of AMAC

  • Founded: 2007 by Daniel C. Weber.
  • Membership: Over 2 million members aged 50 and older.
  • Purpose: Positioned explicitly as a right-of-center, conservative alternative to the AARP, focusing on traditional values, lower taxes, and secure borders.

Services and Benefits

  • Member Discounts: Offers savings on travel, hotels, rental cars, and restaurants similar to traditional senior programs.
  • Insurance Products: Provides access to Medicare supplement insurance, dental, vision, and life insurance guidance.
  • Publications: Sends members the quarterly AMAC Magazine featuring conservative news and commentary.

Political Advocacy

  • AMAC Action: The organization’s advocacy branch represents member interests in Washington, D.C., pushing for conservative policies such as the reduction of government regulations, protection of the Second Amendment, and reforms to secure Social Security.

Other Conservative Alternatives

Opinions on Quora are mixed regarding the efficacy of these groups compared to mainstream providers, but other smaller conservative or right-leaning groups position themselves similarly in this space, including the American Seniors Association and the 60 Plus Association.

Is it hard to cancel AARP?

Canceling automatic renewal or ending your AARP membership is simple and can be done online, via chat, or by phone.

How to Stop Automatic Renewal Online

  1. Go to the AARP website and sign in to your account.
  2. Click the drop-down arrow next to your name in the top right corner and select Account Details.
  3. Scroll down to Membership Payment Details.
  4. Click Cancel Automatic Renewal and confirm your choice.

How to Fully Cancel Your Membership

If you want to completely end your membership or request a prorated refund:

  • Chat: Use the online live chat feature by clicking the chat icon on the AARP Help Center page.
  • Phone: Call AARP toll-free at 1-800-514-4564.