What AARP Members Can Actually Save On

What AARP membership discounts cover

AARP membership gives you access to discounts at specific retailers, restaurants, hotels, and service providers — but the discounts vary widely by location and change over time. You don't get a single card that works everywhere; instead, you show your AARP membership card or membership number at participating businesses, or you enter a code online. Some discounts are national (available at most locations of a chain), while others are regional or limited to certain store locations.

The most common discounts are at hotels, rental car companies, restaurants, and pharmacies. You'll also find discounts on insurance products, travel packages, and entertainment. However, the size of the discount — whether it's 5 percent off or 20 percent off — depends on the specific business and offer. AARP publishes a searchable directory on its website where you can look up what's available in your area right now.

Key Takeaways

• AARP discounts require you to show your membership card or number at the time of purchase; they don't happen automatically.
• The same business may offer different discounts in different locations, so checking the AARP directory for your zip code tells you what's actually available near you.
• Hotel and car rental discounts are often larger than retail discounts, but you need to book through AARP's partner sites or mention your membership when reserving.
• Pharmacy discounts at chains like CVS and Walgreens are usually small (5 to 10 percent) and don't stack with other coupons or sales.
• AARP membership costs money, so adding up the discounts you'd actually use helps you decide whether the annual fee pays for itself.

Where the biggest discounts usually are

Hotel chains offer some of the largest AARP discounts — often 10 to 20 percent off the room rate, depending on the chain and how far in advance you book. You typically book through AARP's travel partner site or call the hotel directly and mention your AARP membership. Car rental companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer similar discounts, usually 10 to 25 percent off, though the final price depends on the car type and travel dates.

Restaurant discounts tend to be smaller — usually 10 percent off your meal at chains like Denny's, Applebee's, and Olive Garden — and they're available at most locations but not all. You show your card at the register. Pharmacy discounts at CVS, Walgreens, and other chains are typically 5 to 10 percent off, but they apply only to items not already on sale and don't combine with manufacturer coupons or store loyalty programs.

How to find and use AARP discounts near you

The AARP website has a searchable discount directory where you enter your zip code and see what's available in your area. You can filter by category — restaurants, hotels, shopping, entertainment — to see offers that matter to you. This is the fastest way to know whether the discounts you care about are actually available where you live, since not every AARP discount works at every location.

When you're ready to use a discount, the process depends on the business. For hotels and car rentals, you usually book online through AARP's partner travel site or call and give a discount code. For restaurants and retail, you show your AARP membership card at checkout. For online purchases, you may need to enter a code at the time of purchase. Always confirm the discount is still active before you make the trip or complete the purchase, since offers change.

Discounts that require advance booking or enrollment

Some AARP discounts require you to book through a specific partner site or enroll in a program before you can use them. Travel discounts, for example, usually go through AARP's travel partner rather than directly through the hotel or airline. Insurance discounts — on auto, home, life, or health insurance — often require you to get a quote through AARP's partner companies, and the discount applies only if you purchase through them.

Entertainment discounts, like reduced ticket prices at theaters or theme parks, sometimes require you to buy tickets in advance through AARP's website rather than at the gate. Movie theater discounts are usually available at the box office with your card, but matinee showings may have additional discounts that apply only to certain times or days. Read the fine print on each offer to understand whether you need to do anything special to get the discount.

What AARP membership costs and whether discounts pay for themselves

AARP membership costs $16 per year for a single membership or $27 per year for a household membership (two people at the same address). To know whether the discounts are worth it, add up the discounts you'd actually use in a year. If you take one hotel stay that saves you $50 and eat at a discounted restaurant twice a month for $10 off each time, you've already covered the cost of membership. If you rarely travel or eat out, the discounts may not add up to the membership fee.

AARP also offers other membership benefits beyond discounts — access to their magazine, online resources about health and caregiving, and member-only events — so some people value the membership for reasons other than discounts. But if discounts are your main reason for joining, spend 10 minutes in the discount directory looking at what's available in your area before you sign up.

Discounts that don't always work the way you expect

Pharmacy discounts don't stack with other offers. If CVS is running a sale on a product and you have a manufacturer coupon, you can use one or the other, but not both plus the AARP discount. The same applies to store loyalty programs — you get the AARP discount or the loyalty discount, whichever is larger, but not both. Ask the pharmacist which option saves you more money before you check out.

Restaurant discounts sometimes exclude certain items or times. A 10 percent discount might not apply to alcohol, dessert, or items already on a limited-time promotion. Some restaurants honor the discount only during certain hours or days of the week. Call ahead or ask your server whether the discount applies to what you're ordering, especially if you're making a special trip.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show my AARP card every time I want a discount?

Yes, for most discounts you need to show your physical card or membership number at the time of purchase. For online purchases or travel bookings, you enter a code or book through AARP's partner site. The discount doesn't apply automatically — you have to tell the business you're an AARP member.

Can I use AARP discounts at every location of a chain restaurant or store?

Not always. Some discounts are national, but others are available only at certain locations. The AARP discount directory shows you what's available in your specific zip code. If you're traveling to a different area, search that zip code to see what's available there.

What if a business says they don't honor AARP discounts?

Individual franchise owners sometimes choose not to participate in AARP discounts, even if the chain is listed as a partner. If a location won't honor the discount, you can contact AARP to report it, but the business isn't required to offer the discount. Try another location of the same chain, or check the directory to see if there's a participating location nearby.

Do AARP discounts work with senior discounts offered by the business itself?

Usually you get one or the other — whichever is larger — but not both. Some businesses have their own senior discount separate from AARP, and you choose which one to use. Ask the cashier or manager which option saves you more money on that particular purchase.

Can I use AARP discounts if I'm not yet 50?

AARP membership is open to people 50 and older. If you're under 50, you're not may be able to access for AARP membership or its discounts. Some other organizations offer discounts to younger people with disabilities or other circumstances; check with your local senior center or social services office for alternatives.