If you’re like us, you’re wondering what the heck happened to make everyday expenses so … expensive. Whether you’re feeling the pinch or looking to get ahead of rising costs, there’s a pretty simple way to claw back savings on the things you already buy and enjoy.
For under $20 a year, an AARP membership gets you access to discounts that can save you real money on everything from prescriptions and eye care to dining out and travel.
And here’s something most people don’t know: You don’t need to be a senior or retired to join. As long as you’re 18, you’re in.
These 9 AARP discounts alone can save you way more than the membership fee — sometimes in just one use.
1. Prescription drug discounts
Your AARP card could be your wallet’s best friend with Optum Rx, a discount program that’s honored at more than 66,000 pharmacies across the country. It’s true the program is available to anyone, but the most exclusive benefits are reserved for AARP, including larger discounts on generic and brand-name medications, home delivery, coverage for your dependents and more.
💰 Savings: Even one prescription refill could save you more than the membership fee. Search AARP pharmacy for your own medications to see what’s covered — and how much you can save.
2. Vision care and sunglass deals
Ready to see additional savings? AARP members get sweet deals on specs at major brands. LensCrafters offers 20% off frames, 50% off prescription lenses and 30% off non-prescription sunglasses, while Target Optical provides 50% off additional pairs of eyeglasses. You’ll also save up to $250 on complete pairs at Visionworks.
No vision insurance? AARP offers VSP plans designed specifically for members and loved ones who’d rather not
💰 Savings: Since frames can easily run $150 or more, one pair of glasses or sunnies can all but pay for years of AARP membership.
3. Auto savings and safety programs
Between gas prices and policy hikes, your wallet may be running on empty. AARP auto program includes the discounted Smart Driver defensive driving course that can save you up to 10% on your car insurance, plus 15% off oil changes at Valvoline, cheaper tires at Goodyear, cheaper fuel at Exxon Mobil fuel and insurance deals through The Hartford.
💰 Savings: Your whole membership could be covered with the Smart Driver insurance savings alone.
🔍 Read more: 9 age-smart ways to save on car insurance (that can apply to all drivers)
4. Restaurant discounts at 7,000+ locations nationwide
Looking to dine out without eating up your budget? Flash your AARP card to save real money across a wide range of restaurants — 15% off at Denny’s, 20% off Papa John’s online and 10% off at other popular chains like Outback Steakhouse, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Bonefish Grill and dozens of other restaurants nationwide.
💰 Savings: Given Americans are shelling out $166 a month on restaurant tabs, pocketing $25 or more each month (some $300 a year) can feel pretty sweet.
5. Car rental savings of up to 35%
Hit the road for less with up to 35% off base rates at rental giants Avis and Budget (30% if you pay at pickup), plus free upgrades, a free extra driver and a 3% credit for future rentals. Not bad for carrying a card.
💰 Savings: One weeklong auto rental can save you $100 or more — more than eight times your membership fee from just one trip.
6. Hotel stays up to 20% off
Love waking up in the comfort of cool, crisp sheets you don’t have to wash? AARP’s got your back with savings between 5% and 20% at major chains and resorts including Hilton, Best Western, Radisson, Wyndham and Choice Hotels. Many locations kick in late checkout and bonus points for loyalty programs.
💰 Savings: A typical $200 hotel stay might cost you $160. That’s $40 saved in just one night — or twice your annual membership cost.
7. Entertainment and travel perks
Whether you’re a film fanatic or like an excuse to binge popcorn, you can save 40% off movie e-tickets at AMC, Regal and Cinemark theaters with your AARP card. Or knock up to 30% off Cirque du Soleil shows and up to $35 off Disneyland Resort theme park tickets, among a range of other entertainment deals.
And with free access to AARP Theater, you’ve got the best seats in the house (your couch, naturally) for viewing world-class plays, concerts and musicals live to your device. Recent productions include the sold-out West End production of Bonnie & Clyde, Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s Sense and Sensibility and the Vienna Philharmonic’s world premier of Mahler’s Symphony No. 7. No dress code required.
💰 Savings: A few movie nights or one Disney trip can net significant savings
8. Local deals and life transitions
AARP can be your local savings scout, with ZIP code–based coupons and deals on anything from sneakers to paint cans to Costco memberships — from Main Street to the mall.
You’ll also save on major adulting expenses. Buying or selling a house? Save $300 to a whopping $7,200 with Coldwell Banker. Moving across town or farther? Get 20% off trucks at Budget and $100 off car shipping. Even home security gets cheaper with ADT discounts.
💰 Savings: Everyday discounts add up fast. And you might just discover local deals you never knew existed.
9. Free second membership
Plot twist: Every AARP membership is actually a two-for-one deal. Add your spouse, your partner or that kid who’s moved back home as a secondary member for free — even if they’re under 50. Same perks, same discounts, same savings (barring any obvious senior-specific deals).
💰 Savings: Two people, same low price — it effectively slashes your membership fee in half.
Beyond the discounts: Is an AARP membership worth it?
Here’s the thing about AARP’s nearly 38 million members: They’ve got serious collective bargaining power, nailing down discounts you might not get on your own. Use just a few of the perks, and you’re already ahead.
Plus, your AARP membership comes with some unexpected perks:
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Political muscle. With millions of members, AARP gets politicians to listen to issues affecting Americans ages 55+, including fighting for Social Security and Medicare.
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Award-winning publications. Get the award-winning AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin delivered to your door every other month
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AARP Rewards. Play games, watch videos, track your fitness and tackle other random activities with this loyalty program to earn gift cards for groceries, Uber rides and shopping.
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AARP Community Center. Take advantage of online classes, virtual lectures and engaging events designed to feed your brain and meet new people.
Fair warning: AARP really, really likes to stay in touch, with members reporting a steady stream of spam email and physical junk mail after signup. To avoid promotional email overload, be sure to opt out of marketing communications during or after signup, or use a different email from your favorite one. That way, you’ll get all the benefits without the clutter.
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