This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
I recently signed up for AARP at least 15 years earlier than you might expect. The only reason… to save more money!
You would be surprised at the number of discounts and offers that are for any age. There are actually no age restrictions at all, anyone can join and enjoy all the savings.
Grab a year membership for $12 right now and within a matter of minutes you will have saved more than the cost to join.
9 Ways an AARP membership will save you money:
Discounted Gift Cards
Under AARP rewards (not the Benefits section), you’ll find hundreds of discounted gift cards. Many are offers you’ll never see anywhere else! This is the fastest way to make money on your membership. You can get up to 5 gift cards per month.
Two gift card offers I would grab right away
8% off Kroger family of stores gift cards (pay $46 for a $50 gift card)
8% off Albertsons family of stores gift cards (pay $46 for a $50 gift card)
If you do all your shopping here that is $250 in grocery store gift cards for $230 or a $20 savings each month on groceries! Do this every month and you’ve saved $240 a year.
You’ll also find gift cards to save on travel. Get 10% off Carnival, Holland America, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean or Princess cruise gift cards. Plus save on Amtrak, Airbnb, restaurants and more.
Prescription Savings with Optum Rx
Optum RX is a free prescription savings card that works at most major pharmacies. AARP members get additional discounts on medications, plus home delivery. This coverage is for all family members as well.
$10 off Per Month at AT&T
Get up to $10 off per month, per line, with select AT&T phone plans. You can link your AARP card to your AT&T account online to receive the discount! You’ll also get waived activation and upgrade fees.
Restaurant Discounts
Use your AARP card to get 10-20% off at many local restaurants like Outback, Carrabba’s, Moe’s, McAlister’s, Cinnabon and more. Many are good for in-app orders, curbside phone orders and dine in. The easiest are definitely restaurants that let you link your card number in their mobile app.
Printable Coupons for Local Stores
There are offers for tons of local stores you would never expect! Print out coupons to take to local restaurants and stores to get fun discounts. A few offers in my area:
Free cheezybread with any large pizza at Marco’s pizza
$10 off a four course meal at Melting Pot
BOGO classic sundaes at Carvel
BOGO classic roast beef sandwich at Arby’s
Extra Exxon Mobil Rewards+
When you link your Exxon Mobil Rewards account to your AARP membership you earn 2X the points on fuel and other purchase. If you are a new Exxon rewards member you’ll also get a 500 point bonus.
Hotel & Car Rental Discounts
Log into your AARP account to book your next hotel stay or car rental and get up to 10% off the best rate possible at hundreds of hotels and up to 30% off car rentals. You’ll book through the AARP travel center that is powered by Expedia.
Savings on Eye Exams And Eyewear
Members and their families get exclusive discounts at participating eye centers nationwide with EyeMed. Save on glasses, contacts and eye exams just by presenting your card that the retail location.
Cruise On Board Credit
If you are traveling on Holland America and participating other lines (or just want to in the future) you can link your AARP card to your rewards account and get an automatic $50-$100 in on board credit. I just did mine this week with Holland America and it doesn’t expire for 4 years.
The Savings Keeps Going…
There are many other member discounts and savings, from $200 off British Airways flights, to $50 gift cards when you book vacation packages… I tried to just list the ones that you would be more likely to use.
