What AARP and AAA memberships are, and how they differ

AARP and AAA are two separate membership organizations with different purposes and benefits. AARP (American Association of Retired Persons) focuses on benefits, discounts, and advocacy for people age 50 and older. AAA (American Automobile Association) focuses on roadside information, travel planning, and automotive discounts for members of any age.

You can hold both memberships at the same time — they serve different needs and do not overlap. AARP membership costs around $16 per year for a basic membership, though promotional rates are often available. AAA membership typically costs between $50 and $150 per year depending on the level of roadside information coverage you choose and your region, since AAA is organized by state and local clubs.

The confusion between the two often arises because both offer discounts at hotels, restaurants, and retailers. But AARP's discounts are primarily aimed at retirees and older adults, while AAA's discounts are available to any member regardless of age. If you are under 50 and interested in roadside information and travel discounts, AAA is the membership to consider. If you are 50 or older and want health information, retirement planning resources, and age-specific discounts, AARP is what you are looking for.

Key Takeaways

  • AARP is for people 50 and older and offers discounts, health resources, and advocacy; AAA is for any age and provides roadside information and travel discounts.
  • AARP membership costs around $16 per year, while AAA membership ranges from $50 to $150 per year depending on your region and coverage level.
  • You can hold both memberships simultaneously, and they do not conflict with each other.
  • AAA roadside information covers towing, lockouts, and fuel delivery; AARP does not offer roadside information but does provide discounts on insurance, travel, and entertainment.
  • Both organizations offer discounts at retailers and restaurants, but the specific merchants and discount amounts vary by membership type and location.

What AARP membership includes

AARP membership gives you access to a magazine (AARP Magazine), a newsletter, and a website with articles on health, money, caregiving, and retirement. The organization also provides discounts on car insurance, home insurance, and travel bookings through partner companies. These discounts are negotiated rates, not coupons — you contact the partner directly and mention your AARP membership to receive the rate.

AARP also runs advocacy campaigns on issues like Social Security, Medicare, and prescription drug pricing. Members can participate in these efforts, though membership itself does not require any activism. The organization offers tax preparation information through AARP Tax-Aide, a free service at participating locations for people with low to moderate income.

Discounts extend to restaurants, hotels, movie theaters, and retail chains, though the specific merchants and discount percentages vary by location and change over time. You typically show your AARP card or membership number at checkout. AARP also offers a rewards program where you earn points on certain purchases that can be redeemed for discounts or donations to AARP causes.

What AAA membership includes

AAA membership's primary benefit is roadside information. If your car breaks down, you lock yourself out, run out of fuel, or get a flat tire, you call AAA and they dispatch a tow truck or service vehicle to your location. The distance they will tow you varies by membership level — basic plans typically cover up to 7 miles, while premium plans cover 100 miles or more. You pay an annual membership fee rather than a per-call fee, so roadside information is included no matter how many times you use it.

AAA also offers travel planning services, including trip routing, hotel reservations, and travel insurance. Members receive discounts on hotels, rental cars, and attractions in many cities. AAA publishes travel guides and maintains a website with travel information and booking tools. Some AAA clubs also offer travel agent services where you can speak to a person about planning a trip.

Beyond travel and roadside information, AAA offers discounts on car insurance through partner companies, similar to AARP. AAA also provides discounts at restaurants, retailers, and entertainment venues, though these vary by region. Some AAA members also receive discounts on legal services, identity theft protection, and home services like plumbing or electrical work through partner networks.

How to join AARP

To join AARP, you must be 50 years old or older. You can join online at aarp.org, by phone at 1-888-687-2277, or by mail. Online is the fastest method — you provide your name, date of birth, address, and email, then pay the membership fee. Your membership becomes active when ready, and you receive a membership card in the mail within one to two weeks.

AARP frequently offers promotional rates for new members, such as the first year at a reduced price. Check the website or call the membership line to see what current offers are available. You can also join through an employer or organization if they have a group membership agreement with AARP, which sometimes offers a lower rate.

Once you are a member, you can log into your AARP account online to access member-only content, manage your membership, and view available discounts. You do not need to do anything else to start using your membership — discounts are available as soon as your membership is active.

How to join AAA

To join AAA, visit your local AAA club office or go online to aaa.com. AAA is organized by state and region, so you will join the club that serves your area. Online, you select your state, then choose your membership level (basic, plus, or premier, depending on the towing distance and other benefits you want). You provide your name, address, phone number, and vehicle information, then pay the membership fee.

Membership becomes active when ready online, though your physical card arrives in the mail within one to two weeks. If you join in person at a local office, you can receive your card on the spot. AAA membership is valid for one year from the date you join, and you will receive renewal notices before your membership expires.

Some employers, credit unions, and insurance companies offer AAA membership as a benefit or at a group discount. If you have access to a group membership through your employer or financial institution, that may be a lower-cost option than joining individually. Check with your HR department or credit union to see if AAA is available to you.

Comparing costs and deciding which membership makes sense

AARP costs around $16 per year for a basic membership, making it the less expensive option. AAA costs significantly more — typically $50 to $150 per year depending on your region and the level of roadside information you choose. The decision between them depends on what you need.

If you are 50 or older, drive occasionally, and want discounts on insurance, travel, and entertainment, AARP alone may be sufficient. If you drive regularly and want the security of roadside information, AAA is worth the cost. If you are under 50, AARP is not an option, so AAA is the membership to consider if you want roadside information and travel discounts.

Many people hold both memberships because they serve different purposes. AARP provides ongoing discounts and resources for older adults, while AAA provides emergency roadside information and travel planning. The combined cost is roughly $66 to $166 per year depending on your AAA level, which many people find reasonable given the breadth of benefits.

How to use discounts and benefits after you join

For AARP, discounts are accessed by showing your membership card or providing your membership number. When you book travel through AARP's website or call their travel partners, mention your membership. For insurance discounts, contact the partner company directly — AARP provides a list of partners on their website — and ask about AARP member rates. Tax preparation through AARP Tax-Aide requires you to locate a participating site in your area and schedule an appointment.

For AAA, roadside information is accessed by calling the number on the back of your membership card. You provide your location, the nature of your problem, and your membership number. A dispatcher will send help to you. For travel discounts and other benefits, show your card at participating merchants or mention your membership when booking travel. AAA's website has a searchable directory of participating merchants in your area.

Both organizations send periodic emails and mailings about current promotions and new discounts. Logging into your online account regularly helps you stay informed about what is available to you. Discount amounts and participating merchants change frequently, so checking before you make a purchase or booking can help you find the best rate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get AARP membership if I am under 50?

No. AARP membership requires you to be 50 years old or older. If you are under 50 and interested in similar discounts and benefits, you would need to look at other membership programs or AAA if you want roadside information and travel discounts.

Does AAA membership include health insurance or Medicare information?

No. AAA focuses on roadside information, travel, and automotive services. AARP is the organization that provides health resources, Medicare information, and retirement planning guidance. If you need both, you can hold both memberships.

What happens if I use AAA roadside information multiple times in one year?

There is no limit on how many times you can use roadside information during your membership year. You pay the annual membership fee once, and roadside information is included for the entire year, no matter how many calls you make.

Can I cancel my membership if I change my mind?

Yes. Both AARP and AAA allow you to cancel your membership. AARP typically offers a refund if you cancel within 30 days of joining. AAA's cancellation policy varies by state and club, but most offer refunds if you cancel within a certain period. Contact the organization directly to cancel or check their website for cancellation instructions.

Do AARP and AAA discounts work at the same stores?

Some retailers offer discounts through both programs, but the discount amounts and terms may differ. It is worth checking both your AARP and AAA discount directories before making a purchase to see which membership offers the better rate at that particular merchant.