AARP, formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons, advocates for issues impacting seniors around the country. But there’s another reason the organization is so popular: It offers a membership that means serious savings on everything from travel to restaurants. Though anyone over the age of 18 can now sign up, members 50 and older get to enjoy the most perks. Wondering if it’s worth it? Find out more about the limited-time deal being offered to new members who join, plus the AARP senior discounts that accompany a membership.
AARP’s 2025 membership deal: Join for just $11
If you’ve been considering signing up for an AARP membership, now is a great time! The organization is offering membership at a discounted rate for a limited period, reports USA Today. You can join for $15 for one year with automatic renewal, plus receive a free gift. (Choose from a portable power bank or insulated truck organizer as your freebie.)
Planning to reap the benefits longer than a year? There’s also a Labor Day sale where new members can join for $11 per year with a five-year membership (auto renewal included). As part of this special, another person in your household can get their own membership for free! (Note: The offer ends September 9, 2025.)
Perks of becoming a member
An AARP membership comes with a wide range of perks, regardless of your age. Benefits include:
- Free copy of the annual AARP magazine
- A loyalty program that allows you to earn points
- Access to more than 40 members-only card games, arcade games and word games
But one of the biggest advantages of signing up is the AARP benefits discounts that are accompany the membership. This means chances to save on restaurants, travel and more. Below you’ll find a closer look at what is offered.
Restaurants offering AARP discounts in 2025
Many popular restaurant chains around the country allow AARP members to dine for less, offering up to 15 percent off in some cases. (As the AARP website points out, if you spend $60 per week eating out, you could enjoy $450 in savings each year.)
Dining options that give an AARP discount:
- Auntie Ann’s
- Bonefish Grill
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill
- Chart House
- Cici’s Pizza
- Cinnabon
- Denny’s
- Jamba
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Landry’s
- McAlister’s Deli
- McCormick & Schmick’s
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Outback Steakhouse
- Papa John’s
- Rainforest Cafe
- Saltgrass Steak House
- Schlotzky’s
- The Oceanaire Seafood Room
You may even be able to find coupons for local restaurants, so it’s a good idea to visit the AARP website. Your favorite spot could have a sweet deal for the next time you dine out.
Hotels where AARP members save big
Lodging can certainly be one of the more expensive elements of traveling, especially if it’s for a longer trip. Luckily, AARP offers a chance for its members to save up to 10 percent when booking a room at a hotel or resort. Even more good news: There are more than 30,000 hotels that will give a discount.
Some well-known brands include:
- Best Western
- Choice Hotels
- La Quinta by Wyndham
- Motel 6
- Radisson Hotels
- Red Roof
- Wyndham
How AARP membership lowers airfare
Regardless of where you travel, the price of your plane ticket is sure to be equally expensive. If you’re heading overseas for your next vacation, book with British Airways. You can save $65 per person for economy fares and $200 for business class.
Another travel perk: Booking through The AARP Travel Center on Expedia means discounts on hotels, flights, car rentals, vacation packages and more.
Car rental discounts through AARP
As part of the AARP Travel Center, you’ll find discounts on car rentals when you book with Avis, Budget, Payless and Zipcar. You can get 30 percent off on everything from sedans to trucks, and you can compare rates to find what works best for you.
Cruise savings for members
Dreaming of a cruise? Members who book with one of four travel companies can receive up to a $100-per person discount towards their next trip.
- Collette: $50 off per person for cruise tours
- Expedia: Up to $100 in credits for onboard amenities
- GET: Up to $100 off each passenger for luxury river cruises
- Vacations By Rail: A 5 percent discount off cruise and rail vacations
Learning and skills courses with an AARP membership
All members get to participate in a free course as part of the AARP Skills Builder For Work online learning platform. After that, extra courses within the network will be 40 percent off.
If you’re looking to brush up on your driving skills, there is also a Driver Safety course that teaches defensive driving techniques. For online courses, members receive up to a 10 percent discount and 20 percent for in-person classes. (Contact your insurance agent for more information!)
