Is AARP Worth It?

[eb6024]

Hello, 

I have been a member of AARP for the past ten years. In that time, I have never ONCE had the opportunity to use anything that AARP offers through its "membership benefits" nor have I ever been asked if I were a member of AARP. As my renewal time is coming around, I have been considering whether it is worth it to continue to have the membership; after my recent chat with AARP online, I am even further away from renewing.

From the start of the chat with "Juliette," I asked a simple question - after being a member for ten years and not receiving ANY benefits, why should I renew? "Juliette" was a waste of time, offering a boilerplate website that I could have gone to after logging into my account. She didn't offer any thoughts on the issue, didn't offer to have someone contact me regarding the issue, didn't even TRY to help. When I mentioned that her assistance had been pretty much worthless, she threatened me with "if you use that language again, I will have to end this chat." 

If this is the staff that this company has, then the company is pretty worthless too. 

I'll ask the question one more time, and I certainly hope that someone in a position that can actually DO SOMETHING about the issue (rather than a peon who doesn't give a **bleep** about anything), or someone with a better experience, has an answer...WHY should I renew something that I have never seen a benefit from? 

I look forward to the answers from the Hive Mind. 

[DawnTheDiva]

I want to share my experience so you have an example, eb...

I have been AARP member for 20 years this year on November 23rd. I have saved about $240 on purchases while asking for the AARP discount, not waiting for them to ask; as my lifetime membership cost me $250 then, I feel it was worth it.

I also have purchased many gift cards and for points gift cards; I have purchased lifetime memberships for my mom, sibs, and now daughters.

Youngers use many benefits including gas and service discounts; I personally believe we've recouped the expense.

Hope this helps you evaluate the cost of membership.

[Winter2024]

[9/21/24] Hi Dawn @DawnTheDiva , do you know IF we are still able to buy an AARP LIFETIME MEMBERSHIP like you did? Thanks, Nicole  👵

---

[*** DAWN wrote: I want to share my experience so you have an example, eb...

I have been AARP member for 20 years this year on November 23rd. I have saved about $240 on purchases while asking for the AARP discount, not waiting for them to ask; as my lifetime membership cost me $250 then, I feel it was worth it.

I also have purchased many gift cards and for points gift cards; I have purchased lifetime memberships for my mom, sibs, and now daughters.

Youngers use many benefits including gas and service discounts; I personally believe we've recouped the expense.

Hope this helps you evaluate the cost of membership. ***]

---

[WebWiseWoman]

I don't know, Nicole; I do know to find this lifetime membership you have to actually call the AARP membership line (not available online when we bought it). 1-866-654-5572; you'd think online would be great but there you go...

[FelixL321023]

Maybe for some the discounts on travel and dining can more than pay for the membership cost. And math worker can now easily insert pi symbol.

[AARPConsumerCare]

Thank you for taking the time to share, @FelixL321023. - Diana G.

[eb6024]

If you would like to offer some constructive feedback, then I'm willing to listen. If you're just here to **bleep** and moan yourself, then you can kindly leave the conversation. 

[k380494p]

If you are a member of the rewards program, you can purchase discounted gift cards.  I purchase a few each month and can honestly say that one month’s savings pays for a year’s membership.  I also have redeemed my ‘earned’ rewards points for gift cards over the years.

It’s been a while since I tried, but I do recall getting some restaurant discounts over the years.

[AARPConsumerCare]

Thanks for taking the time to share, @k380494p. - Diana G.

[AARPConsumerCare]

@eb6024 Thank you so much for letting us know about your interaction online. We truly value you as our member and strive to make each experience personalized for everyone. I'm sorry this one did not meet those standards. We will do better.

We work hard to bring valuable discounts, benefits, and resources to our members. I would be glad to help you find any information you were looking for, just reach out and ask. 🙂  Jodee R. 

[eb6024]

I'd like to speak with someone regarding this issue. How do we have this conversation?

[Karyn8]

Have you never used an AARP discount at a hotel or amusement park or any venue? There are benefits outside of this web site. If you haven't gotten any benefit at all then it's up to you if you want to renew or support AARP. 

[eb6024]

Hello Karyn,

To be honest, I have NEVER utilized an AARP discount because there are so few places that even accept it. If I don't patronize a business that AARP has a relationship with, I'm not going out of my way to frequent that business - one, because I don't have a reason to, and two, because my business shouldn't be based on what someone gives me. It should be based on what the company does. I have asked on several occasions as to an AARP discount, at many places I frequent. Every time the answer has been no.

 If you've had a different experience, that's great. But I haven't come across those same companies in my experiences. @AARPConsumerCare could offer their thoughts on this, but as you can see, they are staying FAR away from any answer. 

[Winter2024]

@eb6024 , in my opinion AARP is now all about games, giftcards = @AARPConsumerCare and @AARPHannah "respond" to issues there and totally "ignore" the Job Forum. Anyway, as one who use to be an AARP Member - I now come here to hang out in their Grief Forum. You DO NOT need to be a member to post on this site. Take care!  👵 and @AARPConsumerCare , I DO NOT need a response, I am chatting to @eb6024 . Thanks!!!

[eb6024]

Hello Spring!

If you don't mind me asking, what was the final straw for you?