Rewards redemption

[sattisfire]

 Redemption of gift cards amount to $5 and purchasing them saves you $2, $3, or $5 at the most. Years ago gift cards had value of $25 when redeeming for points. Once my membership expires I won’t be renewing. AARP need to make it worthwhile again.

[RenateW69623]

I am a more recent member, so did not get to enjoy the rewards program when it had the really nice rewards of $25 GC. What annoys me about the program with how it is run now is that I don't think it is fair to all members. If everyone had equal opportunity to get the limited rewards that are offered, that would be fair. But when the really nice GC sell out really fast (the few $10 GC, and the $5 Walmart and Amazon GC), I am never able to get these because they are always sold out before I even see them being offered. I also see comments from people who win several sweeps a year and multiple Instant Wins.  Well, they are much luckier than me, because I have been a member for several years and have never won a sweeps (even though I enter between 1 and 3 a month), and only win a couple Instant Wins a year (even though I play them all every day), so again, not a program that benefits everyone the same. So if AARP is trying to get more memberships from the rewards program, it sounds like they are hit and miss with that.  Some people get more benefits from the rewards and will keep their membership. But other people like you and me don't get the same benefits, so may not renew (I am still debating on whether or not I will renew).

[SereneSeagull]

I don’t purchase any cards here for money, but only redeem for points.  Not sure what you’re looking for but looking backward at what things used to be isn’t productive for me.  What I can tell you is that I’ve gotten several Amazon and Walmart $5 cards, and a few $10 Walmart cards ALL for points. I’ve gotten several $5 cards for Outback, Chilis, Burger King, and Applebees.  Probably others that I can’t think of at the moment.  I’ve been a member for many, many years and only this past year did I sign onto the website.  So this is what I’ve gotten just in this time.  I’ve stacked restaurant cards and have enjoyed large savings.

Im sorry the membership isn’t what it used to be for you and others, but nothing stays the same. We adapt or try and change something.  If you can’t change something, well…you do what you need to do to give you peace.  My annual membership has more than payed for itself already.  

Edit to add: forgot…Also redeemed points for several IHOP cards.  

[MichelleC103656]

I agree with you,SereneSeagull. I have won or earned several gift cards over the last few months. I also used my points for several magazines for myself, friends, and family. It all depends on what people want from their membership. My husband and I are very satisfied with our membership. 😸🙂😻

[WebWiseWoman]

For anyone wondering if the lower value gift cards are worth it, it obviously depends on ones situation, but for me they definitely are.

Calendar year 2025 I redeemed points only for $55 in Amazon cards and $65 in Walmart cards (the only two I use). In no way was this every AMZ or WM card for points offered; only the ones I was available to redeem for.

Walmart alone saved me my Walmart+ membership (when combined with AARP discount) which provides free delivery and Paramount+ subscription (or Peacock for those who prefer that service). 

Could consider the AMZ covered AARP membership of 3 year +/-?

hth

[Winter2025VA]

[1/1/26] HAPPY New Year Denese @WebWiseWoman and a very "helpful" post my friend!!! 👍 Bottom line, things change in life and there is nothing we can do to make AARP "return" to the way it USE TO BE. At age 67, I "accept" them and make the best of what they are offering. Yes, I wish things had NOT changed in their REWARDS PROGRAM. Take care, Nicole 💛

[WebWiseWoman]

Thanks, Nicole; Happy, happy New Year 2026 to you and yours!

d

[Winter2025VA]

Thank you Denese @WebWiseWoman 💛