AARP offers discounts on hotels and restaurants, but if you only use your membership for those two perks alone, you are missing out on a lot of savings.
An AARP membership unlocks savings on everyday expenses and critical costs related to health, fraud prevention, estate planning and more. These are some of the top AARP discounts you should know.
Discounts Galore with an AARP Membership
1. Vision savings can be surprisingly generous
AARP’s vision benefits go beyond basic eye-exam discounts. You can score discounts on eye glass frames, contacts, multifocal lenses and other vision products. The organization has secured partnerships with LensCrafters, Target Optical, Visionworks and VSP-branded plans.
Modest discounts on these recurring expenses can add up in the long run.
2. The Fraud Watch Network is a free perk with real value
Fraud protection may not seem as exciting of a perk as deals when dining out, but it’s a vital one. Older adults are often the targets of cyber crimes: Last year, people aged 60 and older who reported these crimes said they lost an average of $38,500, according to the most recent internet crime report from the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
If a hacker obtains your sensitive information, they can do significant harm to your finances, including taking out loans in your name. AARP’s Fraud Watch Network is a free resource that teaches users how to spot scams. You can also get free guidance if you have been targeted by a scammer. The helpline is available on weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm E.T.
3. Restaurant discounts go beyond a couple of chains
Food is a recurring expense, and any amount you can save can add up significantly over time. AARP offers its members dining discounts across a wide range of chains from 10% off at Bonefish Grill and 15% at Denny’s to 20% off at Papa John’s (as of the time of writing).
You’ll find discount codes for more than 7,000 restaurants nationwide. This perk is especially useful for retirees who prefer to dine out often over cooking at home.
Discounts Galore with an AARP Membership
4. Travel perks extend past hotels
You can save on hotels with an AARP membership, but the full perks extend to car rentals, cruises, vacation packages and train tickets. The organization has discounts from many popular brands, including Avis and Budget for car rentals, and Best Western and Comfort Hotels for your overnight stays.
AARP has a designated travel center (powered by travel site Expedia) so it’s easy to find everything you need in one place.
5. Estate-planning discounts are an under-the-radar money saver
An AARP membership offers savings for important tasks like estate planning. You can score a 20% discount for online estate planning platform Trust & Will where you can create trusts, wills and other important documents.
These services can help retirees get their finances straight and ensure that their money and property is passed to heirs without any hiccups.
