AARP Vs AMAC: Which To Choose?

Related Article: Best Senior Discounts

AARP Vs AMAC

If you’re unsure which organization is best, you’ve come to the right place. Our breakdown of AARP vs AMAC outlines everything you need to know about these two organizations and will give you a clear picture of which is best for you.

About AARP

AARP stands for the American Association of Retired Persons. The non-profit organization was founded in 1958 and focuses on members aged 50 and over. Potential members do not have to be retired to join, and can sign up as young as 18. However, those under 50 may not qualify for some discounts and services.

AARP Features and Benefits

Something that members love about their AARP membership is the plethora of resources they publish. For instance, their bi-monthly publication, AARP The Magazine, is one of the most prominent circulating magazines in the US. Featured topics include health and wellness, finances, relationships, travel, and celebrity news.

Furthermore, their website is a treasure trove of editorials on almost any topic a senior might wish to read about. It’s an excellent collection, housed in one place and easily accessible via their website or the AARP app.

In addition to the wide array of discounts and services the membership provides, you can join other AARP members at virtual or local, in-person gatherings. The events vary by location but include tours, classes, informational sessions, and more.

Membership Details

AARP memberships are open to all Americans, ages 18 and over. However, full benefits are only available to members aged 50 and up.

An AARP membership costs only $15 per year for the first year, if you sign up for automatic renewal. After the first year, your yearly cost will increase to $20. You can save money on your membership fee by purchasing multi-year memberships at $55 for 3 years or $79 for 5 years.

Furthermore, if you have a spouse or family member who would like to take advantage of the membership, you can add them for free. They’ll receive their own membership card and can take full advantage of the benefits.

Is AARP membership worth it?

An AARP membership is absolutely worth its cost for those over 50 who either desire to give to the organization's advocacy efforts or who intend to take advantage of the many benefits offered.

About AMAC

The Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) was founded in 2007 and proclaims itself the conservative alternative to the AARP. They offer similar benefits and services at a slightly lower price point, and openly publish their conservative values and lobbying efforts.

AMAC Features and Benefits

AMAC members enjoy a wide range of money-saving benefits and services. These include discounts at organizations across the US on health and wellness needs, travel, shopping, dining, apps, and more.

In addition, once you join AMAC, you’ll receive the AMAC magazine on a bi-monthly basis. Topics within the publication include conservative news topics and updates, retirement editorials, finance articles, cultural issues, games, puzzles, and lifestyle articles. Members and non-members can access digital copies of the magazine here.

Your AMAC membership also includes access to AMAC Newsline and the Better for America Podcast, offering news and commentary on important issues and events from a conservative perspective.

Membership Details

AMAC members must be 18 and over, but receive the most benefits and services at age 50.

Unlike the AARP membership, AMAC fees don’t increase after the first year. Members can enjoy their benefits for only $16.00 per year, every year. Furthermore, their bulk payment plans are slightly lower than AARP, with a 3-year plan costing only $42 and a 5-year membership coming in at $59.95. They also offer the unique option to purchase a lifetime membership for just $500.

All plans include your spouse, who can enjoy the organization's benefits and services for no additional fees.

Is AMAC membership worth it?

AMAC is a solid alternative to AARP. Its price point is slightly lower, and many benefits are similar. Additionally, the organization is open about its lobbying efforts and political leanings, making it an excellent option for those who hold conservative values.

AMAC Benefits Vs AARP Benefits

How does AMAC compare to AARP?

While the specific businesses partnered with each organization may vary, AMAC and AARP are very similar. They both offer discounts on a wide range of products and services, focus on the needs of Americans over 50, and are available at an affordable price.

Who is better, AMAC or AARP?

AARP and AMAC are quite similar, with overlapping benefits and the same price point. However, their political ideologies vary. If you feel strongly about our nation's politics and want to support organizations with similar viewpoints, consider choosing based on these ideas.

AARP

While AARP maintains that it is a non-partisan organization that never endorses or donates to specific candidates, they are viewed by many as a more left-leaning, liberal organization. This is likely due to its lobbying efforts and the contributions of its affiliates. With nearly 38 million members, it is one of the largest lobbying organizations in the country, spending $19,940,000 on the practice in 2024 alone. Most efforts focused on issues important to American seniors, such as Social Security and finances. Furthermore, AARP affiliates, such as the AARP Foundation, have donated heavily to Democratic candidates, lending more credence to the idea that it supports liberal policies.

AMAC

AMAC, on the other hand, openly boasts itself as a conservative alternative to AARP. Its website clearly lists its legislative priorities, which extend well beyond senior-specific issues. Additionally, they’ve formed an affiliate called AMAC Action that collects contributions used to further conservative agendas such as secure borders, social security solvency, and pro-life values. Only in business since 2007, the AMAC is significantly smaller than AARP. However, its lobbying efforts have grown immensely in the past four years, and now total more than $500,000 annually.

About Author

Tammy McKinney, RN

Tammy McKinney, RN, is a seasoned registered nurse and accomplished healthcare and personal finance writer. With a background in acute care, long-term care, and hospice & palliative care, Tammy combines her medical expertise with her passion for writing to educate and inform the public on various health and finance-related topics.