The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) is a nonprofit organization that advocates for Americans aged 50 and older. With over 38 million members, AARP is one of the largest membership organizations in the United States. One of the many benefits AARP offers its members are discounts on products and services, including cable TV packages. In this article, we will explore whether AARP offers discounts on cable TV and how its members can take advantage of these savings.
AARP’s Discount Programs
AARP has established partnerships with many companies across multiple industries to provide exclusive discounts to its members. These discounts can help seniors save money on things like groceries, dining out, travel, health products, and more. One area where AARP has negotiated discounts for its members is on cable TV service.
AARP does not have any universal cable TV discounts that apply to all providers. Instead, they have partnered with certain cable companies to offer exclusive discounts to AARP members who use those providers. The details of the discounts can vary by cable company. Some examples of cable providers that offer AARP member discounts include:
- AT&T – Offers up to $15/month off eligible cable packages
- Comcast Xfinity – Gives AARP members access to senior discounts on TV and internet bundles
- Spectrum – Features discounts of up to $15/month off TV and internet bundles
- Optimum – Has varying discounts of $5-$15/month off select TV packages
- Cox Communications – Offers varying discounts usually $10-$20/month off TV bundles
- DIRECTV – Gives discounts up to $30/month off the first year of service
- DISH Network – Features an ongoing $10/month discount after the first year
- Verizon Fios – Offers a $5-20/month discount on TV and internet bundles
These are some of the major cable providers that currently offer discounts for AARP members. The exact details and availability of the discounts can change over time as AARP partners with new companies or revises existing agreements.
How AARP Members Can Get Cable Discounts
If you are an AARP member looking to lower your cable bill, here are some tips on how to take advantage of AARP discounts:
1. Confirm you are an AARP member
To qualify for any AARP-negotiated discounts, you must be an active member of the organization. You can join AARP for an annual $16 membership fee if not already a member. Discounts are available to both regular AARP memberships and AARP’s lower-cost Essential membership that costs $12 per year.
2. Research which cable providers in your area offer AARP discounts
Since discounts vary by cable company, you’ll need to research which providers in your area offer special rates for AARP members. Compare the details to see which discount offers the most savings on your particular cable package.
3. Call the cable provider to subscribe with the AARP discount
Once you’ve chosen a cable provider, call their customer service line directly to subscribe. Make sure to ask for the specific AARP member discount and have your AARP membership number ready to provide. You may need to show proof of active AARP membership to get the discounted rate.
4. Bundle services to maximize savings
Many cable companies offer their best AARP discounts when you bundle TV, internet, and sometimes home phone service. Bundling multiple services on one bill can lead to significant savings compared to subscribing separately.
5. Look for additional ways to save
Even with the AARP discount, look for ways to further lower your bill. Opt for lower-tier channel packages, cut premium channels, supply your own modem/router, and lower equipment fees. Every bit of savings helps maximize the value of the AARP discount.
6. Reconfirm the discount each year
Most cable company discounts for AARP members must be reconfirmed annually. Mark your calendar to call back near the discount expiration date to renew the special rate. Provide your updated AARP membership information if requested.
Amount of Savings Varies
The actual amount an AARP member can save on cable TV through these partnerships varies quite a bit. Some discounts are modest at just $5 per month, while others offer more substantial savings of up to $30 per month off the first year. The average discount ranges from $10-$20 per month for most cable providers.
The savings are usually highest when you bundle TV with internet service. Bundling allows the discounts to be applied to multiple services. Opting for a higher tier TV package also typically increases the dollar amount you’ll save each month through an AARP discount.
Any loyal AARP member who has maintained their membership for a number of years can end up saving hundreds of dollars per year on cable costs. Of course, you’ll want to factor in the $16 annual AARP membership fee when calculating your net savings.
Limitations of AARP Cable Discounts
While the discounts can be valuable, there are some limitations to be aware of when using AARP member deals on cable services:
- Not offered by every cable company – Only select major providers offer AARP rates
- Subject to change – Discount amounts can vary year to year
- Not available with promotional rates – Can’t be combined with other temporary discounts
- Only for standard packages – Doesn’t apply to premium channels or add-ons
- Require annual reconfirmation – Must verify membership yearly to keep discount
- Equipment fees may not be discounted – Just the core service rates
It’s also important to note that you have to subscribe directly through the cable company to get the AARP membership rates. The discounts are not offered if you try to bundle services through a third party retailer.
Best Cable Providers for AARP Discounts
Based on the discount amount, number of services bundled, and overall value provided, here are 5 of the best cable providers for AARP membership savings:
1. DIRECTV
DIRECTV frequently offers discounts of $30 per month off the first year of service for new AARP members who sign up for the CHOICETM package or above. This promotion when combined with a 2-year contract provides by far the highest first-year savings.
2. Spectrum
Spectrum gives AARP members promotional rates of $20 off per month when bundling TV and internet service. Their best discounts come with triple play bundles adding home phone service.
3. Xfinity
Xfinity from Comcast extends their existing senior discount of up to $15 per month to AARP members. Bundling with their high-speed internet can increase savings up to over $40 monthly.
4. Optimum
Optimum’s promotions provide new AARP members up to $15 off per month for the first year when signing up for a TV, internet, and phone triple play bundle.
5. Verizon Fios
Verizon Fios features attractive discounts of $20 per month off double play packages bundling TV and internet. Adding home phone can result in total first-year savings over $300.
Is the AARP Membership Fee Worth It?
For seniors who regularly subscribe to cable TV, the $16 per year membership fee for AARP is generally worth it to unlock the discounts. For example, a $20 per month discount on a cable bill equals $240 in annual savings. Even after paying the membership fee, you still come out $224 ahead.
Over multiple years, the savings from AARP discounts on cable TV and other services like health insurance, cell phones, and travel can really add up. There are also benefits that are harder to quantify like AARP’s advocacy work on behalf of seniors.
Additional Ways for Seniors to Save on Cable
Beyond discounts through AARP, here are some other clever ways for seniors to reduce their cable television expenses:
- Threaten to cancel – Retention reps will offer deals to keep your business
- Downgrade to basic channels – Drop expensive sports, movie, and premium packages
- Use an antenna – Access local broadcast channels for free
- Negotiate fees – Get equipment rental, HD, DVR fees removed
- Buy your own modem – Up to $10 in monthly rental savings
- Switch providers – Take advantage of new customer promos every 1-2 years
- Cut the landline – Use cell phone only to reduce bundles
- Trim extras – Remove underutilized on-demand movies and apps
Every dollar saved by employing these tips, combined with the AARP membership discounts, keeps more retirement income in your pocket.
Conclusion
In summary, AARP does offer worthwhile discounts on cable TV services to its millions of members. However, the specific discount amount and bundles eligible will depend on your local cable provider. Do your research to find the company providing the best discount and overall value for AARP members in your area.
The savings from AARP cable TV discounts alone can quickly offset the minor $16 yearly membership fee. Combine that with additional AARP benefits and smart usage of other money-saving strategies, and the membership can provide substantial value to retirees looking to cut costs.
So for seniors aiming to cut their cable bill, signing up for AARP and utilizing their cable TV discounts is usually a smart money move. Just be sure to read the fine print, consistently reconfirm your membership status, and squeeze every possible dollar saved out of the discount deals.