If you received that AARP invitation in the mail when you turned 50, you might be wondering if it’s your only option for senior benefits. While AARP is certainly the most recognizable name out there, several other organizations are competing for your membership dollars, each offering their own unique blend of discounts, services, and political perspectives.

Understanding your choices can help you find the organization that best matches your values, budget, and lifestyle needs. Let’s take a closer look at how AARP measures against its main competitors.

The Big Picture: AARP’s Dominance

AARP remains the undisputed heavyweight champion of senior organizations, boasting over 38 million members and operating as the nation’s largest nonprofit organization for people 50 and older. Annual membership costs just $15 for the first year with automatic renewal (regularly $20), making it one of the most affordable options available.

What sets AARP apart isn’t just its size — it’s the sheer breadth of benefits. Members get access to hundreds of discounts on everything from travel and dining to insurance and entertainment, plus a free subscription to AARP The Magazine and a complimentary second membership for someone in your household. Travel perks alone include up to $100 off guided vacations and exclusive guides to popular destinations, while car rentals through Avis and Budget offer up to 30% savings.

Conservative Alternatives: AMAC and ASA

For members who feel AARP leans too far left politically, several conservative-focused alternatives have emerged. The two biggest players are the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) and the American Seniors Association (ASA).

AMAC: The Conservative Challenger

AMAC was founded in 2007 and describes itself as “the conservative alternative to AARP,” with over 2 million members. Membership costs $16 per year (competing with AARP’s regular rate), and spouses can be added at no additional cost.

AMAC offers similar perks to AARP, including discounts on cell phone plans starting at $10 per month, special rates on car and home insurance through Travelers, and a $1,000 credit toward closing costs with their preferred mortgage lender. They also provide insurance options, travel discounts, and financial planning services.

What makes AMAC different isn’t just the benefits — it’s the political stance. The organization strongly opposes the Affordable Care Act and supports traditional American values like “faith, family, and freedom.” Their advocacy efforts focus on Social Security reform and conservative policy positions.

ASA: Another Conservative Option

The American Seniors Association was established in 2009 specifically in response to AARP’s support of Obamacare, positioning itself as a “conservative alternative” for seniors over 50.

ASA members can access up to 25% savings on Avis car rentals, up to 40% off vacation rentals through TripBeat, and additional $100 per person savings on Collette Travel adventures. Health perks include medical discount plans with no waiting period and Medicare consultation services with licensed agents.

While ASA offers a solid range of perks, some observers note that their advocacy efforts appear less robust than AARP’s, with more focus on revenue-generating insurance and travel programs.

Specialized Organizations

Beyond the main political alternatives, several niche organizations serve specific senior communities:

The Seniors Coalition (TSC) focuses purely on grassroots lobbying for senior issues like Social Security and Medicare, without offering commercial perks or services.

60 Plus Association promotes itself as non-partisan but aligns with limited government and free enterprise values. Unlike the others, it’s primarily an education and outreach network rather than a benefits provider.

Making the Right Choice for You

When comparing these organizations, consider what matters most to you:

For maximum savings potential: AARP’s massive membership gives it unmatched negotiating power with major companies, often resulting in deeper discounts and more comprehensive perks.

For political alignment: If AARP’s political leanings don’t match your values, AMAC offers nearly identical perks with a conservative perspective. ASA provides another conservative option, though with a more limited advocacy presence.

For simplicity: Since AARP and AMAC cost roughly the same, some seniors choose to join both organizations to maximize their savings opportunities.

For specific needs: Consider which organization’s partners align with your lifestyle. For instance, if you frequently rent cars or travel, compare the specific discounts each organization offers through their preferred vendors.

The Bottom Line

There’s no universal “best” choice among senior organizations. AARP’s size and established relationships make it hard to beat for pure value, but that doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone. If you prioritize political alignment or want to support alternative voices in senior advocacy, the conservative options offer compelling benefits packages.

Since these low-cost memberships are so affordable, you can easily test the waters. Try one for a year, track how much you actually save, and see if the organization’s communications and advocacy efforts resonate with your values. Your wallet and your conscience will guide you to the right choice.

Key Takeaways

• AARP offers the most comprehensive perks package at $15-20 annually, with unmatched travel and shopping discounts

• AMAC provides similar perks with conservative political advocacy for $16 per year

• ASA focuses on conservative values but may have less robust advocacy efforts

• Many seniors join multiple organizations to maximize savings opportunities

• Political alignment and personal values should factor into your decision alongside financial perks