Everyone loves a good deal – especially seniors trying to stick to a budget. The impact of ongoing inflation makes it even more important to stretch dollars as far as they will go. That’s why we’re putting senior discounts and money-saving deals under a magnifying glass, as we sleuth out a variety of ways to save – both online and in-store.
We’ll define what a senior citizen discount is, explain why deals and discounts can be hard to come by, identify age guidelines to qualify for savings, and list a bucket of “evergreen” savings in seven popular categories.
Ready to investigate the best senior discounts? As Sherlock Holmes might say: “If you know where to look, big savings and discounts are elementary, my dear Watson.”
Senior savings defined
Just about every product and service you can name is likely to be offered at a discount. The trick is knowing where and when to look. You’ll find that senior discounts are often in the 10-20% off range.
As far as age parameters, there are no set-in-stone guidelines. Some stores and organizations offer deals to everyone 50 and older. Others start senior discounts at 55, 60 or 65 years old.
Senior savings detective tip: Do your homework. Determine age guidelines before reaching out for a discount.
Smart money-saving strategies
Let’s start with an insider’s secret to finding great deals on just about anything you want: Sometimes, you won’t get a discount unless you ask for it. This magic phrase opens doors to saving money: “Do you offer any senior discounts?”
Next, you’ll want to find out if any groups, organizations or clubs you belong to have senior discounts. Two great examples: Seniors who belong to AARP or AAA can often save money just by flashing their membership credentials.
You’ll also want to sign up to receive emails from your favorite retailers and grocery chains. Many offer an app you can download on your smartphone; visit their website or ask for details while in the store.
There are also a number of websites that offer links to dozens of money-saving resources for older people. One example: TheSeniorList.org is a treasure trove of senior savings information.
Senior savings detective tip: Discounts aren’t always advertised, so speak up and ask!
7 popular deals and discounts for seniors
1. Retail
Dozens of popular brick-and-mortar and online retailers offer senior discounts. Some feature standardized discount pricing, while others provide savings with rewards programs and additional incentives. You will find some of the leading discount providers below. But for a more complete list, visit online resources like this website.
Ace Hardware: 10% off on Thursdays for 65 and older
Amazon: 50% off Amazon Prime membership for recipients of SSI, SNAP or other government assistance programs
Big Lots: 10% off for active duty or retired military, or immediate family
CVS.com: 20% off plus free shipping for active duty or retired military, or immediate family
Goodwill: 20% off for 60 and older; check local store for details
Home Depot: 10% off for active duty or retired military, or immediate family
Joann: 20% off for 55 and older with ID; check local store for details
Kohl’s: 15% off for 60 and older
Michaels: 10% off for 55 and older
Rite Aid: 20% off for 65 and older on the first Wednesday of each month
Ross Dress for Less: 10% off for 55 and older on Tuesdays
Salvation Army: 15-50% off for 55 and older
TJ Maxx: 10% off for 55 and older, not available at all locations
UPS Store: 5% off shipping, 15% off other services for AARP members
Valvoline: 15% off oil changes for AARP members
Walgreens: 20% off eligible items for 55 and older or AARP members; request guidelines online/in-store
1-800-Baskets: 20% off, or $20 off purchases of $79.99+ for AARP members
2. Restaurants
Many well-known restaurants, from casual fare to fine dining, provide special pricing for older customers. Be sure to confirm these discounts are still in effect before heading to your favorite eatery.
Applebee’s: 10-15% off for 60 and older
Bennigan’s: 10% off for 60 and older
Bob’s Big Boy: Up to 15% off for 60 and older
Bonefish Grill: 10% off for AARP members
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company: 10% off for AARP members
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 10% off for AARP members
Chart House: 10% off for AARP members
Chili’s: 10% off for 55 and older
Claim Jumper: 10% off for AARP members
Denny’s: 15% off for AARP members; discounted senior menu for diners 55 and older
Fazoli’s: Discounted senior menu for 62 and older
Golden Corral: 10% off for 55 and older
IHOP: Discounted senior menu for 55 and older
Landry’s Seafood House: 10% off for AARP members
McCormick & Schmick’s: 10% off food and beverages for AARP members
The Old Spaghetti Factory: Discounted senior menu for 55 and older
Outback Steakhouse: 10% off food and beverages (except alcohol) for AARP members and veterans
Ponderosa Steakhouse: Discounted senior menu for 60 and older
Rainforest Cafe: 10% off food and beverages (except alcohol) for AARP members
Saltgrass Steak House: 10% off food and beverages (except alcohol) for AARP members
Sizzler: Discounted senior menu (varies by location) for 60 and older
Steak ’n Shake: 10% off food and beverages (except alcohol) for AARP members
Waffle House: 10% off Mondays (not all locations) for 60 and older
Senior savings detective tip: Some of your favorite fast-food chains also offer senior deals. Check their websites or visit the store for details.
3. Travel
Don’t hit the road until you scope out the deals offered by major travel and hospitality providers. You can often get 10% off, and up to as much as 35% off.
Airlines
American Airlines: Various discounts up to 50% off for 65 and older
British Airways: $65 off standard economy seats, $65 off premium economy and $200 off business class seats for AARP members
Delta Airlines: 10% off selected flights for 55 and older
United Airlines: Discounted senior fares to select destinations for 65 and older
Car rentals
Avis: Up to 35% off for AARP and USAA members
Budget Rent a Car: Up to 30% off on base costs; additional driver free for AARP members
Dollar Rent a Car: 10% off for 50 and older
Hertz: Up to 20% off base price for 50 and older
Payless: Up to 20% off with promo code A057400 for AARP members
Hotels
This is a partial list of the many chains offering savings for seniors.
AC Hotels: 15% off for 62 and older
Aloft: 15%+ off for 62 and older
Ascend Collection: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Best Western: Up to 15% off for 55 and older or AARP members
Clarion: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Comfort Suites: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Courtyard by Marriott: 15%+ off for 62 and older
Econo Lodge: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Hampton Inn: 10% off for AARP members
Howard Johnson’s: 10% off for AARP members
La Quinta Inn and Suites: Up to 10% off for 65 and older or AARP members
MainStay Suites: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Marriott: 15%+ off for 62 and older
Quality Inn and Suites: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Residence Inn: 15%+ off for 62 and older
Rodeway Inn: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Sleep Inn: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Suburban Extended Stay: Up to 10% off for 60 and older or AARP members
Super 8: 10% off for AARP members
Travelodge: Up to 10% off for AARP or AMAC members
Wyndham: 10% off for AARP members; 20% off for AMAC members
Cruise lines
All the popular cruise lines have discount programs for mature travelers.
Carnival: Discounts vary by itinerary, for 55 and older
Celebrity Cruises: Discounts vary by itinerary, for 55 and older
Norwegian Cruise Line: Discounts vary by itinerary, for 55 and older
Royal Caribbean: Discounts vary by itinerary, for 55 and older
Cruise deals for AARP members: Discounts vary by cruise line and itinerary
Senior savings detective tip: Always confirm discount amount and details before making your reservation.
4. Pharmacy
Substantial savings for seniors are offered by these leading resources and many others.
Costco: Up to 80% off for Costco members who sign up for the prescription program
CVS: Discounts vary for CVS ExtraCare members
GoodRx: Up to 80% off; usually free to join, may cost $10
Optum Perks: Up to 80% off; join Optum Perks to receive a free discount card
Walgreens: Up to 80% off upon enrolling in Walgreens Prescription Savings Club
Walmart: $4 for a variety of generic drugs; Walmart takes third-party prescription cards
5. Entertainment
From cheap senior movie tickets to discounts on passes to national parks, saving money can be very entertaining.
Movies
AMC Theatres: Senior ticket prices for 60 and older
Bow Tie Cinemas: Senior ticket prices for 55 and older
Cinemark Theatres: Senior ticket prices for 55 and older
Landmark Cinemas: 20% off for 55 and older
Regal Cinemas: 20% off for 60 and older
Showcase Cinemas: $7.75 tickets for 60 and older
Miscellaneous
Ancestry.com: 30% off for AARP members
Audible: Discounted membership for AARP members
National parks: Discounts on passes and amenities for 62 and older
Ticketmaster: Discounted tickets for AARP members
6. Cell phone plans
AT&T: Discounted unlimited plans from $40 per line for 55 and older; must be Florida resident for certain plans
Consumer Cellular: 5% off on usage and monthly fees and 30% off accessories for AARP members
Metro by T-Mobile: 5% off for AARP members
T-Mobile: Discounted unlimited plans for 55 and older, from $27.50/month per line
Verizon: Discounted unlimited plans for 55 and older, from $40/month per line
7. Grocery stores
Here is a sampling of groceries offering discounts.
Albertsons: Discounts vary, contact local store
American Discount Foods: 10% off on Mondays for 62 and older
Fred Meyer: 10% off on the first Monday of the month for 55 and older
Harris Teeter: Discounts vary, contact local store
Piggly Wiggly: Discounts vary, for 60 and older
Tops Friendly Markets: Discounts vary for 60 and older, contact local store
Senior savings detective tip: If your favorite store isn’t listed, contact them and ask if they offer savings for seniors.
Do your detective work and save big!
It’s time to release your inner Sherlock Holmes and sleuth out senior discounts on valuable products and services. It might take a little digging, and you might need to be persistent, but the savings will be worth it.
One final senior savings detective tip: Saving money on products and services can be part of your overall budget and retirement planning effort. To investigate more strategies that will help you thrive in the years ahead, review this helpful article on retirement planning.
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