What are Senior Discounts?
One of the benefits to old age is receiving senior discounts. This can be great news for those who are on a tight budget and do not have much to spend during their retirement years. After years of paying full price on items, older adults can now get a discount from many retail stores, grocery markets, or even when you travel. Planning a good budget for your finances to be used during the retirement years is essential for many older adults. Why? Because if you are already retired, you are now on a fixed income. There is no “extra money”. Unless, of course you have supplement job that you can do part time while retired. For individuals that want to learn how to budget better, try the AARP Budget Builder. It is free to use, no membership to use it, and is helpful for all ages.
How old do you have to be to Receive a Senior Discount?
Although 65 is considered there year you claim Medicare, it does not necessarily mean you have to wait til then. Some places offer senior discounts to those as young as 50 years old. For example, AARP or the Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC), allows membership to adults at age the age of 50! Of course, the minimum age can vary by company or location. Keep in mind that not every place or company will offer senior discounts. Plus, some businesses may not advertise the discounts for seniors in their store windows or online. If you do go to a store and are not sure if they offer a senior discount, you can always ask. So, you may have to physically ask.
How senior discounts work
Most senior discounts provide benefits or reduced prices to older adults who are at a certain age, to be used at locally or online. This gives seniors huge saving from many companies or businesses that you normally shop at. It can also lesson the stress of funding their retirement.
Popular Types of Senior Discounts
There are all types of places that seniors can go, in order to receive these senior discounts. Here is a list of the top places from each group. Some offer large discounts, whereas others may just be small ones. Yet, each can save you money.
Retail Stores
There are dozens of retail stores that offer senior discounts. Some of them you can be as young as 50 while others you may have to be in your 60s. Remember, if the sore doesn’t mention it in a place where you can see it, don’t hesitate to ask. With all kinds of retail stores there are, it is too much to mention all of them. So we created a short list of the most popular choices of retail stores there are throughout the nation.
| Company | Discount | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Banana Republic | Discounts vary by location | Must be 50+ |
| Bealls Department Store | 15% off every Tuesday | Must be 50+ |
| Big Lots Big rewards | 10% off purchases in-store and online | Must create Big Lots account |
| Belk | 15% off on the first Tuesday of every month | Must be 62+ |
| C.J. Banks/Christopher Banks | 10% off certain purchases | Must be 55+ or a veteran |
| Clarks | 10% off | Must be 62+ or a veteran |
| Dressbarn | N/A | N/A |
| Goodwill | 10% – 25% off one day a week; day varies by location | Must be 55+ |
| Hallmark | Up to 10% off (varies by location) | Must be 55+ |
| Kohl’s | 15% off | Must be 60+ |
| Lowe’s Veteran Program | 10% off purchases in-store and online everyday | Must enroll online with valid ID |
| Michael’s | 10% off | Must be 55+ |
| Modell’s Sporting Goods | 10% off | Must be 65+ |
| Ross | 10% off every Wednesday | Must be 55+ |
| The Salvation Army Thrift Stores | Up to 50% off on senior discount days (varies by location) | Must be 55+ |
| TJ Maxx | 10% off on Mondays (varies by location) | Must be 55+ |
| Walgreens | 20% off eligible in-store merchandise on the first Tuesday of each month | Must be 55+ and have a Balance Rewards card |
Grocery store senior discounts
Although many grocery stores now offer savings to all their shoppers, there may be a few that still participate in senior discounts for extra savings or benefits over a certain age. Seniors should ask their local grocery store if they do. Here is a list of some grocery stores that offer savings to seniors. Some grocery stores offer free rewards cards, which is an added bonus for seniors.
| Company | Discount | Eligibility |
| Albertsons | 10% off | Must be 55+,First Wednesday of the month at participating locations |
| Bi-Lo | 5% off every Wednesday | Must be 60+ |
| Brookshires | 5% off daily | Must be 60+, Plus, first 2 hours of store opening is reserved for seniors. |
| Compare Foods Supermarket | 10% off every Wednesday | Must be 60+ |
| Fred Meyer | 10% on the first Tuesday of each month | Must be 55+ |
| Fry’s Food Stores | 10% on the first Wednesday of each month | Must be 55+ |
| Gristedes Supermarket | 10% off every Tuesday | Must be 65+ |
| Harris Teeter | 5% off every Thursday (excluding fuel, pharmacy, tickets, and gift cards) | Must be 60+ |
| Hy-Vee | 5-10% off on weekly senior discount day | Must be 55+ |
| Kroger | Senior discount days discontinued as of 2021 | N/A |
| New Seasons | 10% off every Wednesday | Must be 65+ |
| Piggly-Wiggly | Discounts for seniors vary by location | Must be 60+ |
| Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace | 5% off on Wednesdays | Must be 65+ |
Dining Senior Discounts
For those who desire to get out of the house, here are a few dining discounts specifically for seniors to enjoy. The options are numerous; senior can choose from fast food joints to casual dining atmospheres to pricey fine dining. It just depends on what you are looking for. Those that have an AARP membership ard can even get more discounts.
Restaurant Senior Discounts
| RESTAURANT | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
| Applebee’s | 10% to 15% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Arby’s | 10% and/or free drink with purchase | 60 and up | Any day |
| Ben & Jerry’s | 10% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Bonefish Grill | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| Boston Market | Varies by location | Varies by location | Any day at participating locations |
| Burger King | 10% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| Carrabba’s Italian Grill | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| Chick-fil-A | 10% | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Cici’s Pizza | Select menu items, varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by location |
| Denny’s | 15%, special senior menu includes discounted item | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| El Pollo Loco | 10% | 60 and up | Varies by location |
| Fazoli’s | Select items | 62 and up | Must be a member of Fazoli’s Club 62 |
| Hardee’s | Up to 10% on any order, special discounts on beverages | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| IHOP | 10%, special senior menu includes discounted items | 55 and up | Must have photo ID |
| Joe’s Crab Shack | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| KFC | Free small drink, some locations may offer up to 10% off food purchases | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| McCormic & Schmick’s | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| McDonald’s | Varies by location | 55 and up | Varies by location |
| Outback Steakhouse | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
| Perkins Restaurant | Senior menu includes discounts | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Ponderosa Steakhouse | 10% | 62 and up | At participating locations, requires proof of age |
| Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen | 10% or free small drink | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Taco Bell | 5% and free drink | 65 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Wendy’s | 10% or discounted drink | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| Whataburger | Free drink with meal purchase | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
| White Castle | 10% | 62 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Travel Discounts for Seniors
Some seniors love to spend their retirement years traveling to see family or friends they haven’t seen in a while. But traveling can become expensive without a discount. The good news is, many airlines will offer travel discounts to those who are over 60. Sometimes, you may need to show your ID or an AARP membership to get the senior discount. When getting a discount for traveling, it is not only helpful, but it can also relieve some stress on your wallet. Below are some of the most popular airlines or other traveling options offering senior discounts.
Airline Senior Discounts
| AIRLINE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
|---|---|---|---|
| American Airlines | Varying discounts, specific routes only | 65 and up | Call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300 to check availability |
| Amtrak | Offers 10% off most rail fares on domestic trips | 65 and up | |
| British Airways | $65 – $200 off depending on seat class | 50 and up | Must have AARP membership |
| Carnival Cruise | discount fares for certain sails | 55 and up | call for details |
| Delta Airlines | Discounts available on specific routes only | 65 and up | Call Delta at 1-800-241-6522 to check availability |
| United Airlines | Varying discounts, select routes only | 65 and up | Select senior category when making reservation |
Hotel Senior Discounts
In combination with traveling by plane, train or bus, there are also senior discounts available to certain hotels for seniors. Taking advantage of these while visiting friends and family is a great idea during the holidays.
| HOTEL | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
| Best Western | 15% | 55 and up | At participating locations |
| Choice Hotels | 10% – 30% off | 60 and up | Must have AARP card and book online, sometime advance reservations apply |
| Days Inn | Varies by location | 60 and up | At participating locations |
| Marriott Hotels | 15% | 62 and up | Must select senior discount at time of reservation |
Key Takeaways
There are many other types of discounts available for seniors. Some healthcare providers and Internet Service and Communications companies also offer discounts to seniors at a low cost. In fact, there are many cell phone plans that offer incentives and discounts for specifically older adults. Each person should compare each plan to see which one best fits into their budget. Over time, senior discounts can save a person a substantial amount, which is great when you are already retired. Most people can save any where between 10% to 80% off what they would normally pay for the item, product, or service. This includes discounts on restaurant meals, travel costs, and prescription drugs.