Senior citizens, typically those aged 65 and older, are often eligible for discounts on products, services, and experiences. The exact discounts can vary greatly depending on the business, location, and specific age requirements, but there are some general trends in senior discounts.
Retail and Dining Discounts
Many retail stores and restaurants offer senior discounts, usually starting between the ages of 55 and 65. These discounts can range from 5-15% off regular prices or a fixed dollar amount off a total purchase. Some examples of senior discounts include:
- Department stores like Macy’s – 10% off certain days of the week
- Michaels Arts & Crafts – 10% everyday discount for 55+
- Goodwill – 10% off every Tuesday for 55+
- Ross Dress for Less – 10% off every Tuesday for 55+
- Denny’s – 15% off for AARP members
- IHOP – 10% off for 55+
- Applebee’s – 10-15% off for 60+
These discounts can help seniors stretch their budgets on clothing purchases, craft supplies, household items, and dining out. Retailers and restaurants offer them to attract senior shoppers during traditionally slower times like weekdays and to build brand loyalty.
Grocery Discounts
Grocery stores are another place seniors can find significant savings. Many major supermarket chains offer 5-10% off regular prices one day a week for shoppers over the age of 60 or 65. This discount is usually valid on everything except alcohol, lottery, and gift cards. Some examples include:
- Safeway – 10% off Tuesdays for 60+
- Harris Teeter – 5% off every day for 60+
- Fred Meyer – 10% off first Tuesday of each month for 55+
- Bi-Lo – 5% off every Wednesday for 60+
With frequent grocery shopping, these discounts can add up to over $500 in annual savings for seniors. Combined with in-store coupons and sales, the savings are even greater.
Travel Discounts
From airfare to lodging to entertainment, seniors can find travel discounts by taking advantage of their age. Examples include:
- Airlines – American, United, Delta and Southwest provide up to 10% off for 65+
- Amtrak – 15% off for 62+
- Greyhound – 5% off for 62+
- Hotels – Many chains like Best Western, Hilton and Marriott offer 10-15% off for 55+ or AARP members
- Car rentals – Avis, Budget and Hertz have discounts up to 25% for 50+
- National parks – Lifetime Senior Pass for $80 for 62+ grants free access and discounts on amenities
Seniors who love to travel can save quite a bit by taking advantage of these age-based travel perks. Discounts are based on the traveler’s age at time of booking or travel.
Entertainment Discounts
From movie theaters to museums, many entertainment options offer senior discounts generally starting between ages 55-65. Some examples include:
- Regal Cinemas – Up to 45% off for 60+
- AMC Theatres – Up to 30% off for 55+
- Cinemark – Up to 35% off for 60+
- Smithsonian Museums – Free entry for 65+
- Broadway shows – Up to 45% off tickets for 65+
- Sporting events – Discounted tickets for 55+
These senior discounts on entertainment can make movies, plays, concerts, museums and more affordable and accessible. They are a great way for seniors on fixed incomes to continue enjoying activities and hobbies.
Cell Phone Service
Some cell phone carriers such as AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile and Sprint offer discounts of 5-15% off monthly bills and sometimes extra data or minutes for seniors 55+. Lively provides free smartphones with simplified interfaces specifically designed for seniors. These senior cell phone discounts can add up to over $100 per year in savings.
Insurance Discounts
Once drivers reach age 55, auto insurance rates start to decrease due to senior discounts. Most insurers provide reduced premiums for older policyholders, who tend to have fewer accidents and moving violations. According to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, auto insurance premiums drop about 15% at age 55 and another 10% at age 65 on average.
In addition, most health insurance, home insurance, life insurance and long-term care insurance companies offer senior discounts to policyholders starting between ages 50-65. These discounts can range from 5-20% off regular rates.
Other Senior Discounts
Beyond common categories like retail and travel, seniors can find discounts in less obvious places as well. Here are some examples:
- Gyms – Up to 10-15% off membership fees for 60+ at 24 Hour Fitness, LA Fitness and others
- Public transportation – Discounted fares for 65+ on metro, bus and rail systems
- Uber & Lyft – Up to 10% off rides for 65+
- Prescriptions – Lower cost prescriptions through programs like RxSaver and SingleCare
- Amazon Prime – $5.99 per month for 50+ (regular $12.99 per month)
With a little research, seniors can uncover even more niche discounts to benefit their lifestyle and frequent shopping habits.
AARP Member Discounts
One of the best ways for seniors to access discounts across categories is to join AARP. This interest group for adults 50 and over has partnered with thousands of companies to offer 5-50% discounts to AARP members. Some popular AARP member discounts include:
- Walgreens – 20% off eligible health & wellness products
- LensCrafters – 30% off prescription glasses
- Hertz – Up to 20% off rentals
- Wyndham Hotels – Up to 20% off rates
- AARP Travel Center – Discounted cruises, flights, vacation packages, tours and hotels
AARP membership costs $16 annually or $12 for a 3-year membership. Given the extensive discounts available, the membership fee can easily pay for itself.
Retail Store Senior Discount Policies
Retail Store | Senior Discount Policy |
---|---|
Target | 10% off entire purchase one day a week for 65+ |
Michaels | 10% everyday for 55+ |
Goodwill | 10% off Tuesdays for 55+ |
Walgreens | 20% off eligible items first Tuesday of month for 55+ |
Joann Fabrics | 15% every day for 55+ |
Grocery Store Senior Discount Days
Grocery Store | Senior Discount Day | Minimum Age | Discount Amount |
---|---|---|---|
Albertsons | Every Tuesday | 60 | 10% off |
Fred Meyer | First Tuesday of each month | 55 | 10% off |
Kroger | Every Wednesday | 60 | 10% off |
Ralphs | Every Tuesday | 55 | 10% off |
Restaurant Senior Discounts
Restaurant | Minimum Age | Discount |
---|---|---|
Applebee’s | 60+ | 10-15% off |
Arby’s | 55+ | 10% off |
Burger King | 60+ | 10% off |
Chili’s | 55+ | 10% off |
Hotel Senior Discount Eligibility
Hotel | Minimum Age | Discount | Other Terms |
---|---|---|---|
Best Western | 55+ | Up to 15% off | Must be AARP member |
Hilton | 65+ | Up to 10% off | Based on availability |
Hyatt | 62+ | 10-15% off | Call hotel directly to book |
Marriott | 62+ | 10-15% off | Must be AARP or AAA member |
Senior Cell Phone Plans
Major cell phone carriers offer the following senior discounts and plans:
- AT&T: Get 10% off monthly service charge plus additional discounts on accessories. AT&T also offers a Senior Nation 200 Minutes Plan for basic phones starting at $29.99 per month.
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon offers account level monthly discounts up to $20 for select plans 55+. No activation fees for AARP members. They also have a Basic Phones Plan for seniors with new phones bundled starting at $35 per month.
- T-Mobile: T-Mobile ONE plans get a $10 discount per month for customers 55+. No activation fees or free devices may also be offered.
- Sprint: The Sprint 55+ plan offers unlimited talk, text and data for $35 per month. You can also pair it with discounted Sprint Premium smartphones.
In addition to these carrier options, Lively provides affordable no-contract smartphones designed for seniors. Lively’s phone plans with unlimited talk and text start at $15 per month with no activation fees.
Ways to Find Senior Discounts
Searching for “senior discounts” along with a specific business name can uncover potential savings. Here are some other tips:
- Ask – don’t be shy to inquire about a senior discount at the register or when booking an activity. You never know what may be offered.
- Check websites and social media – many businesses promote senior discounts online.
- Look for signs or brochures – physical advertisements can indicate discounts.
- Become an AARP member – one of the easiest ways to find discounts across industries.
- Request a senior discount card – some local communities offer these.
- Use word of mouth – ask friends which businesses offer senior savings.
Stacking Discounts
Savvy seniors combine senior discounts with other promotional offers to maximize savings. You can often layer discounts like:
- Senior discount + military discount
- Senior discount + AAA discount
- Senior discount + coupon
- Senior discount + cash back sites
- Senior discount + credit card rewards
Just inform the merchant you would like to use your senior discount along with any other applicable savings. This discount stacking allows seniors to save even more on everyday purchases.
Identification Needed
When obtaining senior discounts, most businesses will ask for an ID to confirm your age qualifies. Make sure to carry your driver’s license, state-issued ID, passport, or other identification when you plan to use a senior discount. Some discounts may require a valid AARP card or proof of AAA membership as well.
Limitations
While senior discounts are prevalent, they are not guaranteed at every business. Some limitations to be aware of:
- Age limits can vary – discounts may start at 50, 55, 60, 65 or older.
- Certain items may be excluded from discounts.
- Discounts may be based on availability or offered at franchise owner’s discretion.
- Discount may require membership in AARP, AAA or another qualifying group.
It’s a good idea to always check with the individual business directly to learn about their specific senior discount policy and any restrictions.
Conclusion
From dining and shopping to travel and entertainment, senior discounts are available across a wide spectrum of categories. Retailers, grocery stores, restaurants, hotels, transportation providers and even tech companies offer special savings for older consumers. Joining AARP can simplify accessing senior discounts from thousands of participating businesses.
Savvy seniors can maximize potential savings by layering other coupons or rewards with their senior discounts. Look for opportunities to stack savings and always inquire about discounts, even if they are not prominently advertised. With a little research and planning, seniors can uncover discounts that together can save hundreds of dollars per year.