Ultimate Guide to Senior Discounts and Where to Find Them

Updated: October 31, 2024

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Reaching the golden years brings its own advantages, and one significant benefit is the availability of senior citizen discounts. These discounts are not just minor perks. They are a powerful tool for enriching your lifestyle, enhancing your quality of life and enabling more savings during retirement while managing your income streams.

Senior discounts are available in various categories, from dining and travel to retail and entertainment. Leveraging these discounts requires knowing where to find them, understanding how to use them and maximizing their benefits.

What Are Senior Discounts?

Senior discounts are special offers for individuals who have reached a specific age, often starting at 55 or 60, though some organizations begin as early as 50. For example, AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) membership is available from age 50, Walgreens provides discounts for those 55 and older and AMC Theaters offers senior tickets at 60.

These discounts cover a broad spectrum of services and products, including reduced prices or special benefits exclusive to seniors. This facilitates smart spending and considerable savings across different sectors. Beyond financial savings, senior discounts collectively contribute to a more financially empowered and enjoyable life for seniors. Note that senior discounts are subject to change. Please verify with the retailer beforehand, as businesses are not universally required to provide them.

How to Find and Claim Senior Discounts

Various senior discounts await exploration online, spanning multiple sectors. Be aware that eligibility criteria and discount percentages may vary. To ensure a smooth experience, always check the requirements and prepare the necessary documentation before claiming your discount.

Finding Senior Discounts

To find senior discounts effectively, here are the general steps you can follow:

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    Direct Searches for Specific Interests

    Identify the websites, sectors or products you're interested in purchasing and conduct a direct search to see if they offer senior discounts.

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    Ask During Transactions

    Always ask if a senior discount is available when purchasing or booking services. Even if it's not advertised, many businesses offer these savings.

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    Community Boards and Newsletters

    Local community centers, senior organizations and newsletters often highlight discounts and special offers in your area.

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    Social Media and Forums

    Follow your favorite brands and local businesses on social media or join forums related to senior living. These platforms frequently announce exclusive discounts and promotions.

Claiming Senior Discounts

You must establish eligibility for senior discounts in order to use them. This usually requires certain documentation or using specific codes. Ensure you have the following at your disposal before claiming your discounts:

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    Government-Issued ID or Driver's License

    This is your primary proof of age and is the most commonly requested document for senior discounts. Always have it with you when shopping or seeking services that offer senior discounts.

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    Membership Cards (e.g., AARP, AMAC)

    These cards are your passport to a range of exclusive discounts not available to the general public. Bring your membership card when visiting businesses or services that partner with these organizations for discounts. Also, mention your membership when booking services over the phone or online, as some discounts are applied this way.

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    Discount Codes

    Primarily used for online shopping, these codes should be applied at checkout to redeem your senior discount. Be vigilant for these codes when browsing websites or receiving newsletters from brands that offer senior discounts. Keeping a list of current codes for your favorite retailers or services can help ensure you don't miss out on savings.

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    Senior ID Card (if available)

    A local senior ID card can offer additional discounts at community businesses and services, in some areas. If your community offers such a card, it's worth obtaining and carrying.

Senior Travel Discounts

Whether you're flying to a new city, looking for convenient transportation or seeking a comfortable hotel stay, understanding the available discounts can significantly enhance your travel experience. Explore travel discounts, including flights, transportation and hotel stays, tailored for seniors below:

Senior Flight and Transportation Discounts

To make travel more accessible and affordable, numerous companies offer discounts on flights and other transportation services for seniors. The table below outlines travel discounts available to senior travelers.

Company Name
Discounts

Extends a 10% discount on most rail fares for domestic trips to individuals aged 65 and up and for Canadian trips to seniors aged 60 and up.

Offers AARP members up to 30% off base rates, plus an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings.

Provides AARP members up to 35% off base rates, with an upgrade on compact through full-size car class bookings.

Has senior discounts available on limited itineraries.

Offers discounted fares on certain sails for seniors aged 55 and up.

Senior Hotel Discounts

Finding a comfortable and affordable place to stay is crucial for any trip. This section highlights hotels and accommodations that provide special rates for senior travelers, ensuring a restful and budget-friendly stay.

Company Name
Discounts

AARP members may save 5% to 15% at over 4,000 hotels worldwide.

AARP members may save up to 10% off the best available rate.

Offers a 10% discount on reservations for those aged 60+ or AARP members.

Seniors aged 62+ save with IHG’s Senior Discount Rate program.

Provides a senior discount rate at participating locations for those aged 62+.

Senior Food and Grocery Discounts

Senior food discounts offer valuable savings on dining out and grocery shopping, enabling seniors to enjoy meals without overextending their budgets. Grocery discounts can be beneficial by providing a percentage off total purchases or special deals on certain items, making everyday essentials more affordable.

Senior Restaurant Discounts

Many restaurants provide special discounts to senior customers, ranging from reduced prices to special menus. These discounts can vary by location and might require proof of age or membership in a senior organization like AARP. It’s advisable to inquire about senior discounts when dining out, as these savings are often not advertised.

Company Name
Discounts

AARP members may save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

AARP members may save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

AARP members may save 10% on food and nonalcoholic beverages.

AARP members may save 15% off their check; those aged 55+ can dine from Denny’s 55+ menu.

Offers a 55+ menu for seniors aged 55 and over.

Senior Grocery Discounts

Grocery stores may offer senior discounts on specific days of the week, allowing for a percentage off the total purchase or special deals on select items. Check with your local grocery store for any available senior discounts, as deals and eligibility requirements vary by location and chain.

Company Name
Discounts

Offers savings each week in coupons and deals for just U reward card members every day for seniors.

Provides savings each week in coupons and deals for Just For U reward card members every day.

Seniors aged 55+ save 10% on select items on the first Tuesday of the month.

Offers a 5% discount on purchases for seniors aged 60+ every Thursday.

Shopper’s card members save with coupons and special promos every day.

Senior Retail and Apparel Discounts

Retailers and apparel stores frequently provide special discounts to seniors, aiding in savings on clothing, home goods and personal items. These discounts can differ by store, day of the week and minimum age requirement. Seniors should always inquire in-store about discounts, as policies can change and vary by location.

Company Name
Discounts

Offers 50% off Prime membership for qualifying government assistance recipients, including SSI and SNAP, every day.

ExtraCare card members earn 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards every day they shop.

VetRewards members get 20% off their purchases online every day.

Seniors aged 60+ receive 15% off their purchases in-store on Wednesdays.

Offers a 15% discount in-store every day for seniors aged 60+.

Senior Entertainment and Cell Phone Discounts

Discounts for seniors extend to entertainment venues and cell phone service providers, offering savings on activities, subscriptions and mobile plans tailored to senior needs.

Senior Entertainment Discounts

For movie buffs, avid readers or outdoor enthusiasts, various discounts are available to enrich the entertainment experience. Below, we explore some of the popular entertainment discounts tailored for seniors.

Company Name
Discounts

Seniors aged 60+ enjoy discounted movie tickets every day.

AARP members may save 30% on a World Explorer or All Access membership for the first year.

Offers discounted movie tickets on Senior’s Day and the Early Bird Special for those aged 62+; contact your local theater for their designated Senior’s Day.

Offers the Young at Heart special: $6.00 for any show that starts before 5:30 p.m. for seniors aged 60+ every Friday.

Seniors aged 62+ can purchase a $20 annual park pass or $80 lifetime park pass for admittance to over 2,000 recreation sites, with a $10 fee for passes bought online or by mail.

Senior Cell Phone Plans

Staying connected with loved ones is more important than ever and for seniors, it's essential to find cell phone plans that offer both affordability and the necessary features. These plans are designed to meet the varying needs of seniors, from minimal data usage to unlimited talk, text and data.

Company Name
Plan Descriptions

Offers senior plans starting at $60 per month (single line only) or $80 per month for two lines ($40 per line), restricted to Florida residents for the 55+ plan.

Provides an Unlimited Talk with Text and Data plan starting at $20 per month for 1 GB of data and offers discounts to AARP members, including a five percent discount on monthly service and usage charges and 30% on accessories.

Features no-contract phone plans with competitive prices for seniors and AARP members can save $60 per year on select plans.

Offers adults aged 55 and over three Unlimited 55+ plans with unlimited talk, text and smartphone data. These plans are available in all 50 states, Washington D.C. and Puerto Rico.

The Verizon 55+ Unlimited Plan provides unlimited calls, texts and data at $60 per month for a single line or $80 per month for two lines ($40 per line), exclusively to senior residents in Florida.

Tips on Maximizing Senior Discounts

Seniors can unlock even more savings by joining membership programs like AARP, which offers exclusive discounts and services. For instance, AARP members can access reduced rates at select hotels and car rentals, lower insurance premiums and exclusive deals on wellness products and services. Here are other strategies for maximizing senior discounts:

1
Be Proactive

Always be on the lookout for promotions or special offers that can be stacked with senior discounts. Don't hesitate to inquire about combining discounts to achieve the best possible savings.

2
Strategize Your Shopping

Take advantage of senior discount days at stores and look for opportunities to combine these discounts with coupons or other promotions available to all customers. Planning your purchases around these combined savings opportunities can significantly reduce costs.

3
Leverage Memberships

Membership programs like AARP often offer additional discounts beyond typical senior discounts. These can include travel, dining and entertainment savings, which may be combined with other senior offers. Always check the terms and conditions to understand how to use these benefits together.

4
Maximize Insurance Discounts

Seniors should explore discounts on auto, life and home insurance. Engage with agents, review policies annually, and consider defensive driving courses or home safety upgrades for additional savings.

5
Use Technology

Use apps and websites that compare prices and offer coupons or cash back. Combining these digital deals with senior discounts can further lower costs on purchases ranging from groceries to electronics.

6
Ask About Loyalty Programs

Many businesses offer loyalty programs that reward regular customers. Enquire about joining these programs and how their benefits can be combined with senior discounts for even more savings.

7
Plan for the Best Timing

Some discounts are more substantial during specific seasons or periods. Planning your purchases or bookings for these times can help you stack senior discounts with seasonal sales, leading to maximum savings.

Additional Resources

We’ve created a resource list offering information, tools and support to assist seniors or older adults in navigating and enhancing their finances and well-being during retirement.

  • Administration on Aging (AOA): Part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, focusing on the well-being of older individuals. It provides resources on elder rights, benefits, health and long-term care services.
  • BenefitsCheckUp: A free service by the National Council on Aging that helps older adults find and enroll in various benefits programs.
  • National Council on Aging (NCOA): This is dedicated to improving the lives of older adults with resources on financial assistance, health insurance and wellness.
  • National Institute on Aging (NIA): Offers information on aging-related health topics, including research updates and managing chronic conditions.
  • SeniorLiving.org: Guides on senior living options, financial planning for retirement and health care resources to help seniors make informed decisions.
  • Social Security Administration (SSA): Essential for understanding Social Security benefits, including retirement, disability and survivors' benefits and for estimating and applying for benefits.

About Nathan Paulus


Nathan Paulus headshot

Nathan Paulus is the Head of Content Marketing at MoneyGeek, with nearly 10 years of experience researching and creating content related to personal finance and financial literacy.

Paulus has a bachelor's degree in English from the University of St. Thomas, Houston. He enjoys helping people from all walks of life build stronger financial foundations.