Aging vibrantly is about living your best life, having the physical and mental health to enjoy it, and the many perks that come with it. Membership organizations and businesses across the country open up a new world of benefits and discounts to seniors at places they may visit frequently. Taking advantage of these opportunities can be both smart and enjoyable for those looking to stretch their dollars, stay healthy, or indulge in the perks of fine dining and travel.
Here’s a guide to just some of the numerous senior discounts that await you, including what they are, the types of businesses and organizations that offer them, and how you can qualify.
What Are Senior Discounts?
Senior discounts are a great way to maintain your budget and enjoy the benefits that come with being an older adult. Taking advantage of them may even reduce your retirement costs and free up funds for other activities. Discounts are found across a wide spectrum of things like dining, entertainment, travel, and even groceries from popular stores and other organizations. Finding out if the places you visit regularly offer senior discounts is a smart way to save money without changing your lifestyle.
At What Age Can You Get Senior Citizen Discounts?
Some senior discounts are based solely on age, with eligibility often starting at the age of 50. An individual must be 65 to officially claim Medicare and Social Security benefits, but many senior discounts and perks start much earlier. If you enroll in an AARP or Association of Mature American Citizens (AMAC) membership on your 50th birthday, you’ll have a head start on cashing in on senior discounts. Not all membership organizations provide discounts based on age, such as AAA, but membership in these organizations is a smart investment because the value from the benefits and discounts is so high compared to the low cost of annual dues.
For other discounts, age requirements vary based on the company, organization, and location and range anywhere from 50 to 65, but some places aren’t strict with their age requirements. If you’re not sure about your eligibility, it never hurts to ask. Not all businesses advertise their discounts for older adults, so simply asking before your purchase can go a long way. Don’t forget to bring your senior citizen ID card when you go shopping, as some places may ask before applying any promotions.
What Are the Best Senior Discounts?
Some discounts are only available on specific dates or times, while others last all year long, so always double check in advance about the availability before making purchase decisions. To maximize your savings and make the most out of your purchase—no matter how small or large—make sure to use restaurant, grocery store, retail, and all other discounts. Remain mindful that discount policies change, at both the national and local level, from time to time. We recommend asking about applicability beforehand so there aren’t any surprises.
Birthday FREEBIES!
As the birthdays keep coming in retirement make sure you take advantage of some fantastic freebies to celebrate another rotation around the sun! Here are some of the most popular birthday FREEBIES – but remember to bring your ID and double check if you need to be a club or rewards member to qualify.
- Auntie Anne’s: Download their app and get a free pretzel on your birthday.
- Baskin Robbins: 1 scoop of ice cream
- Buffalo Wild Wings: 1 order of wings
- Chick-Fil-A: 1 dessert or milkshake
- Cold Stone Creamery: Join their eClub to receive a BOGO coupon for your birthday.
- Culver’s: 1 scoop of sundae
- Dairy Queen: Sign up for the Blizzard Fan Club to get a BOGO coupon for your birthday Blizzard treat.
- Denny’s: 1 Grand Slam Breakfast
- Dunkin’ Donuts: 1 small coffee
- Firehouse Subs: 1 small sub sandwich
- IHOP: 1 short stack of pancakes
- Jeni’s Ice Cream: 1 trio of ice cream
- Jersey Mike’s: 1 regular sub sandwich and 22 oz fountain drink
- Krispy Kreme: 1 dozen glazed donuts (Sign up for their rewards program to receive a free donut and small coffee or fountain drink on your birthday.)
- Marco’s Pizza: small one-topping pizza
- Moe’s Southwest Grill: 1 burrito
- Noodles & Company: 1 rice crispy treat
- Olive Garden: Sign up for their eClub to receive a free dessert on your birthday with the purchase of any two adult entrees.
- Outback Steakhouse: Join their Dine Rewards program to receive a free dessert on your birthday.
- P.F. Chang’s: 1 appetizer or dessert with the purchase of an entree
- Panera Bread: 1 pastry or sweet treat
- Red Lobster: Join their rewards program to receive a special birthday offer.
- Red Robin: 1 burger with Bottomless Steak Fries
- Ruby Tuesday: Join their So Connected rewards program to receive a free burger or garden bar entree on your birthday.
- Sephora: Join their Beauty Insider program to receive a free birthday gift.
- Sonic Drive-In: Join their rewards program to receive a special birthday treat.
- Starbucks: 1 free handcrafted beverage or food item of your choice (must be a Starbucks Rewards member)
- TGI Fridays: Join their rewards program to receive a free dessert on your birthday with the purchase of an entree.
- The Cheesecake Factory: Join their rewards program to receive a complimentary birthday slice of cheesecake.
- Ulta Beauty: Sign up for their Ultamate Rewards program to receive a free birthday gift.
- Victoria’s Secret: Sign up for their rewards program to receive a birthday gift.
Remember to sign up for these programs or download any necessary apps in advance to ensure you receive your birthday rewards!
Restaurant Senior Discounts
Restaurants are an easy place to snag a senior discount, from senior menus to early dinner discounts. A lot of chain restaurants are independently owned, so discounts or promotions tend to vary by location, and can include percent or fixed discounts on meal purchases, specially discounted items, and other perks. If your favorite restaurant doesn’t offer a senior discount, see if you can enroll in their free membership rewards program so you can earn free food, coupons, and discounted meals.
2024 List of Senior Discounts at Restaurants
- Applebee’s: 15% off with Golden Apple Card (60+)
- Arby’s: 10% off (55+)
- Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off (60+)
- Bennigan’s: discount varies by location (60+)
- Bob’s Big Boy: discount varies by location (60+)
- Boston Market:10% off (65+)
- Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.: 10% off for AAA members
- Burger King: 10% off (60+)
- Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 10% off for AARP members
- Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
- Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
- Chuck E. Cheese: 100 Play Points for $20/promo code #5629 for special offers for AAA members
- CiCi’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
- Dairy Queen:10% off for seniors
- Denny’s: 10% off (55 +), 15% off for AARP members
- Dunkin’: 10% off or free coffee (55+)
- Einstein Bros Bagels: 10% off baker’s dozen of bagels (60+)
- El Pollo Loco: 10% off (60+)
- Fuddruckers: 10% off any senior platter (55+)
- Golden Corral: 10% off (60+)
- Gritty McDuff’s: 10% off for AAA members
- Hardee’s: $0.33 beverages everyday (65+)
- Hard Rock Café: 10% off for AAA members
- IHOP: 10% off (55+)
- Jack in the Box: up to 20% off (55+)
- KFC: free small drink with any meal (55+)
- Krispy Kreme: 10% off (50+)
- Long John Silver’s: various discounts at locations (55+)
- McCormick and Schmick’s: 10% off for AARP members
- McDonald’s: discounts on coffee everyday (55+)
- Medieval Times: 30% off admission for AAA members
- Mr. Gatti’s Pizza: 10% off (60+)
- Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
- Outback Steakhouse: 10% off for AARP members
- Shoney’s: 10% off
- Sonic: 10% off or free beverage (60+)
- Steak ‘n Shake: 10% off every Monday & Tuesday (50+)
- Sweet Tomatoes: 10% off (62+)
- Taco Bell : 5% off; free beverages for seniors (65+)
- TCBY: 10% off (55+)
- Tea Room Cafe: 10% off (50+)
- Uno Pizzeria & Grill: 25% off on Wednesday (55+)
- Village Inn: 10% off (60+)
- Waffle House: 10% off every Monday (60+)
- Wendy’s: 10% off ( 55 +)
- Whataburger: 10% off (62+)
- White Castle: 10% off (62+)
Grocery Store Senior Citizen Discounts
Shopping at a grocery store that offers a senior discount is a savvy way to save money and trim your spending. While some major retailers have discontinued the days of senior discounts, several still offer savings for older shoppers.
2024 List of Senior Discounts at Grocery Stores
- Albertsons: 10% off first Wednesday of each month (55 +)
- American Discount Stores: 10% off every Monday (50 +)
- Compare Foods Supermarket: 10% off every Wednesday (60+)
- DeCicco Family Markets: 5% off every Wednesday (62+)
- Fred Meyer: 10% off purchase (55+)
- Fry’s Supermarket: free Fry’s VIP Club Membership & 10% off every Monday ( 55 +)
- Great Valu Food Store: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
- Gristedes Supermarket: 10% off every Tuesday (60+)
- Harris Teeter: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
- Hy-Vee: 5% off one day a week (date varies by location)
- Kroger: 10% off (date varies by location)
- Morton Williams Supermarket: 5% off every Tuesday (60+)
- The Plant Shed: 10% off every Tuesday ( 50 +)
- Publix: 15% off every Wednesday (55 +)
- Rogers Market: 5% off every Thursday (60+)
- Uncle Guiseppe’s Marketplace: 15% off (62+)
Travel Senior Discounts
Several airlines, car rental companies, and other transportation services offer discounts for seniors traveling to select destinations. Several hotels, motels, and inns also offer senior discounts to continue the fun that comes with traveling. Be sure to call ahead or check the company’s website for the most up-to-date information before completing your booking.
2024 List of Senior Travel Discounts
Airlines:
- Alaska Airlines: 50% off (65+)
- American Airlines: Discount tickets for international flights (65+)
- British Airways: $200 off trans-Atlantic flights for AARP members
- Southwest Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up
- United Airlines: various discounts for ages 65 and up
Rail and Bus:
- Amtrak: 10% off select fares (65+)
- Greyhound: 15% off (62+)
- Sun Metro: discounted fares on buses in El Paso, TX (65+)
- Trailways Transportation System: various discounts (50+)
- Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority: various discounts (65+)
Car Rental:
- Alamo Car Rental: up to 25% off for AARP members
- Avis: up to 25% off for AARP members
- Budget Rental Cars: up to 50% off for AARP members
- Dollar Rent-A-Car: 10% off or AAA members
- Enterprise Rent-A-Car: 5% off for AARP members
- Hertz: up to 25% off for AARP members, or $39 per day or 20% off for AAA members
- National Rent-A-Car: up to 30% off for AARP members
- Thrifty: 8% off for AAA members
Overnight Accommodations
- Best Western: 15% off (55+)
- Cambria Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
- Waldorf Astoria – NYC $5,000 off nightly rate for Presidential Suite (55 +)
- Choice Hotels: 10% off (60+)
- Clarion Motels: 20%-30% off (60+)
- Comfort Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
- Comfort Suites: 20%-30% off (60+)
- Econo Lodge: 40% off (60+)
- Hampton Inns & Suites: 10% off best rate (65+)
- Holiday Inn: 20-40% off depending on location (62+)
- Hilton Hotels: 15% off for AAA members
- Hyatt Hotels: 25%-50% off (62+)
- InterContinental Hotels Group: various discounts at all hotels (65+)
- LaQuinta: 10% off for AARP members
- Mainstay Suites: 10% off with Mature Traveler’s Discount (50+); 20%-30% off (60+)
- Motel 6: 10% off (60+)
- Myrtle Beach Resort: 30% off ( 55 +)
- Quality Inn: 40%-50% off (60+)
- Red Roof Inn: 10% off (59+)
- Rodeway Inn: 20%-30% off (60+)
- Sleep Inn: 40% off (60+)
Entertainment Senior Discounts
Heading out to a night at the movies or planning a trip to a theme park with the grandkids? Make sure you check ahead of time if you can save at theaters, theme parks, and other entertainment venues.
2024 List of Senior Discounts for Activities and Entertainment:
- AMC Theaters: up to 30% off (55+), or 4 E-tickets with 1 popcorn E-voucher for AAA members
- Bally Total Fitness: $100 off memberships (62+)
- Blue Man Group: Discounted tickets at box office for AAA members
- Busch Gardens Tampa, FL: $13 off one-day tickets ( 50 +)
- Cinemark/Century Theaters: up to 35% off
- Dollywood: Discounted tickets for AAA members
- Elvis Presley’s Graceland: $24 off admission, advance purchase only for AAA members
- U.S. National Parks: $10 lifetime pass; 50% off additional services including camping (62+)
- Regal Cinemas: 50% off Ripley’s Believe it or Not: @ off one-day ticket ( 55 +)
- Redbox: 25% off for AAA members (online only)
- SeaWorld: Discount admission tickets vary for AAA members
- Showcase Cinemas: $3 off E-tickets for AAA members
- Six Flags Theme Parks: 40% off admission passes for AAA members (online only)
- Universal Studios Orlando: Discount admission tickets vary for AAA members
- Walt Disney World Theme Parks: Discount admission tickets vary for AAA members
- 2024 National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Senior Pass
2,000 Federal recreational sites: $80 Lifetime Pass or $20 Annual Pass (62+)
Other Senior Discounts
Many retailers offer senior discounts older shoppers can use on certain days of the month. Those dates are typically announced in sale flyers, newsletters, and other forms of advertising.
2024 List of Senior Discounts for Retail and Apparel
- Bealls: 20% off first Tuesday of each month (50 +)
- Belk: 15% off first Tuesday of every month (55 +)
- Big Lots: 30% off
- Bon-Ton Department Stores: 15% off on senior discount days (55 +)
- C.J. Banks: 10% off every Wednesday (50+)
- Clarks : 10% off (62+)
- Dress Barn: 20% off (55+)
- Goodwill: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
- Hallmark: 10% off one day a week (date varies by location)
- Kohl’s: 15% off (60+)
- Michael’s: 10% off (55+)
- Modell’s Sporting Goods: 30% off
- Rite Aid: 10% off on Tuesdays & 10% off prescriptions
- Ross Stores: 10% off every Tuesday (55+)
- The Salvation Army Thrift Stores: up to 50% off (55+)
- Stein Mart: 20% off red-dot clearance items first Monday of every month (55 +)
- 1-800-Flowers.com: 20% off for AAA members
2024 List of Senior Cell Phone and Other Miscellaneous Discounts:
- Ancestry.com: 30% off membership for AARP members
- AT&T: Special Senior Nation 200 Plan $19.99/month (65+)
- Great Clips: $8 off haircuts (60+)
- Guardian Emergency Response Systems: 20% off for AAA members
- Jitterbug: $10/month cell phone service (50 +)
- MedJetAssist: can apply for the Platinum Membership (85+)
- NAPA Auto Parts: 10% off for AAA members
- Supercuts: $8 off haircuts (60+)
- Verizon Wireless: Verizon Nationwide 65 Plus Plan $29.99/month (65+)
Making the Most of Senior Citizen Discounts
As these lists show, there’s a world of senior discounts out there for you. It can literally pay to ask about savings opportunities wherever you go, including larger chain establishments and smaller mom-and-pop stores. Don’t assume senior discounts will be applied automatically or be offered to you if you appear to be eligible, as workers don’t want to risk offending customers. Many communities publish special senior discount cards or other types of savings programs in weekly newsletters, so if your favorite restaurant, grocery store, or pharmacy publishes one, you should consider signing up.
Senior Discount Frequently Asked Questions
Is There an Amazon Prime Senior Discount?
Amazon does not currently offer a senior discount, however there are several ways that seniors can save money on Amazon purchases:
- Amazon offers a discounted Prime membership rate for qualifying customers with an EBT or Medicaid card. This includes seniors who qualify for these programs.
- Amazon often offers discounts and special deals on certain products, and these deals can be found on the Amazon website or accessed through the Amazon app.
Is There an Uber Senior Discount?
Uber does not currently offer a senior discount, but there are ways that seniors can save money on Uber rides:
- Uber occasionally offers promotional codes and discounts that can be applied to rides. These promotions can be found on the Uber app or website.
- Seniors can sign up for Uber’s rewards program, Uber Rewards, to earn points for every ride they take. These points can be redeemed for discounts on future rides.
Is There a Lowe’s Senior Discount?
Lowe’s does not offer a formal senior discount, although this may vary based on location. Other ways that seniors can save money at Lowe’s include:
- Lowe’s does offer a military discount of 10% to both active military members and veterans.
- Seniors can utilize the savings associated with Lowe’s store credit cards to save money while shopping.
How to Turn Your Life Insurance or Home Into Cash
Life Settlements
People purchase life insurance policies to provide financial security for their family or protect a business venture. Over time, those circumstances may change, as children grow or you retire and sell your business, so life insurance policies no longer serve their intended purpose.
Many policyholders tap into cash-value life insurance for a number of reasons, but mainly to build a cushion for their retirement. Also known as permanent life insurance, cash-value life insurance policies provide both a death benefit and a cash-value accumulation during the policyholder’s lifetime. Selling a policy that is no longer needed, or that you can no longer comfortably afford, can provide you with the cash to live your life more enjoyable, and cash in with senior discounts.
Reverse Mortgage
Homeowners with little to no remaining mortgage balance that are age 62 or older can qualify to take a HUD backed Home Equity Conversion Mortgage (HECM) loan against the home in the form of a lump sum, monthly income or a line of credit. To qualify the home must still be the primary residence and the loan must be paid back with interest and fees after the homeowner dies (typically through the sale of the property).
Conclusion
Living and enjoying life in your later years doesn’t have to break the bank. It never hurts to ask questions when you’re shopping, especially if potential savings are on the line. By knowing what’s available to you, you can better plan your retirement spending and make the most out of your hard-earned money. Senior discounts help ease the stress that comes with transitioning into retirement, and have the bonus of making you feel like a valued customer.
Senior discounts are a clever way to get the most out of your retirement funds, but there are also ways to boost your income in retirement. The experts at Retirement Genius can talk you through your options including senior discounts, life settlements, reverse mortgages, annuities, and more. Contact the experts at Retirement Genius today to start discussing your retirement plan.
