Senior Discounts: Find Out How to Use Them to Save Money on Travel, Retail, Restaurants and More
From travel to dining, turns out you may not even need to be a ‘senior’ to save big on these everyday expenses!
Want a way to make your “golden years” that much more golden? Maximize those discounts! Thankfully it’s easier than ever thanks to special deals being offered for everything from travel and groceries to cell phones and national parks—and they start earlier than you think! Below you’ll find some of the best senior discounts that make it easy to have fun and treat yourself for less as young as 50 years old!
How old do you have to be to get senior discounts?
While “senior citizens” are generally defined as those aged 65 or older, aligning with eligibility for retirement benefits like Medicare, many businesses offer senior discounts starting as young as 55 and some as young as 50, so it’s a good idea to ask about the age at which you qualify for any given deal or discount. Plus, having an AARP membership, which starts at age 50 for a full membership, often unlocks additional savings.
Senior discounts for everyday expenses
Auto insurance
This is one insurance that should actually get cheaper as you get older. If you think you’re paying too much for auto insurance, make sure to specifically request the senior discount, even through your current insurance carrier. Ask if you can bundle it with other insurance to save even more money!
Some companies that offer senior discounts include Geico (50+), Allstate (65+) and The Hartford (55+).
Cell phone
Catching up with friends and family doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Many cell phone providers have plans at a reduced cost for people 55 and up that include texting, calls and data.
- T-Mobile: “T-Mobile offers a fantastic Senior Discount Plan starting at just $30/month,” says Laurie Hise, founder of Passionate Penny Pincher, a budgeting blog. In this “Essential Choices 55” plan, you’ll get two lines for $60, which includes unlimited talk and text, 50 GB premium data, and unlimited 5G and 4G LTE. It’s one of many discounted plans the company offers.
- AT&T: AARP members can save $10 per month, per line on an unlimited plan. Florida seniors get their own perk with an unlimited 55+ plan that includes one line for $60 or two lines for $80.
- Consumer Cellular: Anyone 50 and up can get unlimited talk and text for $50 a month. (AARP members also get 5% off monthly service.)
- Mint Mobile: For as little as $15 per month, those 55+ can enjoy a 5GB plan or unlimited for $30.
- Verizon: Like AT&T, seniors in Florida can choose a discounted plan. It costs $62 for one line.
Grocery stores
Many grocery stores offer senior discounts on certain days of the week. Some local grocery stores will offer small discounts, too. It never hurts to ask if your store has them and when they are, then put them in your calendar so you remember when to go!
Here are some discounts from popular supermarket chains:
- Fred Meyer: 10%-15% off on the first Tuesday of each month (55+)
- Fry’s Food Stores: 10% off on the first Wednesday of each month (55+)
- Piggly-Wiggly: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
- Publix: 5% off every Wednesday (60+)
Pharmacies
Popular pharmacy chains offer senior discount programs to entice customers. You just need to be a part of their membership programs, and these savings can really add up!
- Walgreens: “Every 1st Tuesday of the month, score 20% off at Walgreens,” says Hise. This also applies to online purchases over a short period of time. Check the website for the code before shopping. (55+)
- Rite Aid: Senior members earn 5x points on eligible in-store purchases on the first Wednesday of every month. (65+)
- CVS: As a member 60 or older, you get regular savings and deals on both medications and everyday items whenever you use your ExtraCare card in-store or online.
The best senior discounts for travel
Airlines
You can get some great discounts on air travel through airlines like Southwest, Frontier Airlines, American Airlines and United Airlines. Either call them directly to book or book online and the airline will apply the senior discount if and when available.
Cruises
“Planning a getaway? You can get senior pricing on fabulous cruises with Carnival and Royal Caribbean,” says Hise. Before you book, be sure to call and ask. It can make your trip much more affordable!
Hotels
Many of the programs are aligned with an AARP membership, but there are plenty of others that offer their own discount. For example, Best Western, Wyndham, Hilton, Marriott and Choice all have a senior rate. Not sure if your choice of accommodation has a discount? Call and ask!
National parks
U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 and older have two discounted options for the national parks: an annual pass for $20 or a lifetime option for $80. It may also allow you a 50 percent discount on some amenity fees charged for facilities and services at the parks.
Trains
If you like the idea of traveling by train, Amtrak offers a deal for seniors. Those 62 and older can get a 10 percent discount on most rail fares for most of the company’s trains. One note: It does not apply to non-Acela business class, first class or sleeping accommodation.
Save at the movies
Many of the major movie chains offer great discounts on tickets for seniors. Cinemark has Senior Discount Days, which include any movie and showtime for even less than the standard senior ticket price. AMC has senior pricing every day for those 60 and older. Regal theaters also offer a discount for seniors (60+) depending on the location and time of the showing.
Senior discounts at restaurants
Treat yourself to a great meal with senior discounts! IHOP has a special 55+ menu that features discounted prices on breakfast, lunch and dinner items. You can get options like a BLT, Breakfast Sampler, Crispy Shrimp and more.
AARP members can also enjoy discounts at many restaurants and fast food chains like:
- Cinnabon
- Denny’s
- Jamba Juice
- Joe’s Crab Shack
- Landry’s Seafood
- Moe’s Southwest Grill
- Outback Steakhouse
- Papa John’s
- and Rainforest Cafe
Senior discounts on shopping & retail
Many retail stores also have certain days where seniors can save. From crafts to clothes, check out some of the most popular options:
- Kohl’s: On Wednesdays, shoppers who are 60 and older get a 15 percent discount on any in-store purchases.
- Michael’s: If you’re a rewards member (and 55+), you’ll receive a 10 percent discount (including sale items and online inventory) whenever you shop.
- PetSmart: Pet owners who are at least 65 years old can get a discount on some services offered by the retail chain. This includes 10 percent off at the Grooming Salon on Tuesdays and 10 percent off any overnight stay at a PetsHotel.
- Ross Dress for Less: The chain allows customers 55+ to receive 10 percent off purchases made on Tuesdays.
Sam’s Club
The members-only retail warehouse offers a whopping 60% off a regular membership, or $50 off a Sam’s Club+ Membership,” says Hise. You must be 50 years or older to receive the discount.
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