Senior Discounts
Getting older definitely has its perks, and one of them is the discounts that kick in once you hit a certain age. The problem is, a lot of these savings fly under the radar. People often aren’t aware they’re entitled to them, and so they don’t ask and don’t get. Here are 35 things and places where you could be saving money – you just need to be aware of what’s on offer.
Public Transportation
Most transit systems in America offer discounted fares for seniors, often cutting the cost in half. Some cities even let residents ride for free after a certain age. You’ll need a special pass in many places, but once you get it, the sky is the limit. Or the road is at least.
Grocery Stores
Many big-name grocery chains offer senior discounts, but you’d be surprised how often they go unused. Some give 5–10% off certain days of the week, usually for shoppers 55 years of age and over. It’s easy to miss since they don’t always advertise it loudly.
McDonalds
Okay, so McDonalds doesn’t offer a senior discount across the whole chain (booo), but many individual stores offer a senior discount on coffee. Try calling up your local place and asking. They want to keep customers lovin’ it after all.
Movie Theaters
Catching a matinee is already cheaper than going to the movies in the evening, but seniors can usually score an additional discount on tickets too - sometimes as much as 30% off. Big chains like AMC, Regal, and Cinemark all have senior pricing, and some throw in popcorn or drink deals.
Retail Clothing Stores
Many department stores and clothing retailers quietly give seniors discounts - usually 10–15% off one day a week. Places like Kohl’s, Ross, and Belk have long-standing senior discount days. It’s not always promoted, so you have to ask.
Restaurants
Plenty of independent restaurants, especially the sit-down ones, have special senior menus or discounts - often around 10%. Sometimes you don’t even need a coupon, just proof of age. So if you’re planning to eat out, make sure you have your ID with you just in case.
Hotels
Plenty of hotel chains - like Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt - offer senior discounts that can save you 10–20% per night. The trick is you usually have to book directly through the hotel, not a third-party site. But that little step is more than worth doing.
Airlines
Not all airlines shout about it, but a few still give seniors lower fares. United for example have reduced ticket prices in some cases, although not all. It’s worth asking, especially for longer flights where those savings really add up.
Car Rentals
Companies like Hertz often knock off a percentage for seniors, especially if you’re an AARP member. Discounts can range from 10–30%. Combine that with insurance benefits through memberships, and you’ve got yourself cheaper wheels for a road trip.
National Parks
This one’s a real gem: for a small one-time fee, seniors 62+ can grab a lifetime pass to all of America’s great national parks. That means unlimited access to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country, for life, at a fraction of the normal price.
Cell Phone Plans
Who says old people don’t use cell phones? They do. AT&T have senior-specific phone plans, often cheaper with unlimited talk, text, and data. T-Mobile even has a 55+ plan that’s half the cost of their regular one. Don’t delay, look into it today.
Prescription Drugs
Big pharmacy chains usually have senior savings programs or work with AARP to offer discounts. It’s not always automatic, you sometimes need to sign up for a card or membership. But when prescriptions eat into your budget big time, shaving off a few dollars each time really adds up across the year.
Gym Memberships
Fitness centers often run senior discounts, and Medicare Advantage plans sometimes throw in free access through SilverSneakers. That means you can do your exercises at no extra cost – and exercise is very important as you grow older.
Cultural and Zoological Institutions
Cultural spots love seniors! Most museums, aquariums, and zoos knock off a couple of bucks - or more - from the admission price. It might not sound huge, but when you have grandkids who love to go out, those savings pile up.
Trains
If you love traveling by train, Amtrak offers 10% off most fares for passengers 65 and older. It’s a quiet way to crisscross the country while keeping extra cash in your pocket. In fact, many people (both old and young) prefer train travel to flying.
Cruises
Cruise lines sometimes cut fares for seniors or offer cabin upgrades at no extra cost. The deals aren’t always published, but if you call and ask, you’ll be surprised at what they throw in. And who doesn’t love a nice relaxing senior-friendly cruise?
Utility Bills
Some power, gas, and water companies have senior or low-income discount programs. It’s rarely advertised, but all it takes is a phone call to customer service. Even a small monthly break can make a difference when you’re on a low income.
Amazon Prime
Most people pay full price for Prime, but seniors with Medicaid or an EBT card qualify for a hefty discount. There’s tons of shows, films and documentaries on Prime so even the pickiest person should be able to find good entertainment.
Theme Parks
Disney and Universal offer discounts through AARP, while other smaller theme parks throughout the US will be happy to talk to you about senior discounts if you give them a call. You may not want to go on roller coasters anymore, but a theme park is still a fun day out!
Car Insurance
Insurance companies often reduce rates for drivers over 55, especially if you take a defensive driving course first. Some states even require insurers to offer senior discounts. Ask around, or enlist an adult child to do some research for you.
State Parks
Similar to national parks, many state parks give residents over a certain age discounted or even free access to state parks. That means lower camping fees, cheaper fishing licenses, and reduced admission to recreation areas. Nice!
Hair Salons and Barbershops
Plenty of local salons and barbers quietly give seniors a discount - usually on specific days. It might be $5 off a haircut or a special package deal. It’s not always posted on the wall, so the best move is just to ask. If you can score a deal, that’s great for your future hair options.
Internet and Cable
Some providers offer discounted plans for seniors or retirees. They’re usually tucked away on the website or available only if you ask. While the speeds might not be ultra-fast, they’re still good for email and keeping in touch with family via Zoom and the like.
Sporting Events
Local sports teams - minor league baseball and college games for example - sometimes offer reduced ticket prices for seniors. It might only be a few dollars off, but if you’re a regular fan (or just want to get out of the house) it really helps.
Eye Care
Big optician chains often offer senior discounts on glasses and eye exams. Some even stack deals with AARP for extra savings. Since eyewear is notoriously expensive even though so many people need it, even a 10% break makes a big difference.
Hearing Aids
Hearing aids can unfortunately cost thousands, but many retailers and clinics have discounts for seniors or work with insurance to lower prices. It’s one of those areas where asking about discounts is essential - you don’t want to pay more than necessary to use a function of your own body.
Auto Repair Shops
Local mechanics often have senior specials - oil changes, tire rotations, or brake checks at discounted rates. It’s not something you’ll see on a billboard, but it’s well worth asking upfront. What have you got to lose if your car is already in trouble?
Libraries
Libraries are hands down one of the best things in America. And beyond free books, many libraries waive late fees for seniors or give discounts on printing and copying. Some even offer free or reduced passes to local museums and attractions!
Dental Care
Dentists don’t always advertise senior discounts, but turns out many have them, and they also offer membership programs that cost less than full insurance. Since dental work can be much too expensive, a simple ask at the front desk could make things a bit less stressful.
Pet Services
Vets and pet groomers occasionally have senior discounts, especially for longtime customers. It could be a few dollars off exams, shots, or grooming services. With pets being part of the family, those savings help keep them healthy and clean without having financial trouble.
Big Box Stores
Big box stores sometimes offer reduced membership rates for seniors, though you often have to ask or check through AARP. Considering how much you can save buying in bulk, getting a cheaper membership is a win-win.
Airlines Baggage Fees
Some airlines (although not all) don’t just discount air tickets - they also reduce baggage fees for seniors. Since luggage costs can be brutal, this is one discount worth checking before you book that holiday. Give the airline a call and they’ll be happy to help you.
Ride-Share Services
Uber and Lyft sometimes partner with senior organizations to provide discounted rides. And in some cities, local governments chip in to lower the cost even more. It’s one of those perks that depends on where you live, but if you rely on rides instead of driving, it’s worth exploring.
Home Improvement Stores
Many home improvement stores have senior discounts, although they’re often hidden behind military or AARP programs. If you like taking care of your home or garden, it’s well worth looking into – even 10% off can add up in the long term.
Dry Cleaning and Laundry Services
Here’s a nice fact - some dry cleaners and laundromats offer senior discounts on services. It’s not universal, but many locally owned places quietly cut 10% off for older customers. You should absolutely ask, especially if you don’t like doing a lot of laundry!
