Trying to make the most of limited income is a challenge at any age. It often seems like there are simply too many expenses and not enough money to go around.
This issue is often worse for seniors, as income can be very tight indeed. Some people get around this by looking for odd jobs or even working full-time and avoiding retirement.
But, those approaches may not always be an option. And even if they are – finding ways to reduce your expenses is always critical.
In this list, we’re highlighting a wide range of discounts out there. Some are things that you would use in your daily life. Others might be more relevant to a special occasion or a trip.
Discounts change regularly, so make sure you check what is available before using any of them. Offers will often vary from one location and the next.
Supermarkets and Retail Stores
Local grocery stores will often provide senior discounts or days where additional discounts are provided for seniors. Large chains may do this as well, but it is less common. Regardless, the availability and the timing varies dramatically by location. You’ll need to keep your eyes out, particularly in local papers and advertisements.
- Albertsons typically offers a 10% senior discount on the first Wednesday of each month (55+).
- Kohl’s offers 15% off on Wednesdays (60+).
Many retail stores offer discounts for seniors. Sometimes these discounts are based on the day, although other types exist as well.
- Get 10% off on purchases at Banana Republic (50+).
- 15% off at Bealls Outlet on Tuesdays (50+).
- Hallmark offers 10% off on one day each week, although the day depends on your location. The required age for discount varies as well.
- Goodwill provides 10% to 20% discount for one day each week (55+). Again, the day is based on location.
- The Salvation Army has up to 50% off (55+). This is normally on specific days. The days and total discount are both based on location.
- Clarks provides a straight 10% off purchases (62+).
- 10% off every Tuesday at Ross Stores (55+).
- Bon-Ton Department Stores provides a 15% discount on specific days (55+). This increases to 20% if you use the company’s credit card.
- 10% at Dressbarn on Tuesday and/or Wednesday (55+).
Restaurants and Fast Food
Discounts are supermarkets and retailers are hit and miss. Some stores have them, but most don’t. Those that do rarely have them consistently. In contrast, most restaurants and some fast food chains offer discounts. This may be simply a free coffee or a drink, while others offer a percentage discount.
However, many food stores are franchised. As a result, individual stores may offer discounts, while others from the same company may not. Always check first.
The following stores all offer 10% discounts on the total bill, at some locations: Arby’s (60+), A&W (60+), Ben & Jerry’s, Burger King (60+), Chili’s (55+), Einstein’s Bagels (60+), El Pollo Loco (60+), Gatti’s Pizza (60+), Sonic (60+), Subway (60+), and Village Inn (60+).
Other discounts are as follows.
- Applebee’s offers 10% to 15% discount on your total bill (60+).
- Corky’s Homestyle Kitchen & Bakery (55+) has a discounted senior menu and a frequent diner card for seniors.
- Carrows Restaurant has a Golden 55 Menu. This offers discounted meals, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner (55+).
- Captain D’s Seafood has a Happy Wednesday offer, which provides low-priced meals (62+).
- CiCi’s Pizza. Many stores offer senior discounts, but rates and age requirements are not specified.
- Golden Corral offers senior discounts – with age and rate varying by location.
- The same is true for Long John Silver’s (55+).
- IHOP has a senior menu with discounted items (55+).
There are many others as well, with offers regularly changing over time. You can also find a comprehensive list at The Senior List, which includes discounts for AARP members only.
Because there is so much variation based on location, your best approach is normally just to ask whether there is a senior discount. But, the locations above are all good places to start.
Entertainment
Senior discounts for entertainment are common as well. Most places will provide reduced admission for seniors – although many of these start at 60 or 65 years of age.
- Save up to 30% on regular admission at AMC Theaters (60+). Many locations offer extra discounts on Tuesdays, which could allow you to save 50% or more on tickets.
- AT&T offers a senior plan that is an inexpensive choice for calling (65+).
- Bally Total Fitness provides a $50 to $100 membership discount to seniors (62+).
- Many museums provide ticket discounts for seniors, including the Art Institute of Chicago.
- Cinemark/Century Theaters provides 35% discount on tickets for seniors, with extra discounts on Mondays (62+).
- Hollywood Theaters offers 30% discount on tickets. The age requirement varies depending on where you live.
Travel and Accommodation
Various travel programs and services offer discounts. You’ll need to shop around here, as the total discount can vary considerably.
Some airlines don’t advertise senior discounts, but they periodically provide senior deals on their site. You can also call them for details. Examples include American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and United Airlines.
- Alaska Airlines may offer 10% off your flight total (62+). Like most airlines, limited information is available, and you’ll need to call 1-800-252-7522 to see whether this is relevant to your flight.
- Amtrak provides 10% discount on most rail fares (65+). For some cross-border services, the age requirement drops to 60+ years.
- Dollar Rent-A-Car offers 10% off (50+).
- Hertz provides rental deals (50+), although exact rates and discounts are not specified.
- Marriot offers a 15% (or above) discount on your stay (62+).
- Knights Inn has a discount of up to 10% (60+).
- Seniors (62+) can purchase a Senior Lifetime Pass for $80 that allows lifetime access to National Parks across the nation.
- Greyhound offers a 5% discount (62+).
These hotels all offer variable discounts. You’ll need to call to find out what they are and whether they apply to you
- Candlewood Suites (62+)
- Crown Plaza (62+)
- Days Inn (60+)
- Sleep Inn (60+)
- Motel 6 (60+)
- Super 8
The following hotels offer 10% discount for advance bookings only.
- Cambria Suites (60+)
- Clarion Hotels (60+)
- Comfort Inn (60+)
- Travelodge
Some companies offer discounts for AARP members only. These include Alamo Car Rental, Avis, Payless Car Rental, and Best Western. Once again, you can check out the details on The Senior List for additional companies, along with discounts that apply to AARP members only.
Finding Discounts Yourself
This list isn’t exhaustive. There are many other discounts out there as well, including some that aren’t well-advertised. Thankfully, there are various ways to find these too.
Make sure you ask. There’s never any harm in asking for a discount – and many companies don’t advertise theirs at all. Others may only provide them if you ask.
Look online. Searching online is a powerful approach. You could simply use Google and look for discounts in your local area or for a specific type of need, like transportation, travel or shopping.
Some sites also specialize in up-to-date lists of discounts. The site Senior Discounts is a powerful one and Sciddy is another. Both offer various ways to search for discounts and various categories.
Join a club. Many clubs provide additional discounts to members or make discounts easier to find. They often have the power to get many more discounts than you could find otherwise.
The most obvious one is AARP, where membership costs $16 per year or less if you join for multiple years. Another is The Seniors Coalition, which costs $13.50 to be a member.
You can also simply look around for senior clubs, either locally or nationally. They won’t all provide discounts, but many will offer resources to help you find some.
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