Senior discounts Groceries shopping discounts Retirement Saving money restaurant discounts

Take advantage of your age and start saving money every time you shop, dine, or have fun. Here’s how.

As you reach retirement age, you may be seeking out new ways to stretch your budget and make the most of your hard-earned savings. One often overlooked avenue for savings is the wide variety of discounts available exclusively to seniors. From dining and travel to shopping and entertainment, there are countless opportunities for retirees to enjoy keeping dollars in their pockets simply by asking for it.

To help you get started, we’ve compiled a list of businesses that give special discounts based on age. Read on to learn more than 30 discounts that retirees can take advantage of, helping you make the most of your golden years without breaking the bank.

Retail stores

Goodwill: Many Goodwill stores offer a 10% to 30% discount for seniors, typically available on a certain day of the week. The deal is valid in-store and may not be offered at every location.
Kohls: Get a 15% discount every Wednesday if you’re 60 or older on a variety of brands (such as Apt. 9, Croft & Barrow, Sonoma Goods for Life, Nine West, and more). This discount is in-store only and some exclusions apply.
Michaels: Get 10% off your entire purchase, including sale items, both online and in stores if you’re 55 or older when you register through your Michaels Rewards account.
Rite Aid: Join the Rite Aid Rewards 65+ program to get 5x points on eligible in-store purchases the first Wednesday of every month, plus free consultations and special monthly activities.
Ross: Get 10% off purchases made on Tuesdays if you are 55+.
T.J. Maxx: Get 10% off at participating locations. Ask your local T.J. Maxx if they offer a discount for seniors.
Walgreens: On the first Tuesday of each month, customers ages 55+ who are members of the myWalgreens rewards program get 20% off in store on regular priced items.

Restaurants

Please note that chain restaurants are more likely to give discounts, but offers vary by location. Some examples include:

Arby’s: Most Arby’s locations will offer those 55+ a 10% or more discount on their order.
Bob Evans: Bob Evans has a senior menu with a variety of classic comfort food items. Plus, customers ages 55 and older can get a 10% discount.
Dairy Queen: Get 10% off or one free small drink if you’re 55 or older.
Denny’s: Denny’s has a 55+ menu with items including omelets, pancakes, and more. Plus, AARP members get 15% off when they show their membership card.
Dunkin: If you’re 55 or older, many Dunkin locations will offer 10% off or a free donut with a purchase.
iHop: iHop offers a 55+ menu with certain items for discounted prices, including French toast, pancakes, salad, pot roast, and BLTs.

Some local restaurants may offer a discount as well. Ask your server or a manager about any senior discounts that may be available.

Grocery stores

With the price of food skyrocketing, it’s good to know about these discounts when you’re minding your bottom line. It’s always good to ask your local supermarket because most chains don’t have a national policy. (Related: We found the healthiest low-cost foods in the supermarket.)

American Discount Foods: Every Monday, shoppers ages 62 and older get an additional 10% off their purchase.
Fred Meyer: The first Tuesday of every month, those ages 55+ can get an additional 10% off select items.
Harris Teeter: Get a 5% discount every Thursday if you’re 60 or older.
Publix: Some Publix locations offer 5% off your bill on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Check with your local location to learn if it’s offered there.
Weis Markets: Save 10% on Tuesdays on participating Weis-brand products by showing a valid ID and your Weis Rewards Card.
Tops Markets: The first Tuesday of every month is Young at Heart Day, a savings club exclusively for shoppers ages 60+. Sign up and get special discounts such as 6% off your total grocery and prescription purchases.

Cellphone plans

Check your bill to see what you’re paying now. If these deals can save you money, it might be worth switching providers.

T-Mobile: Plans for those ages 55 and older start at $60 per month for two lines, though there are additional plans for $100 and $120 per month with more perks such as Apple TV+ and Netflix memberships included.
Verizon: There’s an unlimited plan available for $62 per month for one line or $84 per month for two lines for people 55+, but it’s only available for new customers who live in Florida.
Consumer Cellular: AARP members get a 5% discount on plans.
Mint Mobile: Unlimited talk and text plans are available for $15 for new customers 55+.

Car rentals

AARP members can save up to 30% on car rentals from Avis, Budget, Payless, and other rental companies. Additionally, get senior discounts from:

Hertz: Travelers over 50 can save up to 20% off base rates and get access to additional program benefits.
Sixt: Get up to 5% off your prepaid rental if you’re age 50 years or older.
Thrifty: Save 5% on time and mileage charges on rentals of any car type.

Hotels

Best Western: Guests 55+ save with discounted room rates (call for more details).
Choice Hotels: If you’re 60+ or an AARP member, you’ll save up to 10% with advance reservations.
Extended Stay America: Those ages 55+ qualify for special room rates (call for full details) and can also benefit from the Extended Perks loyalty program.
Hilton: Travelers ages 65 and older and their families can save up to 7% off the Best Available Rate at participating Hilton properties.
IHG Hotels & Resorts: Guests ages 62 and older get discounted Senior Rates and access to IGH rewards (call for more details).
Marriott: This discount is available for guests 62 years and older and subject to availability. Call for more details.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts: Guests 60 years and older can enjoy special savings on the Best Available Rate at participating Wyndham locations. Book online or call for more details.

AARP members can get additional discounts at hotel properties including Ascent, Cambria Hotels, Comfort Hotels, Days Inn, and more.

Gyms

Some Medicare Advantage plans offer a gym membership or classes as a benefit, including SilverSneakers memberships that provide access to a range of in-person and online classes and entrance to thousands of fitness locations. If you don’t have one of these plans, ask your local gym or YMCA about deals they offer for memberships and/or classes. For example, many YMCAs offer senior discounts on memberships.

Movie theaters

Many larger movie theater chains offer discounted ticket prices to seniors, including AMC.

Additionally, some theaters have senior discount days, where on a certain day of the week seniors can get discounted tickets and concessions. For example, Showcase Cinemas has “Senior Wednesdays,” Marcus Theaters have discounted tickets on Fridays, and Cinemark has “Senior Day” discounts that vary by theater.

Museums, parks, and zoos

Many museums and zoos offer special discounted tickets for patrons 60 or 65+. Call ahead or check online to find out what discounts may be available to you. Some examples of discounts available include:

Art Institute of Chicago: Admission for seniors ages 65 and older is $26.
American Museum of Natural History: Admission is $22 for people ages 60 or older.
Jacksonville Zoo: Seniors 65 or older get a 10% discount on memberships.
National Park Service: You can get a Senior Lifetime Pass (valid for your lifetime) for $80 or a Senior Annual Pass (valid for one year) for $20 if you’re 62 or older. These passes get you into every national park. Plus, you can get additional discounts at select campsites and boat launches.
San Diego Zoo: Seniors ages 65 and older can get year-round admission to the San Diego Zoo and Safari Park, one complimentary day Guest Pass, two 50% off discount admission coupons, complimentary parking, and more for $152.10 per ticket.
Washington, D.C.: Seniors can get into a variety of museums and sites in Washington D.C. for discounted prices, including Arlington National Cemetery, the International Spy Museum, Mount Vernon, and more.

Other tips for saving money

When it comes to discounts, don’t be afraid to ask for one. When you go somewhere, ask the cashier, your server, or even a manager if they have discounts for people your age. Sometimes they may offer a discount off your bill, a special menu, or specific days for discounts. Even though the location may say no, it doesn’t hurt to ask.

Additionally, if you’re planning a vacation, meal out, or shopping day, you can search online for discounts at the places you’ll be visiting. Note that in some cases you may have to book or purchase ahead of time to get the discount.

Keep in mind that many national retail outlets and chains offer savings. While some discounts are regional, or even local, you’ll have better luck finding savings at these larger locations.

Finally, consider joining AARP. It has a members-only discount plan that offers deals on a variety of things, from cellphone plans, car rentals and hotels, stores, restaurants, and more.

LYNN CICCHELLI

Lynn Cicchelli is a writer with over 20 years' worth of experience creating healthy lifestyle content for both print and digital publications. Originally from New York, Lynn currently lives in Connecticut with her husband, stepson, and dog Indiana.