The Best Discounts for Seniors [Updated for 2025]
Written by Jordan McElwain — Updated: Monday, February 3, 2025
Many businesses across the United States offer discounts for seniors on groceries, dining, retail, leisure, travel, and other everyday expenses.
These discounts are often designed to build customer loyalty, show appreciation, and help older adults manage the challenges of rising costs and fixed incomes.
While some businesses heavily promote their senior discounts, others can be a little harder to uncover. So, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of businesses offering the best senior discounts. However, if you're ever in doubt—just ask! Many businesses may offer discounts and perks, even if it's not part of their official policy.
What are senior discounts?
Senior discounts are reduced prices or special offers provided by businesses to adults who meet a certain age requirement. While there is no federal law mandating senior discounts in the US, many companies choose to offer them to cultivate goodwill and customer loyalty.
Some businesses offer special discounts daily, while others may provide senior discounts only on specific days or between certain hours.
What is the age for senior discounts?
Not everyone agrees on what age makes someone a senior citizen. As such, the age for senior citizen discounts varies depending on the business. Many businesses start offering discounts at age 50, though 55 is a more common starting age for senior discounts. Some companies don’t offer discounts until you reach 60 or older. Always be ready to show proof of age to qualify for senior discounts.
Restaurants that offer discounts for seniors
| Restaurant | Discount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Bob Evans | 10% | 55+ |
| Carrabba’s Italian Grill | 10% | Present your AARP card |
| Chili's | 10% | 55+ |
| Corner Bakery | 10% | Present your AARP card |
| Denny’s | 15% | Present your AARP card |
| Einstein Bagels | 10% | 60+ |
| El Pollo Loco | 10% (maximum $1 value) | 60+ |
| iHop | Discounted menu | 55+ |
| Joe’s Crab Shack | 10% | Present your AARP card |
| Outback Steakhouse | 10% | Present your AARP card |
| Papa John's | 20% | Present your AARP card |
| Zaxby's | 10% | 55+ |
Other restaurants, including McDonalds, Burger King, Wendy’s, Chick-fil-A, and Soup Plantation, offer discounts depending on location.
The discount typically applies to food and non-alcoholic drinks at most establishments.
Grocery stores that offer discounts for seniors
| Store | Discount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| American Discount Foods | 10% | Shop on Monday, 62+ |
| Bi-Lo | 5% | Shop on Wednesday with Senior Bonuscard, 60+ |
| DeCicco Family Markets | 5% | Present DeCicco Preferred Card on Wednesday, 62+ |
| Fred Meyer | 10% | Shop on first Tuesday of the month, 55+ |
| Fry's Food Stores | 10% | Shop on first Wednesday of the month, 55+ |
| Gristedes Supermarket | 10% | Shop on Tuesday, 65+ |
| Harris Teeter | 5% | Shop on Thursday, 60+ |
| New Seasons | 10% | Shop on Wednesday, 65+ |
| Piggly Wiggly | 5% | Shop on Wednesday at participating store 60+ |
| Publix | 5% | Shop on Wednesday at participating store, 60+ |
| Uncle Giuseppe’s Marketplace | 5% | Show ID at customer service desk |
A couple of drugstores also offer discounts:
Walgreens offers 20% off eligible items for adults 55+ on the first Tuesday of each month.
Rite Aid offers 5x rewards points to adults 65+ with their Rite Aid membership card on the first Wednesday of the month.
Retail stores that offer discounts for seniors
| Store | Discount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Kohl's | 15% | Shop on Wednesday, 60+ |
| Lenscrafters | 50% off lenses with frame purchase | Present AARP card |
| Michael's | 10% | Everyday using Michael’s rewards account, 55+ |
| Ross Dress for Less | 10% | Shop on Tuesday, 55+ |
| TJ Maxx (Florida locations) | 10% | Shop on Monday, 55+ |
While some other retail stores may offer discounts for older adults, it often depends on the individual store.
Amazon Prime offers a discount that may benefit some older adults, but it is not based on age. If you already qualify for an assistance program such as Medicaid, EBT, or SNAP, you can receive a discount of over 50% on a prime membership.
Travel and transportation discounts for seniors
| Store | Discount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 10% | 65+ |
| Best Western | Up to 15% | 55+ (or 50+ with AARP card) |
| Hertz car rental | Up to 20% | 50+ |
| Hilton | Up to 7% | 65+ |
| Marriott | Up to 15% | 62+ |
| Thrifty car rental | 5% | 50+ |
| Wyndham | Up to 10% | 60+ |
Many cruise lines, such as Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Celebrity, MSC, and Norwegian offer discounted rates for older adults as well.
Additionally, many airlines offer discounts, including United, Air Canada, British Airways, Delta, and American Airlines.
Public transportation lines in the US that receive federal funding are required to offer discounted fares to older adults during off-peak hours.
Entertainment and leisure senior discounts
| Location | Discount Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| AMC movie theaters | Up to $4 | 60+ |
| Disneyland | Up to $35 off park tickets | Present your AARP card |
| US National Parks | Discounted annual pass ($20) and lifetime pass ($80) | 62+ |
| Regal cinema | Depends on time/day/movie | 60+ |
Additional senior discounts for phone and mail services
| Location | Discount Amount | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|---|
| AT&T | Specially priced plans available | 55+ |
| T-Mobile | Specially priced plans available | 55+ |
| UPS | 5% shippin | Present your AARP card |
| Verizon | Specially priced plans available | 55+ |
7 Bonus ways for seniors to save money in everyday life
1. Search for coupons/promos
Even if a business doesn't have regular senior discounts, it's worth checking for special senior discount days in flyers or online promotions. When shopping in person, keep an eye out for printable or digital coupons, and when shopping online, be sure to search for promo codes.
Many people find it useful to use browser extensions that earn you discounts and cash back for online purchases. Some examples of these tools are: Rakuten, Honey, and Capital One Shopping.
2. Enjoy a movie matinee
If you enjoy the movies, consider going during the day. Many theaters offer discounted tickets for shows before 4pm. Some theaters offer discount days (usually Tuesdays) too!
3. Gift card bargains
If you find gift cards to your favorite stores on sale, grab a few! They can be a great way to save on future purchases. Costco often sells $100 packs of gift cards for $80-90.
4. Smartphone apps for grocery savings
Several apps, like Ibotta, Fetch, Receipt Hog, and Checkout 51, allow you to earn cashback by uploading your receipts after grocery shopping.
5. Government assistance programs
Don’t forget to review your eligibility for programs like SNAP, SSI, Medicare, LIHEAP, and the USDA Housing Repair Program. These programs can help lower everyday costs.
6. AARP Membership
Some discounts are exclusive to AARP members. It’s worth evaluating whether the annual membership fee would provide enough value through discounts to make it a good investment for you.
7. Discover ways to save on healthcare costs
Healthcare costs are one of the top three expenses for seniors. Having the right Medicare plan and using your benefits to their fullest can help you save a lot of money on healthcare costs. Learn more about how you can reduce your healthcare costs.