Does Harris Teeter Have a Senior Discount?

Written by Ari Parker — Updated: Saturday, July 26, 2025

Managing the rising costs of groceries and gas is a challenge for many Americans, particularly older adults living on a fixed income. Whether you live off of funds from Social Security, pensions, savings, or a combination of all three, knowing where to save on everyday items can help you stay on top of your budget. 

Harris Teeter offers an in-store 5% senior discount every Thursday for individuals aged 60 and up. To receive 5% off of qualifying purchases, you must sign up for a Very Important Customer (VIC) card. Once you’re a VIC card holder, you can take advantage of other VIC promotions and sales both online and in stores.

In this article, we’ll explain how Harris Teeter’s senior discount policy works and additional ways to save money when shopping at Harris Teeter. 

Key takeaways:

  • Seniors aged 60 and up can get 5% off qualifying purchases at Harris Teeter every Thursday.

  • Individuals must be VIC card members to receive Harris Teeter’s senior discount.

  • VIC card members can also save money by earning fuel points, entering designated VIC sweepstakes and promotions, and using e-VIC digital coupons when shopping online.

Does Harris Teeter offer a senior discount?

Yes, Harris Teeter offers a weekly senior citizen discount for people shopping in-store. Individuals aged 60 and older who are VIC card holders can take 5% off of qualifying purchases every Thursday. Keep in mind that some items don’t qualify for this discount, including gas, pharmacy items, tickets, and gift cards.

How Harris Teeter’s VIC card system works

As a VIC card holder, you can take advantage of Harris Teeter’s senior discount on Thursdays. You’ll also be automatically entered into designated VIC sweepstakes and special promotions. When shopping online, you can use e-VIC digital coupons to save money on online orders.

To become a VIC card holder, you can visit the customer service desk at any Harris Teeter store or create a Harris Teeter account to follow the sign-up instructions online. 

Age requirements and limitations

There are some limitations to Harris Teeter’s senior discount:

  • You can only get the senior discount on Thursdays. 

  • You must be 60 or older and have a VIC card to get the senior discount.

  • Not all purchases qualify for Harris Teeter’s senior discount, including gas, pharmacy items, tickets, and gift cards.

  • If you’re applying additional coupons or VIC discounts to your purchase, the 5% discount will apply after the other discounts are deducted.

Comparing Harris Teeter savings options

To maximize your potential savings when shopping at Harris Teeter, consider all of the following options:

  • Become a VIC Card Member: Increase your potential savings by becoming a VIC card holder. Not only will you be able to take advantage of Harris Teeter’s senior discount on Thursdays, VIC card holders receive additional promotions and digital coupons that can help you save money. You’ll also be automatically entered in VIC specific promotions and sweepstakes.

  • Use multiple coupons: With most purchases, you can combine coupons and promotions to increase your savings. If you sign up for the e-VIC program you can also download savings directly to your VIC card so that they’ll automatically apply when you use your card at checkout in store or online.

  • Keep an eye out for the items of the week: VIC card holders who sign up for the e-VIC program get special discounts on specific items every week. No coupons necessary.

Best ways for seniors to save money at Harris Teeter

To save as much money as possible when shopping at Harris Teeter, sign up for a VIC card. Becoming a VIC card holder unlocks many savings opportunities, including the Harris Teeter senior discount. Additional strategies to save money at Harris Teeter include:

  • Collect fuel points when purchasing gas, which can add up to $1 per gallon savings at the pump.

  • Sign up for the e-VIC program, which offers weekly personalized savings and sale alerts.

  • If you’re an e-VIC member, be sure to check the bottom of your weekly emails to see if you’ve won free groceries. Every week, Harris Teeter gives away at least $100 in free groceries to one e-VIC member. 

Bottom line

Learning how to save money at your favorite stores can help to minimize your grocery, gas, and other day-to-day costs. 

Every Thursday, seniors who have a VIC card and are aged 60 and up can receive 5% off of grocery purchases at Harris Teeter. The average American household spends around $504 each month on groceries. If you spend similarly, using Harris Teeter’s senior discount on your weekly shopping could save you around $25 each month, or $300 every year.

Becoming a VIC card holder can also help to maximize your savings when shopping throughout the week and online.

Knowing which brands offer senior discounts, sales, loyalty programs, and other promotions can have a positive impact on your financial well-being. Check out Chapter’s Budgeting and Financial Wellness Resources page for more tips and recommendations. 

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024, September 25). Consumer Expenditures 2023. 

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