Don't Miss Out on These 11 Senior Discounts

Years ago, the age for receiving a senior discount was typically 65+. Today, however, that age has dropped at many retailers, restaurants and other venues. Many now offer a senior discount to customers as young as 50 or 55 years old.

It’s easy to forget to ask for a senior discount, especially if you’re in your 50s and yet feel like a senior citizen. But that doesn’t mean you’re not entitled to save money with the senior discount you’ve earned as an older adult.

Retail discounts

Some retail stores offer a senior discount once a month or on a specific day of the week. For example, Kohl’s offers a 15 percent senior discount for customers 60 and older every Wednesday. Before shopping, type “senior discount” in the website search box for the store you have in mind to save money, especially if you plan to make a large purchase.

Other retailers offering senior discounts include Michael’s, Rite-Aid Wellness (rewards program), Savers and Walgreen’s (special promotions for senior discount days).

Find out: 8 Tips for Saving Money on Prescription Drugs

Grocery stores

Before you hit the aisles of your favorite grocery store, search the store’s website for any senior discounts or discount days. For example, grocery chain Fred Meyer offers a senior discount for 55+ shoppers on the first Tuesday of every month.

Restaurants

Many restaurants offer a senior discount. For even greater savings, dine at restaurants that also have early bird discounted dinner specials for late afternoon. Lots of restaurants offer senior discounts, including IHOP, McDonald’s(certain locations), Outback Steakhouse (for AARP members) and Joe’s Crab Shack (AARP members).

Movie theaters

Most cinemas offer a senior discount, so be sure to ask before purchasing your next movie ticket. At the same time, check the matinee price, just in case that cost is lower.

National parks

Planning to visit several U.S. national parks on your next retirement road trip? Save money with an $80 senior pass, which covers entry and recreation fees and offers certain discounts.

Cruises

Now that pandemic restrictions have eased or lifted in much of the United States and some other countries, you may be thinking about hitting the seas for a cruise vacation. If so, ask about any senior discounts offered by the cruise line. Cruise lines offering senior discounts include Carnival and Royal Caribbean.

Car rentals

If you’re an AARP member, you can receive up to a 30 percent discount on Avis and Budget car rentals and 5 percent on rentals from Payless Car Rental. Even if you’re not an AARP member, you may find that joining for the car rental discount is well worth the $12 membership fee.

Airfares

Some airlines may offer a senior discount on airfares, so check before you buy a ticket. However, with some savvy comparison shopping and flexibility on travel dates, you may be better off simply shopping for the lowest fare.

Trains

Amtrak offers a 10% discount for riders who are 65 years of age or older. This discount applies to most fares, but there may be restrictions depending on the type of ticket you purchase. If you travel internationally on trains operated by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, the discount applies to passengers who are 60 years of age or older.

Hotels

Many hotels offer a senior discount, but don’t limit yourself to only that category when shopping online for the best rate. The hotel may offer an even lower promotional rate for the room.

Phone and internet

Many cell phone companies offer a senior discount, including T-Mobile, Verizon, Consumer Cellular (AARP members) and AT&T.

Insurance

Many insurance companies offer a senior discount on auto, homeowner’s and other type of insurance. Make sure you’re receiving a discount on your policy if it’s available and ask about a senior discount next time you comparison shop for insurance.

Eyewear

LensCrafters offers senior discounts for customers who are AARP members. These discounts include up to 50% off lenses and up to 30% off sunglasses. AARP members can also receive an eye exam for a $55 copay, a 10% discount on contact lenses, and a 15% discount on lenses or frames when purchased separately.

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