The Best Senior Discounts for Food, Entertainment, Travel and More

Senior discounts are often thought of as retirement-age benefits, but many kick in well before then — and more places offer them than you think.

Retailers, restaurants and even travel services offer a wide variety of senior discounts, often to customers who are just 55 or older.

Although this might mean coming to terms with your quinquagenarian-hood (can sound pretty cool) it may also mean more money in your pocket for everyday and big expenses alike. The best part? Lots of these places offer the same discounts online and in-person. 

Keep reading for a list of  companies that offer discounts to folks 55 and older. And keep in mind that after age 60 the discount world opens up even more.

Step One: Accept Your AARP Member Status

Around the time you turn 50 years old, you start to receive invitations to join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) (interestingly, though, you can sign up at age 18!). The incentives include a cool card with your name on it and a chance to save 10% to 20% on all sorts of services. There are even some freebies and limited time member offers. 

Many discounts for people 55+ require AARP membership, especially in terms of travel and prescription pricing. Hotels and car rental services are often more than happy to offer discounts to AARP members.

Step Two: Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Your Senior Discount

Have you ever worked in retail and had to ask someone if they are old enough to qualify for a senior discount? It feels embarrassing — whether you guessed right or you guessed wrong.

With the “Not-So-Senior” discount, it can be even more challenging. Fifty-five years old is simply not “old’’ anymore, and it’s not always easy to tell how old someone is based on appearance.

So don’t be afraid to inquire as to whether you can get a discount on the goods or services you are purchasing. Again, it may just cover your taxes or a tip, but every little bit counts.

Let’s look at the discounts you can get when you are 55 years old. 

*Discounts are subject to change.

Want to Save Even More Money on Top of Senior Discounts?

Trying to get every discount available to you is one of the best things you can do for your budget. But why stop there with savings? We compiled a list of some of our favorite ways to save money so you can keep more of your money in your pocket even after you’ve taken advantage of discounts.

Grocery Stores

This is one shopping experience where a “Not-So-Senior” discount might most be expected.

Many grocery store chains offer discounts to shoppers 55 and older one day a week or month, so make note of it at your local store.

Also, such offers apply only to certain stores, so you might be best served by calling rather than asking in the store itself.

Non-chain grocers may be more likely to offer a sizable discount to older shoppers.

Retail

This covers a lot of areas, but plenty of retail companies offer senior discounts, especially the larger chains. The real question is how they define “senior,’’ because sometimes this means 55-plus, while in other cases you may need to be over 60. Some chains that offer discounts to those 55 and older do it as often as once a week, with a different day based on the company. If there’s a store you regularly visit, be sure to ask  if they have a senior discount day.

Another important point about retail senior citizen discounts is many do not advertise these offers. So they’re available, but you have to ask.

Dining

Restaurant discounts tend to be a little trickier, as they’re often for in-person dining only.  Be sure to check with each restaurant about discounts for pickup and delivery orders. Restaurants are also more likely than other businesses  to limit senior discounts to 60+ or 65+.

Another thing to keep in mind is restaurants are often franchised. That means the discount offers may differ based on location, or the discount may only appear on a special menu, as is the case for IHOP.

Health Care

Seniors with eligible Medicare plans can sign up with SilverSneakers and get free access to thousands of gyms across the country. Signing up for a prescription discount card like GoodRx is another way to save on health care, though this isn’t necessarily limited to seniors.

Most drug stores like CVS have shifted away from senior discounts in favor of a savings club that anyone can use. However, Walgreens does offer some benefits for seniors, though it requires you to sign up for the savings club.

AARP has teamed up with Walgreens, CVS, Walmart and Kroger to provide members with discounted prescriptions. Simply register for the prescription card; when you show it to the pharmacist you’ll save money on medication.

Travel

AARP has the travel industry pretty well covered in terms of discounts. Airlines and hotels will offer discounts to AARP members they won’t offer otherwise. With a full AARP membership available at the age of 18, frequent travelers may want to consider paying the annual membership fee.

Otherwise, most airlines and hotels do not consider you to be worthy of a senior citizen discount until you are in your 60s.

AARP members do get decent discounts with a few rental car agencies.

Cruise lines offer discounts of all sorts all the time. If you have a choice of cruise lines heading to your preferred location, a phone call to the company reservations line would be the best idea to save.

Entertainment

You can get discounted tickets to movies from major national companies. If you’re looking for a night of live music or theater, Ticketmaster offers discounted tickets and special offers on select shows for AARP members.

Technology

Cell phone providers like T-Mobile, Verizon and Consumer Cellular offer a discount on plans for seniors, giving discounted monthly rates. If you’re not really glued to your phone, T-Mobile has a bare-bones 55+ plan that costs just $60 a month. There are more expensive tiers that offer more data and even a free Netflix subscription, though!

Reporting from contributors Matt Matasci, Kent McDill and Jamie Cattanach included in this report.