Senior Benefits & Discounts
Senior benefits and discounts can help you make the most of your retirement dollars. Knowing what’s available to you can help you plan your retirement finances more effectively and efficiently. And it can ease some of the stress of transitioning to retirement.

- Written by Terry Turner
- Edited By Savannah Hanson
- Financially Reviewed By Eric Estevez
- Updated: May 13, 2022
- 10 min read time
- This page features 3 Cited Research Articles
- Senior discounts can save you substantial amounts of money — 10% to 80% off the normal price of a wide range of goods and services, including restaurant meals, travel and even prescription drugs.
- You can take advantage of many senior discounts when you are as young as 50.
- Many senior discounts require that you have a membership or show proof of age.
- You should not be afraid to ask a business if it offers discounts and whether you qualify for one.
There’s a long list of discounts to save you money in retirement.
State and federal agencies have programs that may help you meet your expenses that Social Security and Medicare may not.
Businesses and organizations also provide discounts that make shopping, dining and travel more affordable.
Stores With Senior Discounts
Dozens of retail stores offer senior discounts — some for people as young as 50. It’s a good idea to ask a store manager or cashier if the place where you shop offers a discount.
The list is too long to name all of the retail stores that offer senior discounts, but here are some examples from popular stores.
RETAIL STORE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Banana Republic | 10% | 50 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Belk | 15% | 55 and up | First Tuesday of the month |
Kohl's | 15% | 60 and up | Wednesdays only |
Ross Stores | 10% | 55 and up | Tuesdays only |
TJ Maxx | 10% | 55 and up | Tuesdays only at participating locations |
Grocery Shopping Discounts for Seniors
It appears that grocery stores are phasing out senior discounts in favor of overall savings, according to some groups that follow these trends.
Not every store in the chain may participate in senior discounts. But you should ask your local store if they do and you can still find discounts at many checkout counters.
GROCERY STORE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Kroger | 10% | 55 and up | Tuesdays only, Kroger Plus Card required, not available at all locations |
Harris Teeter | 5% | 60 and up | Wednesdays only |
Piggly Wiggly | 5% | 55 and up | Wednesdays only at participating stores |
Albertsons | 10% | 55 and up | First Wednesday of the month at participating locations |
Dining Discounts For Seniors
If you enjoy dining out, there are plenty of options, from fast food and casual dining to even more pricey restaurants, that offer discounts to seniors. Having an AARP membership will add even more restaurants to your discount list.
RESTAURANT | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Applebee’s | 10% to 15% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Arby’s | 10% and/or free drink with purchase | 60 and up | Any day |
Ben & Jerry’s | 10% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Bonefish Grill | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
Boston Market | Varies by location | Varies by location | Any day at participating locations |
Burger King | 10% | 60 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
Carrabba’s Italian Grill | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
Chick-fil-A | 10% | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Cici’s Pizza | Select menu items, varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by location |
Denny’s | 15%, special senior menu includes discounted item | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
El Pollo Loco | 10% | 60 and up | Varies by location |
Fazoli’s | Select items | 62 and up | Must be a member of Fazoli’s Club 62 |
Hardee’s | Up to 10% on any order, special discounts on beverages | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
IHOP | 10%, special senior menu includes discounted items | 55 and up | Must have photo ID |
Joe’s Crab Shack | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
KFC | Free small drink, some locations may offer up to 10% off food purchases | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
McCormic & Schmick’s | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
McDonald’s | Varies by location | 55 and up | Varies by location |
Outback Steakhouse | 10% | 50 and up | Any day with AARP card |
Perkins Restaurant | Senior menu includes discounts | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Ponderosa Steakhouse | 10% | 62 and up | At participating locations, requires proof of age |
Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen | 10% or free small drink | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Taco Bell | 5% and free drink | 65 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Wendy’s | 10% or discounted drink | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Whataburger | Free drink with meal purchase | 55 and up | Any day at participating locations |
White Castle | 10% | 62 and up | Any day at participating locations |
Be sure to ask about senior discounts at these and other restaurants before ordering.
Travel Discounts For Seniors
Many retirees spend their extra free time traveling. Knowing what travel discounts are available can help extend those travels while putting less stress on your bank account.
Some discounts require AARP membership, but others may just require proof of age.
Senior discounts have become increasingly rare among airlines. These are some that are still available as of the time of writing.
AIRLINE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
American Airlines | Varying discounts, specific routes only | 65 and up | Call American Airlines at 1-800-433-7300 to check availability |
British Airways | $65 - $200 off depending on seat class | 50 and up | Must have AARP membership |
Delta Airlines | Discounts available on specific routes only | 65 and up | Call Delta at 1-800-241-6522 to check availability |
United Airlines | Varying discounts, select routes only | 65 and up | Select senior category when making reservation |
Landing a senior discount on a flight can be tricky to do online. It’s best to call the airline and ask if they have any discounts available.
Likewise, it’s best to call a hotel about senior discounts before booking a room. Those that offer discounts may not have them available at all hotels in the chain. Here’s a sample of some that offer senior discounts.
HOTEL | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Marriott Hotels | 15% | 62 and up | Must select senior discount at time of reservation, proof of age required at check in |
Days Inn | Varies by location | 60 and up | At participating locations |
Choice Hotels | 10% - 30% off | 60 and up | Must have AARP card and book onlineCall Delta at 1-800-241-6522 to check availability |
Best Western | 15% | 55 and up | At participating locations |
Public transit systems typically offer senior discounts to get around major cities. If you want to get across the country instead of across town, Amtrak and major bus lines also offer discounts.
BUS OR TRAIN LINE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 10% on most fares | 65 and up | Check before buying ticket |
Greyhound Bus Lines | 5% | 62 and up | Check before buying ticket |
Trailways Transportation | Varies | 50 and up | Check before buying ticket |
Rental car companies sometimes offer discounts, but it’s wise to check with them before reserving a car. Some may also partner with AARP to provide discounts to members.
RENTAL CAR COMPANY | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Hertz | Up to 20% | 50 and up | Check before renting |
Avis | Up to 30% | 50 and up | Check before renting |
Budget | Up to 30% | 50 and up | Available to AARP members at participating locations, check before renting |
Discounts For Senior Activities
You can save money while spending time doing the activities you love — movies, hobbies and games all offer senior discounts.
THEATER OR SERVICE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Amazon Prime | $5.99/month subscription | Must have a valid EBT card or be on Medicaid | Must show proof of EBT or Medicaid |
AMC Theaters | Varies by location | 60 and up | At participating locations |
Carmike Cinemas | Up to 35% ticket prices | Varies by location | At participating locations |
Cinemark Theaters | “Early Bird” and “Senior’s Day” showings, discount amounts vary | 60 and up | Check with your local Cinemark Theater for days and times that apply |
Regal Cinemas | - Up to 20% off tickets with an AARP card - Other discounts without an AARP card - $3 off popcorn/soda combo with both AARP and Regal Crown Club cards | Varies by location | Must have AARP card and/or Regal Crown Club card for some discounts |
Hobbies can be expensive, but you can get a break on hobby costs if you ask around.
COMPANY | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Audible | $2 off each month of a monthly membership or $30 off annual membership | 50 and up | Must have AARP card |
Ancestry.com | 30% off first year’s All Access or World Explorer membership | 50 and up | Must have AARP card |
Ticketmaster | Varying discounts | 50 and up | Must have AARP card |
Health Discounts For Seniors
Drug stores, eyeglass retailers and other health services frequently offer senior discounts that can save you money whether you are on Medicare or still using your employer’s insurance.
The age to qualify for these discounts varies, but it’s wise to ask.
Most large, national pharmacy chains offer prescription discount programs you sign up for at any age.
PHARMACY OR OTHER COMPANY | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Costco | Up to 80% | Must be a Costco member and sign up for the Costco Member Prescription Program | Membership card required |
CVS | Various discounts, coupons and other savings | Must be enrolled in CVS ExtraCare program | Membership required |
GoodRx | Up to 80% | Free in most cases, $10 in some cases | Membership required |
Optum Perks | Up to 80%, plus coupons accepted by several leading pharmacy chains | Must apply for free pharmacy discount card | Membership required |
RxSaver | Coupons accepted by leading pharmacies | Download app to your smartphone | Membership required |
Target | Accepts all CVS discounts, coupons and other savings | Must be enrolled in CVS ExtraCare program | Membership required |
Walgreens | Up to 80% | Must be enrolled in the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club | Membership required |
Walmart | Accepts third-party prescription cards, $4 for 30-day supplies of wide range of generic drugs | N/A | N/A |
WellRx | Up to 80% | Must sign up for Script Save Card | Membership required |
Senior discounts on fitness programs and memberships can help you keep in shape while keeping your wallet lined.
FITNESS CENTER OR SERVICE | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
CrossFit | Varies by location | Varies by location | Varies by location |
SilverSneakers | Varies by location | 65 and up | Must be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan |
YMCA | Priority registration and up to 50% off select programs and classes | Varies by location | Varies by location |
Local fitness centers may also offer senior discounts. Be sure to check with your local gym or fitness center about any discounts available.
Benefits and Discounts for Senior Veterans
Especially since 9/11, dozens of companies have offered discounts to active duty military, and many of those also offer discounts to veterans long after they have served. You will need to show valid military ID in most cases.
You can find discounts on things such as restaurant meals, travel and auto parts. If you served, it’s smart to ask if a business offers a veteran’s discount before ordering or ringing up a purchase.
COMPANY | DISCOUNT | ELIGIBILITY (AGE/MEMBERSHIP) | AVAILABILITY |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 10% off lowest available fare on most trains | Veterans and family members | Certain restrictions apply |
Home Depot | 10% | Veterans, active duty military and their spouses | Must apply online |
Jiffy Lube | 15% | Veterans and active duty military | At participating locations |
LasikPlus | 20% | Veterans and active duty military | All locations in the country |
Verizon Wireless | Up to $25 per month, 25% on select accessories | All military service personnel, veterans and their families | Must register with discount program |
3 Cited Research Articles
- United.com. (2021). Tips and Discounts for Senior Travelers. Retrieved from https://www.united.com/ual/en/us/fly/travel/special-needs/seniors.html
- Hotelplanner.com. (2022). AARP® & Senior Hotel Discounts (brand analysis) - Save 20%. Retrieved from https://www.hotelplanner.com/Senior-Rates/AARP-Discounts
- Bond-Nelms, C. (2017, August 23). 56 Amazing Senior Discounts at Top Restaurants - AARP. Retrieved from https://www.aarp.org/food/entertaining/info-2017/senior-discounts-restaurants-fd.html