Are You Taking Advantage of Your Senior Discounts? Check This List To See!
Have you ever been out to dinner with a friend when they unexpectedly cashed in on a senior discount? Senior discounts abound but often fly under the radar. There’s a good chance you’ve unwittingly paid full price for a meal, reservation, service, or even groceries at establishments that offer senior discounts. As prices increase, it’s time to battle back. Find out more about the discounts you’re entitled to enjoy in your golden years.
Top Retailer Discounts
While AARP aggregates many senior discount offers for members 55+, other retailers offer under-the-radar discounts, like the popular options below.
Some retailers, like Kohl’s (15% off for 60+ on Wednesdays), JOANN (20% off for 55+), Fred Meyer (10% off on select items for 55+ on Wednesdays), and Walgreens (20% off specific items for 55+) have specific Senior Days when discounts apply to purchases. Others like CVS and Rite Aid connect their reward to their loyalty program, offering more reward points with purchase.
While not specifically age-based, you can get Amazon Prime for half-price if you’re on a qualifying government assistance program like SNAP or Medicaid. The most significant benefit of Amazon Prime is free shipping and (typically) 2-day delivery, but they also provide a multitude of other benefits, like free Prime Video and early access to Lightning Deals (limited-time shopping deals).
Top Restaurant Discounts
Many restaurant chains, from Corner Bakery Café and Outback Steakhouse to Joe’s Crab Shack and Bubba Gump Shrimp Co., offer a 10% discount to AARP members. You receive the discount by showing your membership card at checkout. Other restaurants have senior-specific offerings: some McDonald’s locations offer free or discounted coffee, while IHOP and Denny’s have exclusive 55+ menus (Denny’s also offers 15% off with your AARP card). Applebee’s offers senior discounts of 10-15% to members of their loyalty program.
Travel Discounts
One of the best travel discounts is offered by the National Parks Service. For $20 per year (or $80 for a lifetime), you can get the America the Beautiful Senior Pass that gives you free admittance into more than 2,000 recreation sites nationwide, including National Parks, Bureau of Land Management (BLM) sites, and more. You must be 62+ and show proof of residency or citizenship. This precious pass can pay for itself on one road trip vacation, as the entry fee to National Parks like the Grand Canyon and Yosemite is $35/car.
Cruise Discounts
Seniors 55+ can enjoy exclusive discounts on many cruise lines, like Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruises. AARP members can get travel-related value from multiple cruise lines through its Travel Center.
Transportation Discounts
AARP members can also get 5-30% discounts on rental cars at Avis, Thrifty and Budget. Some companies, like Hertz (20% off for 50+) and Thrifty (5% off for 50+), offer their own direct discounts.
Want someone else to do the driving? Amtrak offers 10% off more rail fares for seniors 65+. Greyhound offers discounts on specific fares only for those 62+. United and Delta airlines both offer senior discounts for specific destinations only.
Cellular Service Discounts
T-Mobile is the only major carrier to offer 55+ discount plans across the country. AT&T and Verizon offer similar plans, but only in Florida.
Be Your Own Advocate
Want to make sure you’re not overpaying for services and goods? Advocate for yourself. Before paying another invoice, ask if they have a senior discount. Make note of the discounts available at the places you regularly visit and explore what AARP offers.
When you’re at home, be proactive and gain peace of mind by optimizing your home to suit your needs. Explore how sturdy, innovative Hold-Tight Handrails can help you safely navigate short stairs.
Sources:
https://www.seniorliving.org/finance/senior-discounts/
https://www.theseniorlist.com/senior-discounts/