Senior Discounts: Popular Types of Discounts and How to Get Them

Becoming a senior in the United States brings a bit of privilege. Retailers, restaurants, transportation companies and even grocery stores offer discounts for seniors. One of the reasons seniors are offered discounts is because businesses understand that as a senior citizen spending is not as flexible as it was when income was still coming in. Businesses still want your patronage however and are willing to give you a small discount to compensate for the fixed income. But determining where the discounts are and how to get them can be a headache. Not all businesses openly advertise their discounts. Many businesses stipulate that you must be a certain age within the senior citizen category. Taking time to do a little research ahead of time can save you significant money each year.

Because there is no set definition as to when a senior is qualified, each business or franchise is allowed to determine their own. Most organizations begin offering senior discounts at age 65, but it is often the case that the minimum age to receive the discount begins at age 50. The following lists can act as a quick reference for you. If you find discounts you are interested in, go to that retailer’s website, or call, to find out about the minimum age requirement. Sometimes it just takes asking for the discount.

Popular Restaurants Offering Senior Discounts

One of the largest discounts offered to seniors each year is in restaurants. Often there are certain hours each week, or days of the week, where seniors receive additional discounts on top of the regular discounts. These special days and hours are not always advertised, so it pays to ask. Here is a quick list of restaurants you may find near you offering senior discounts. Most offer between 10-20% off the price of your meal while others simply offer an additional free item with the purchase of a regular menu item. AARP members often receive additional discounts on top of the offered discount, so it is a good idea to join this organization if you have not done so already.

Fast Food Senior Discounts

  • iHop

  • Dunkin Donuts

  • Burger King

  • Taco Bell

  • Chick-fil-A

  • McDonalds

  • Subway

  • KFC

  • Jack in the Box

  • Wendy's

  • Dairy Queen

Franchise Restaurants Senior Discounts

  • Golden Corral

  • Outback

  • Denny's

  • Cracker Barrel

  • Olive Garden

  • Red Lobster

  • Applebee's

  • Texas Roadhouse

  • Chili's

Popular Retail Stores Offering Senior Discounts

The following retail stores offer significant savings for seniors. In most instances the minimum age requirement is that you be over 55 years of age. Most of these stores offer coupons or other savings programs that can be combined with your senior discount. Retails stores often require seniors to shop only on certain days in order to enjoy their special discounts, while others hold special events four times a year. The best way to find out when those days are is to go to the store’s website and search for senior discounts or senior savings. Each store will outline its policies and most have an event calendar so you can plan your shopping trip.

  • Kohl's

  • Ross Stores

  • Walgreens

  • Rite Aid

  • Banana Republic

  • TJ Maxx

  • Goodwill

  • Bealls Outlet

  • Kmart

  • Joann Fabrics

  • Amazon

Transportation Senior Discounts

If you like to travel then you can receive senior discounts on such transportation companies including airlines, ride share and train services. Most require the minimum age to be 65 in order to receive the savings. Additionally, AARP partners with many transportation companies so you could receive a double discount if you are a member.

  • Amtrak

  • Greyhound

  • American Airlines 

  • Southwest Airlines 

  • Alaska Airlines

  • United Airlines

  • Delta

  • Uber

Technology and Senior Citizen Discounts

If you have a cell phone, computer, tablet, kindle or other technology you use regularly, you can get a senior discount from all the major providers. Internet service providers are also the latest to offer senior discounts and include AT&T as well as Verizon. Experience largest savings by negotiating your cell phone plan with T-Mobile, Sprint and Consumer Cellular.

Grocery Stores Offering Senior Discounts

Certain grocery stores offer additional discounts for seniors that can include a discount on the overall cost of the groceries, or savings on certain days of the week. Others require you to be a member of their store and have a savings card. Each location can choose whether to offer this discount so you must contact each store you are interested in by phone. The corporate website may not give you the most accurate information. You can also ask the store’s manager in your area the next time you are there.

  • Kroger

  • Food Lion

  • Publix

  • Safeway

  • Fred Meyer

  • Harris Teeter

  • Albertsons