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You might be 55, you might be 65 – but in any case, you’ve been working for decades.
As you approach retirement age, it’s time to enjoy the benefits of becoming older, wiser, and more financially savvy. In certain scenarios, people as young as 50 are eligible for senior discounts to support their financial goals. But how does one activate those mythical senior deals – let alone find them?
If you’re digging for discounts, we’ve got you covered. From foodies to frugal fashionistas, there’s a winning deal for all kinds of personalities and budgets.
These little-known senior discounts will save you money and empower you to explore new hobbies, foods, and places that can enrich your life. Read on for some serious savings – then spread the word.
Clothing Discounts
1. Thrift Store Senior Days – Goodwill
Calling all thrifters! On the first Wednesday of every month, Goodwill offers a generous 20% discount to seniors over 62, as well as all active and retired military members.
You might think that thrifting alone is enough of a money saver – but think again! Use this opportunity to double up on discounts, pop some tags, and uncover a hidden gem that’s made for grandma’s closet.
2. Ross 55+ Tuesday Discount
If you’re familiar with this retail chain, you know that Ross shoppers “dress for less.” On Tuesdays, the store lives up to its mission by maximizing savings for senior shoppers.
On Tuesdays only, customers 55 years of age and older are entitled to 10% off purchases. Simply show your ID to the cashier at the time of purchase to verify your date of birth.
Regardless of your age, Krazy Coupon Lady recommends shopping at Ross on Monday afternoons after store managers receive the weekly markdown list. Whether you visit on Monday or Tuesday, don’t forget to scope out the clearance rack before finalizing your purchase.
Discounts On Groceries
3. Harris Teeter Club 60
You’re never too old for a club. At Harris Teeter grocery stores, members of Club 60 receive a 5% discount for purchases made on Thursdays. It might seem small, but weekly discounts add up over time. By shopping strategically on Thursday, you’ll have plenty of discounted delights for tomorrow’s happy hour.
4. Fred Meyer
Time to schedule your monthly shopping haul. On the first Tuesday of every month, shoppers 55 and older receive an additional 10% off select items at Fred Meyer. This senior discount includes private brand groceries and nutritional products, apparel, all home goods, and most electronics.
Fred Meyer – affectionately known as “Freddie’s” by some customers – offers numerous discounts for all shoppers. If you pair the Tuesday senior discount with Fred Meyer’s weekly promotions and digital coupons, you may be in serious competition with the Extreme Couponer in the fruit aisle.
Travel Discounts
5. Amtrak
For a travel experience that’s both scenic and affordable, many seniors opt for a classic train ride. If you’re 65 or older and planning your next train trip, don’t forget to take advantage of the senior discount at Amtrak: you’re eligible to receive a 10% discount on most U.S. rail fares.
To verify your discount, you’ll need to present proof of age when purchasing your ticket or while boarding the train. Visit the Amtrak website for specific details about the discount – then start planning your next journey.
6. Delta Senior Discounts:
Per the Delta website, certain discounts or companion fares may apply to your itinerary. The catch? You won’t see any discounts if you’re purchasing flights online at delta.com. The Delta website also notes that senior discounts are “available in certain markets.”
If you’re lost in the Internet lingo, don’t worry: to receive senior discounts at Delta, all it takes is an old-fashioned phone call.
If you’re scheduling a Delta flight, contact Delta Reservations at 800-221-1212 to see if your itinerary qualifies for a senior discount. Although it’s not a guarantee, giving Delta a ring may result in a comfier plane seat – and a heavier wallet!
7. United Airlines
Like Delta, United Airlines may offer senior discounts for passengers over 65 depending on the season and flight destination. To unlock discounts at United Airlines, select the senior category (age 65 and older) on united.com when making your booking. To ask specific questions about senior discounts, you can also call United Airlines customer service at 1-800-864-8331.
8. Public Transportation
We’ve covered trains and planes: up next, the bus! Many major U.S. cities offer discounted or even free rides for senior citizens. In Philadelphia, PA, for example, the city’s public transportation program offers a Free Transit Program for citizens 65 years of age or older.
Contact your local transportation department to see if your city offers free transit options for senior citizens. It’s never too late to hop on the bus, trolley, subway, or whatever your city has to offer!
Restaurant Discounts
Compared to some of the other options on our list, restaurant discounts for seniors are often the trickiest to uncover. But as with most things in life: ask, and you just might receive!
9. AARP Member Restaurant Discounts
If you choose to become a member of the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), you’ll activate a plethora of senior restaurant discounts. The AARP deserves an article in itself; that said, a membership may be the most effective way to eat delicious food at irresistible prices.
Some of our favorite fares for AARP members include 10% off at Auntie Anne’s pretzels, 15% off at Denny’s, and several more options ranging from seafood to steak.
10. IHOP
The International House of Pancakes is also home to the famous 55+ Menu. For those 55 and older, IHOP offers hearty breakfast, lunch, and dinner options at discounted prices. We’ll happily endorse any senior discount that features pancakes and a family-friendly atmosphere.
In general: If you can’t find any information about senior discounts on a restaurant website, it never hurts to ask your server while dining out at the local breakfast place. Some chain restaurants offer secret senior discounts, which can vary regionally and seasonally.
Fun & Freebies
11. Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) Program
This tax program might be less exciting than discounted pancakes – but as we get older, free tax help certainly becomes more enticing!
Taxes can become more complicated as our assets and financial health evolve. If you’re 60 years of age or older and stressed about tax season, take a deep breath – then check out the IRS-certified Tax Counseling for the Elderly (TCE) program.
Using this online IRS locator tool, you can find your local TCE provider and receive free tax help. During your appointment, seniors can also ask questions about pensions and other retirement-related concerns. Come with your questions and required materials for a TCE appointment, as outlined in this handy list.
12. AMC Theatres:
Once upon a time – in 1970, to be specific – going to the movies cost an average of $1.55.
While the days of cheap movie tickets are behind us, seniors can take a trip down memory lane with the AMC Theatres ticket discount. When you’re planning your next movie night (or movie date!) at AMC, select senior pricing when checking out with your online ticket.
13. Select Universities: Senior Citizen Tuition Waiver
If you’ve made it through a half-century of life, you know that learning never really stops. For lifelong students who want to continue learning in a classroom setting, the University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) offers a unique tuition waiver for students over the age of 65.
Some caveats: you must be an Alaska resident to qualify and follow the application and registration process, as outlined on the UAA website. If you’re an aspiring student but can’t fathom retirement in Alaska, rest assured: several other U.S. universities offer tuition discount programs for senior citizens. Some of the top-recommended programs include:
- The University of Delaware Over-60 Tuition-Free Degree Program offers free undergraduate and graduate degrees for eligible Delaware residents.
- The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides free classes for undergraduate and graduate students 65 or older. Students must reside in Illinois and meet the household income requirements.
- For a complete list of other educational programs, check out this website.
Conclusion
Whether you’re seeking top-tier education or good eats, there’s a senior discount to satisfy both your immediate needs and long-term goals.
Do your part by using these little-known discounts and sharing your knowledge with fellow savers. The spirit of sharing – and saving! – is contagious.
