15 Places Retirees Are Wasting Money Without Asking for a Senior Discount

One of the perks of getting older that many retirees forget to fully take advantage of is their senior discount. Numerous places, from clothing retailers to grocers, pharmacies, and travel agencies, offer discounts for their senior customer base. This can save diligent retirees a ton of money.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Receive a Senior Discount?

Traditionally, the official age to claim senior perks and discounts is 65. However, countless businesses have begun offering senior discounts to people 50 and older who ask.

Additionally, memberships like the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) and the Association of Mature Citizens (AMAC) offer exclusive discounts for people 50 years and up on services and at businesses nationwide.

Retail Senior Discounts

The retail business is known for supporting its senior clients with discounts and perks that keep them shopping with them. Here are some of the more popular retailers offering senior discounts.

1. Amazon Prime

Amazon Prime is an online shopping membership that offers same-day, one-day, and two-day shipping on hundreds of thousands of products. It’s quickly evolved into a household staple.

But did you know that if you are on Supplemental Security Income (SSI), you’re eligible for 50% off your Prime membership? Additionally, if you’re a SNAP recipient, you qualify for an Amazon Prime membership for 50% off.

2. Ross Dress for Less

Ross Dress for Less sells already discounted clothing, wardrobe accessories, shoes, perfumes, skincare, snacks, and various other items.

They also have an exclusive program for customers 55 and older, offering them a 10% discount on Tuesday purchases. You must show a valid ID or driver’s license that verifies your age and eligibility.

3. Kohl’s

Kohl’s is a nationwide retailer that sells clothing, jewelry, footwear, beauty products, electronics, housewares, furniture, appliances, and home decor.

One unique perks Kohl’s grants all its customers is a cashback program called Kohl’s Cash. It’s the only reason I keep going back. However, on Wednesday, they offer a 15% senior discount (60+) for in-store purchases.

4. Thrift Stores

Thrift store shopping is a wonderful way to save money on secondhand clothing, tools, toys, shoes, games, movies, and books. Even better, many of them offer discounts for retirees and seniors.

In addition to offering no tax on most items, the Salvation Army Thrift Store discounts 10% for seniors (60+) at participating locations. The discount cannot be combined with other promotional offers.

Goodwill also offers senior discounts, but they vary by region. Typically, Tuesdays or Wednesdays are Senior Day, and I’ve seen discounts as high as 30% at qualifying retailers. Check with your local Goodwill to see which shopping day benefits your wallet.

Senior Discounts at Pharmacies

Another business that commonly offers perks and discounts for its senior customer base is pharmacies. Naturally, pharmacies are where you go to pick up prescriptions.

However, it’s also a money-savor for products such as toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap. Stop wasting money at the grocery store on personal care products. These pharmacies offer savings and benefits to their senior customers.

5. CVS

CVS’s ExtraCare is a free senior program that begins by offering $4 off your first purchase. Additionally, you’ll enjoy 2% back in ExtraBucks Rewards, receive birthday treats, and be the first to hear about offers and deals exclusive to seniors.

6. Rite Aid

The Rite Aid Rewards 65+ program gives 5X points on eligible in-store purchases on the first Wednesday of each month. The program also grants free consultations with Pharmacists, who review medications and offer free blood pressure screenings.

7. Walgreens

The Walgreens Members 55+ program offers exclusive senior savings on the first Tuesday of every month. These discounts change periodically, but they can look like savings of 20% on in-store eligible items or 20% online with special savings codes such as “SENIOR20.”

Senior Discounts for Travelers

Before booking airlines and hotel reservations, travelers should always check for a senior discount. Numerous traveling accommodations have perks for retirees.

Remember, if you have an AARP membership, it comes with its own traveling discounts. Here are some common places seniors forget to ask for discounts.

8. National Parks

Did you know the National Parks Service offers discounts to U.S. citizens or permanent residents 62 or older? Explore the majesty of America, the beautiful, at an affordable rate.

The National Park’s Senior Annual Pass is valid for one year and costs $20. However, they also have a Senior Lifetime Pass that is valid for your lifetime and costs $80! For nature enthusiasts and adventurists, that is an absolute steal.

9. Carnival Cruise Line

Carnival Cruise Line provides retirees unforgettable experiences at some of the best cruise destinations in the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Mediterranean, and European nations.

While there isn’t a discount across the board, Carnival offers special rates on many cruises for people 55 and older. Call or email Carnival Cruise Line to discover discounted destinations for your traveling pleasures.

10. Amtrak

Seniors (65+) can save 10% on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. For cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, the 10% Senior discount applies to travelers aged 60 and over. Travelers must show a valid ID or driver’s license verifying age eligibility.

Restaurant Senior Discounts

Remember to ask for senior discounts at every food establishment you visit. From fast food to fine dining, restaurants are among the more common businesses offering seniors savings. Many, such as IHOP and Denny’s, feature senior menus in addition to or in lieu of senior discounts.

11. Papa John’s Pizza

Papa John’s Pizza has a senior discount (60+) of 10-15% depending on location. According to their site, some locations have senior citizen deals on certain days.

Unlike most businesses, Papa John’s allows you to combine the discount with existing promo codes and coupons. Also, AARP members who order online save 25% using the promo code “AARP25.”

12. Krispy Kreme

From classics like original glazed to chocolate-iced custard-filled, strawberry-iced, and glazed raspberry or lemon-filled doughnuts to seasonal sprinkled favorites, Krispy Kreme offers people 50 years and up a 10% discount for indulging their sweet tooths.

13. Golden Corral

Golden Corral buffet-style dining affords seniors 60 years and older a discount on their meals (between $0.50 and $1.00 per plate). However, they also offer a special senior early bird buffet price Monday through Friday from 12 a.m. to 3 p.m., including a drink.

Senior Discounts on Cellular Service

Some cellular service companies have senior 55+ plans that give discounted rates for their lines of service. Here are the more popular plans.

14. T-Mobile

T-Mobile has three unlimited cellular plans for 55+ and seniors, depending on which perks you want to come with your service. The cheapest includes two lines on autopay at $30 per line or $60 monthly.

15. Mint Mobile

Mint Mobile’s Mint 55+ plan gives unlimited talk and text on the largest 5G network for $15 monthly. They allow you to bring your unlocked phone instead of purchasing new ones and can help you keep the same phone number.

Final Thoughts

Remember to ask every place you spend money if they have a senior discount. You never know until you ask, and most cashiers, customer service reps, and service industry workers will not ask if you are old enough to get a discount.

Consider how many rude people would overreact to being asked that question if they were even a year younger than the discount age requirement.

As someone from the retail world, we don’t ask for that reason. So, you need to ask to receive. Remember, a membership with AARP or AMAC gives you discounts at many nationwide service industries, retailers, and restaurants.