10 Senior Discounts That Save You a Ton of Money 

There are many things to look forward to during retirement — taking up new hobbies, exploring fascinating places, spending time with loved ones. It’s an exciting list. But with inflation, rising healthcare costs, and mounting travel expenses, retirement isn’t guaranteed to be easy on your wallet. Fortunately, retailers and service providers across many industries provide senior discounts, and with some planning, you can make retirement a bit more affordable. Remember that no specific age instantly qualifies you for these discounts; some deals start at 50, but most begin between 55 and 65. Also, senior discounts aren’t always advertised, so don’t hesitate to call or ask in person.

Amazon Prime

Receive your favorite items faster and at a fraction of the cost with this discount. Seniors receive 50% off Amazon Prime, a monthly subscription for free same-day to two-day shipping on thousands of Amazon products. The normal subscription costs $14.99 monthly, but the senior discount is $6.99 monthly. The membership has free shipping and digital entertainment perks, including Prime Video (for streaming movies and television shows), Prime Music, Prime Reading, and Prime Games. To qualify, you must be on one of several government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, SNAP, or SSI.

Pharmacies

Walgreens, which holds Senior Day on the first Tuesday of every month for customers 55 and older, is a great option if you’re looking for a nationwide pharmacy to fill prescriptions and purchase necessities. Customers must have a myWalgreens card (a free rewards membership) to be eligible. On Senior Day, customers receive 20% off regular-priced items in-store and online. While other big-name pharmacies don’t offer such discounts, some, such as Rite Aid, offer special rewards programs just for seniors, which earn points toward discounts.

Movie Theaters

Here’s how to catch the latest premieres on the silver screen without spending an arm and a leg on tickets. The three largest movie theater chains in the U.S. all offer senior discounts. AMC and Regal have discounts for 60+, while Cinemark discounts begin at 62. (Some Cinemark locations provide even better discounts during Senior Discount Days.) These ticket discounts vary based on location and time of day but are a few dollars off the regular price. Smaller move chains tend to offer even steeper discounts. At all Marcus Theatres and Movie Taverns, seniors can enjoy $7 matinee tickets every day before 4 p.m. and, on Fridays, discounted concessions.

Restaurants

Thousands of restaurants across the country offer 10% off to seniors, including many popular chains — all you have to do is ask (they might ask for a government-issued I.D. to verify your age). A few chains, including IHOP and Denny’s, have 55+ special menus, featuring discounted entrees. Some restaurants, such as Papa Johns, allow seniors to stack discounts on top of current promos, which can result in up to 20% off an order.

Gyms and Fitness Classes

SilverSneakers is the most popular senior fitness discount program in the U.S. and is free for seniors 65 and up through select Medicare plans. It provides retirees free access to over 15,000 fitness locations nationwide, including popular chains such as Planet Fitness, LA Fitness, and Gold’s Gym. There are also live online fitness classes. If your local gym isn’t included in the SilverSneakers program, call to inquire about a discount. Some facilities, such as the YMCA, offer senior discounts at the discretion of local management.

Airfare and Transportation

Having more time to travel and explore is one of the best parts of retirement. Seniors can get an average of 10% off airfare at most major U.S. airlines, including American, Delta, and United. Some international airlines, such as Air France and British Airways, also provide discounts. To access these deals, book online, find the menu option for passenger age, and select Senior (65+) to view reductions. A few airlines, such as Delta, require you to call customer service to book a senior discount ticket, as discounts aren’t available online. 

If you prefer traveling by train, Amtrak offers 10% off most rail fares for travelers 65 and older, with scenic routes around the country. Not all car rental companies offer senior discounts, but the best option is probably Hertz. Hertz has a Fifty Plus Program where travelers can save up to 20% off base rates.

U.S. National Parks

U.S. citizens and permanent residents who are 62 or older are eligible for a Senior Pass through the National Park Service. A one-year pass (with access to all U.S. National Parks) only costs seniors $20. This is quite a discount compared to the regular annual price of $80. Seniors can even purchase the Senior Lifetime Pass for $80. You can pick up these passes in person at any national park site or order them online. Considering parks like the Grand Canyon cost $35 for a standard entrance fee, the pass is well worth it for outdoor adventurers.

Cruises

Not all cruise lines offer senior discounts, but fortunately, the two largest cruise line companies, Royal Caribbean and Carnival, offer specials on some sailings for guests who are 55 or older. Finding these deals is tricky because they aren’t available on every itinerary, but if you’re willing to put in some extra time, you might score big on a discount. After you select a cruise and date, an option for “special rates” should pop up, and there should be a “Senior 55+” box you can tick.

Hotels

Along with discounts on airfare, rental cars, and cruises, seniors can also find discounts at most major hotel chains in the U.S. and abroad, making trips remarkably more affordable. The minimum age requirement varies by brand, so check before booking a senior rate, as they might ask you to verify with your I.D. at check-in. The discount is around 10% off the total for your stay, but it will vary based on location. Most hotels have a “special rates” option to find senior discounts when booking online. As far as age minimums go, Hilton requires you to be 65+, Marriot and IHG 62+, Wyndham 60+, and Best Western 55+.

Cellphones

Having a reliable phone is important for seniors. Not only is it essential during an emergency, but what better way to receive the latest pictures of the grandkids, organize your next golf outing, or stream your favorite music? Major brands such as T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon offer unlimited talk, text, and data plans at a significant discount for customers aged 55 and up. These plans start at around $40 per line for a two-person plan.

Pro Tip: Sign Up For AARP

This is perhaps the best senior discount hack of all. Join AARP (formerly the American Association of Retired Persons) to instantly access thousands of discounts. The membership costs $16 annually, but a multi-year pass is significantly discounted, allowing you to make your money back quickly. You’ll get everyday discounts on restaurants, shopping, gas, grocery stores, and pharmacies, as well as travel discounts for hotels and rental cars, resulting in hundreds of dollars saved annually.