Senior Discounts: Where to Find the Best Savings in 2026
Getting older comes with a lot of wisdom. It also comes with something pretty wonderful: savings! Businesses across the country offer special discounts for older adults, and you might be surprised at just how many deals are waiting for you.
Whether you are looking to save on a meal out, pick up groceries for less, enjoy a vacation, or catch a movie, there are real savings to be found. The key is knowing where to look and never being shy about asking. Many places offer discounts but do not always advertise them. A simple question at the register can open the door to some great deals.
Let’s walk through some of the best places where seniors can save money right now.
Dining Out for Less
Restaurants are one of the easiest places to enjoy a senior discount. Many chains offer special menus and price breaks, sometimes starting as young as age 50 or 55.
Some popular options include IHOP and Denny’s, which both offer dedicated 55+ menus with lower prices on favorite dishes. Chili’s offers 10% off at many of their locations for seniors. Krispy Kreme may offer a 10% discount for customers 50 and older at select stores. AARP members can also save 15% at Denny’s and enjoy 10% off at Bonefish Grill.
Even fast food restaurants like McDonald’s and Dairy Queen may offer small discounts at certain locations. The best advice? Always ask. You may be pleasantly surprised.
If a restaurant does not have a specific senior discount, check for rewards programs. Chains like Panera Bread, Red Lobster, and Chili’s offer free loyalty programs that earn you discounted meals and freebies no matter your age.
Saving at the Grocery Store
Groceries are one of the biggest expenses in any household, so every bit of savings counts. Several grocery chains still offer senior discount days or programs.
Albertsons offers 10% off for seniors on designated discount days. Harris Teeter provides a 5% discount every Thursday for shoppers aged 60 and older. Bashas’ offers 10% off on the first Wednesday of each month for adults 55 and older. Fred Meyer and New Seasons Market also offer 10% off on select days.
Keep in mind that many of these discounts vary by location and may change throughout the year. It is always a good idea to call your local store or ask at the customer service desk before you shop.
Beyond store discounts, consider signing up for free loyalty cards and rewards programs. Many grocery stores offer digital coupons, points programs, and weekly deals that can add up to meaningful savings over time.
Shopping and Retail Savings
You do not have to pay full price for everyday essentials or a special treat. Several retail stores offer percentage discounts for older adults, typically ranging from 10% to 20%.
Kohl’s offers 15% off for adults aged 60 and older every Wednesday. Walgreens provides 20% off for seniors 55 and older when shopping online with a special promo code. Goodwill, Michael’s, Rite Aid, and TJ Maxx have also been known to offer senior savings at participating locations.
If you receive government assistance such as SNAP, Medicaid, or Supplemental Security Income, you may qualify for up to 50% off an Amazon Prime membership. Retired military members can often receive 10% off at Lowe’s and Home Depot.
A helpful tip: look into browser extensions like Rakuten or Honey if you shop online. These tools automatically find promo codes and cashback offers, helping you save even more.
Travel Deals Worth Exploring
Retirement is a wonderful time to explore new places, and senior travel discounts can make your adventures more affordable.
Airlines: American Airlines, Delta, and United all offer special rates for travelers 65 and older, though these fares often require calling the airline directly. AARP members can save up to $200 on British Airways flights. Southwest Airlines does not have a formal senior discount, but their low fare options can still be a great value.
Car Rentals: This is where savings can really add up. AARP members can save up to 35% on base rates with Avis and Budget. Hertz offers up to 20% off for travelers 50 and older through their Fifty Plus Program. Dollar and Thrifty also offer savings for older renters.
Hotels: Best Western offers at least 5% off for guests 55 and older. Marriott provides up to 15% off for guests aged 62 and older. Choice Hotels (including Comfort Inn and Clarion) offer up to 10% off for seniors 60 and older or AARP members. Hilton, Wyndham, and Motel 6 also have senior or AARP pricing available.
Trains: Amtrak offers a 10% discount for travelers 65 and older on most routes. This is a lovely way to see the country while saving money.
Cruises: Many cruise lines, including Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Holland America, run senior friendly promotions. AARP members may also receive onboard credits when booking through the AARP Travel Center.
National Parks and the Outdoors
One of the very best deals for older adults is the America the Beautiful Senior Pass, available to U.S. citizens and permanent residents aged 62 and older.
The annual pass costs just $20 and gives you access to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites, including all national parks. If you love getting outside, the lifetime pass is an incredible value at $80. It never expires and also gives you 50% off many camping fees, boat launches, and guided tours. For a park like Yellowstone, which normally charges around $35 per visit, the lifetime pass pays for itself in just a few trips.
Starting in 2026, these passes are also available in a fully digital format through Recreation.gov, making them even easier to use. You can store the pass on your phone or link it to a physical card.
Many state parks also offer their own senior passes. For example, New York offers free weekday vehicle access to state parks for residents 62 and older, and many other states have similar programs. Check with your state parks department to see what is available near you.
Entertainment and Fun
Staying active and engaged does not have to cost a lot. Many entertainment venues offer senior pricing.
AMC Theaters offers special senior ticket prices for adults 60 and older. Many movie theaters also offer discounted matinee prices for shows before 4 PM, which is a great way to enjoy a film for less. Some theaters run discount days on Tuesdays as well.
Museums are another wonderful option. The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York offers $8 off for visitors 65 and older. The National Baseball Hall of Fame offers a $6 discount for seniors. Many local museums, art galleries, and historic sites offer similar savings. Always ask at the ticket window.
Gyms and fitness programs also offer deals. SilverSneakers, a program included with many Medicare plans, provides free or discounted access to gyms and fitness classes designed for older adults.
Phone and Internet Savings
Staying connected is important, and there are some real savings to be found on phone and internet plans.
T-Mobile offers discounted plans for adults 55 and older, with two unlimited lines starting at $60 per month. Verizon offers savings of $20 to $30 per month for customers 55 and older on select plans, though availability varies by state.
If your income is at or below 135% of the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for the Lifeline program, which provides a monthly stipend to help with phone or internet costs.
The Power of AARP Membership
If there is one thing that comes up again and again when it comes to senior discounts, it is AARP. An AARP membership costs just $12 to $16 per year and unlocks savings across restaurants, travel, entertainment, shopping, and more.
AARP members can save up to 35% on car rentals, receive up to $200 off flights, enjoy 10% to 25% off at participating hotels, and access special dining deals at dozens of restaurants. Many members find that just one or two uses of their AARP card covers the annual membership fee.
Even if you are not yet 65, you can join AARP starting at age 50, which means you can start saving earlier than you might expect.
Tips for Getting the Most Out of Senior Discounts
Finding and using senior discounts is easier than you might think. Here are a few simple strategies to keep in mind.
Always ask. Many businesses offer discounts but do not post signs about them. A friendly question at the register is all it takes.
Carry your ID. Some places will ask for proof of age, so keep a valid photo ID handy when you shop or dine out.
Stack your savings. Combine senior discounts with loyalty programs, coupons, and rewards cards whenever possible. The savings can really add up.
Check before you go. Discount policies change, and some deals are only available on certain days or at certain locations. A quick phone call or website visit can save you a wasted trip.
Consider memberships. AARP, AAA, and store loyalty programs are low cost ways to unlock extra savings throughout the year.
You Deserve to Enjoy Every Moment
Saving money is not just about cutting costs. It is about making room for the things that matter most to you. Whether that is a meal out with friends, a trip to a national park, or simply stretching your grocery budget a little further, these discounts are designed to help you enjoy life more fully.
You have earned these savings, and there is no reason not to take advantage of them. Start small, ask often, and you may be amazed at how much you can save.
Looking for more ways to stay sharp and have fun? Try one of our free brain games at BrainFunHub and give your mind a little workout today. You might also enjoy browsing our resources section for more tips on living well and staying connected.