The 78 Best Senior Discounts to Use in 2024

NOTE: We put together this list of senior discounts in 2023, but deals like these can last a long time! The Michaels and Rite Aid senior discounts we mention appear to be going strong in 2024, for instance. Get more ways to save by reading our articles on military discounts, birthday freebies, and student discounts.

Growing older can net you some great savings if you take advantage of senior discounts. These deals start to become available at age 50 and often offer around 10% off, which can add up to significant savings for seniors on a fixed income.

But it can be hard to find great discounts for seniors, since businesses don't always publicize these deals. That means seniors looking for savings need to do their homework to see which retailers offer great senior perks. Fortunately, we're here to help. If you're ready to start saving, we've collected the very best senior citizens' discounts for you.

What Age is Required for Senior Discounts?

The age for senior discounts ranges from 50 to 65, with the majority of deals starting at age 55 or 60. For the earliest deals, you'll want to join the AARP, which is required for quite a few senior discounts.

Membership in the AARP costs $16 per year, with discounts for paying for multiple years in advance or signing up for an automatically renewing membership. You can join at any age, but full benefits kick off at age 50 — including discounted prices at restaurants, entertainment, travel, and more. It wouldn't take much for the membership to pay for itself.

How Much Can I Save with Senior Discounts?

Expect senior discounts to average around 10% off, though some are as much as 30% off. Some senior discounts are less clear: Many hotel and airfare deals simply offer "discounted rates", which vary in quality.

SEE ALSO: The 191 Best Military Discounts in 2023

Sometimes senior deals aren't even the best deals available, so it's important to shop around and check out available discounts. For example, the discounted rates you see for air and hotel aren't necessarily good rates; sometimes they were beaten by other discounts available. It pays to double check and shop around rather than simply expecting the senior discount to be the best way to save.

How to Get Senior Discounts

Because senior discounts aren't always advertised, the most important thing you can do is ask about senior deals. Don't be ashamed to call ahead or ask in person! You may find deals available from retailers that aren't listed here. You won't know about discounts if you don't ask, which could mean you miss out on some great deals.

Beyond that, most retailers only require you to show ID (or your AARP card) to qualify for senior discount rates. If you're shopping online, you may need to verify age in other ways, such as providing AARP membership information or showing your ID when picking up a product.

Some retailers may have limitations on what you can buy or when you can buy it. Restaurants may require you to order off a special menu, often with reduced portions, to get senior discounts. Some shops offer discounts for seniors on specific days, in which case it's a good idea to do your shopping on the appropriate day. For travel, you may have to book specific dates to qualify for senior discounts.

Discounts can vary at different locations, as well — particularly at large franchises, where senior discounts are often at the discretion of local management. This is common at restaurants and fast food locations, where offerings can vary widely between locations. Always ask what discounts are available before you buy, because the discounts may change.

Senior Discounts are Disappearing

Senior discounts have been getting less impressive in recent years. Southwest Airlines, Verizon Wireless, Rite Aid, Kroger, Albertsons, and many more retailers have discontinued or reduced senior discounts in recent years — which makes it even more important for seniors to check for deals and use them when they're available.

Travel deals are one category where seniors can still find a wide range of great offerings. Seniors can practically always find discounts on hotels and rental cars (up to 30% off), and occasionally special offers for airfare and cruises. Just be sure to double check those rates, because we have seen senior fares that aren't the best deal.

Now that you know what to expect when shopping for senior perks, let's look at all of the best senior discounts in 2023.

The Best Senior Discounts in 2023

Entertainment Discounts

Dining Discounts

Health & Wellness Discounts

Travel Discounts

Miscellaneous Discounts

Want to save even more? Check out our Staff Pick deals, which are our "best of the best" offers.