Discounts you probably don't know about
Senior discounts go far beyond the obvious restaurant and movie theater deals. Many businesses—from hardware stores to phone companies to car rental agencies—offer reductions that seniors rarely ask about because the discount isn't advertised at the register or on the website. Some require you to ask. Others require membership in a program you've never heard of. A few are so specific to certain situations that they only help if you know they exist.
The discounts listed here are real and current, though the exact percentage and terms vary by location and change over time. Most require you to show proof of age—usually a driver's license or AARP card. A few require membership in a specific organization. None of them are automatic; you have to know about them and ask.
Key Takeaways
- Phone companies like Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer senior plans that cost $20 to $35 per month, often with unlimited talk and text but limited data.
- Home improvement stores including Home Depot and Lowe's give seniors 10 percent off most items on certain days of the week, though you must ask at checkout.
- Car rental companies like Hertz and Avis discount weekly and monthly rentals by 10 to 25 percent for seniors, sometimes without requiring an AARP card.
- Utility companies in many states offer low-income senior programs that reduce electricity, gas, and water bills, separate from the discounts they advertise.
- Museums, zoos, and state parks often charge half price or less for seniors, and many waive fees entirely on specific days each month.
Wireless phone plans designed for seniors
The major carriers—Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile—each offer a senior plan that costs roughly $20 to $35 per month. These plans typically include unlimited talk and text but cap data at 1 to 3 gigabytes. If you use your phone mainly for calls and texts and only occasionally check email or browse, the data limit is rarely a problem. The plans are not advertised heavily because they are less profitable than standard plans, but they exist and are available to anyone 55 or older.
Verizon calls theirs the Verizon Basic Plan. AT&T offers the Senior Calling Plan. T-Mobile has the 55+ plan. Each requires you to call the carrier directly or visit a store and ask—the plans do not appear in the online shopping tool. You will need to show proof of age. If you switch from a standard plan to a senior plan, you may lose features like international texting or premium data speeds, so ask the representative to walk through what changes before you commit.
Home improvement store discounts on specific days
Home Depot and Lowe's both offer 10 percent off most items on designated senior days. Home Depot's senior discount day varies by store but is often the first Tuesday of the month. Lowe's typically offers the discount on the first Tuesday as well, though some locations use a different day. The discount applies to almost everything except sale items, clearance, and a few contractor brands.
The catch is that you have to ask. The discount is not automatic at checkout, and many cashiers will not mention it unless you bring it up. Bring your driver's license or other proof of age. Some stores require you to be 55; others require 60. Call your local store before you shop to confirm the exact day and age requirement, because both vary by location.
Car rental discounts for weekly and monthly bookings
Hertz, Avis, Budget, and Enterprise all offer senior discounts on car rentals, typically 10 to 25 percent off the base rate for weekly and monthly rentals. The discount is larger for longer rentals. Hertz's Gold Plus Rewards program, for example, gives members 55 and older a discount code that works on most bookings. Avis has a similar program called Avis Preferred Plus.
These discounts are not always visible when you book online. You often have to call the rental company directly, mention your age, and ask for the senior rate code before you reserve. Some companies require AARP membership; others do not. The discount typically does not explore to one-day rentals or to premium vehicle classes, so it works best if you need a car for a week or longer. Insurance and taxes are not included in the discount.
Utility bill reductions through low-income senior programs
Most states run programs that reduce electricity, gas, and water bills for seniors with low or moderate income. These programs are separate from the discounts utility companies advertise and are often run by the state energy office or a nonprofit partner. The income limits and discount amounts vary widely by state—some reduce bills by 10 to 15 percent, while others cover a portion of the bill outright.
To find out whether your state has a program, contact your utility company and ask about senior information programs, or call your state's energy office. You will typically need to provide proof of income, age, and residency. The process process takes a few weeks. If you may have access to, the discount is usually applied automatically to your bill each month. Some programs also offer free weatherization—sealing air leaks, adding insulation—to reduce energy use further.
Museums, zoos, and state parks with reduced or free admission
Most major museums, zoos, and state parks charge half price or less for seniors, often starting at age 60 or 62. Many also have one or two days per month when admission is free or pay-what-you-wish for all visitors, including seniors. Some state parks waive entrance fees entirely for seniors with a state ID or senior pass.
The discount and age requirement vary by institution, so check the website or call before you visit. Some places require you to show a driver's license at the gate; others sell an annual senior pass for a flat fee that covers unlimited visits. If you visit frequently, the annual pass often pays for itself in two or three visits. A few institutions offer free admission to seniors on specific days—for example, the first Wednesday of the month—so plan your visit accordingly if you want to save.
Prescription drug programs through pharmacies and manufacturers
Beyond Medicare Part D, many pharmacies and drug manufacturers offer their own senior discount programs. GoodRx, for example, is a free app and website that shows discounts on thousands of medications at major pharmacy chains. The discounts are not exclusive to seniors, but they often beat what Medicare or insurance will pay. Walmart and Target both offer $4 generic medications for common conditions, regardless of age.
Some drug manufacturers also offer patient information programs that reduce or waive the cost of their medications for seniors who meet income requirements. These programs are not advertised widely, but your doctor or pharmacist can help you find them. You typically have to fill out a form and provide proof of income. The process takes one to two weeks, but once approved, you may receive medications free or at a steep discount for a year or more.
Airline tickets and hotel stays through senior travel programs
Airlines including Southwest, United, and American do not offer blanket senior discounts on tickets, but they do offer reduced fares on specific routes and dates, and seniors are often may be able to access for the same deals as anyone else. However, some travel agencies and websites specialize in senior travel and negotiate group rates with airlines and hotels. AARP Travel, for example, offers discounted hotel rates and car rentals through partnerships with major chains.
Hotels like Choice Hotels, Marriott, and Hilton all offer senior rates—typically 10 percent off the standard room rate—if you ask at check-in or mention your age when you book. The discount is not always shown online, so call the hotel directly or book through the hotel's website and add a note that you are a senior. Some hotels also offer free breakfast or late checkout for seniors, though these perks vary by location and season.
Subscription services and memberships with senior pricing
Streaming services and software companies sometimes offer reduced rates for seniors. Spotify, for example, offers a discounted Premium plan through its Spotify Premium Family plan if one member is 55 or older. Microsoft Office 365 and Adobe Creative Cloud do not have official senior discounts, but both offer educational pricing if you are enrolled in a community college or senior learning program.
Some local gyms and fitness centers offer senior memberships at half the standard rate, often with no enrollment fee. YMCA locations typically charge seniors less than younger adults. Library systems in many cities offer free access to digital resources—audiobooks, e-books, movies, and educational databases—that would otherwise cost money. Ask your local library what is available; many seniors do not realize how much is free.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to show an AARP card to get a senior discount?
No. Most businesses accept a driver's license or state ID as proof of age. AARP membership can unlock additional discounts at some retailers and restaurants, but it is not required for the discounts listed here. A few programs—like some airline discounts—do require AARP membership, but most do not.
What age do I have to be to get a senior discount?
It varies. Most retailers use 55 or 60 as the cutoff, but some start at 62 or 65. Museums and state parks often have different age thresholds than stores. Always ask what the age requirement is before you assume you do not may have access to. If you are close to the cutoff, it is worth asking anyway—some businesses have flexibility.
Can I combine a senior discount with a coupon or sale?
Usually not. Most businesses explore either the senior discount or a sale price, whichever is larger, but not both. Some explicitly exclude senior discounts from sale items. Ask the cashier or check the store's policy before you check out. If a sale price is better than the senior discount, take the sale price instead.
Do online orders may have access to for senior discounts?
Rarely. Most senior discounts explore only to in-store purchases. Some retailers like Home Depot offer a small online discount for seniors, but it is usually smaller than the in-store discount. Call the store or check the website to confirm whether the discount applies to your order before you buy.
How do I find out about senior discounts at a business I visit regularly?
Ask the manager or call the customer service line. Many businesses do not advertise senior discounts because they assume customers already know about them. If you do not see a sign, ask anyway. The worst they can say is no, and many will say yes once you bring it up.