Where to Find Senior Discounts at Major Retail Stores

Which stores offer senior discounts and how much you save

Most major retail chains offer discounts to people over 55 or 60, but the discount amount, the day it's available, and what you need to show varies widely. Some stores discount 10 percent on certain days; others offer 5 to 15 percent year-round. A few require membership cards, while others ask only for your ID at checkout. The discount is almost never automatic — you have to ask for it or present proof of age.

The stores listed below are national chains where senior discounts are standard policy. Local and regional stores may also offer them, so it's worth asking at places you shop regularly. Discount amounts and age thresholds can change, so confirm the current terms before you make a trip.

Key Takeaways

• Most senior discounts require you to show ID proving your age at the register — the store will not know to apply it otherwise.
• Discount percentages range from 5 to 15 percent depending on the store and whether you shop on a designated senior day.
• Some stores require a membership card or enrollment in their rewards program before you can receive the discount.
• Grocery stores, pharmacies, and home improvement chains are most likely to have senior discounts; clothing and electronics retailers rarely do.

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Kroger, Safeway, and Harris Teeter offer senior discounts on specific days, typically the first Tuesday or Wednesday of the month. The discount is usually 5 to 10 percent on that day only. You must present your ID at checkout; the cashier will not ask. Whole Foods (owned by Amazon) does not have a blanket senior discount, but Prime members over 60 receive a 10 percent discount on sale items.

Publix Super Market, which operates in Florida, Georgia, and Alabama, offers a senior discount on Wednesdays for customers 65 and older — bring your ID. Food 4 Less and Ralphs (both Kroger-owned) have senior days as well, though the specific day varies by location. Call your local store to confirm which day applies to you.

Trader Joe's and Aldi do not have senior discount programs. Neither does Costco, though Costco membership itself is sometimes discounted for seniors in certain regions — ask at the membership desk.

Pharmacies and drugstores

CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all offer senior discounts, typically 10 to 20 percent off store-brand items and sometimes name-brand products. The discount usually applies year-round, not on a specific day. You may need to enroll in the store's rewards program first — this is free and takes a few minutes at the register or online. Once enrolled, the discount applies automatically when you use your rewards card or phone number.

Some CVS and Walgreens locations offer an additional discount on a designated senior day (often the first Tuesday of the month), stacked on top of the regular discount. Ask your local pharmacy which day applies and whether you need to do anything beyond showing your ID.

Home improvement and hardware stores

Home Depot offers a 10 percent discount to customers 55 and older on most in-store purchases, year-round. Lowe's offers a similar 10 percent discount to customers 55 and older. Both require you to show ID at checkout — the discount does not apply automatically. Some locations also have a designated senior day with an additional discount; call ahead to confirm.

Ace Hardware does not have a chain-wide senior discount policy, but many independently owned Ace locations do offer one. Ask your local store. Menards offers a 10 percent senior discount on certain days — check with your location for the schedule.

Restaurants and dining

Many restaurant chains offer senior discounts, but the amount and terms vary significantly. Denny's, Bob Evans, and Perkins offer discounts ranging from 10 to 15 percent, usually year-round, though some locations limit it to specific days. You must ask for the discount and show ID — it will not appear on the menu or be offered automatically.

Applebee's, Chili's, and Olive Garden do not have chain-wide senior discount policies, though some individual franchises may offer them. Fast-food chains like McDonald's, Burger King, and Wendy's rarely offer senior discounts at the national level, though some franchises do. Always ask your local restaurant directly.

Movie theaters and entertainment

Most major movie theater chains, including AMC, Regal, and Cinemark, offer senior ticket discounts of $2 to $3 off the regular price. The age threshold is usually 60 or 65. You must show ID when you buy your ticket. Matinee showings often have lower prices for everyone, so compare the senior discount against a matinee price before you decide when to go.

Movie Pass programs and discount days (like Tuesdays at many theaters) sometimes offer better savings than the senior discount alone. Ask at the box office what combination of discounts gives you the lowest price.

Other retailers with senior discounts

Best Buy offers a 5 percent discount to customers 55 and older on most items, year-round. You must show ID at checkout. Bed Bath & Beyond (before its 2023 closure) offered senior discounts; check whether any locations remain open in your area.

Kohl's does not have a standard senior discount, but it runs frequent promotions and has a rewards program that may offer better savings. Target does not have a senior discount. Walmart does not have a chain-wide senior discount, though some individual stores may offer one — ask your local store.

Many banks and credit unions offer discounts on services and products through partnerships with retailers. If you have a senior checking account or membership, ask your bank whether it includes retail discounts you can use.

How to make sure you get the discount

Bring a valid photo ID showing your date of birth every time you shop. Some stores accept a driver's license, passport, or state ID; others accept Medicare cards. If you are unsure what the store accepts, call ahead. Do not assume the cashier will offer the discount — you usually have to ask for it or present your card.

If the store requires a rewards program enrollment, sign up before your trip. This takes a few minutes and is free. Some stores let you enroll online; others require you to do it in person at the register. Once enrolled, the discount may apply automatically when you use your rewards card or phone number, or you may still need to ask the cashier to apply it.

If you shop at the same store regularly, ask a manager to confirm the current senior discount policy and whether there are any upcoming changes. Policies change, and a manager can tell you the most current terms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a member to get a senior discount?

Some stores require enrollment in a free rewards program, but this is not the same as paid membership. Costco and Sam's Club do require paid membership, and they do not have separate senior discounts — though some regions offer discounted membership rates for seniors. Most other retailers with senior discounts do not require membership.

What if I forget my ID?

Most stores will not apply the discount without proof of age. If you forget your ID, ask the cashier whether they can look up your account in their system — some stores can verify your age this way if you are enrolled in their rewards program. Otherwise, you will need to come back with your ID to receive the discount.

Can I combine a senior discount with a coupon or sale?

This depends on the store. Some allow you to stack a senior discount on top of a sale price or coupon; others do not. Ask the cashier or call the store before you shop. On designated senior discount days, the discount sometimes cannot be combined with other offers.

Are online purchases may be able to access for senior discounts?

Rarely. Most senior discounts apply only to in-store purchases. Some stores offer online discounts for seniors, but they are usually smaller than the in-store discount. Check the store's website or call customer service to confirm whether your online order qualifies.

What age do I have to be to get a senior discount?

The age threshold varies by store. Most use 55, 60, or 65 as the cutoff. Check the specific store's policy before you shop. Some stores have different age requirements for different discounts — for example, a 10 percent discount at 55 and a larger discount at 65.