Your golden years are best spent investing in your health and happiness. There are some advantages to reaching that pivotal aging milestone, and one that stands out is discounts aimed at seniors. If saving at your favorite store, service, or stay sounds intriguing, here are some of the most popular year-round senior discounts you can receive for 2024.
Make Your Groceries More Affordable
As many Americans navigate the effects of inflation, grocery prices remain one of the most significant areas of financial concern. While the rate of food prices is beginning to slow, here are some grocers who can help you save during your weekly visit to the store.
Albertsons: If you are 55 or older, enjoy 10% off your Albertsons purchase on the first Wednesday of every month. You can save even more if you join Albertsons for U program.
Fred Meyer: If you are a part of the 55+ club, you can enjoy 10% off select items on the first Tuesday of every month. This includes private brand groceries, apparel, shoes, and accessories, home products, and most electronics.
Grocery Outlet: Every Tuesday, seniors can take 10% off their grocery order at some of the 400+ Grocery Outlet locations. Because each store is independently owned, it’s best to confirm which locations provide this discount.
Safeway: If you are 62 or older, Safeway offers a senior discount of 10% on the first Wednesday of each month. This can be used at Safeway stores in Arizona, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, Oklahoma, Texas, Utah, and Wyoming. You can also save up to 20% weekly through the Safeway for U program.
For even more savings, competing Medicare Advantage plans known as Special Needs Plans (SNPs) offer grocery allowances through prepaid debit cards, or flex cards, on a monthly or quarterly basis.
Typically, Medicare Advantage SNPs that may include supplemental grocery benefits are for people living with certain chronic conditions or those who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Stay Connected with Senior Cell Plans
As we age, it’s vital that we find ways to stay connected to our loved ones and our communities. At a time when social isolation and loneliness has been declared a national epidemic, cell phones and other technologies help seniors foster important relationships. Here are some opportunities to stay connected – at a cost-effective rate.
AT&T: For the 55+ community, AT&T offers unlimited talk, text, and data plans for $40 per month per line; however, only Florida residents are eligible for these plans. If you are not a Florida resident, AT&T offers prepaid plans starting at $25 per month.
Consumer Cellular: If you are looking for a no-frills mobile plan with unlimited talk and text, look no further. With plans starting at just $20 per month per line and a 5% discount for AARP members, Consumer Cellular might just tick all of the right boxes.
Mint Mobile: Nationwide coverage doesn’t have to be expensive. With the Mint 55+ plan, you can have unlimited talk and text for only $15 per month per line. Mint Mobile plans are also on T-Mobile’s 5G network, ensuring you’ll have coverage any time you need it.
T-Mobile: Considered one of the best options for senior phone plans, T-Mobile offers unlimited talk, text, and smartphone data starting at just $30 per month per line. Unlike many competitors, 55+ T-Mobile plans are available nationwide. Another bonus: T-Mobile requires no annual contracts for Unlimited 55+ plans.
Verizon: Much like AT&T’s senior plans, Verizon’s 55+ plan starting at $42 per month per line with unlimited talk, text, and data are only available to Florida residents. However, alternative prepaid plan options start at just $35 per month. Verizon also offers one of the fastest and most robust networks for cellular coverage, meaning you can have peace of mind for your communication needs.
Planes, Trains, and Automobiles
Whether you hit the road for business, leisure, or simply need a way to get around town, transportation costs can add up. A 2023 report reveals that transportation, particularly car travel, remains one of the highest annual consumer expenditures, totaling $12,295 annually.
Fortunately, many rideshare apps, airlines, and railway services provide seniors with a passenger discount. That means you can focus on where you need to go rather than how you’re going to get there.
Amtrak: 65+ travelers are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. Proof of age is required when purchasing your ticket and aboard the train.
American Airlines: Senior citizen fares are offered for some international routes for seniors aged 65 and older. To view senior citizen’s airfares, search the flight using the Advanced Search feature on American Airlines’ website.
British Airways: AARP members will automatically receive a $65-$200 discount for roundtrip transatlantic tickets to over 130 destinations. Terms and conditions apply.
Delta Airlines: Delta may offer senior discounts in specific markets, but they are not available on their official website. For further details, Delta recommends contacting their customer service team directly.
United Airlines: If United is your airline of choice, you’ll find that the discount policy is like other airlines mentioned above for 65+ adults. However, if you’re an existing lifetime member before September 2005 and are 55 or older, you can book lowest discount fares for yourself and a companion on international and domestic roundtrip flights through United’s Silver Wings Plus program.
Lyft: While Lyft doesn’t offer a generalized discount to seniors for their basic service, their Lyft Up program provides seniors with discounted rides to work, grocery stores, and necessary medical appointments.
Car Rentals: From Hertz’s Fifty Plus Program offering up to 20% off your rental to Sixt’s senior rental coupon, you can save a few dollars if in need of some temporary wheels.
Local Transportation Services: Maybe you’re seeking public transportation options in your area. Many volunteer transportation programs provide free or low-cost transportation services to seniors. The most effective way to find rides in your area is to contact your local Area Agency on Aging facility. NEMT (Non-Emergency Medical Transportation) programs are also available to eligible Medicaid enrollees who need rides to medical appointments. We recommend checking with your state and local government agencies to see which services are available in your region.
Hotels On Your Booking List
Hotels tend to be one of the more expensive parts of any trip. Looking for a great place to stay and a great way to save? Check in with one of these hotel brands; check out with more of that hard-earned money in your pocket.
Choice Hotels: If you’re 60 or older, you’ll definitely be making the right choice when you can enjoy 10-30% off your stay.
Hilton: If you are 65 or older, you can save up to 7% on Hilton’s best available rates at participating Hilton hotels and resorts. If you’re an AARP member, you can enjoy up to 10% off Hilton standard room rates. Just have your ID handy at check-in to secure your best rate.
Hyatt: With Hyatt’s 62+ senior discount, you have the freedom to indulge a little more on your next vacation. Discounts vary by location, so make sure to call ahead to ask for available rates at your ideal location.
IHG Hotels & Resorts: What’s one great perk to being 62? Discounted senior rates at participating IHG properties, for starters. That’s more money back in your pocket to enjoy your travels even more.
Marriott: All guests 62 and older can receive a senior room rate of at least 10% depending on rate availability. Simply present a valid ID at check-in to verify your rate eligibility.
Motel 6: The promotional senior discount may only be 5% for non-AARP members, but one major positive is that this discount is available at all Motel 6 locations for 60+ guests. For those who are AARP members, you can enjoy up to 10% off your stay.
Omni Hotels & Resorts: Boasting over 50 luxury hotels and resorts across the country, you can save even more on your next trip when you use their special senior rate to book a room. You must be at least 55 to qualify for these special rates.
Red Roof Inn: Traveling on a budget shouldn’t have any limitations. Red Roof Inn understands this with their year-round 10% discount for guests 59 and older. Like many hotels offering these discounted rates, you’ll just need to have that ID handy at check-in.
Best Overall Discount Programs for Seniors
Groceries, technology, transportation, and hospitality remain the top trending discount finds for 2024, and there’s even more opportunity to save through membership discount programs for seniors.
AARP: From savings on restaurants to travel to technology, AARP provides seniors with a comprehensive list of potential benefits to use on everyday purchases. Learn about just a few of these benefits here.
AAA: Members receive instant discounts at over 75,000 partner locations nationwide, bringing you peace of mind for all your lifestyle necessities. Find what AAA members can save on here.
While more and more older Americans are navigating their financial stability in 2024, it’s vital to present more opportunities to save money. Whether you find yourself shopping for yourself or those around you, every discount counts.
