Saving Money / Savings Advice

Close to Retirement? The Best Senior Discounts for Ages 55 and Older

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If you’re like most Americans, turning 55 years old means you’re less than a decade away from retirement. The average retirement age in the United States is 64, meaning those 55 and older can probably see life beyond the working world with much greater clarity. One thing you can look forward to are senior discounts on everything from ice cream to ocean cruises.

See: 50 Tips To Help You Retire by Age 50
Find: 7 Surprisingly Easy Ways To Reach Your Retirement Goals

Some senior discounts kick in when you turn 50, which is also the age you can qualify for AARP membership. But the list of establishments that offer senior discounts grows even longer once you hit 55. This is especially true at restaurants and retail chains, though some grocery chains and travel companies also offer discounts to consumers who just turned 55.

Here’s a look at some of the establishments that offer discounts to those 55 and older, based on various consumer and company websites. Keep in mind that discounts and terms might vary by location, so be sure to check your local establishment’s policy before heading out.

Restaurants

Arby’s: 10% off
Chick-fil-A: 10% off or a free small drink
Dairy Queen: 10% off
Denny’s: 15% off; days vary by location, must be an AARP member
Dunkin’ Donuts: 10% off or a free donut
Golden Corral: 10% off
Jack in the Box: Up to 20% off

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Retail

Christopher & Banks: 10% off certain purchases
Dressbarn: 10% off
Goodwill: 10%-25% off one day a week; day varies by location
Hallmark: Up to 10% off; varies by location
Jo-Ann Stores: 20% off; state-issued ID might be required
Michael’s: 10% off
Ross Dress for Less: 10% off; might be restricted to certain days at some stores
Salvation Army: 15% off and up, depending on store
Stein Mart: 20% off
TJ Maxx: 10% off
Walgreens: 20% off eligible items

Grocery Chains

Fred Meyer: 10% off on the first Tuesday of each month
Fry’s Food Stores: 10% off on the first Wednesday of each month
Hy-Vee: 5% off on senior discount day; day might vary by location

Hospitality/Travel

Best Western Hotels & Resorts: 15% off
Castle Resorts & Hotels: 25% off
Red Roof: 10% off
Norwegian Cruise Line: Up to $100 off
Royal Caribbean Cruise Line: Up to 15% off select cruises

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About the Author

Vance Cariaga is a London-based writer, editor and journalist who previously held staff positions at Investor’s Business Daily, The Charlotte Business Journal and The Charlotte Observer. His work also appeared in Charlotte Magazine, Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal and Business North Carolina magazine. He holds a B.A. in English from Appalachian State University and studied journalism at the University of South Carolina. His reporting earned awards from the North Carolina Press Association, the Green Eyeshade Awards and AlterNet. In addition to journalism, he has worked in banking, accounting and restaurant management. A native of North Carolina who also writes fiction, Vance’s short story, “Saint Christopher,” placed second in the 2019 Writer’s Digest Short Short Story Competition. Two of his short stories appear in With One Eye on the Cows, an anthology published by Ad Hoc Fiction in 2019. His debut novel, Voodoo Hideaway, was published in 2021 by Atmosphere Press.

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