AARP Home » Money » Living on a Budget »10 Places to Ask for a...

10 Places to Ask for a Discount

Shopping on certain days or asking for a price break can save you money

by Jeff Yeager, AARP, March 6, 2015

millennials drive a quarter less than counterparts did 8 years ago (Getty Images)

Previous Next

Play of 12

Clothing

Kohl’s gives a 15 percent discount to those age 55-plus every Wednesday. Ross offers 10 percent off to shoppers 55 and older on Tuesdays when they sign up for the Every Tuesday Club. If you’re in the market for some lightly used clothing or other previously owned goods, many Goodwill stores give seniors a discount on select days each week. Discount days vary by location.

Getty Images

Gym Membership

The YMCA offers $5 off its monthly membership rate for seniors 65-plus. And if you’re in a retiree group health plan or in a Medicare plan, you may be eligible for a free SilverSneakers membership, which gets you access to more than 13,000 participating fitness facilities around the country as well as special classes and activities.

Istock

Utilities

It’s worth contacting your utility providers and municipal government about discounted rates for seniors. You could qualify based on age and/or financial need. For example, Georgia Power offers seniors 65 and older a discount of up to $18 on their metered service if they meet income qualifications, and the city of Chicago exempts homeowners 65-plus from sewer service charges if they apply for the discount.

Tetra Images/Alamy

AARP Offer: Protect your money, grow your nest egg

Take advantage of great information and tools to help build your future and prevent your money from going down the drain.

Join AARP and start saving for your dreams today.

Getty Images

Auto Services

National chains Jiffy Lube and Midas offer service discounts. The age requirement and the discount varies by location. If you’re shopping locally, it never hurts to ask if your neighborhood auto repair shop offers a senior discount.

Istock

Movie Tickets

Seniors 60-plus can save up to 30 percent on regular admission at most AMC Theatres and up to 60 percent on Tuesday Senior Days offered at select locations. Showcase Cinemas offers a discounted $6 admission for the 60-plus crowd on Senior Wednesdays. Senior day discounts at Cinemark theaters vary by location.

Istock

National Park Admission

For $10, seniors 62 and older can purchase a Senior Pass that’s good for lifetime access to over 2,000 federal recreational sites and national parks. (Note: If you apply by mail, there is a $10 processing fee.) Depending on the venue, the pass could entitle you to discounts on other amenities such as camping or swimming.

Getty Images

Groceries

On Thursdays, grocers Kroger and Harris Teeter offer a 5 percent discount off the entire bill for those 60 and older. Note: The discounts usually don’t apply to tobacco products or prescriptions.

Istock

Transportation

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival cruise lines offer discount rates to cruisers 55 and over.

Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount to travelers 62 years or older. Those of you that same age also qualify for a 5 percent discount on Greyhound bus travel. Southwest Airlines offers special senior fares for those 65-plus.

Istock

Haircuts

National chains such as Great Clips and Supercuts may trim the cost of your next haircut. Because most national salon chain locations are individual franchises, terms and conditions of senior discounts (if any) vary by location. Locally owned barbers and salons may give seniors a price break as well. Just ask.

Istock

Education

Continuing education programs are available at many colleges and universities to those 60 and over for a small fee. It may even be free, so check with the programs near you. The University of Utah allows students age 62 and older to attend many regular university classes on an audit or noncredit basis for only $25 per semester. In Ohio, residents 60 and older can attend university classes at no cost when space is available.

Istock