Frugal Over Fifty: There are benefits to getting older, especially discounts for shopping, dining and traveling.
More than 100 retailers, supermarket chains, health and wellness chains, airlines, hotels, restaurants and movie theater chains nationwide offer discounts to seniors.
Few of these offers are widely promoted. Some don’t even appear on the company website.
Rules first, because there are alway rules –
The definition of “senior” varies widely — the minimum age can be anywhere from 50 to 65, even 70.
Price and participation varies, especially at fast-food restaurant chains. If you’re not sure, call ahead or ask a manager before ordering.
At restaurants, senior discounts usually apply only to the qualifying customer, not to the entire bill or the entire group.
If you are lucky to look younger than your age, you are likely to be asked for identification.
Many offers are limited to specific times of the day or day of the week, so double-check before making plans.
Here is our list of senior discounts at national restaurant chains, followed by additional discounts for members of AARP.
See also
Deals & Discounts for Seniors
For Travel, Entertainment and Shopping Deals
In alphabetical order, because that’s the only fair way –
Applebee’s. 10% to 15% off at participating locations for customers 60 and older.
A&W. 10% discount at participating locations. Ask your local restaurant about age requirements.
Ben & Jerry’s. 10% off for seniors 60+.
Boston Market. Most Boston Markets have a senior discount available. Ask your local restaurant about age requirements on any discounts.
Burger King. Seniors can get a 10% discount.
Captain D’s Seafood. Customers 62 and older get special discounts on Sundays and Wednesdays, usually a meal from a special menu with a drink for $4.49. The deal varies by restaurant, so ask before ordering.
Carrows Restaurant. Offers a Golden 55 menu where seniors 55+ can get value-priced meals. No coupons accepted for Golden 55 menu.
Chick-fil-A. Offers vary by location but are usually a free small drink or a 10% discount.
Chili’s. Seniors who are at least 55 years old can get 10% off at participating locations.
Dairy Queen. Participating locations offer free drinks or 10% off purchase to customers who are 55 years of age or more.
El Pollo Loco. You must be 60 years of age or older to receive the 10% discount (maximum value $1).
Fazoli’s. Join their Club 62 for deals, including a $4 pasta with side salad every Wednesday.
Fuddrucker’s. There’s a a “senior platter” of a hamburger and side dish for 10% off. Call to be sure it’s offered at that location.
Hardee’s. Seniors over 55 years get up to 10% off any order, and there is a special price for beverages. Be sure to ask at your local Hardee’s before ordering.
IHOP. The 55+ Menu offers lower prices for smaller portions of dinner entrees such as pot roast and lemon chicken and breakfast favorites such as French toast. Most locations have a 10% discount for seniors, although the age requirement may vary by location.
Jack in the Box. Seniors age 55 or older can get up to 20% off their entire order. Check before ordering, though.
KFC. Seniors 55 or older can get a free small drink with meal purchase. Some locations offer a discount of up to 10%, excluding any coupons or sales. Ask before ordering.
McDonald’s. Customers who are 55+ can receive discounts on coffee.
Perry’s Steakhouse & Grille. A daily three-course menu Senior Menu is specially designed for guests age 65+, for dine-in only, and only if seated and ordered before 6pm. This special menu is available on request only, and includes six choices per course, for $39. Not available on holidays, to-go or for private dining events.
Sizzler. The “Honored Guest” menu offers discounts to diners age 60 and older.
Taco Bell. Get 5% off and a free drink at participating locations if you’re 65 or older.
TCBY. Enjoy your yogurt for 10% less if you are over 55.
Village Inn. Receive 10% if you are 60+.
Whataburger. Seniors 55 years and over receive a free drink with meal purchase. May vary by location, so ask before ordering.
Restaurants with AARP discounts
You can get a discount at these national chains if you are an AARP member. As always, participation may vary and can change without notice.
Details for the discounts at each restaurant are on the AARP site. You will need to sign in to your AARP account to access the information.
Auntie Anne’s
Bonefish Grill
Bubba Gump Shrimp Company
Carrabba’s Italian Grill
Chart House
Cinnabon
Corner Bakery Café
Denny’s
Jamba
Joe’s Crab Shack
Landry’s Seafood
McAlister’s Deli
McCormick & Schmick’s
Moe’s Southwest Grill
Outback Steakhouse
Rainforest Café
Saltgrass Steak House
Schlotzky’s
The Oceanaire Seafood Room
Thanks to the trade publication Restaurant News and other sources for the primary research for this article.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter is a journalist with 20+ years of experience as a newspaper and magazine writer, radio & TV news producer & reporter, and author of guidebooks and smartphone apps – all focusing on travel, automotive, the environment and your rights as a consumer.
ecoXplorer Evelyn Kanter currently serves as President of the International Motor Press Assn. (IMPA), a former Board Member of the Society of American Travel Writers (SATW) and a current member of the North American Travel Journalists Assn. (NATJA) and the North American Snowsports Journalists Assn. (NASJA).
Contact me at evelyn@ecoxplorer.com.
Copyright (C) Evelyn Kanter
Leave a Reply