Find Out About 11 Senior Discounts You May Be Able to Take Advantage Of

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There are plenty of businesses and locations that offer senior discounts to qualifying customers. Keeping track of all the businesses that provide senior discounts can be tricky. It is not uncommon for a location to provide a senior discount, but not openly advertise it. When in doubt, seniors can always ask establishment representatives if there are senior discounts are available.

While there are many different senior discounts available, the requirements for obtaining the discount varies depending upon the location. Many locations provide senior discounts for all citizens who are 50 years of age or older, but some locations only offer senior discounts for people 55 or 60 years of age. In addition to different age requirements, locations may also provide different discounts. Businesses typically provide set discounts for seniors. The discount offered is either a fixed lower price or a percentage off the total purchase. Other locations may waive their admission fees for seniors. State parks and museums usually provide this type of senior discount. Some of the most common senior discounts in the United States are listed below.

National Parks and Federal Recreation Sites

National and federal services often provide senior discounts to customers. These discounts are very generous, but not very well advertised. One of the issues with these discounts is seniors are required to complete actions to obtain the discounts. For example, there are over 2,000 national parks and recreation sites that seniors can visit for free with lifetime passes. However, seniors must mail in applications and small payments first to receive the lifetime passes. To qualify for these discounts, seniors must be 62 years or older.

Amtrak

Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount for seniors over 62 years of age. The discount applies to all transportation except first and business class tickets and does not apply to the weekday Acela Express trains. The discount is lowered to 10 percent for trips that cross through the Canadian border. The discount applies to seniors 60 years of age or older.

Verizon Senior Plan

Verizon provides special cellphone plans for seniors who are 65 years of age or older. The cellphone plan is limited to 200 minutes, offering less minutes than normal plans. However, the price is drastically reduced, making it a great choice for a senior who only occasionally uses his or her cellphone. Data plans are also available for smartphones but may cost extra.

Car Insurance

Car insurance policy rates naturally get more inexpensive for older drivers. There are also separate plans available to seniors through the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). These insurance plans are designed for drivers over 50 years of age. The available discount depends on several factors, including where the driver lives and his or her previous driving history. According to a 2014 study, the AARP insurance program can save a senior an estimated $400 each year when compared to a traditional insurance program.

Banks

Most banks provide discounts for seniors. The requirements and type of discounts vary depending on the bank. Typically, banks provide free checking accounts, but they may also provide special rates on savings accounts. Banks with additional services, such as faxing or making copies, may offer these services for free or at discounted rates. Every bank is different, so seniors should always ask about benefits in advance.

Barbers and Salons

In most states, barbers and salons provide discounts for seniors. Typically, the discounts range from 10 to 20 percent and are offered for customers who are 60 years of age or older. However, some locations may offer different discounts or have different requirements. While it is common, barbers and salons are not required to provide discounts to seniors.

Movie Theaters

Senior discounts at movie theaters can be tricky. The majority of movie theaters offer senior discounts, but the discounts usually only apply to specific show times. Some movie theaters run discounts throughout the week, typically for early afternoon showings. Other movie theaters only run discounts on specific days. The range of the discount also varies. Some theaters offer a 25 percent discount, but others offer up to 60 percent off the ticket price. Many theaters offer the discount for seniors who are 55 years of age or older, but some begin as early as 50 years of age or as late as 62 years of age.

Clothing Stores

While they are not the most common senior discounts, several clothing stores offer special senior deals. For example, Kohl’s offers a 15 percent discount to seniors over 55 years of age, but only on Wednesdays. Ross offers a 10 percent discount, but it only applies to seniors who are part of the “Every Tuesday” club. These discounts are not always openly advertised, so seniors are encouraged to ask at their favorite stores.

Restaurants

Many major restaurant chains offer senior discounts. Applebee’s offers discounts ranging from five to 15 percent off for seniors 55 years of age and older. IHOP has its own discounted menu for seniors only. Many restaurants, such as Denny’s and Dunkin’ Donuts, provide discounts to seniors who have AARP cards.

Rental Cars

One of the biggest senior discounts comes from car rental agencies. Seniors with AARP cards receive 25 percent discounts from most major car rental companies, including Alamo, National and Hertz. Avis provides a 30 percent discount to eligible seniors. Enterprise offers a smaller five percent discount to seniors.

Hotels

Senior discounts are available throughout most major brand name hotels, such as Sheraton, Weston and Ramada. Best Western and Comfort Inn also provide small senior discounts. Many hotel chains do not openly advertise their discounts, so seniors should ask about discounts in advance before booking their stays.