10 Surprising Discounts for Seniors That Stores Don't Advertise

Plenty of big-name retailers quietly knock money off for older shoppers, some starting as young as 50, they just don't put it on the marquee. Ask at the right register on the right day, and those small discounts stack up over a year.

Walgreens gives 20% off during monthly Seniors Day events, while Kohl's offers 15% discounts every Wednesday for customers over 60. Several grocery chains feature 5-10% savings on designated days, and airlines like British Airways give AARP members up to $65 off flights.

Below are 10 senior discounts at popular retailers that most people never see advertised. They span shopping, dining, entertainment, and travel, and together they could save you hundreds of dollars a year.

Walgreens Seniors Day Savings

Walgreens offers a straightforward senior discount many people miss: 20% off on the first Tuesday of every month for customers 55 and older.

Walgreens senior discount eligibility

To qualify for Walgreens' senior discount, you must be 55 or older and enrolled in the free myWalgreens rewards program. This age threshold is lower than many competitors, which typically start at 60 or 65.

When shopping in-store, bring identification to verify your age. Acceptable forms include a driver's license, state-issued ID, passport, military card, or birth certificate.

Walgreens Seniors Day happens on the first Tuesday of each month. For online orders, the discount window is wider, usually from the Sunday before Seniors Day through the Saturday after.

In-store discounts apply only on Seniors Day, the first Tuesday of each month.

For online shoppers, Walgreens extends the 20% discount for about one week at the start of each month, typically from Sunday through the following Saturday. To get the online discount:

1. Create a free myWalgreens account if you don't have one
2. Shop for eligible items on Walgreens.com
3. Enter promo code SENIOR20 at checkout
4. Verify your age when prompted

In-store, tell the cashier you're shopping on Seniors Day. Some locations display relevant health products near the front during these promotions.

Walgreens senior discount limitations

The 20% discount applies only to regular-priced merchandise and cannot be combined with other promotions like BOGO (buy one, get one free) deals or buy-two-get-third-free offers.

Many product categories are excluded from the discount:

• Alcohol, tobacco, and dairy products
• Prescriptions and pharmacy services
• Gift cards, stamps, and lottery tickets
• Newspapers and magazines
• Money orders and transportation passes
• Pseudoephedrine or ephedrine products
• Bulk orders and out-of-stock items
• Online shoppers face additional restrictions on brands like Similac, Enfamil, Hasbro, Marvel, and Philips, as well as CBD products, COVID-19 tests, electronics, and photo orders.

Despite these limits, many items still qualify for the 20% discount, making Walgreens' Seniors Day a worthwhile shopping opportunity.

Ross Dress for Less Tuesday Discount

Ross offers a consistent 10% senior discount every Tuesday, available year-round and not tied to seasonal sales or promotions.

Ross senior discount day details

Ross Dress for Less runs a "55+ Tuesday Discount" for shoppers 55 and older. Eligible customers get 10% off their entire purchase every Tuesday.

The discount applies to all in-store purchases: clothing, home goods, and accessories. Since Ross already offers reduced prices as an off-price retailer, this extra 10% provides substantial savings on brand-name items.

The discount is available every Tuesday throughout the year at Ross locations nationwide, though it's wise to confirm with your local store.

How to claim the Ross 10% discount

Claiming the discount is straightforward:

1. Shop at Ross on a Tuesday
2. Select your items
3. Tell the cashier at checkout that you qualify for the 55+ Tuesday Discount
4. Show ID if asked

The cashier will apply the 10% discount to your purchase. You must notify the cashier, the discount isn't automatically applied. Note that you must be physically present at checkout to receive the savings; the discount isn't transferable.

Ross doesn't sell items online, so this discount applies only to in-store purchases.

Ross senior discount age requirement

To qualify, you must be 55 or older. This is lower than many other retailers, which typically start at 60 or 65.

When claiming the discount, be prepared to show identification with your date of birth. Acceptable forms include driver's license, state ID, passport, or other government-issued photo ID.

• Driver's license
• State-issued identification card
• Passport
• Other government-issued photo identification with birthdate

The verification process is quick, just a moment to show your ID to the cashier.

Unlike some retailers that have raised their age thresholds, Ross has maintained its 55+ requirement. This means shoppers between 55 and 65 can access senior discounts sooner here than at many other stores.

Amazon Prime Access for Seniors on Assistance

Amazon doesn't offer a traditional senior discount, but Prime Access provides significant savings for older adults receiving government assistance. Qualifying seniors pay half the standard membership fee.

Amazon Prime Access makes Prime benefits available to seniors on limited incomes. For $6.99 per month instead of the standard $14.99, eligible seniors get the same fast shipping, video streaming, and other Prime perks.

Amazon Prime Access is available to seniors receiving specific government assistance. You qualify if you participate in any of these programs:

• Supplemental Security Income (SSI)
• Medicaid
• SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program)
• Direct Express Debit Card
• Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF)
• Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
• Women, Infants, and Children Program (WIC)
• National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
• Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TTANF)
• Puerto Rico's Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP)

You may also qualify through income verification if your household income falls within 150% of the Federal Poverty Guideline.

Amazon Prime Access pricing for seniors

Prime Access costs $6.99 per month, more than 50% off the regular $14.99 monthly rate.

Members receive all the same benefits as regular Prime subscribers: free shipping, Prime Video streaming, prescription discounts through Amazon Pharmacy, and more.

First-time Prime members who qualify get a free 30-day trial before charges begin. This lets you test the service before committing.

How to apply for Amazon Prime Access

The application process is straightforward and requires documentation:

1. Visit amazon.com/primeaccess
2. Select "Get Started"
3. Choose your qualifying government assistance program
4. Upload a photo of your EBT card or eligibility letter
5. Enter payment information for after your trial (if applicable)

Your uploaded image should be clear and show the issue date (within the last 12 months) or valid expiration date.

You must verify eligibility every 12 months to keep the discounted rate. Amazon sends reminder emails when it's time to reverify. The discount remains available for up to four years from initial signup.

Prime Access makes Amazon Prime affordable for seniors on assistance programs.

Michaels Rewards Senior Discount

Michaels offers a year-round 10% discount on purchases for customers 55 and older, including sale items.

Michaels senior discount program overview

Michaels gives a 10% discount every day of the year for customers 55 or older. The benefit applies to both regular and sale-priced merchandise. Originally an in-store benefit, it now extends to online purchases on Michaels.com.

The discount applies to both regular and sale-priced items, meaning you get an extra discount on already-marked-down merchandise. Once enrolled and age-verified, you can use this benefit in-store or online.

How to sign up for Michaels Rewards

Enrollment takes a few simple steps:

1. Create a free Michaels Rewards account in-store or online
2. Verify your age with a government-issued ID showing your full name and birth date
3. Acceptable IDs include driver's license, passport, birth certificate, or state-issued ID

For in-store verification, present your ID at checkout; it syncs with your Rewards account within 24 hours. Online verification typically happens immediately through a third-party service, though additional documentation may occasionally be needed.

Once verified, the discount automatically applies to eligible purchases when you provide your phone number at checkout or log into your account online.

Michaels senior discount exclusions

Some categories are excluded from the discount. You can use it once per day and once per product. Excluded items include:

• Custom framing services and photo gifts
• Craft technology (Cricut, Glowforge, Silhouette, etc.)
• Clearance items and MichaelsPro Packs
• Food items (beverages and candy)
• Media (books, magazines, rolled posters)
• Gift cards and services (classes, birthday parties, events)
• Specific brands (Lego, Pokémon, Lorcana, etc.)
• Third-party marketplace items

Canadian shoppers may encounter slightly different exclusions, but the 10% discount for those 55 and older remains available.

Goodwill Weekly Senior Discount Days

Goodwill's senior discounts make thrift shopping cheaper still at many of its 3,300-plus stores. How much you save depends on which store you walk into, so it pays to check your local one.

Goodwill senior discount availability

Goodwill stores offer senior discount days, but each regional organization sets its own policy. Most locations offer discounts weekly, typically on Tuesday or Wednesday. The age requirement usually starts at 55, though some regions set it at 60. Show valid ID at checkout, though some locations may not always verify.

Call ahead or check your local store's website to confirm availability before shopping.

To find your local Goodwill's senior discount details, try these approaches:

Visit your local Goodwill's website, many list discount days under "Sales," "Promotions," or "Ways to Save"

1. Call the store directly to ask about senior discounts
2. Ask staff in person for details on discount days and eligibility
3. Sign up for "GoodPerks" email alerts if available in your area
4. Remember that each regional organization operates independently, so discount information from one area may not apply elsewhere.

Goodwill senior discount percentage

Discounts vary significantly by region, ranging from 10% to 30% off. Examples include:

Goodwill Southern California: 15% off on Tuesdays for ages 55+

• Goodwill San Francisco: 25% off on Tuesdays for ages 55+
• Goodwill Southwestern Pennsylvania: 25% off on Mondays for ages 55+
• Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake: 30% off on Wednesdays for ages 55+
• Goodwill Easter Seals Minnesota: 25% off on Wednesdays for ages 55+
• Most locations restrict these discounts, they cannot be combined with other offers, and some exclude specific merchandise categories. Goodwill Canada, for example, excludes "SEE THE WORTH" items and Outlet purchases.

Krispy Kreme Unofficial Senior Perks

Senior discounts at Krispy Kreme are among the most elusive in retail, unofficial, unadvertised, and available mainly through asking directly.

Krispy Kreme senior discount rumors

Krispy Kreme has no official senior discount policy. However, some locations offer a 10% discount or free items like a donut with a coffee for customers 50 and older. Since this varies widely, always ask your local store.

This discount isn't standardized across locations and has no official list of participating stores. It's also not available at grocery retailers selling Krispy Kreme products, like Walmart or Publix.

Getting an unofficial discount depends on how you ask:

Call your local Krispy Kreme first to ask if they offer senior discounts. This avoids potential embarrassment and confirms participation.

At the counter, politely ask if they offer a discount for customers over 50. Be prepared to show ID if requested.

Don't be discouraged if one location declines, another nearby store might honor it.

Typical Krispy Kreme senior deals

Where available, seniors typically receive 10% off their entire purchase. On a Classic Assorted Dozen normally priced at $26.99, the discount saves about $2.70.

Some customers report that cashiers offered the discount without being asked. Others got it by simply asking. The experience varies by location.

Krispy Kreme doesn't guarantee a senior discount, but it's worth asking. This is especially helpful if you're buying several dozen for an event.

AutoZone In-Store Senior Discounts

AutoZone's senior discount policy is unclear, with conflicting reports about whether the company offers discounts at all. Some sources mention up to 20% off for ages 65+, others say 10% at select stores, and still others say there's no official program.

AutoZone senior discount policy

AutoZone appears to have no company-wide senior discount policy. If discounts exist, they're at the discretion of individual store managers rather than corporate policy. Items potentially eligible include brake pads, oil filters, batteries, and fluids.

To find out if your local store offers discounts:

Visit your local AutoZone in person

Select your items

Ask the cashier politely if they offer a senior discount before paying

Be prepared to show ID if asked

1. AutoZone doesn't advertise senior discounts, but regular promotions and coupons are available. The company also offers free services like battery testing, code reading, and fluid recycling.

AutoZone discount eligibility age

1. Sources differ on the age requirement, some mention 65+, others 60+. Since there's no standardized policy, individual stores set their own rules. Always ask your local store about requirements and availability.

Color Me Mine Pottery Studio Deals

Many Color Me Mine studios offer senior discounts, though availability varies. Since studios are independently owned, you'll need to check directly with your local location.

Color Me Mine senior discount availability

Color Me Mine operates as a franchise. Each studio is independently owned and sets its own discount policies. Senior discounts aren't consistent across all 144+ locations.

To locate studios with senior discounts:

Call your nearest location to ask about senior discount availability

Check their website under "Promotions" or "Events/Adults"

Visit in person and ask about current policies

Franchise-owned studios set their own policies, so confirm details before visiting.

Color Me Mine discount day details

Where available, senior discounts typically range from 5-10% off and usually apply only on weekdays (Monday through Friday). The Lancaster studio offers 5% off, while Camp Hill offers 10%. These discounts cannot be combined with other offers or coupons.

For frequent visitors, the VIP Membership Pass might offer better value than the senior discount, as it eliminates studio fees and provides 10% off all pottery for a year.

1. Studio fees (around $12 per person) cover roughly two hours of studio time, materials, glazing, and firing. Completed pottery is typically ready for pickup within 7-10 days. Many locations accept walk-ins when space allows, though reservations are recommended for guaranteed seating, especially during busy periods.

Empire State Building Senior Admission

1. New York's most famous view comes with a quiet break for older visitors. Anyone 62 and up pays less than the standard rate to ride to the top of the Empire State Building, which softens the cost of one of the city's signature stops.

Empire State Building senior ticket pricing

Senior visitors (ages 62+) receive a discount off standard admission. Prices vary by source, ranging from $31 to $42 for the 86th floor, compared to adult prices starting around $44. The discount typically amounts to $2-$3 off regular admission.

For access to both the 86th and 102nd floor observatories, senior prices start at $77 versus $79 for adults. These discounts apply to tickets purchased online in advance or the same day at the attraction.

Getting the senior discount

When buying tickets online, select "Senior" during checkout. For in-person purchases, request the senior rate at the ticket counter. Bring valid identification, a government-issued photo ID, passport, or driver's license, to verify your age.

The Empire State Building also offers other discounts: military personnel in uniform get free admission, and veterans with valid military ID qualify for $2-$3 off.

The Empire State Building defines "senior" as 62 years or older. Children under 6 accompanied by a paying adult get free admission.

Starbucks Discretionary Senior Discounts

Starbucks does not have an official company-wide senior discount policy. Some individual locations, particularly those inside grocery stores or hospitals, may offer unofficial, store-level discounts. These are at the manager's discretion, not guaranteed.

Starbucks senior discount policy (or lack thereof)

Unlike most major chains, Starbucks doesn't advertise age-based discounts. The company focuses on its Starbucks Rewards loyalty program instead of senior promotions. That said, some locations may extend courtesy discounts informally.

A simple, polite question at checkout might reveal an unofficial discount, though results vary by store and barista. Keep expectations reasonable, most locations won't have a policy to offer.

Instead of relying on a senior discount, try these reliable ways to save:

Join Starbucks Rewards for birthday drinks and ongoing promotions

Shop during happy hours or special promotion days

Buy discounted gift cards from warehouse clubs

Bring your own reusable cup for a small discount

These strategies often provide better, more consistent savings than chasing unofficial senior discounts.

Comparison Table

Conclusion

The takeaway is simple: plenty of stores will knock money off for older shoppers, they just won't announce it. Tracking these deals down takes a little digging and a willingness to ask outright, but the reward is real, often 10% to 30% off.

Some stores start at age 50, though most programs begin at 55 or 60. Walgreens gives 20% off during Seniors Day. Ross and Michaels offer 10% off daily (or weekly, in Ross's case). Check local policies at chains like Goodwill for regional variations, and ask at places like Krispy Kreme, you might be surprised.

To access these discounts, bring a government-issued photo ID to verify your age. Join store loyalty programs for additional savings. Many discounts are available only on specific days, so plan your shopping accordingly.

Beyond advertised programs, informal senior courtesies sometimes exist. A polite question at checkout can occasionally reveal unadvertised savings, especially at smaller retailers. Knowing about these options helps stretch a fixed income.

FAQs

Q1. What is the best day to shop at Walgreens for senior discounts? The best day for seniors to shop at Walgreens is the first Tuesday of each month, when they offer a 20% discount to customers aged 55 and older who are enrolled in the myWalgreens rewards program.

Q2. How can seniors save money on Amazon Prime? Seniors receiving government assistance like Medicaid or SSI can save on Amazon Prime through the Prime Access program, which offers membership for $6.99 per month instead of the standard $14.99 rate.

Q3. Do all Goodwill stores offer senior discounts? While many Goodwill stores offer senior discounts, the availability and amount vary by location. Typically, discounts range from 10% to 30% off purchases for shoppers aged 55 or 60+, usually on a specific day of the week.

Q4. Is there a senior discount at Krispy Kreme? Krispy Kreme doesn't have an official senior discount policy, but some locations may offer a 10% discount to customers over 50. It's best to ask politely at the register, as availability varies by store.

Q5. How much can seniors save on Empire State Building admission? Seniors aged 62 and older can save $2-$3 off standard admission prices at the Empire State Building. The exact discount may vary, so it's advisable to check current pricing when planning your visit.