Senior Discounts: Boston and beyond

I recently gave a talk at a local library, and was asked if I had a page about Senior Discounts in Boston. I didn’t, but I went right one and created this page.

Once you hit a certain age, usually 60 or 65, all kinds of restaurants and stores want to help you save a little dough. Step one in saving money as you mature, is joining AARP. You can join once you hit the big 5-0. There is a membership fee but its just $16 a year. Once you’re a member you can get discounts on insurance, prescription drugs, entertainment, hotels and car rentals and more.

When it comes to stores and restaurants, many offer discounts, but the key is YOU HAVE TO ASK. Most locations will not ask you or automatically give you the discount. I guess they’re afraid of offending someone.

Here are just a few. Note senior discounts are up to the individual location’s discretion. So you may find non-participating locations occasionally.

Restaurants

Applebee’s: 10-15% off
Ben & Jerry’s: 10% off for seniors (60+)
Boston Market: discount varies by location (65+)
Burger King: 10% off (60+) plus additional discounts on coffee and soft drinks
Carrabba’s Italian Grill: 15% off entire meal for AARP Members
Chart House: 10% off for AARP members
Chick-Fil-A: 10% off or free small drink or coffee (55+)
Chili’s: 10% off (55+)
Dairy Queen: 10% off for seniors
Dunkin’ Donuts: Free Donut with L or XL Beverage for AARP members or 10% off
Einstein’s Bagels: 10% off (60+)
Friendly’s Restaurants: 10% off meal w/ free coffee at breakfast or free small sunday during non-breakfast hours verified
Fuddrucker’s: 10% off any senior platter (55+
IHOP: 10% off (55+)
McCormick & Schmick’s: 10% off for AARP members
McDonald’s: daily coffee discounts (55+)
Mrs. Fields: 10% off at participating locations (60+)
Outback Steakhouse: 15% off for AARP members
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory: up to 20% off (65+)
Sonic Drive In: 10% off (60+)
sweetFrog Premium Frozen Yogurt: 15% for AARP members
Wendy’s: 10% off (55+)

Stores

Dress Barn: 10%, discount day of the week varies by location (55+).
Jo-Ann Fabrics: About every 3 month’s, there’s a Senior Citizen Discount Day, where you can get 20% off their in-store purchases(60+)
Kohls: 15% off on Wednesdays (55+)
Michaels Craft Store: Varies by location
Rite Aid: 20% off the first Wednesday of the month (with a Rite Aid shopping card (65+)
UPS Store: 15% off for AARP members
Walgreens: 20% off on “Senior Day,”the first Tuesday of the month (55+ and AARP)

Entertainment

AMC Theaters: Those 55 years and older can get up to 30% off their movie tickets every Tuesday.
Regal Cinemas: Seniors 55+ can get movie tickets for up to 30% off at select theaters.

Here are a few other ways to save as you age:

Once you’re 62, you are eligible for a lifetime Senior Pass that allows free admission to National Parks and other recreational areas. And a 50% discount on camping fees, fishing licenses, etc. And there are lots of National Parks in Massachusetts. There’s a one-time $10 fee, but you’ll make that up the first time you use it.
Check your town’s regulations, many offer discounted dump stickers to those of a certain age as well as other tax reduction programs.
Make sure your bank is following the 18-65 law. It allows those 65 years old or older to have a savings account and a checking account at a Massachusetts state-chartered savings bank, co-operative bank or trust company without having to pay service or maintenance fees.
Discounted MBTA fare for those 65 and older with a Senior Charliecard.

If you know of any discounts I’ve forgotten or if any of these don’t work for you, please email me and let me know. Thank you.