Reaching the age of eligibility for senior discounts feels like a rite of passage. Getting a 10% or 20% discount just for showing your ID can feel like a win.
But in today’s world, senior discounts are often a marketing trap. Retailers know that if they offer a similar percentage discount to older adults, those shoppers are less likely to look for better deals.
The reality is that loyalty apps, digital coupons and advance purchase rates often eclipse the savings offered on Senior Day.
Here are common senior discounts that are rarely the best deals available — and how you can save more by ignoring them.
1. Your savings may be limited
At Kohl’s, if you’re 60 or older, you can claim 15% discount Every Wednesday at in-store shopping.
But Kohl’s coupon policy prevents you from giving a percentage-off discount. You cannot use the 15% senior discount on top of any other percentage-off coupon. If you have a Kohl’s charge card or sign up for their emails, you’re likely to regularly receive coupons for 20%, 30% or sometimes 40% off.
If you come in on a Wednesday and ask for the senior discount, you’re limiting your savings to 15%. Before doing this it would be best to check if you can get better savings.
2. You Can Work Better in a Pharmacy
Walgreens offers seniors day The first Tuesday of the month (and online for a week), offers 20% off eligible regular priced merchandise for shoppers 55 and older.
Sounds good, but at drugstores, regular prices are often significantly higher than at big-box retailers. So 20% off may not be the discount you think.
This does not apply to many items including dairy, stamps, gift cards, newspapers, magazines, pharmacy services, prescriptions or pharmacy items.
You also can’t combine this discount with other promotions like buy one, get one 50% off. So, if you buy something at Walgreens at full price with their 20% senior discount, you’re probably paying more than someone who simply waited for the BOGO sale or used a digital coupon from the Walgreens app.
3. Reconsider that hotel senior rate
Many travel brands advertise special rates for senior citizens. For example, Marriott offers a senior discount For guests 62 years of age and older. Nearly 100 hotels have similar programs.
However, these senior rates are generally calculated from the best available rate – the standard, flexible price. Because senior rates are typically refundable/flexible, they cost more than buy-in-advance or pay-now rates available to the general public.
If you’re certain about your travel dates, booking a non-refundable advance purchase rate can save you 15% to 20%, while senior discounts may be as little as 5% to 10%. Always compare the senior rate with the prepaid rate and AAA rates before booking.
AARP membership can help you reduce expenses on travel, food, and other things. Join Now and Save Hundreds.
4. Senior days at the grocery store often miss out on real savings
Many grocery chains, such as Harris Teeter and Fred Meyer, offer senior discounts (usually 5% or 10%) on specific days of the month.
While 5% is better than nothing, it pales in comparison to the digital coupons now pushed by these same chains. Grocers like Kroger (which owns many regional brands) have moved their best offers to their apps, where you can find digital coupons for even better savings.
These senior discount days sometimes deprive you of earning fuel points or don’t stack with other offers. By setting aside 5% of senior days, you may miss out on double fuel point weekends or digital deals that could save you hundreds of dollars per year on your grocery bill.