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ST. CROIX INSIGHTS

Stretch Your Dollar: Top Discounts for Seniors and Military Members in 2025

BY BRETT ANDERSON/ST.CROIX ADVISORS, LLC
Military member with his senior parents on a sunny day

Every year prices go up. As American economist Thomas Sowell said, “[Inflation] is a way to take people’s wealth from them without having to openly raise taxes. Inflation is the most universal tax of all.”

However, there are still ways to save money on the things we need (and want) by seeking out deals and discounts. While finding these savings can take time, it’s often worth the effort. Below, we’ve curated a list of discounts available to seniors and members of the military at popular companies. The savings and discounts shared below are current as of January 2025.

Senior Discounts

As we age, every dollar saved can make a significant difference. Recognizing the contributions and needs of older adults, many companies offer exclusive discounts to seniors. Whether it’s dining out, shopping, or traveling, these savings help stretch budgets and enhance quality of life. Here are some popular senior discounts worth exploring.

Cell Phone Plans:

  • Verizon: A special offer for those 55 and older. $84/mo for 2 lines. Available to those in Florida.
  • T-Mobile: Save 45% vs. AT&T and Verizon on a plan for ages 55+.
  • AT&T: Save $10/mo. per line on an unlimited plan with an AARP member discount. For Florida residents, get 2 lines with unlimited talk, text, and data for $40 mo/line.

Retail Stores:

  • Kohl’s: 15% off in-store purchases every Wednesday for customers aged 60 and above.
  • Ross Dress for Less: 10% off on Tuesdays for shoppers aged 55 and older.
  • TJ Maxx: 10% discount at participating locations for seniors aged 55 and above.
  • JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores: Offers a 20% discount on Senior Discount Days for customers aged 55 and above; the specific day varies by location.
  • Michaels: Provides a 10% discount every day for seniors aged 55 and above; customers must create a Michaels Rewards account to receive the discount.

Grocery Stores:

  • Hy-Vee: On Thursdays, seniors age 55 and older can receive a 5% discount on some products at participating locations.
    Restaurants:
  • Applebee’s: 10-15% off for diners aged 60 and above depending on location. Ask your server when you order.
  • Denny’s: 15% off for AARP members at participating locations.
  • IHOP: Discounted senior menu for patrons aged 55 and above.
  • Outback Steakhouse: 10% off for AARP members on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Travel and Transportation:

  • Amtrak: Travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.
  • Avis Rent A Car: Up to 30% off base car rental rates for AARP members.
  • Hertz: Up to 20% off base rates for customers aged 50 and above.
  • Marriott Hotels: Senior discount rates are offered to guests aged 62 and above.
  • Delta Airlines: Senior discounts are available in certain markets. They are not available on the website and you need to contact Reservations to check the availability of these fares for your travel needs.
  • United Airlines: To find out if you can get a senior discount on your trip, select “Senior 65+” as the traveler when booking your tickets. All prices shown will include the discount if one is available.
  • National Park Service: If you are a US citizen or permanent resident age 62 years or older, you are eligible for a Senior Lifetime Pass which is valid for your lifetime and costs only $80.
  • Wisconsin State Parks: Senior citizens can get a 12-month sticker for $13 to Wisconsin residents age 65 and older.
    Entertainment:
  • AMC Cinemas: $1 to $4 off for moviegoers aged 60 and above—all day, every day.
  • Regal Cinemas: $3 off for seniors aged 60 and above.
  • Emagine Theaters: Guests 55 years+ qualify for a senior ticket. Discount varies by location and time of day.

Pharmacies:

  • Walgreens: Seniors Day discount is once a month on the first Tuesday of each month through their MyWalgreens free program. Additionally, AARP members can receive discounts on prescriptions.
  • Rite Aid: 5x Rite Aid points on eligible in-store purchases on the first Wednesday of every month.

Military Discounts

We can never truly repay our active and retired military personnel for their service to our country. Many companies, however, offer discounts as a small token of gratitude.

WeSalute is a free program that I encourage you to check out if you’re not already signed up. It’s a great resource to find discounts on many services and products across the nation. Some are listed below.

Retail Stores:

  • Home Depot: Offers a daily 10% discount to all military personnel, including veterans, active duty, and their families. Third-party program registration is required.
  • Lowe’s: Provides a 10% military discount every day to active duty, veterans, and their immediate family members. Enrollment in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program is necessary.
  • Kohl’s: Offers a 15% discount in-store on Mondays for active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families.
  • Nike: Provides a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, spouses, and dependents. Verification through SheerID is required.
  • Adidas: All verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers can enjoy an exclusive discount of 30% online and in-store and 15% at factory outlets.
  • Under Armour: Offers 20% off all purchases for all Active Duty Service Members, Retirees, Veterans, Military Spouses and Family Members, First Responders and Healthcare Workers, active Police, Fire, Nurses, Doctors, EMTs, Teachers, and Educator customers.
  • Scheels: Verified active and retired military members, plus active firefighters, police, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers are eligible to receive Vortex products at 40% off of MSRP through Scheel’s Vortex Discount Program.
  • Levi’s: Provides a 15% discount to active duty, veterans, and retirees. Verification through SheerID is required.
  • Columbia: Offers a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, and dependents, plus students, teachers, and first responders.

Pharmacy:

  • CVS: Through the CVS WeSalute program, save 20% every time you shop online at CVS.com. You’ll also receive free shipping on your online orders.
  • Walgreens: On certain holidays, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day, Walgreens offers 20% off regular-priced, eligible items in-store only. Discount applies to veterans, active-duty military personnel & immediate family.

Automotive Services:

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts: Provides a 10% discount on most items (in-store only) for active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and their families.
  • Penske: Offers a 15% discount on truck rentals with the code “MILITARY” for active duty and veterans.
  • Pep Boys: Provides a 5% discount (in-store only) for active duty, retirees, and reservists (30% off oil change).
  • AutoZone: Offers a 10% discount for in-store purchases only, for any verified active or retired member of the United States military and their dependents.

Technology and Electronics:

  • Apple: Provides a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and dependents. Verification through ID.me is required.
  • Dell: Offers a 5% discount on PCs and electronics for active duty, veterans, and dependents. A coupon can be obtained using a .mil email address.

Travel and Leisure:

  • AMC Theatres: Offers discounted tickets at select locations for active duty personnel.
  • Emagine Theaters: Offers a military discount to all active military or veterans. The discount is currently $1 off the full movie ticket price and can be extended to only one guest.
  • Regal Cinemas: Offers military pricing to our veterans, both active and retired.
  • Disney Theme Parks: Provides special package prices for military personnel, with greater discounts for state residents of the park.
  • Universal Studios: Offers active duty and retired service members specially priced tickets and vacation packages.
  • Valleyfair: Up to $30 off front gate prices for military members and up to 6 guests.
  • Delta Airlines: For our active-duty U.S. service members, Delta offers early boarding, free checked military bag allowance, and special policies on pet travel along with vacation packages through Delta Vacations.
  • Minnesota State Parks: Active military personnel and their dependents in any branch or unit of the United States Armed Forces, veterans with a service-related disability, and Purple Heart recipients are eligible for a free year-round vehicle permit that provides unlimited access to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Restaurants:

  • Applebee’s: Offers a free meal on Veterans Day to active duty and veterans.
  • Chili’s: Provides a free meal on Veterans Day to active duty and veterans.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Offers a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) to active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families.

These discounts are a testament to the appreciation businesses show for seniors and military members. Always inquire at the store or restaurant, as discounts may vary by location and require proof of eligibility. Small savings can add up to big benefits over time!

 

Every year prices go up. As American economist Thomas Sowell said, “[Inflation] is a way to take people’s wealth from them without having to openly raise taxes. Inflation is the most universal tax of all.”

However, there are still ways to save money on the things we need (and want) by seeking out deals and discounts. While finding these savings can take time, it’s often worth the effort. Below, we’ve curated a list of discounts available to seniors and members of the military at popular companies. The savings and discounts shared below are current as of January 2025.

Senior Discounts

As we age, every dollar saved can make a significant difference. Recognizing the contributions and needs of older adults, many companies offer exclusive discounts to seniors. Whether it’s dining out, shopping, or traveling, these savings help stretch budgets and enhance quality of life. Here are some popular senior discounts worth exploring.

Cell Phone Plans:

  • Verizon: A special offer for those 55 and older. $84/mo for 2 lines. Available to those in Florida.
  • T-Mobile: Save 45% vs. AT&T and Verizon on a plan for ages 55+.
  • AT&T: Save $10/mo. per line on an unlimited plan with an AARP member discount. For Florida residents, get 2 lines with unlimited talk, text, and data for $40 mo/line.

Retail Stores:

  • Kohl’s: 15% off in-store purchases every Wednesday for customers aged 60 and above.
  • Ross Dress for Less: 10% off on Tuesdays for shoppers aged 55 and older.
  • TJ Maxx: 10% discount at participating locations for seniors aged 55 and above.
  • JOANN Fabric & Craft Stores: Offers a 20% discount on Senior Discount Days for customers aged 55 and above; the specific day varies by location.
  • Michaels: Provides a 10% discount every day for seniors aged 55 and above; customers must create a Michaels Rewards account to receive the discount.

Grocery Stores:

  • Hy-Vee: On Thursdays, seniors age 55 and older can receive a 5% discount on some products at participating locations.
    Restaurants:
  • Applebee’s: 10-15% off for diners aged 60 and above depending on location. Ask your server when you order.
  • Denny’s: 15% off for AARP members at participating locations.
  • IHOP: Discounted senior menu for patrons aged 55 and above.
  • Outback Steakhouse: 10% off for AARP members on food and non-alcoholic beverages.

Travel and Transportation:

  • Amtrak: Travelers 65 years of age and over are eligible to receive a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains. On cross-border services operated jointly by Amtrak and VIA Rail Canada, a 10% Senior discount is applicable to travelers aged 60 and over.
  • Avis Rent A Car: Up to 30% off base car rental rates for AARP members.
  • Hertz: Up to 20% off base rates for customers aged 50 and above.
  • Marriott Hotels: Senior discount rates are offered to guests aged 62 and above.
  • Delta Airlines: Senior discounts are available in certain markets. They are not available on the website and you need to contact Reservations to check the availability of these fares for your travel needs.
  • United Airlines: To find out if you can get a senior discount on your trip, select “Senior 65+” as the traveler when booking your tickets. All prices shown will include the discount if one is available.
  • National Park Service: If you are a US citizen or permanent resident age 62 years or older, you are eligible for a Senior Lifetime Pass which is valid for your lifetime and costs only $80.
  • Wisconsin State Parks: Senior citizens can get a 12-month sticker for $13 to Wisconsin residents age 65 and older.
    Entertainment:
  • AMC Cinemas: $1 to $4 off for moviegoers aged 60 and above—all day, every day.
  • Regal Cinemas: $3 off for seniors aged 60 and above.
  • Emagine Theaters: Guests 55 years+ qualify for a senior ticket. Discount varies by location and time of day.

Pharmacies:

  • Walgreens: Seniors Day discount is once a month on the first Tuesday of each month through their MyWalgreens free program. Additionally, AARP members can receive discounts on prescriptions.
  • Rite Aid: 5x Rite Aid points on eligible in-store purchases on the first Wednesday of every month.

Military Discounts

We can never truly repay our active and retired military personnel for their service to our country. Many companies, however, offer discounts as a small token of gratitude.

WeSalute is a free program that I encourage you to check out if you’re not already signed up. It’s a great resource to find discounts on many services and products across the nation. Some are listed below.

Retail Stores:

  • Home Depot: Offers a daily 10% discount to all military personnel, including veterans, active duty, and their families. Third-party program registration is required.
  • Lowe’s: Provides a 10% military discount every day to active duty, veterans, and their immediate family members. Enrollment in the Lowe’s Military Discount Program is necessary.
  • Kohl’s: Offers a 15% discount in-store on Mondays for active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families.
  • Nike: Provides a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, spouses, and dependents. Verification through SheerID is required.
  • Adidas: All verified medical professionals, first responders, nurses, military members, and teachers can enjoy an exclusive discount of 30% online and in-store and 15% at factory outlets.
  • Under Armour: Offers 20% off all purchases for all Active Duty Service Members, Retirees, Veterans, Military Spouses and Family Members, First Responders and Healthcare Workers, active Police, Fire, Nurses, Doctors, EMTs, Teachers, and Educator customers.
  • Scheels: Verified active and retired military members, plus active firefighters, police, EMTs, and 911 dispatchers are eligible to receive Vortex products at 40% off of MSRP through Scheel’s Vortex Discount Program.
  • Levi’s: Provides a 15% discount to active duty, veterans, and retirees. Verification through SheerID is required.
  • Columbia: Offers a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, National Guard, and dependents, plus students, teachers, and first responders.

Pharmacy:

  • CVS: Through the CVS WeSalute program, save 20% every time you shop online at CVS.com. You’ll also receive free shipping on your online orders.
  • Walgreens: On certain holidays, such as Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Veteran’s Day, Walgreens offers 20% off regular-priced, eligible items in-store only. Discount applies to veterans, active-duty military personnel & immediate family.

Automotive Services:

  • O’Reilly Auto Parts: Provides a 10% discount on most items (in-store only) for active duty, veterans, retirees, reservists, and their families.
  • Penske: Offers a 15% discount on truck rentals with the code “MILITARY” for active duty and veterans.
  • Pep Boys: Provides a 5% discount (in-store only) for active duty, retirees, and reservists (30% off oil change).
  • AutoZone: Offers a 10% discount for in-store purchases only, for any verified active or retired member of the United States military and their dependents.

Technology and Electronics:

  • Apple: Provides a 10% discount to active duty, veterans, reservists, National Guard, and dependents. Verification through ID.me is required.
  • Dell: Offers a 5% discount on PCs and electronics for active duty, veterans, and dependents. A coupon can be obtained using a .mil email address.

Travel and Leisure:

  • AMC Theatres: Offers discounted tickets at select locations for active duty personnel.
  • Emagine Theaters: Offers a military discount to all active military or veterans. The discount is currently $1 off the full movie ticket price and can be extended to only one guest.
  • Regal Cinemas: Offers military pricing to our veterans, both active and retired.
  • Disney Theme Parks: Provides special package prices for military personnel, with greater discounts for state residents of the park.
  • Universal Studios: Offers active duty and retired service members specially priced tickets and vacation packages.
  • Valleyfair: Up to $30 off front gate prices for military members and up to 6 guests.
  • Delta Airlines: For our active-duty U.S. service members, Delta offers early boarding, free checked military bag allowance, and special policies on pet travel along with vacation packages through Delta Vacations.
  • Minnesota State Parks: Active military personnel and their dependents in any branch or unit of the United States Armed Forces, veterans with a service-related disability, and Purple Heart recipients are eligible for a free year-round vehicle permit that provides unlimited access to all Minnesota state parks and recreation areas.

Restaurants:

  • Applebee’s: Offers a free meal on Veterans Day to active duty and veterans.
  • Chili’s: Provides a free meal on Veterans Day to active duty and veterans.
  • Outback Steakhouse: Offers a 10% discount (excluding alcohol) to active duty, veterans, retirees, and their families.

These discounts are a testament to the appreciation businesses show for seniors and military members. Always inquire at the store or restaurant, as discounts may vary by location and require proof of eligibility. Small savings can add up to big benefits over time!