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Over 55? Here’s What You Can Score for Free (Or Super Cheap) This Month

Save big on dining, travel, entertainment, and more.

By Hannah Diffey

Edited by Esther Carlstone

Updated April 9, 2025

Aging comes with its perks, especially when it comes to saving money. If you're 55 or older, you may be missing out on a ton of freebies and discounts available right now.

From dining deals to entertainment savings, here are the best offers to take advantage of this month.

Don't miss out on these overlooked senior benefits to start keeping more money in your wallet.

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Discounted movie theater tickets

Love going to the movies? Many theater chains offer discounts for seniors. AMC Theatres provides discounted tickets for those 60 and older daily, while Regal Cinemas and Cinemark offer reduced prices on select days.

For example, Cinemark's Senior Day allows those 62 and over to enjoy lower-priced tickets every Monday. Check your local theater's website for exact pricing and participation details, because some vary by state and location.

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Free coffee at restaurants

Many restaurants and diners offer free or discounted coffee for seniors. McDonald's provides reduced-price coffee at many locations, while Burger King and select Dunkin' locations offer discounts for customers 55 and older.

Perkins and IHOP also have senior menus that often include complimentary coffee with a meal.

Discounted National Park passes

If you love exploring the great outdoors, don't miss out on the National Parks Lifetime Senior Pass. For just $80, you gain unlimited access to over 2,000 national parks and federal recreation sites.

You can also opt for an annual senior pass for just $20 that also gives you access to all the national parks for one year. The pass can be purchased online through the U.S. Geological Survey website.

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Reduced fare on public transportation

Many city transit systems offer reduced fares for seniors. Amtrak provides a 10% discount for travelers aged 60 and older, while local transit systems, such as New York's MTA and Los Angeles' Metro, offer up to 50% off standard fares for those 62 and over.

Visit your local transit authority's website for eligibility and discount details.

Shopping pro tip: This month's best deals

April brings not just warmer weather and sunnier days, but also excellent shopping opportunities. With Easter happening on April 20, retailers will offer significant discounts on seasonal items at the end of the month, while also preparing for graduations, weddings, and spring cleaning season.

Here are some of the best deals to watch out for:

Cookware sets on sale for graduation and wedding season
Winter clearance items like coats and sweaters at end-of-season prices
Spring cleaning supplies with potential BOGO offers at stores like Target
Air conditioners before peak summer demand drives prices higher
Lawn care equipment as homeowners prepare for the growing season
Post-Easter candy and ham at deeply discounted prices once the holiday has passed
For grocery savings, consider seasonal produce like asparagus, broccoli, and spinach, which will be at their freshest and most affordable.

Remember that retailers are always thinking a season ahead. They're already preparing to get rid of spring merchandise while you're just getting ready to enjoy it. This makes April a great time to find budget-boosting deals of all kinds and save money at your favorite retailers.

Restaurant deals

From IHOP to Applebee's, major chains offer senior menus with discounted pricing. Denny's offers 15% off for AARP members, while Golden Corral provides special senior discounts and early bird pricing.

Many fast-food chains like Wendy's and Chick-fil-A also have unadvertised senior discounts, so ask before you order.

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Grocery store discounts

Kroger, Publix, and Safeway offer senior discount days where you can save 5 to 10% off your grocery bill. For instance, Kroger and many of its affiliated stores, like Fry's, provide a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of each month for those 55 and over.

Ask your local grocery store if they participate in senior discount programs.

Free gym membership

Staying active is important, and many Medicare Advantage plans offer free access to SilverSneakers, a nationwide program providing free gym memberships to seniors at thousands of fitness centers.

While some memberships are only available to 65 and up seniors, they have many other options for seniors under that age. Check your eligibility and find participating locations on their website.

Free tax preparation services

Tax season can be stressful, but AARP's Tax-Aide program offers free tax preparation services for all seniors, making it easy to file without the extra expense.

This service is available nationwide at libraries and community centers. Check on the AARP website to find a Tax-Aide location near you.

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Quick tips: How to travel or dine out without going broke

senior couple reviewing map while traveling

When it comes to enjoying things like travel and dining out, thoughtful planning can help you maximize your experience without draining your wallet. These discretionary expenses often consume a significant portion of many budgets. The key is finding the balance between treating yourself and maintaining your overall financial health.

Here are some tips on how to find that balance:

Visit restaurants during happy hour or lunch for similar food at lower prices
Join restaurant loyalty programs and subscribe to email lists for special offers
Use cashback dining apps like Seated or credit cards with travel/dining rewards
Consider traveling during shoulder seasons when prices drop but weather is still pleasant
Use price comparison tools like Hopper or Google Flights to track airfare drops
Book accommodations with kitchens to prepare some meals yourself while traveling

Some of the most memorable moments can come from a meal shared with friends or a budget travel experience that takes you somewhere truly unique. Consider both the emotional and financial value of an experience so you can find the things that are truly worth your money.

Discounted prescription medications

Many pharmacies, including CVS and Walgreens, offer senior discount days on over-the-counter medications.

Additionally, programs like AARP Prescription Discounts and Optum Rx also provide savings on prescriptions. Some Medicare Part D plans also offer extra discounts for seniors.

Phone bill discounts

Cell phone providers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile offer discounted phone plans specifically for seniors.

T-Mobile's 55+ plan includes unlimited talk, text, and data for a lower price than their standard plans. Verizon and AT&T also have special plans with reduced rates for older customers, so always be sure to ask.

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Hotel discounts

Many hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Choice Hotels, offer special senior discounts, typically around 10 to 15% off the standard rate.

Some chains extend these discounts to AARP members for additional savings.

Free online learning courses

Websites like Coursera, Udemy, and edX offer free or heavily discounted courses for seniors looking to learn new skills or hobbies.

Many public libraries also provide free access to online learning platforms.

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Discounted Car Rentals

Need a rental car for a trip? Companies like Hertz, Avis, and Budget offer discounts for seniors, often up to 25% off regular rates.

AARP members can also score extra savings when booking rental cars through the AARP Travel Center.

Bottom line

There are countless ways to save money if you're 55 or older, whether you're dining out, traveling, or shopping.

However, not all businesses will advertise these promotions, so make sure to always ask about senior discounts wherever you go to really maximize your retirement savings.

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