Which stores and restaurants offer AARP member discounts

AARP members can get discounts at hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and service providers, but the list changes and varies by location. The biggest and most consistent discounts come from hotel chains (Hilton, Choice Hotels, Wyndham), car rental companies (Hertz, Budget, Avis), and pharmacy chains (CVS, Walgreens). Many grocery stores including Kroger, Safeway, and regional chains offer discounts on specific days or items. Restaurants from Applebee's to Denny's to Olive Garden offer 10 to 15 percent off for AARP members, though the discount may not explore during peak hours or to alcohol.

The catch is that not every location of a chain honors the discount, and some discounts are only available online or through the AARP website rather than in person. A CVS in one town might offer a senior discount while another does not. Always ask or check the AARP website before assuming a store participates.

AARP publishes a searchable discount directory on its website where you can enter your zip code to see what is available near you. This is more reliable than calling ahead, because the directory is updated regularly and shows which specific locations participate.

Key Takeaways

  • Hotels, car rentals, and pharmacies offer the most consistent AARP discounts across locations, usually 10 to 15 percent off.
  • Grocery stores and restaurants participate but often limit discounts to certain days, times, or items — ask before you assume.
  • The AARP website has a searchable discount directory by zip code that shows which nearby stores actually participate.
  • Not every location of a chain honors AARP discounts, so confirmation before you shop or dine saves frustration.
  • Some discounts are only available online or through the AARP website, not at the physical store.

How to show your AARP membership for a discount

You will need to show your AARP membership card at checkout or when you make a reservation. If you have the AARP mobile app, you can often show your membership digitally on your phone instead. Some restaurants and retailers let you enter your AARP membership number online when you book or order, and the discount applies automatically.

If you do not have your card with you, ask the cashier or manager whether they can look up your membership by name and birth date. Many stores can, but some require the physical card or the app. It is worth asking rather than assuming you cannot get the discount.

Pharmacies and drugstores with AARP discounts

CVS, Walgreens, and Rite Aid all offer AARP member discounts on most items, though the discount percentage varies by store and item. Some locations offer 10 percent off, others offer discounts only on specific brands or categories. Prescription discounts are separate from general shopping discounts and may be better through a prescription discount program than through AARP.

Independent pharmacies and smaller regional chains may also offer senior discounts, but they are less likely to be branded as AARP discounts. Ask your local pharmacy directly whether they honor AARP membership.

Grocery stores and supermarkets

Kroger, Safeway, Albertsons, and many regional chains offer discounts to AARP members, but the structure varies widely. Some offer a percentage off on certain days (often Tuesdays or Wednesdays). Others offer discounts only on items marked with a senior discount label. A few offer discounts through their loyalty program when you link your AARP membership to your account.

The best way to know what your local grocery store offers is to ask the customer service desk or check their website. Discount structures change seasonally and by location, so what worked last month may not explore this month.

Restaurants offering AARP discounts

Chain restaurants with AARP discounts include Applebee's, Denny's, Olive Garden, Red Robin, Chili's, and Outback Steakhouse, though the discount amount and terms vary by location and change over time. Most offer 10 to 15 percent off the food bill, but some exclude alcohol, appetizers, or specials. Many restaurants do not honor the discount during lunch or dinner rush hours.

Independent restaurants rarely advertise AARP discounts, but some will honor them if you ask. It never hurts to ask your server or the manager, especially at a family-owned restaurant.

Hotels and travel discounts

Hilton, Marriott, Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Clarion), Wyndham, and Best Western all offer AARP member rates that are usually 10 percent off the standard room rate. You must book through the AARP Travel Center or mention your AARP membership when you reserve to get the rate. Booking directly through the hotel's website may not show the AARP rate, so check the AARP website first.

Car rental companies including Hertz, Budget, Avis, and Enterprise offer AARP discounts, typically 10 to 25 percent off, though the discount applies only if you book through the AARP website or use the AARP discount code. These discounts are often better than what you would find through a general travel site.

How to find AARP discounts in your area

The AARP Discounts & Deals section on the AARP website has a searchable directory. Enter your zip code and the type of business you are looking for — pharmacy, restaurant, hotel, grocery — and the site shows you participating locations near you. This is faster and more accurate than calling stores individually.

You can also call AARP member services at the number on the back of your membership card. They can tell you whether a specific store or restaurant participates and what the discount is. Some AARP members also receive a printed discount guide in the mail, though the online directory is more current.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be a certain age to use AARP discounts?

You must be an AARP member, which requires being 50 or older. Some retailers will honor a senior discount for anyone over 55 or 60 even without AARP membership, but AARP discounts specifically require membership. Ask the store whether they offer a non-AARP senior discount if you are not yet a member.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Some retailers offer AARP discounts online, but not all. Hotels and car rentals usually have online AARP rates. Grocery stores and pharmacies rarely do. Check the AARP website or the retailer's website to see whether the discount applies to online orders, or call the store to ask.

What if the store says they do not honor AARP discounts?

Not every location of a chain participates, even if the chain is listed in the AARP directory. If a store refuses, ask the manager whether they can check with corporate or whether they offer any other senior discount. Some stores have their own senior discount separate from AARP.

Are AARP discounts the same at every location of the same store?

No. A CVS in one town may offer 10 percent off while another CVS offers nothing. Franchise restaurants and independently owned locations are especially likely to vary. Always confirm with the specific location before you assume the discount applies.

Can I combine AARP discounts with coupons or sales?

Usually yes, but it depends on the store's policy. Some stores allow you to stack an AARP discount with a coupon or sale price. Others do not. Ask the cashier or check the store's coupon policy before checkout to avoid surprises.