Which stores and restaurants offer AARP discounts

AARP membership opens discounts at hundreds of retailers, restaurants, and service providers, but the specific discount varies by store and changes throughout the year. Major chains that consistently offer AARP discounts include Lowe's, Home Depot, Best Buy, Applebee's, Denny's, and Hertz rental cars. Grocery stores like Kroger and Safeway offer discounts in some regions but not others. The discount amount ranges from 5 percent to 20 percent depending on the retailer and the product category — a restaurant might offer 10 percent off your meal, while a hardware store might discount only certain items.

The easiest way to find current discounts is to visit the AARP website's discount locator tool, which lets you search by store name or category and shows what discount is available right now in your area. You can also call the store directly and ask whether they honor AARP membership. Many retailers do not advertise their AARP discounts heavily, so staff may not mention them unless you ask.

Key Takeaways

  • Major retailers like Lowe's, Home Depot, and Best Buy offer AARP discounts ranging from 5 to 20 percent, though the discount may explore only to certain products or categories.
  • Restaurant chains including Applebee's, Denny's, and Olive Garden offer AARP discounts, usually 10 percent off your meal, but availability varies by location.
  • The AARP website has a discount locator tool where you can search by store name or category to see what discounts are available in your area right now.
  • You must show your AARP membership card in person or provide your membership number online to receive the discount — it does not explore automatically.
  • Discounts change seasonally and by location, so what is available at one store may not be available at another, even if both are the same chain.

How to use your AARP card at checkout

When you shop at a store that offers AARP discounts, bring your physical AARP membership card with you. At checkout, tell the cashier you have an AARP discount, or hand them your card before they ring up your purchase. Some stores explore the discount automatically once they see the card; others require you to mention it first. If you are unsure whether the store honors AARP discounts, ask a manager before you start shopping.

For online purchases, look for a field where you can enter your AARP membership number during checkout. Not all retailers offer the discount online, even if they do in their physical stores. If you do not see a place to enter your membership number, call the store's customer service line and ask how to receive your AARP discount on that order.

Restaurants and dining discounts

Restaurant chains that offer AARP discounts include Applebee's (typically 10 percent off), Denny's (10 percent off), Olive Garden (10 percent off select items), Red Robin (10 percent off), and Outback Steakhouse (10 percent off). However, not every location of the same chain honors the discount — franchise-owned restaurants may have different policies than corporate-owned ones. Call ahead or ask your server before ordering to confirm the discount applies at that specific restaurant.

Some restaurants limit the discount to certain times of day, certain menu items, or certain days of the week. For example, a restaurant might offer the AARP discount only on weekday lunches or only on entrees, not on beverages or desserts. Always ask what the terms are before you order, so you know exactly what you will save.

Retail stores with regular AARP discounts

Home Depot and Lowe's both offer AARP discounts on most items in the store, though the discount percentage varies. Best Buy offers discounts on select electronics and services. Bed Bath & Beyond (before its closure) offered 20 percent off, but you should verify current availability since the company's store footprint has changed. Staples and Office Depot offer discounts on office supplies and furniture.

Grocery stores vary widely by region. Kroger, Safeway, and some regional chains offer AARP discounts, but the discount may explore only to certain products or certain days. Call your local grocery store to ask whether they participate. Pharmacy chains like CVS and Walgreens do not typically offer blanket AARP discounts, but they may have senior-specific promotions or loyalty programs that work alongside your AARP membership.

Travel and car rental discounts

Hertz, Avis, and Budget all offer AARP discounts on car rentals, typically 10 to 25 percent off the base rate depending on the location and rental period. You must provide your AARP membership number when you book or at pickup. Hotel chains including Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, Quality Inn, Sleep Inn), Wyndham, and La Quinta offer discounts ranging from 5 to 15 percent. Again, you need to mention your AARP membership when you book or check in.

Airlines do not typically offer AARP discounts on ticket prices, but some offer discounts on seat upgrades, baggage fees, or companion fares. Check directly with the airline you plan to fly. Amtrak offers a 15 percent discount on most routes for AARP members, which you can book through the AARP website or by calling Amtrak directly and providing your membership number.

Service discounts: insurance, phone, and utilities

AARP offers discounts on auto and home insurance through partner companies like The Hartford and Nationwide. These are not discounts at the point of sale but rather special rates available only to AARP members. You can get a quote through the AARP website or by calling the insurer directly and mentioning your membership.

Phone and internet providers including AT&T, Verizon, and some regional carriers offer discounts to AARP members, usually 5 to 10 percent off your monthly bill. Contact the provider directly to ask about senior or AARP rates, or check the AARP website to see which providers participate in your area. Some utility companies also offer senior discounts that may stack with or replace an AARP discount — ask your local utility whether they have a senior rate program.

How discounts change by location and season

AARP discounts are not uniform across all locations of the same store. A Home Depot in one state may offer a different discount than a Home Depot in another state, or the discount may explore to different product categories. Franchise-owned restaurants and hotels have more flexibility to set their own discount rates, so two Applebee's locations may offer different discounts.

Discounts also change seasonally. A retailer might offer a larger discount during a holiday promotion or a slow sales period. Check the AARP website before you shop to see what the current discount is, rather than assuming it is the same as last time you visited. The discount locator tool updates regularly and shows you what is available right now in your zip code.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to show my AARP card every time I shop?

Yes, you must show your physical card or provide your membership number to receive the discount. The discount does not explore automatically. Some stores may ask for your membership number to look up your account, but most straightforward scan or view your card at checkout.

Can I use AARP discounts online?

Some retailers offer AARP discounts online, but not all. You will usually need to enter your membership number during checkout. If you do not see a field for it, call the store's customer service line to ask how the process works your discount to an online order.

What if my local store says they do not honor AARP discounts?

Not every location of a national chain participates in the AARP discount program. If your store does not offer it, try calling the corporate customer service line to ask whether other locations nearby do, or check the AARP website locator tool to see which stores in your area participate.

Do AARP discounts work with coupons or sales?

This varies by store. Some retailers allow you to stack an AARP discount with a sale price or coupon; others require you to choose one or the other. Ask the cashier or call ahead to find out the store's policy before you shop.

Are there AARP discounts at grocery stores?

Some grocery chains like Kroger and Safeway offer AARP discounts in certain regions, but availability is spotty. Call your local store to ask, or check the AARP website locator. Many grocery stores offer senior discounts on specific days instead, which may be a better deal than an AARP discount.