The discount ledger
Russ Holloway
Each row below comes from a page the company or agency runs itself. The "What it offers" column uses the company's own words where we could.
A row is a note, not a promise. Stores can change a discount or end it at any time, and some locations may not take part. Open the linked page, then ask at the register before you pay.
The small print to watch for
- Certain days only. Some discounts work on one day of the week.
- Not with a sale. Some can't be added to a sale price or to another offer.
- Account or sign-up needed. Some need an online account or a check of your status first.
- In store only. Some don't work online, or work online only.
- Not every location. A store near you may not offer it.
Stores and shopping
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ross Dress for Less | The "55+ Tuesday Discount": "10% off purchases made on Tuesday" | Shoppers 55 or older | Tuesdays only. The shopper must be there. | Tell the associate when you pay. You may be asked for an ID. | Ross FAQ on the 55+ Tuesday Discount | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
Eating out
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Denny's | A "55+ menu" of Denny's dishes. The same page lists 15% off meals for AARP members at locations that take part. | The menu is labeled 55+. The 15% is for AARP members. | Not stated | Not stated. Ask your server. | Denny's page on its 55+ menu (page dated Dec 5, 2025) | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
Travel and parks
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | "a 10% discount on most rail fares on most Amtrak trains" | Riders 65 and over. On some routes run with VIA Rail Canada, riders 60 and over. | Most trains. It does not cover sleeping car charges. It may not work with other offers. | Proof of age when you buy and on the train | Amtrak's discount page for riders 65 and over | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
| National Park Service (a federal agency) | "Senior Annual Pass," $20. "Senior Lifetime Pass," $80. Covers entrance fees and day-use fees at federal recreation sites. | U.S. citizens and permanent residents 62 and older | The annual pass lasts one year. The lifetime pass has no end date. | Papers that show your age and that you are a citizen or resident. Show a photo ID with the pass. | NPS entrance passes page | Nov 10, 2026 (NPS page updated Oct 9, 2026). Check before you go. |
Phone plans
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| T-Mobile | "T-Mix w/ 55+ Savings" plans, in one-line and two-line versions | The main account holder must be 55 or older. Others on the plan can be any age. | Ongoing plan | Proof of age, such as a driver's license or passport | T-Mobile's 55+ plans page | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
Memberships
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sam's Club | New members can join "for $60 for a Club membership and receive $40 in Sam's Cash," or pick a Plus membership for $120 with $70 in Sam's Cash | Active duty, retired military, veterans, civilian military workers and military spouses | New members only. Joining is online. | A U.S. military ID or another listed proof, such as a Veteran ID Card. Checked online through ID.me. | Sam's Club military membership page | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
For veterans and military families
| Company | What it offers (as the company words it) | Who it's for | When | Proof asked for | Company page | Checked on |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | "Veterans of all branches of the US military save 10%." Active duty members, their spouses and dependents also get 10%. | Veterans, active duty members and their families | Not stated on this page | Not stated on this page. Ask when you book. | Amtrak's everyday discounts page | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
| National Park Service (a federal agency) | "Military Lifetime Pass" and "Military Annual Pass." The NPS table lists no charge for either. | Lifetime: veterans and Gold Star Family members. Annual: current U.S. military and their dependents. | One year or lifetime, by pass type | Show a photo ID with the pass. | NPS entrance passes page | Nov 10, 2026 (NPS page updated Oct 9, 2026). Check before you go. |
| Lowe's | "10% off most full-priced items" in stores and on Lowes.com | People serving now, veterans of the branches Lowe's lists, and their spouses who sign up. Not for veterans with a dishonorable discharge. | Every day. Not on sale items. Not with any other discount. Some items, like major appliances and lumber, are left out. | Check your status through ID.me with a MyLowe's Rewards account. Show a photo ID in the store. | Lowe's Everyday Military Discount page | Nov 10, 2026. Check before you go. |
Proof of service for veterans
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers a digital Veteran ID Card. VA says you can use it to get veteran discounts at many restaurants, hotels and stores. VA also notes, "Retail vendors volunteer to take part in this discount program." In other words, VA does not pick or back any store. Read how to apply for a Veteran ID Card on VA.gov.
American Giveback has no tie to VA or to any agency. We only link to their pages.
Quiz: which one is real?
Each round has one real offer and two fakes. The real one matches a company page in the ledger above. The fakes are made-up patterns, not any real company. There's no score and no prize.
Round 1
- A. A text says you've earned a "lifetime discount card." To get it, you type your card number on a site, today.
- B. Amtrak's own page lists 10% off most rail fares for riders 65 and over, with proof of age.
- C. A caller says a store chose you for a reward and asks for your bank login to send it.
Answer: B is real. It's on Amtrak's page, which we read on Nov 10, 2026. A and C ask for money or account details first. A real store discount doesn't need your card number or bank login before you shop.
Round 2
- A. A pop-up shows a clock counting down and says a "veterans-only coupon" ends in five minutes.
- B. A letter tells you to buy gift cards to "turn on" a discount.
- C. Lowe's own page lists 10% off most full-priced items for veterans who check their status through ID.me.
Answer: C is real. It's on Lowe's page, which we read on Nov 10, 2026. A rushes you with a clock. B wants gift cards. Both are signs of a scam.
Round 3
- A. The National Park Service page lists a "Senior Lifetime Pass" for $80 for U.S. citizens and residents 62 and older.
- B. A website charges $35 for a "discount pass" that it says unlocks prices any store would give you at the register.
- C. An email says you won a shopping spree but must first pay a fee for taxes.
Answer: A is real. It's on the NPS page, which we read on Nov 10, 2026. B charges for something you could ask for yourself. C wants a fee before a prize. The Federal Trade Commission warns that in these scams, "They say there are fees, taxes, or customs duties to pay." (FTC handout on "You've Won" scams)
If something feels wrong
Don't pay, and don't share card or bank details. You can tell the FTC about it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov, the FTC's report site.