Finding discounts and savings for over 60s

Making the most of your finances is important to everyone, no one wants to spend more than they should and looking for the best deals and discounts is only smart.

With so much of our shopping, ordering and spending now taking place online, looking for ways to save money on the Internet is useful, but can sometimes feel daunting or risky. That's why Anchor's Be Wise and Resident Wellbeing teams have worked together on the information below highlighting some well-established and trusted websites where you can find details of special offers and some well-known age-related discounts.

Where to start looking for discounts

MoneySavingExpert.com

Founded by Martin Lewis, www.moneysavingexpert.com is the UK’s most popular money website and is a very good place to start your research. It is dedicated to finding deals and saving consumers of all ages cash. You'll find details of sales, promotional discount codes and special offers as well as tips and advice on cutting different types of bills and good money management.

Travel discounts for over 60s

National Rail senior railcard

If you travel a lot by train then buying an over-60s railcard could save you money by granting you 1/3 off rail fares.

If you have a Tesco Clubcard you can save money on purchasing your Senior Railcard - every £1.50 you earn in Clubcard vouchers can be turned into £3.00 towards the price of your Railcard.

Older person's bus pass

Everyone in England can get a bus pass for free bus travel when you reach the State Pension age.

60+ London Oyster Photocard

If you live in London, you can get a 60+ London Oyster photocard for free travel on buses, tubes and other London travel within the city.

London Councils Freedom Pass

From the age of 66 you can apply for a Freedom Pass for free travel on buses, tubes and other transport within the city - this pass also acts as your national bus pass outside of London.

Shopping discounts for over 60s

Iceland offers for over 60

Iceland offers over 60s a special discount of 10% on your shopping purchases on a Tuesday. You need to have a registered Bonus Card and show a Senior Bus Pass, Driver’s License, Senior Railcard or Freedom Pass. The discount also applies to Iceland’s sister chain, The Food Warehouse.

Co-op Diamond Day Discount

Co-op runs a Diamond Day Discount every Tuesday in their Midcounties Co-operative stores where over 60s with a membership card can get 10% off. 

Boots Over 60’s Rewards Scheme

Boots Over 60’s Rewards scheme is free to sign up for and gives you points for every £1 that you spend on Boots brands. There are also plenty of other exclusive offers including a free Hearing Health Check at Boots and 10% off at Boots Opticians.

Free NHS prescriptions for over 60s

If you're over 60, you can get free NHS prescriptions across the UK. Just inform the chemist at the till and complete the back of your prescription. You may need to show proof of age. 

Age-related discounts for home bills

Free TV for over 75s

If you’re over 75 and receive Pension Credit (or live with someone who does) you can get a free TV Licence. This licence covers you and anyone you live with, and you can apply before you turn 75 for an easier process. Check your eligibility for Pension Credit on the UK Government website.

Age-related discounts on attractions and activities

Nature reserves and history discounts

If you enjoy exploring historic buildings and beautiful gardens it is worth keeping in mind many heritage organisations, museums and galleries across the UK offer discounts on memberships and tickets for special exhibitions for the over 60s so always check their direct websites. Some examples include:

• National Trust
• English Heritage 
• Historic Scotland 
• Cadw Wales
• Royal Horticultural Society (RHS)

Film and theatre discounts for over 60s

If the cinema and theatre are more to your taste, many local and national theatres offer concessionary tickets for over 60s and various cinema chains also offer ticket discounts and special screenings, including: 

• Odeon Silver screenings 
• Cineworld CineSeniors screenings
• The Royal Shakespeare Company
• The National Theatre in London

Sport and match discounts for older people

Sports tickets are also somewhere you can save. Older sports fans can get discounted matchday and season tickets for football, cricket and rugby games. If you’re an avid football fan and usually buy a season ticket there are usually senior discounts offered. It’s best to check with your local football team whether you can save a fair amount on your tickets.

Benefits available to older people

Maximising your income can make a real difference when you’re trying to manage your money, budget and make sure you can pay all your bills. Many people do not realise that financial benefits are not all means-tested and related directly to your income and savings. Many are based on your individual National Insurance record and some are based on your personal circumstances, without any reference to your finances.

We've created a free guide to the main financial benefits available to those both over and under State Pension Age provides further information about what you may be entitled to.

Find out more about the basics of benefits here.