Money
Your guide to the Seniors Card (and the savings that come with it)
If you’re over 60 (65 in some states) and not yet using your Seniors Card, you could be missing out on hundreds – maybe thousands – of dollars in savings each year.
By Bron Maxabella
Last week I was behind someone at a local takeaway counter who casually flashed their Seniors Card and got an instant 15% off their bill. It was a reminder that a Seniors Card is one of the simplest ways Aussies over 60 can cut everyday costs.
So I asked the guy what other kinds of deals he gets using his card. John went one better: he promised that at the end of the week he’d text me a list of every discount he received. I had randomly stumbled upon a true Seniors Card fan. Here is John’s list:
- 15% off at the local pizza place (this is where I met him)
- 10% off at the physio
- 10% off a shoe repair at MisterMint
- 10% off his lunch at Subway
- 10% off wine at his local bottlo
- 10% off their weekly cleaning service
John, 67, reckons that all up his Seniors Card saved him about $165 in a single week. “And I usually get even more discounts than I did this week,” he pointed out. “I generally flash it at every opportunity because you never know.”
Ahem, why aren’t more of us flashing our Seniors Card at every opportunity?
If you’re able to get one, get one!
I actually have an excuse: I’m not quite old enough to qualify for a Seniors Card in my state. Eligibility varies slightly across states, but most require you to be over 60 (65 in QLD and WA) and working less than 20-35 hours a week.
The card is completely free in every state and territory, you just need to apply for it. Once you have it, the savings start adding up fast: especially as most states offer discounted travel and discounts on your energy bills.
Check here to find a state-by-state breakdown of eligibility criteria plus links to where you can apply.
Where you can save
The magic happens once you have the card in hand. Each state maintains its own list of participating businesses, from small local cafés and hairdressers to major retailers and service providers (find them via the link above).
Here’s just a taste:
- Transport: discounted or even free travel on buses, ferries and trains. NSW Seniors Card holders, for instance, can travel anywhere in the state for just $2.50 a day.
- Utilities: reduced service charges or rebates on energy and water bills in some states.
- Dining: 10-20% off at local restaurants, takeaways and cafés – your favourite might even be listed already.
- Health and wellbeing: savings on dental, optical and allied health services, gym memberships, yoga classes and even hearing aids.
- Entertainment and travel: cheaper movie tickets, discounted accommodation and tour packages designed specifically for seniors.
Many retailers will quietly honour the card, so it’s worth asking even when a discount isn’t advertised. As John says, “flash it at every opportunity because you never know.”
Unearth extra savings using Citro’s mini-guide
To help you get the most from your card, our new Seniors Card mini-guide shares the smartest ways to make it work harder, including:
- How to stack your Seniors Card with loyalty programs and Citro Rewards for extra savings.
- Hidden reciprocal benefits when you travel interstate and overseas.
- Where to find discount days for groceries, chemists and cinemas.
- And how a yearly “discount audit” could help shave hundreds off your household bills.
Download a copy of the Seniors Card mini-guide to find out how to get your card, where to use it, and the clever ways to make every dollar go further. And do thank John for reminding me to tell you all about it!
Click here to download the guide, or read it right here:
This article reflects the opinions and experiences of the author and does not necessarily reflect the views of Citro. It contains general information only. It is not financial advice and is not intended to influence readers’ decisions about any financial products or investments. Readers’ personal circumstances have not been taken into account and they should always seek their own professional financial and taxation advice that takes into account their financial circumstances, objectives and needs..
Feature image: iStock/Carlos Barquero Perez
Tell us in the comments below: What’s the best discount you’ve scored with your Seniors Card?
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