Everyday money

The best Seniors Card discounts to help cut your retirement budget

Oct 02, 2019

Seniors Cards are a great benefit to over-60s across Australia with an array of savings to be made. Source: Getty

Growing up in the post-war era where frugality was the norm and the message of “save, save, save” was drilled into you by your parents, you would know all too well the importance of getting your money’s worth and the value of discounts and offers.

Thanks to free Seniors Cards issued by the government, you can access to a whole host of offers that can help you stick to your budget.

Each state and territory has its own Seniors Card scheme and some reciprocal arrangements are in place that allow you to use your card in other states. This entitles you to concessional transport prices as well as discounts on a range of goods and services at a number of participating businesses and retailers across the country.

For the residents of most states and territories, you must be a resident of that state or territory, 60 years of age or over and not working more than a set number of hours per week in paid employment. And if you’re one of the lucky ones in New South Wales, even if you’re over 60 and working more than 20 hours weekly, you can access cheaper prices on all the same deals, with the exclusion of NSW Government rebates and transport concessions.

Here’s a rundown of some of the main offers available to you in each state, or, alternatively you can visit the individual websites or download a printable version of the directory to keep with you.

New South Wales

If you live in NSW, you can make the most of senior discounts with a number of large and small companies, ranging from reduced dental care and discounted veterinary bills to cheap meal deals, discounted travel and money off cleaning services. One of the most recent deals to be offered is with the supermarket giant Woolworths, which offers senior cardholders a number of discounts including 20 per cent off pre-paid mobile Sim card packages, as well as discounted grocery delivery and 5 per cent off the price of Woolies WISH gift cards. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

Discounted gas and electricity with AGL
Discounted plan fees with Vodafone
Reduced holidays with the likes of Crowne Plaza and Holiday Inn
10 per cent off pre-booked journeys with Towncars
20 per cent off at Craft.com.au

Queensland

Those in the Sunshine State can access a broad range of perks thanks to their Seniors Card, from reduced costs for public transport, discounted movie tickets at a number of theatres and money off vital services such as the installation of living aids, including home alarms. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent off the installation of a Life Link Alarm
30 per cent off property maintenance services with Slick Industries
10 per cent off purchases over $30 at a number of Friendly Grocer stores
10 per cent off parts and labour with A1 Exhausts
$7 Dendy movie tickets on Wednesdays – plus complimentary morning tea before 12pm

ACT

If you are over the age of 60 and living in the ACT, you can make the most of various discounts, including some national deals with the likes of Myhomefone and White Lady funeral directors and other more localised deals such as discounted entry to tourist attractions around the Australian capital. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent off all products with Myhomefone
White Lady funeral directors offer discounts for seniors (enquire personally)
5 per cent discount on Lite n’ Easy food deliveries
$3 off entry to Canberra’s Telstra Tower
15 per cent discount on all Mediband products, including medical ID and medical jewellery

Northern Territory

For NT Seniors Card holders, you can bag discounts at various local coffee shops, clothing stores and restaurant chains around the territory, but you can also bag money off your entry to some of the region’s most renowned tourist attractions. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent off full price items at Best&Less
10 per cent off all drinks at Gloria Jeans Coffee (Gateway Palmerston)
20 per cent off MedicAlert membership
10 per cent discount on glasses at OPSM
$28 entry (normally $35) to Crocosaurus Cove, Darwin

Tasmania

Tassie seniors can access a whole host of offers, designed to help make your money go further in later life. There are offers to suit everyone no matter their income or interests, widely ranging from automotive repairs, healthcare, beauty products, fashion and dining out. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent off wheel alignment or balancing services and 5 per cent off tyres at Bob Jane T-Marts
10 per cent discount on accommodation at various Best Western resorts
Discounted admission to all National Trust of Tasmania properties
Factory Blinds offer 10 per cent off curtains, blinds, shutters and awnings
10 per cent off monthly storage fees with store-it-safe

South Australia

Whether it’s a new hearing aid, cheap travel or an insurance policy they need, if your a senior living in SA you have access to an extensive guide – which is available online and to print – filled with exclusive seniors offers and discounts. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent off cabin bookings with Discovery Holiday Parks
15 per cent off travel insurance with Insure and Go
Up to 35 per cent off blinds, shutters and lawns at Australian Outdoor Living
Free medium soft drink, juice or small McCafe coffee with any purchase over $3 at McDonalds
15 per cent off selected memberships at Goodlife Health Clubs

Western Australia

For those retiring in WA, you have access to a huge number of discounts and special offers designed to suit local seniors, whether you’re looking to save cash on necessities such as home repairs or travel and health insurance, or creature comforts like cheaper food, drinks and leisure activities. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to:

10 per cent discount on mobility scooters with Hillside Scooters
5 per cent off security cameras with Perth CCTV Cameras
10 per cent off at SportsPower stores
10 per cent off at The Coffee Club
5 per cent off wine at Cellarmasters

Victoria

When it comes to discounts, if you’re a senior living in Victoria, you can make the most of reduced entry prices to a wide-range of tourist attractions, including the Sea Life Centre. Other companies which offer perks for seniors in the Education State include accommodation providers Comfort Inn and automative repairs company Sheen Panel Service, to name but a few. Other participating businesses include, but are not limited to: