Does Costco Offer Senior Discounts?

As the cost of living continues to climb, reports show food inflation in particular is affecting the health of older adults, leaving many wondering whether Costco has discounts in place that specifically cater to senior citizens. The short answer is no, it does not. That said, like all shopers, seniors can still save money with a Costco membership.

It's common practice for stores to offer exclusive discounts to vulnerable populations. (In fact, Costco does have a promotion to lower the cost of a membershp, which is available to  college students, teachers, medical workers, first responders, government employees, and people in the military.) But there is no program in place to assist seniors shopping at the discount chain. But, to be fair to Costco, the annual memberships are the company's main driver of profit and the reason it's able to keep overall prices so low. Membership discounts ultimately cut into the profit, which could be why the list of people entitled to a discount is more limited.

The lack of senior-specific discounts is not ideal for those 65+ looking to save even more money by shopping at Costco, but it doesn't mean seniors don't still benefit from a membership. The most obvious perks are the wholesale grocery prices, which are lower than what most other retailers offer. Costco also offers grocery delivery to its members. Shopping in-person can admittedly be a difficult experience for some seniors, so this is a great option those who can't physically visit the warehouse. Though delivery is not free, the fee is waived if you spend $75 or more.

Another issue for many on a fixed income if the cost of medication. A 2022 study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association showed that about 20% of seniors attempted to cope with medication costs by skipping or self-lowering doses, not filling or delaying prescriptions, or using someone else's medication, all of which can be quite dangerous. Costco offers significant discounts on prescription drugs, ranging from 2% to 40%. A related health perk is the store's partnership with Sesame Care. Costco members are given exclusive discounts through the online platform, helping them connect with health professionals and fill perscriptions quickly.

Of course retirement is not all health concerns and grocery bills; it's also a chance for seniors to take advantage of newfound freedom and spare time. A lot of seniors spend their golden years traveling, and through Costco Travel, members can save money on everything from hotel and resort stays, flights, and cruises to rental cars, tour packages, and theme park tickets.

Essentially a travel agency exclusively catering to Costco members, shoppers can choose between pre-planned itineraries or create their own adventure. For those who need a bit more help deciding what to plan (or who are a bit less tech savvy than others) a dedicated team of employees is available to assist shoppers.