Does McDonald's still have discounts for Seniors? What to expect this year in the US
McDonald’s senior discounts vary by location, focusing mostly on drinks like coffee or sodas. With updates expected this year, seniors can check their local franchise or use the McDonald’s app for savings.
McDonald’s has long been a go-to destination for affordable and convenient meals. However, as prices continue to rise, senior citizens on fixed incomes are finding it harder to enjoy their favorite menu items without worrying about cost. This raises the question: does McDonald’s still offer discounts for seniors?
While McDonald’s is known for its budget-friendly options, senior discounts remain a topic of interest and confusion. Unlike a clear-cut company policy, these discounts depend on individual franchise decisions, leaving many seniors unsure of what to expect this year. Here’s a breakdown of what seniors need to know about discounts at McDonald’s.
Are there discounts for seniors at McDonald's?
There is no universal senior discount policy at McDonald’s across the United States. Instead, decisions about discounts are left to individual franchise owners, which makes the availability of these deals inconsistent. With 90% of McDonald’s locations globally operating as franchises, it’s up to each restaurant to determine whether they offer senior discounts and what those discounts include.
If you’re interested in finding out whether your local McDonald’s provides discounts for seniors, the best approach is to contact the restaurant directly. You can use the McDonald’s Restaurant Locator tool on their website to find the contact information for your nearest location.
For seniors hoping for substantial meal discounts, the reality may be disappointing. At McDonald’s locations that do offer senior discounts, these are typically limited to beverages such as coffee or soft drinks. Some examples include:
- Coffee Discounts: Seniors may pay as little as 80 cents for a small coffee, compared to the regular price of $1.
- Soft Drink Discounts: Some locations offer reduced prices on sodas, although these savings are often just a few cents.
There is no standard minimum age to qualify for these discounts, but many locations use 55 or 60 years old as the threshold. While these savings may not seem significant, they can be valuable for seniors who frequently stop by for a morning coffee or light refreshment.
McDonald’s remains an affordable option, especially for quick snacks or a morning coffee. Photo: AFP
What's new for McDonald's in 2025? Updates for this year
Looking ahead, certain McDonald’s franchises are introducing new senior discount initiatives in 2025, though details remain sparse. These efforts suggest a growing awareness of the need to support senior customers, particularly as food prices continue to rise.
Here are some tips for maximizing savings at McDonald’s this year:
- Download the McDonald’s App: The app offers exclusive discounts and promotions for customers of all ages. Seniors can take advantage of these deals to save on meals, drinks, and more.
- Contact Local Restaurants: Since discount policies vary by location, checking with your local McDonald’s directly is the most reliable way to confirm availability.
- Look Out for Promotions: Some franchises may offer temporary discounts or deals targeted at seniors, military members, or teachers, even though these are not part of a corporate policy.
