McDonald’s Senior Coffee & Senior Discounts FAQs

McDonald’s Senior Coffee

McDonald’s used to offer free coffee to all senior citizens, but there is currently no companywide senior discount policy. Individual franchise owners set their own promotions, but most restaurant locations offer a discount on coffee and other items for senior citizens.^[1] McDonald’s advises customers to contact their nearest location for information about specific discounts.

We contacted a number of franchise locations, and we found that many McDonald’s restaurants offer an everyday discount on coffee to seniors 55 and older. You may be asked to provide an ID as proof of age.

Typical coffee prices range from $1 to $1.50 (with occasional promotions). The discounted coffee prices for seniors at the locations we spoke to ranged from $0.64 to $0.87; none of the locations we contacted offer free coffee. For a few free coffee options, see our article explaining where to get free coffee as a senior.

Other McDonald’s Senior Discounts

In our conversations with individual locations across the U.S., we found that the majority of McDonald’s restaurants also offer a reduced price on soft drinks for seniors. As with coffee, the McDonald’s senior citizen discount age for soft drinks is typically 55 years old.

Similar Restaurants With Senior Discounts

A number of other fast food franchises offer senior discounts. To compile the list, we called individual restaurant locations from each chain to confirm the current senior discount. Offers vary by location, but you can use our list as a guide to the franchises that participate in senior discount programs. You should contact individual locations in your area to confirm the exact details.

When attempting to take advantage of a restaurant’s senior discount offer, you’ll want to bring along your ID, just in case you’re asked to provide proof of your age. Additionally, some discounts may be available for dine-in only.

A&W

• Senior discount: Ranges from 10 to 15% off purchase, depending on location
• Eligibility: Must be at least 55, though most locations don’t ask for ID
• Find an A&W

Arby’s

• Senior discount: Reduced drink price of 50 cents
• Eligibility: Must be at least 55, though most locations don’t ask for ID
• Find an Arby’s

Backyard Burger

• Senior discount: 10% off entire purchase
• Eligibility: Must be 65 or older
• Find a Backyard Burger

Burger King

• Senior discount: discounts on coffee and soft drinks
• Eligibility: Minimum age ranges from 60 to 65 with ID
• Find a Burger King

Captain D’s

• Senior discount: Some locations offer $4.99 senior meals on Sundays and Wednesdays while others offer $1 off on Tuesdays or 10% off every day
• Eligibility: Minimum age ranges from 55 to 62
• Find a Captain D’s

Carl’s Jr.

• Senior discount: 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Minimum age ranges from 55 to 60
• Find a Carl’s Jr.

Chick-fil-A

• Senior discount: Free drink
• Eligibility: Not available at all locations; minimum age ranges from 60 to 62
• Find a Chick-fil-A

Culver’s

• Senior discount: 5 to 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Minimum age ranges from 55 to 60
• Find a Culver’s

Hardee’s

• Senior discount: 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Minimum age ranges from 55 to 60
• Find a Hardee’s

Jack In The Box

• Senior discount: Some locations offer 10% off while others offer a discount on drinks
• Eligibility: Minimum age 55+ with ID
• Find a Jack In The Box

Sonic

• Senior discount: 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Age 65+ with ID; not available at all locations
• Find a Sonic

Steak ‘n Shake

• Senior discount: 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Age 50+ with ID; not available at all locations
• Find a Steak ‘n Shake

Wendy’s

• Senior discount: Discount on drinks
• Eligibility: Age 55+
• Find a Wendy’s

White Castle

• Senior discount: 10% off purchase
• Eligibility: Age 55+ with ID; not available at all locations
• Find a White Castle

Whataburger

• Senior discount: Free drink with purchase
• Eligibility: Age 55+
• Find a Whataburger

Restaurants With Senior Discount for AARP Members Only

While many fast-food restaurants offer senior discounts, some restaurants and chains don’t. Of those restaurants that don’t offer a general senior discount, many of them do offer a discount to AARP members. During our research and communications with restaurants, we found that the following establishments don’t offer a senior citizen discount but do participate in AARP discounts and offers.

• Dunkin’
• Denny’s
• Outback Steakhouse
• Bonefish Grill
• Carrabba’s Italian Grill

You can find out more about the benefits of an AARP membership by visiting the organization’s site.

For more places with senior savings, see our list of more than 100 senior discounts by age.