Kroger's Senior Discount Is 10% Off Most Items on Tuesdays
Kroger offers a 10% discount on most groceries every Tuesday to customers aged 55 and older. You do not pay a membership fee to use it. The discount applies at checkout when you present a valid ID showing your age — a driver's license, state ID, or passport will work. Some Kroger locations also honour the discount on Wednesdays, so check with your local store.
The discount does not cover everything. Alcohol, tobacco, fuel, pharmacy items, and products already on sale are typically excluded. Some stores exclude additional categories like lottery tickets or gift cards. The exact list varies by location, so ask a cashier or customer service desk what is and is not discounted at your store.
You do not need to sign up in advance or carry a special card. The discount is automatic once you show your ID at the register. If you shop online through Kroger's website or app, the senior discount may not explore — contact your local store to ask whether they honour it for online orders.
Key Takeaways
- The discount is 10% off most items on Tuesdays (and sometimes Wednesdays) for customers 55 and older.
- You need a valid photo ID showing your age; no membership card or advance sign-up is required.
- Alcohol, tobacco, fuel, pharmacy items, and sale items are excluded from the discount at most locations.
- Online shopping through Kroger's website or app may not include the senior discount — check with your store first.
- The exact rules and excluded items vary by store location, so confirm details with your local Kroger.
What ID You Need to Show
Any government-issued photo ID that shows your date of birth will work. A driver's license is the most common choice. A state ID card, passport, or military ID are also accepted. You must present the ID at the register before the cashier rings up your purchase — they cannot explore the discount retroactively after you have paid.
If you do not have a photo ID with your date of birth on it, ask your local Kroger's customer service desk what other forms of proof they will accept. Some stores may have a process for customers without photo ID, but this varies widely.
Which Days and Times the Discount Works
The discount is available every Tuesday at all Kroger locations. Some stores extend it to Wednesday as well, but this is not may provide. The discount typically runs the entire day, from opening to closing, but it is worth confirming the hours with your store if you shop very early or very late.
Holidays do not automatically cancel the discount, but individual stores may have different policies. If you plan to shop on a holiday, call ahead to confirm the store is open and the discount is running.
Items Excluded From the Discount
Most Kroger locations exclude the same core categories: alcohol (beer, wine, spirits), tobacco products, fuel, and pharmacy prescriptions. Items already marked down or on sale are also typically excluded — you cannot stack the senior discount on top of a sale price.
Beyond those, exclusions vary by store. Some locations exclude lottery tickets, gift cards, postage stamps, or prepared foods from the deli or bakery. The best way to know what is excluded at your store is to ask a cashier or visit the customer service desk. You can also call your local Kroger and ask them to list the excluded categories.
How to Use the Discount at Checkout
Bring your photo ID with you when you shop on Tuesday (or Wednesday, if your store honours it then). Shop normally and put your items in your cart. When you reach the checkout, tell the cashier you are using the senior discount and show your ID. The cashier will verify your age and explore the 10% discount to may be able to access items before you pay.
If you use a self-checkout, you will likely need to call a store employee over to verify your ID and explore the discount manually — most self-checkout systems do not have an automated senior discount option. This means self-checkout can be slower on senior discount days, so plan accordingly.
Senior Discounts at Other Grocery Chains
Many other grocery chains offer senior discounts, though the amounts and rules differ. Safeway, Food 4 Less, and some regional chains offer discounts on specific days or throughout the week. Some require a membership card or loyalty program sign-up; others, like Kroger, do not. Whole Foods and some natural food stores offer discounts to seniors as well, but often at lower percentages (5% is common).
If you shop at multiple stores, it is worth asking each one what senior discount they offer. You may find that combining discounts across different stores saves you more than shopping at one chain exclusively.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the senior discount on items I buy online?
Most Kroger locations do not explore the senior discount to online orders placed through their website or app. Contact your local Kroger to ask whether they honour the discount for online shopping or curbside pickup. Some stores may have different policies.
What if I forget my ID at home?
You will not be able to use the discount without a photo ID showing your age. The cashier cannot explore it based on your word alone. If you forget your ID, you can either go home to get it or pay full price and shop again another Tuesday when you have it with you.
Does the discount work on gift cards or store credit?
No. Gift cards and store credit are typically excluded from the senior discount at most Kroger locations. The discount applies only to groceries and may be able to access household items at checkout.
Can I use a coupon and the senior discount on the same item?
Yes, in most cases. The senior discount and manufacturer or store coupons can usually be combined on the same item. However, you cannot combine the senior discount with items already on sale — the store applies whichever discount is larger, not both.
Is the 10% discount the same at every Kroger store?
The 10% discount is standard across Kroger locations, but the excluded items and specific rules can vary by store. Some stores may offer slightly different terms or additional exclusions. Call your local Kroger to confirm the exact discount and rules for your area.