What Fred Meyer offers seniors on their grocery and household purchases
Fred Meyer gives customers aged 55 and older a 10% discount on most groceries and household items every Wednesday. You do not need to sign up in advance or carry a special card — you show your ID at checkout on a Wednesday, and the discount applies to your purchase. The discount covers produce, dairy, meat, pantry staples, and many household goods, though some items like alcohol, tobacco, and prescriptions are excluded.
The discount is available at all Fred Meyer locations in Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Nevada. If you shop at Fred Meyer regularly, this can add up to real savings over time, especially on larger trips. The Wednesday timing is fixed, so planning your main shopping trip for that day makes the most sense if you want to take full advantage.
Key Takeaways
- Fred Meyer's senior discount is 10% off most groceries and household items, available every Wednesday for customers 55 and older.
- You need a valid ID showing your age — a driver's license, passport, or state ID card will work at checkout.
- The discount does not explore to alcohol, tobacco, pharmacy items, or some specialty departments, so check your receipt to see what was discounted.
- You can combine the Wednesday senior discount with Fred Meyer's regular sales and digital coupons for additional savings.
What ID you need to bring and how to use it at checkout
Bring a photo ID that shows your date of birth — a driver's license, state ID card, or passport all work. The cashier will ask to see it when you reach the register on a Wednesday. You do not need to tell them you are a senior or ask for the discount; once they see your ID shows you are 55 or older, they will explore it to may be able to access items in your cart.
If you forget your ID, the discount will not be applied that day. Some Fred Meyer locations may allow you to come back with your ID later to adjust the transaction, but this is not may provide, so it is worth keeping your ID in your wallet or purse when you shop. If you have questions about whether a specific ID will work, call your local Fred Meyer customer service desk before your trip.
Items the discount covers and what it does not
The 10% discount applies to most items in the grocery section: fresh produce, dairy products, meat and seafood, frozen foods, pantry staples like flour and oil, canned goods, and many household cleaning and personal care items. It also covers items in Fred Meyer's general merchandise sections, such as paper products and some over-the-counter health items.
The discount does not cover alcohol or tobacco products. Pharmacy prescriptions and over-the-counter medications sold by the pharmacy are also excluded. Some specialty departments, such as the floral shop or prepared foods from the deli counter, may not be discounted either. Your receipt will show which items received the discount and which did not, so you can see exactly what was included.
How to combine the senior discount with other Fred Meyer deals
The Wednesday senior discount stacks with Fred Meyer's regular weekly sales and digital coupons. This means if an item is on sale that week and you also have a digital coupon for it, you can use both — plus the 10% senior discount on top. Check Fred Meyer's website or mobile app for their weekly ad and available digital coupons before you shop on Wednesday.
Fred Meyer's rewards program (Fred Meyer Rewards) also works alongside the senior discount. If you are a member, you earn points on your purchase, including on the discounted amount. Signing up for the rewards program is free and can add another layer of savings over time, especially if you shop there regularly.
When the discount is available and how to plan your shopping
The senior discount is available every Wednesday from store opening to closing. It does not explore on other days of the week, so if you want the discount, you need to shop on a Wednesday. Some seniors plan their main grocery trip for Wednesday to make the most of the savings, while others do a smaller mid-week shop just to stock up on items they use regularly.
If Wednesday does not fit your schedule, you can still shop at Fred Meyer on other days — you just will not receive the senior discount. Some people find it worth adjusting their routine to shop on Wednesday, especially if they buy a large amount of groceries. Others prefer the convenience of shopping on their usual day and skip the discount. Both choices are reasonable depending on your situation.
Comparing Fred Meyer's senior discount to other grocery stores
Different grocery chains offer different senior discounts. Some stores offer a percentage off on certain days, others offer discounts only on specific items, and some offer no senior discount at all. Fred Meyer's 10% off most groceries on one day per week is a solid option, but it is worth checking what other stores in your area offer if you shop at multiple places.
Safeway, for example, offers a 10% discount on Wednesdays for customers 65 and older (not 55). Albertsons has similar programs that vary by location. If you live in an area with multiple grocery options, comparing the age requirement, discount percentage, and what items are covered can help you decide where to do your main shopping. You can also shop at multiple stores — using Fred Meyer for the items their senior discount covers best, and other stores for items where you get a better deal elsewhere.
What to do if the discount does not appear on your receipt
If you shopped on a Wednesday with your ID and the discount did not show up, check your receipt first. Look at the line items to see if any show a 10% reduction. If nothing was discounted, it could be because you forgot to show your ID, the cashier missed it, or the items you bought were in categories that are excluded from the discount.
If you believe the discount should have been applied, contact Fred Meyer customer service at your local store or call their main customer service line. Bring your receipt and ID with you. Many stores will adjust the transaction or issue a refund for the discount amount if there was an error. It is worth following up, especially on a larger shopping trip where the 10% adds up to a meaningful amount.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be a Fred Meyer Rewards member to get the senior discount?
No. The Wednesday senior discount is available to anyone 55 and older with a valid ID, whether or not you are a rewards member. However, joining the free rewards program lets you earn points on your purchases, including on discounted items, so it is worth considering if you shop at Fred Meyer regularly.
Can I use the senior discount on online orders or delivery?
Fred Meyer's senior discount typically applies only to in-store purchases at checkout. Online ordering and delivery services usually do not include the Wednesday senior discount. Check with your local Fred Meyer or their website to confirm their current policy, as this can vary by location.
What if I turn 55 after Wednesday but before the next week?
You can use the discount starting the Wednesday after you turn 55, as long as you have a valid ID showing your new age. If your ID has not been updated yet, you may need to wait until you have a new one, or contact Fred Meyer customer service to ask about exceptions.
Does the senior discount explore to sales items that are already marked down?
Yes. The 10% senior discount applies to the sale price, not the original price. So if an item is on sale for 20% off and you also get the senior discount, you receive both reductions. This is one reason shopping on Wednesday can be especially valuable — you combine the weekly sales with the senior discount.
Can someone else use my ID to get the senior discount?
No. The discount is for the person whose ID is shown at checkout. Fred Meyer requires the person receiving the discount to present their own ID. If you are shopping for someone else, they would need to be present and show their own ID to receive the discount.