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Everyone loves a bargain, but many older people in the ACT forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the ACT Seniors Card.
Even if you have not fully retired from the workforce, it’s worth checking to see if you are eligible for a Seniors Card, as in many states the rules allow you to undertake some paid work and still receive a card.
Getting a non-means tested Seniors Card gives you access to valuable concessions on transport costs and discounts from participating businesses for a wide range of goods and services.
To help you make the most of this valuable free scheme, check out SuperGuide’s detailed guide to accessing and using your ACT Seniors Card.
What benefits are available?
With an ACT Seniors Card you can access lots of discount offers and this includes generous public transport and government concessions in some states.
The discounts available from participating businesses vary considerably, with many of the benefits related to holidays, travel and hospitality. There are also discounts on everyday items like automotive services, household needs, recreation and professional services.
Although discount offers are available year-round from participating businesses, some states also offer special time limited deals. That means it’s a good idea to regularly check the ACT Seniors Card website for the current deals and offers.
Guide to your Australian Capital Territory Seniors Card – rules and benefits
Combined with Transport Canberra MyWay card for public transport
Who can apply for an ACT Seniors Card?
- Aged 60 or over
- Permanent ACT resident
- Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment
How do you apply for an ACT Seniors Card?
- Apply online
- Mail online form to COTA ACT or visit Hughes Community Centre
- Proof of age and residency required
What government benefits are available with an ACT Seniors Card?
- Concession fares on Transport Canberra bus and light rail services at all times
- Free off-peak travel (including weekends and public holidays)
- Free travel if aged over 70
- 10% discount on motor vehicle registration (28% discount for gas and electric vehicles)
- One-off concession fee of $20.70 for dog registration
- Linked to non-expiring NSW Gold Senior/Pensioner Opal card allowing travel concession fares in NSW
- Concession fares apply to interstate Seniors Card holders
What discounts can you get with an ACT Seniors Card?
- Over 300 participating businesses
- Download copy of directory
- Online search directory: https://www.actseniorscard.org.au/index.php/act-seniors-card-discount-directory
Heading interstate? Take your ACT Seniors Card
If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking ACT state Seniors Card, as most participating businesses will accept Seniors Cards issued by other states and territories.
In most states and territories, you can also access the concessional public transport fares offered to their seniors if you present the Seniors Card issued by your home state. For example, interstate Seniors Card holders visiting the ACT can show their card or apply for an Interstate Seniors MyWay Card to receive similar concession fares to ACT seniors.
Travelling overseas? Pack your ACT Seniors Card
Thanks to a reciprocal agreement with the New Zealand Government, Australian state Seniors Card holders can access discounts from thousands of participating businesses through New Zealand’s SuperGold Card program.
This arrangement does not include state or nationally funded programs, such as the free off-peak public transport available to New Zealand SuperGold Card holders. For more information, see www.supergold.govt.nz.
It can also be worth taking your Seniors Card if you travel to countries like Hong Kong, Singapore, USA and Canada, as many overseas businesses accept Australian state Seniors Cards if they offer discounted prices to their own seniors
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