Victorian Seniors Card: Benefits, discounts and how to apply

Everyone loves a bargain, but once they turn 60 many Victorians forget to grab one of the best deals on offer – the free Victorian 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 the rules in many states 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 Victorian Seniors Card.

What benefits are available?

With a Victorian Seniors Card you can access lots of discount offers on goods and services you purchase, plus generous public transport concessions and reductions on some government fees and charges.

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 offers are special time-limited deals. That means it’s a good idea to regularly check the Victorian Seniors Card website for current discounts and offers.

Guide to your Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card – rules and benefits

Website: www.seniorsonline.vic.gov.au

Who can apply for a Victorian Seniors Card or Seniors Business Discount Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Permanent Australian resident
• Residing in Victoria
• Victorian Seniors Card: Work less than 35 hours per week in paid employment or fully retired
• Seniors Business Discount Card: Working over 35 hours per week in paid employment

How do you apply for a Victorian Seniors Card or an SBDC?

• Online application form with green Medicare Card for both cards
• Application form for Victorian Seniors Card only available at local libraries
• Paper applications require a witnessed statutory declaration
• An application can be submitted up to three weeks prior to reaching the age of 60

What government benefits are available with a Victorian Seniors Card or an SBDC?

Victorian Seniors Card holders only:

• Free seniors myki card
• Concession prices (50% discount on full fare) on trains, trams and buses on weekdays
• Free travel on Saturday and Sunday in any two consecutive zones and regional town buses
• Concession fares (50% discount on full fare) on V/Line trains and coaches
• Free annual off-peak travel vouchers
• Free travel during the Victorian Seniors Festival in October (8 days)
• Exemption from Fishing Licence in Victorian waters
• Access to free or discounted events at the Victorian Seniors Festival

Seniors Card and Seniors Business Discount Card holders:

• Discounted entry at Melbourne and Immigration Museums, Scienceworks, NGV International, Melbourne Zoo, Healesville Sanctuary, Werribee Open Range Zoo, Royal Botanic Gardens, Imax Theatre, Queen Victoria Market, Marine Discovery Centre, Heritage Hill Museum, Gum San Chinese Heritage Centre, Frankston Visitor Information Centre, Latrobe Performing Arts Centre, Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery
• Access to free or discounted events at the Victorian Seniors Festival

What discounts can you get with a Victorian Seniors Card or an SBDC?

• Over 4,000 participating businesses
• Searchable online Discount directory 
• Discounted (5%) e-Gift cards if purchased online (includes Woolworths Supermarkets, Big W, Caltex and EG fuel sites, JB Hi-Fi, Myer, Priceline and IGA Supermarkets)
• Exclusive 5% discount gift card at local hardware stores
• Special limited-time discount offers
• Regular e-newsletter and magazine

Heading interstate? Take your Victorian Seniors Card

If you’re travelling interstate, it’s well worth taking your Victorian 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, if you are visiting the ACT, you can show your card and apply for an Interstate Seniors MyWay Card to receive similar concession fares to ACT seniors.

Travelling overseas? Pack your 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 detailed information, check the SuperGold website.

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.