ACT Seniors Card: Benefits, discounts and how to apply

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

What benefits are available?

With an ACT Seniors Card you can access many 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 ACT Seniors Card website for the current discounts and offers.

Guide to your Australian Capital Territory Seniors Card – rules and benefits

Website: www.actseniorscard.org.au 

Who can apply for an ACT Seniors Card?

• Aged 60 or over
• Permanent resident of Australia residing in the ACT
• Work less than 20 hours per week in paid employment

How do you apply for an ACT Seniors Card?

• Proof of age and residency required
• Online application form 
• Download and print the online application form and mail it to COTA ACT or visit Hughes Community Centre
• After your application is processed, you should receive your card in 7 business days

What government benefits are available with an ACT Seniors Card?

• Free off-peak travel (including weekends and public holidays) on Transport Canberra services
• Concessional fares at peak times (before 9am and 4.30pm-6pm weekdays) on Transport Canberra services
• Free travel if aged over 70
• 10% discount on motor vehicle registration
• 28% discount for registration of gas and electric vehicles
• One-off free registration for green waste bin
• Online application for 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 500 participating businesses
• Online search 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 access the concessional public transport fares offered to their seniors if you present your ACT Seniors Card.

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 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.