Military Discounts

Military members make daily sacrifices to secure the freedom that many of us take for granted. Sometimes a simple “thank you” doesn’t seem like enough to properly thank all military members for their service on our behalf. Perhaps this is why thousands of stores around the nation offer military discounts to active service members, retirees, veterans, and in some cases, their family members.

We have done our best to verify each offer on this list of military discounts. Please help share this list with other military members and veterans who may be able to use these discounts. You can share them via FaceBook, Twitter, E-mail, or word of mouth.

Additions or suggestions? Please contact us if you know of additional stores which offer military discounts. Please send a link to the store or discount so that we may share it with everyone. If you are a company representative, please send an e-mail from your company e-mail address so we can verify the offer. Please indicate if the military discount is an ongoing offer, or for a special event such as Memorial Day or Veteran’s Day (see our list of Veteran’s Day Discounts for specific offers).

General rules about military discounts: Here are some general rules of thumb regarding military discounts:

  • Most military discounts aren’t publicized – it never hurts to ask.
  • Most military discounts are only available to current military members. Some military discounts are available to all veterans, but in general, most discounts are for actively serving military members (some military discounts are extended to all veterans around major military holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July or Veteran’s Day).
  • Valid ID usually required. Most military discounts only apply if you have valid ID – usually a current Military ID Card or a retiree card
  • Other forms of ID may be acceptable. A Veterans Organization Card (e.g., American Legion and VFW), DD214, discharge paperwork, or other form of identification may work for some military discounts, particularly those around the major military holidays (Memorial Day, 4th of July or Veteran’s Day).
  • Many military discounts vary by location. Many franchises leave discounts at the discretion of the owner.
  • Military discounts are not always the best offer. You may be able to find better deals by shopping around (airlines, hotels, and travel are good examples of times when shopping around may lead to bigger savings).
  • Many hotel chains will match max per diem rates for your area. Always ask.
  • Military discounts are a blessing, not a right. Discounts are offered out of kindness and respect for your service.

For veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan, please check out IAVA. Members there are offered vouchers to many retail stores, such as JC Penney.

Military Discounts and Special Offers

Military Members File Taxes for Free!

Home Depot and Lowe’s Military Discounts

Guaranteed Low Prices…Now Even Lower

Education Benefits

You’ve earned your education benefits so use them and increase your earning power! Search GI Bill schools and other education opportunities.

VA Loan Information

A VA Loan is one of the best ways for a military veteran to afford a house. Be sure to get the right information before applying for your VA Loan!

Travel Discounts

Try some of the following discounted travel outlets when making your next travel reservations:

Freebies and Sign up Bonuses

A little free money never hurt anyone! Try some of these discounts and freebies for a little extra spending money!

Credit Card bonuses

Credit Card Bonuses Bonus Amount Requirements
Chase Sapphire Preferred $250 or domestic airline ticket Spend $3000 within 3 months
Chase Freedom® Visa – $200 Bonus Cash Back $200 Cash Spend $500 within 3 months
Chase Freedom® Visa $100 Cash Spend $500 within 3 months
Chase Freedom® MasterCard $100 Cash Spend $500 within 3 months
Zync from American Express $100 Cash After 1st Purchase
Chase Sapphire(SM) $100 Cash Spend $500 in 3 months
Citi® Dividend World® MasterCard® $100 Cash Spend $300 within 3 months
Escape by Discover $250 (points) Make monthly purchase for 25 months
American Express Premier Rewards Gold Card $150 (points) Spend $30K in Calendar Year
Miles by Discover $120 (points) Make monthly purchase for 12 months
American Express® Gold Card $100 (points) Spend $500 within 3 months
Starwood American Express Card $100 (points) After 1st Purchase
True Earnings by Costco and American Express $25 Cash After 1st Purchase

Military Discounts by Store:

Check for updates!

Be sure to check back often! I will try to make new listings as new new deals become available. Be sure to spread the word. Your family members and squadron members will thank you!

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Date published: June 23, 2008. Last updated: December 5, 2011.

Article by

Ryan Guina is the founder and editor of this site. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over 6 years in the USAF and also writes about money management, small business, and career topics at Cash Money Life. You can also see his Google profile

Comments

  1. jerome Pinckney says:

    IHOP is offering 50% off meals for military active and veterans in Massachusetts

  2. Ray Wheat says:

    I didn’t see anything about old Navy on here. Here in Texas they give 10% off on the first every month , but most cashiers will give it regardless f the day. A VA ID is all I have ever used for the discount. Every bit helps.
    Thanks for a great site, and Thanks for Serving.
    Ray Wheat

  3. Shawn FActor says:

    My wife and I have set a rule for our credit cards- On the back instead of signing, we have written- see ID, and everytime that credit card comes out of the wallet, so does our military IDs. You would be shocked how many companies are happy to thank you for your service and give you a discount. In these economic times, every little bit helps….and if all they do is thank you for your service well that will do too!

    • Ryan Guina says:

      Great idea, Shawn!

    • Ray says:

      Great idea Shawn. I already do the “See ID” thing, but in the past have used my drivers lic. From now on I’ll use my AF retiree ID. Thank you.

    • thomas sutherland says:

      Shawn my wife and I do the same on all of our cards, he is a funny for you. One day this elderly lady wouldnt take my card because my name was noe CID I had to tell her (about 10 times) that is not my name but asking you to c my id. anyways.

  4. Mariah says:

    Hot Topic gives military discount as well, helps us get gifts for the teens in our lives ^-^

  5. Edward Murry says:

    Is there a reason Veterans don’t get that day off with pay ? Congress does banks even people who have not served. i have to take a vacation day to be off. y is that? i think every veteran should get that day off with pay.

    • B says:

      I agree. I fought for that at the company I was with last year but ended up having to use PTO. Needless to say I’m not with that company anymore. Was discriminated against for being a disabled vet

  6. Matt says:

    GoodWill always gives military discount, just have VA ID or Military ID (whether current or retired).

  7. Patricia Lewis says:

    Your time in creating this site is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

  8. evelyn says:

    i really like this thank u very much get up the good work.

  9. ROSA GREEN says:

    THIS IS THE FIRST YEAR I HAD HEARD ANYTHING ABOUT WHAT THE DIFFERENT BUSINESS DO TO HONOR VETS, THANK YOU, THIS IS REALLY GREAT. I WOULD JUST LIKE TO SAY TO ALL SERVING AND CURRENT MILITARY THANK YOU!!!

  10. Lori says:

    Sittercity (a nanny and sitter placement service) offers free memberships to military families. I don’t know if they offer special rates for deployed families, though. You’d have to ask your local branch. You can also visit their website:
    sittercity.com

  11. Ray S. says:

    Once I was in Nike t0wn at the “outlett mall only,” my wife and I was doing one of our twice a year no hold bared or money limit shopping RV vacations and I was in niketown reaching for my debt card and laid my wallet on the check out desk; (I usually don’t carry my ID where it can be in public: however, I was previously on the base for the day and switched my driver lic with the Mil ID card now the ID could be seen and the check out young men said 10% I said for what? Military and the rest is history.. Remember Niketown and also Reebox.. Rebox I found out the same way..

  12. Susie says:

    Express offers 10%.
    Foot Locker offers 20%.

  13. LeSa says:

    I like to thank all the men and women who wear or have worn a uniform and who serves/served this great country of ours. Proud to be the daughter of a Vietnam Purple heart receiptient and the fiance of a 25 year vet.

  14. Steve Yang says:

    in my experience… a lot of bars and clubs that aren’t around a military base tend to allow you to enter without cover when i submit my military id when i get carded…
    hey… 10 bucks saved to get in works for me!!! some even offer a free drink… good luck!

  15. Melissa says:

    You really do have to ask. The Buckle and New York and Company offer 10% to military. So do Lowe’s and Home Depot.

  16. jerry swinehart says:

    pepboys in ne ohio will give a 10% discount to military and vets on tuesday-thursday on products and services. found out when i have a brake job recently …just asked manager at checkout was great about it absolutely no problem he said

  17. Rantana says:

    Applebees will provide a free dinner on 11/11/11 for all Veterans… at least in Illinois they will.. They did the same discount last year as well.. Enjoy !! :)

  18. sarah tilford says:

    thank you all serves men and womenfor all your giving so my childern, grand chnildern and great grand daughter are free to live in this country. to all who have lost love ones i pray for you all. God be with you.

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