Home Depot and Lowe’s have long been known to offer a 10% military discount to military members, veterans, and retirees on the main military holidays such as Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Veterans Day. Well, good news – both companies now offer these military discounts every day of the week! Additionally, you may be able to find discounts online at Lowes.com and savings at HomeDepot.com.
Military Discount Eligibility: Please read the discount information for each store closely. These discounts may or may not be available to all military veterans on a daily basis. In general, both Home Depot and Lowe’s offer a 10% discount to all currently serving military members with proper military ID, retired military members with ID, and veterans with a service connected disability rating and VA health care ID card with a service-connected designation. Some veterans have reported being able to receive a discount with a drivers license featuring a veterans designation (this is not always accepted at all locations).
Home Depot 10% Military Discount Policy
There is some confusion regarding the Home Depot military discount policy. An online customer service rep recently gave me this information about Home Depot military discounts:
The Home Depot offers a year-round, 10 percent discount, up to a $500 maximum, at our U.S. stores to all active duty military personnel, reservists, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate families. We offer this discount to thank them for their outstanding service to this nation and to help make their homes more comfortable and safe. Customers requesting the discount should present a valid military ID.
In addition, a 10 percent discount is also offered in recognition of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Labor Day and Veterans Day at all U.S. Home Depot stores for all other military veterans. (source)
I also contacted a Home Depot customer service rep online and she gave me this response:
We proudly offer Active and Veteran military a 10% discount on their online or in store purchases. Please contact Online Customer Care at 1-800-430-3376 and place your online order over the phone for a immediate discount or bring your ID to your local Home Depot. However, this may not be used in combination with any other sale prices or discounts. (Editor’s note: Several readers have reported that Home Depot no longer offers the military discount for online purchases.)
HomeDepot.com Coupon Codes
Lowe’s 10% Military Discount Policy
Lowe’s now offers a 10% military discount to all active duty military members, members of the Guard and Reserve, retired military members and their immediate family members. The 10% Lowe’s discount also applies to disabled veterans and their families. Here is the specific discount information:
To qualify for the Everyday 10% Military Discount, you must: Be currently serving in, or retired from, a qualifying branch of the Armed Services, or be the immediate family member of someone who is and have a valid military ID Card. Or: Be a veteran who receives VA benefits and have a valid Veteran Identification Card (VIC).
We honor all Veterans on three specific holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July and Veterans Day. During these three holiday weekends, we extend the discount to all veterans who served honorably and who present a valid Form DD214 or other proof of service. The Lowe’s Military Discount is extended to the Veteran community on these three holidays only. (source)
To be eligible for the everyday 10% discount you will need a valid, government-issued military ID card. All other military veterans will still be able to receive the discount on the Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Veterans Day weekends. The discount applies to in-stock and special-order purchases up to $5,000, but it excludes sales via Lowes.com and purchases of services or gift cards.
Keep in mind you may be able to find discounts at the Lowe’s.com website. Just follow the link or click on the banner below to access these deals. The best part is that you can view inventory and complete your order online, then visit the store and pick up the item. That way you don’t waste a trip only to find out they didn’t have your item in stock.
Home Depot & Lowe’s Military Discount FAQ’s
Who is eligible for the military discount?: The offers as explained above do not necessarily include all veterans, 100% of the time. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s military discount offers includes active duty, Guard/Reserves, retirees, and veterans with a service connected-disability rating (many stores require the veteran to show proof of a service-connected rating, which will appear on the VA health care ID card). Some veterans have been able to receive the discount with an alternate form of ID or proof of service, such as a DD 214, or a veterans designation on their drivers license. These alternate forms of ID aren’t officially accepted, so this may be at the discretion of the clerk or the store manager.
Are there exceptions to the discount? Yes. There are certain exceptions and exclusions to the discounts. Some items cannot be discounted due to manufacturer limitations, because they are already on clearance or have other discounts applied, or because they are commodities and the pricing doesn’t allow for discounting. There is also a $500 limit on discounts at Home Depot. Some discounts can’t be combined, such as a military discount and a contractor’s discount. Additionally, it appears as though Home Depot may no longer offer the 10% discount for online purchases. Please verify before making your purchase.
What if you don’t receive a discount? Some military members and veterans have reported not being able to receive a 10% discount when shopping at Home Depot or Lowe’s. Please check with all the above information and verify the discount applies. You can ask the store manager to see a copy of their military discount policy and ask if there are exclusions for the items you are purchasing. It’s also possible you don’t have the form of ID they accept. Home Depot and Lowe’s both have policies in place regarding which forms of ID are accepted. Clerks can get in trouble or lose their job for accepting the incorrect form of ID, so please don’t put them in an awkward position.
Discounts may be hit or miss. At the end of the day, we should appreciate the fact that these companies are making an effort to support our community. If the discount isn’t applied, then please thank them anyway and show these companies our gratitude and appreciation for supporting out community.
Don’t forget to shop around. If Home Depot or Lowe’s doesn’t honor the military discount, then compare prices with other stores, including playing Home Depot and Lowe’s against each other (they almost always honor coupons and offers from the other store). There are plenty of home improvement coupons available from various stores.
Rebecca says
My husband just went to Home Depot and presented his DD214 along with his DL. The clerk refused it. I called the corporate office. They said that it is their policy NOT to take the DD214. I guess we will be shopping at Lowe’s from here on out.
Joshua says
Rebecca, they only now accept your VA ID card to ensure the Veteran was Honorably discharged.
T. Wilke says
The DD-214 shows if a veteran was Honorably discharged. Typical Home Depot.
S. Lantrip says
I am a vet of Vet Nam 1968 to 1971, I have also shopped at Home Depot and they refused my DD214, They are looking for the Do It Your Self home owner, the one that think they can do it all and knows nothing about what they are doing. I know I am a Contractor, and I don’t shop at Home Depot for that reason.
S.Lantrip says
Buy the way if you have gone to Loews lately they are going to make it a lot easier for the vets now, You will be able to add your DD214 on to your MYLOWES Card, I just did my.
Some of you might know me in Vet Nam I was;
Lt. Lantrip USMC
dax says
FYI:
I have gone to Home Depot and Lowes and told each one of them that I did not want to pay the price that they where asking for a particular item.
They both asked me what I wanted to pay for it and as long as my offer was not unreasonable, I got the price that I offered them. I use my VA discount at other times and have noticed the difference the discount yields me at each store. It also helps if you remember that both stores compete for your business. Be smart, and you can always get what you want for the price you want to pay. Don’t forget ACE Hardware stores.
Justin says
This article is not accurate. Home Depot does not grant the discount to spouses or family members. You must be present.
Kate says
This may be a confusion on the part of your local store. We live in Norfolk, VA (a military town) I am a dependent and use my ID to receive a discount regularly. Their policy absolutely does include dependents.
Jason says
I was told at HomeDepot last week that even my driver’s license that has Type: VET is no longer accepted. Must be a VID or active/retired ID.
will says
I do think an update or inquiry is needed. I love Lowe’s, but happen to be doing a demo in a Home Depot store. it seems at least the appliance department is capping the discount at FIFTY dollars. The manager said the max discount their code produced was $50. I was texting HD through ‘official’ channels, they said there is no cap. I think each store/department is being told something different.
it is at the discretion of each store to give the discount in the first place.
As a veteran myself, I look forward to Veteran’s day meals, discounts throughout the year, etc. But these things are a privilege, not a given guaranteed thing. I’m doing some last-minute checks .
I’m also going to ask Lowe’s about price matching and still giving the 10% discount and if there is a cap; can the stack discounts, etc.
Ryan Guina says
Hello Will, Thank you for your comment. Yes, veterans report many inconsistencies with how the discounts are applied. Home Depot and Lowe’s both have certain limitations regarding which items are discounted (many commodities such as lumber, are not), and some price caps. These limitations aren’t always well known or communicated well.
In general, the stores will stack the military discounts for certain purchases or coupons, but usually not on top of another coupon that offers a flat discount on a total purchase (for example, if you have a 10% off any purchase over $100). There is often fine print on those coupons which states they cannot be stacked.
As you mention, discounts are a privilege, and not a right. So I often ask, but don’t expect. And I’m not worried about it if it doesn’t go through (for whatever reason that may be).
S.Lantrip says
I have been shopping Lowe for over 15 years and have used my DD 214 and never had any problems with any thing I bought. I have spent $894.57
and used my DD 214 I got my 10% off no questions ask I live just out of Memphis, TN in MS. So it just might be the store you shop at.
Gerald Marshall says
I visited Home Depot this afternoon and was directed to a new bulletin affixed next to the register that only offers the daily discount to active, reserved and retired service members. Those such as myself who have a VA ID card are offered discounts on specific days of the year, ie Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
Jody says
On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Lowes connects the discount to your My Lowes card account. My husband is a vet but did not retire from the service. Lowes gives honorably discharged vets the 10% off every day when registered and used with the My Lowes card. The local Home Depots have no comparable discount program.
Ashlee says
I agree with this, Jody. My husband is a veteran, not retired or disabled, and we connected that to our My Lowes account and receive the 10% off discount year round when we present the card or our phone number. Home Depot only offers the discount to “regular” (not retired or disabled) veterans on those few days listed. And we’re in Oregon.
Patricia Roller says
Lowe’s accepts it, but you have to register with them at the store. Don’t bother with Home Depot…they don’t care about all veterans!
Bob says
Just came from Home Depot in Harrisonburg, VA. The sales woman refused to honor the Military discount and on Veterans Day, said the washer and dryer I was buying didn’t qualify. Their policy should be posted in the store so Veterans know where we stand with Home Depot and discounts. Either you offer discounts or you don’t.
Paul says
I went to Lowe’s, showed them my valid military discharge ID. The clerk said to get a veteran discount I would have to apply for a Lowe’s credit card. I told him this is a slap in the face. I would get a 10% discount but pay 18% or more to pay it off. I don’t have this problem at Home Depot. So I don’t shop at Lowe’s anymore!
Ryan Guina says
Paul, the clerk was likely mistaken or misunderstood. Lowe’s offers the discount through the MyLowe’s Card, which is a free membership card, not a credit card. There is no cost to join and you can verify your military service through their program. When you use the card, which is linked to your phone number, you will automatically save 10% on qualifying purchases.
Jim says
I did four long years as a Ranger with 2nd Batt…I left because I burnt out and my knees were shot from humping and jumping…if that is not good enough to get me a lousy 10% discount then to heck with them.
walter Munn says
I have shopped at Home Depot in Palatka FL for several years. I finally did the paperwork and paid for a new drivers license to have the “V” for the needed proof that I am a veteran as per Home Depot’s requirement at that time. Unfortunately I was turned down today for the veterans discount because they now require a card. Instead of doing more paperwork I left my merchandise at Home Depot and made my purchases at Lowes where they thank me for my service and accepted my drivers license without question. I will return to Lowes.
Shawn says
I go to Home Depot quite often and the items that are not on discount I tell them to take them back. I will get them at lowes… I have even had them tell me lowes wouldn’t give me a discount on sale items… so I called lowes and asked them while on speaker phone. They said yes they would. I told the manager to keep the product, a 2500.00 fridge, I was going to lowes to get it.. he tried to talk me into 5%.. lol
Evan says
I was at Home Depot on Wednesday, 22 Nov 2017. They honored my DD214 and gave me the 10% discount. Today, 24 Nov 2017, I returned to the same home depot and they told me that they would not honor my DD214 anymore. They told the cashier to accept it this one last time but only on non-construction materials. They stated that the new policy was 10% discount year round for active military and 10% discount for those with retired veteran’s IDs only on designated holidays. These discounts do not include construction materials anymore. This was at the Home Depot on Battlefield Blvd. in Chesapeake, Virginia. This is one of the largest military areas in the world and will only hurt Home Depot. All my business will go to Lowes where they are great about the military discount. Bad decision on the part of Home Depot.
Kent Bullard says
If you are a veteran and like to be able to shop year round and get a 10% discount take your DD214 to Lowes and get your my Lowes set up. To heck (or words to that effect) with Home Depot!!!
Mark M. Oldridge says
[PROUD U.S. ARMY VETERAN: 3ID AFGHANISTAN]
I live in Tulare, California and I “usually” never have an issue with military discounts in-store at the register. But when I bought a A/C ceiling vent online I paid full price and had HD deliver it to their store in Tulare, received a week later. I thought I would get the military discount when I paid at customer service. I was told by the “manager” (of all people) because I paid online they did not accept military discounts at all! I said a few choice words to the manager (explicit!!!) and walked out with my item minus the discount!
I think it’s BS and NO Military Veteran should have to go through the effin red tape BS!!!! If anything, they should be kissing my a… for protecting them in my country!!!!! Instead I get bureaucratic BS!!!! It’s not the money that matters, it’s the principle!!! And yes, I have the right to be mad…it’s called freedom of speech!!! Accept it!!!
Allen Fowler says
We have investigated both stores recently…. Home Depot does NOT provide veterans any discounts unless, its on July 4th, Veterans Day, or Memorial Day; unless you are active duty, retired or have a medical VA card. I do not warrant a medical VA ID card, I only served six years and I got out in 1992. My six years of active duty (USMC) does not matter; even with a DD214. However, Lowes DOES offer all veterans 10% EVERY day; you need to register. We shop at Lowes for everything now. The only reason we would go to Home Depot is if someone gives us a gift card – we try to ensure everyone knows we go to Lowes due to their dedication to veterans.
C. Davenport says
Just went to my local Home Depot in Greenville, SC and they don’t accept my state issued drivers license that shows I’m a veteran. It was very insulting. My local Lowes store would accept it and I even set it up to my Lowes card so I don’t have to show proof anymore. I will not be shopping at Home Depot again for anything.
Tony says
I will say this, I have been using the MYLOWES discount card for all most a year now and never not received my discount. At first I wouldn’t use it for lower cost items but then i just swipe my card every time. I want them to know how much i use it. The more of us that use it the more business they get and will be less apt to take it away. I guess HD has not figured out how much they have lost due to this act of greed on their part. I and all of us understand we are not ENTITLED to a discount, we served without the consideration that we would receive such a benefit. So hats of to Lowe’s for their gift, and congratulations for ALL my purchases for home improvements.
Anonymous says
I work part-time at the Home Depot in Rockford, IL and we’ve NEVER been told to turn down any veteran for any reason, including length of service. I find it insulting that Home Depot has changed its policy regarding a discount for vets (my husband, my father and several members of my family have served honorably).
I’ll be contacting the home office to state my displeasure as well.
Michael Land says
Just left from home depot the cashier said that I could not get the discount because my va card does not say service connected. She gave me the discount anyway when I was leaving the store I decided to return the item and went to lowes.
Don says
In Texas Lowes changed their policy. Lowes does not accept ID’s during checkout. You must now enroll on line. So on your next visit they can verify your information during checkout.
Ed says
I enjoy the Veteran’s discount of 10% at Lowe’s and they make it real easy as they accept any form of veteran’s ID. DD214, County VA org Discount Card, and Drivers license with the VA flag. Lowe’s attaches it to the “My Lowes” card so you just present the card or a phone number brings up your discount.
Home Dept has recently made it much more difficult as they accept only certain VA ID’s some of which are not even available any more. I can no longer get a VA discount at Home Depot with my DD214, My County VA ID discount card, or my drivers License. I drive 5 miles further to Lowe’s.
Not all Veteran’s possess the cards that HD requires.
Dennis Humphreys says
I am a US Navy Veteran (served from 1970-1978); Because of the difference in the way veteran’s discount policy between Home Depot and Lowe’s if I have a choice between the two I will go to Lowe’s 100% of the time. Lowe’s simply allows you to utilize your DD214’s as proof; Home Depot does not. The explanation that I received as to why Home Deport does not recognize the DD214 is that it would be easy for anyone to forge the DD214. Bottom line Lowe’s knows how to fairly apply the veteran’s discount without prejudice.
Harold D Atkins says
I have never had a problem of getting a 10% VA discount on purchases at lowes aND the cashier has always treated me with the highest respect when I check out.
About every time I tried to get a VA discount at Home Depot the cashier is humiliating and disrespectable. I use Lowes and only go to Home Depot as a last resort for purchases of items they carry.
John Phillips says
I was just turned down @ Home Depot in Greenville SC. To think they treat us differently because we did not get injured or retired from the military. That is a slap in the face. If I had not needed the material for an emergency job I would have left it there. Next time there is a war send the owners of Home Depot. Lowe’s treat us like we are somebody.
OSB Basrah Vet says
Home Depot wants you to be retired, active or disabled. They will give a discount to an active slick-sleeve that’s AWOL but they won’t give a discount to someone like me who has a CAB and an HD. Lowes now wants you to have a My Lowes card. I’m a low-income Iraq war Veteran with honorable discharge with a VA benefits I.D. card. BOTH Lowes and Home Depot refuse to accept it. Lowes just wants your info on the My Lowes card so they can SELL IT to information gathering scammers. Nope, GTFO both of you. I shop at ACE from now on. I’ll buy used items before I shop at either of those big box stores again. It’s sad that the US is becoming the same old anti-Veteran world that I was born into. My Dad was literally spit on when he came home from Viet Nam. Now I’m being figuratively spit on by corporations that claim to be patriots. I guess the fad of being pro-Veteran is wearing off. Well….BYE.
Dave says
I Just called Home Depot to place an order on-line and they said they DO NOT give Veterans 10% discount for on-line orders.
James D Ritter says
Home Depot in Oak Ridge TN refused my card and additionally told me I’d be “banned from the store “ if I tried to use it there again.
Robert Johanson says
Lowes gives 10% to all veterans. You do have to sign up on line and after that is done they just ask for your telephone number and that gives them the information they need. I have always received 10% off at Lowes on everything. Home depot on the other hand only gives veterans a discount on National Holidays and they do not give you a discount on everything. I have friends that work at Home Depot and they ask why they have not seen my lately. My answer is I buy everything at Lowes for the 10% discount. I can only speak on the stores in Colorado.