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Last updated: October 20, 2018

Military Discounts – Discounts on Retail, Shopping, Travel, and More!

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.

Table of Contents:

Military Discounts

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. Read these tips on how to get a military discount.
  • 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 a valid ID – usually a current Military ID Card or a retiree card.
  • Other forms of ID may be acceptable. Commonly used ID cards and proof of military service include: VA health care card, VA issued ID Card, state drivers license with a veterans designation, a Veterans Organization Card (e.g., DAV, American Legion, VFW, etc.), 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. Please don’t take issue if you don’t receive a discount.

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

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).

Military Discounts – Retail Locations

Cell Phone Plans: Most major cell phone companies offer military discounts. Check out our list of military discounts on cell phone plans for more information. Or see our individual reviews for more deatils:

Hair Cuts: Many barbershops and salons offer military discounts.

  • Great Clips – everyday discount for military and first responders; free haircut for military members and veterans on Veterans Day.
  • Sports Clips – free haircut for military members and veterans on Veterans Day.

Retail Discounts:

Travel Discounts & Discounts on Hotels &Flights

Traveling can be expensive. Thankfully there are a few good ways to save money. Many companies and locations offer military discounts. We have an in-depth article that discusses how and where military members and veterans can find travel discounts.

  • Where to find Military & Veteran Travel Discounts. Tips on how to save money on your travels.
  • You can also opt to fly Space-A travel, in which you fly on a space available basis on a military aircraft. There are certain rules surrounding Space-A travel, including eligibility, locations, and more.

Hotels & Resorts

Try some of the following discounted travel outlets when making your next travel reservations. The following websites offer discounts on hotels, airlines, rental cars, and vacation package deals:

Military Discounts at Parks & Entertainment

Popular amusement parks such as Disney World, Sea World, Knott’s Farm, Universal Studios, and Anheuser-Busch offer discounts or even free admission to eligible military members. Find more info on the park’s websites or in the following links:

Military Discounts at Restaurants

Please note that many of these restaurants may be franchises, and these offers may not be available at all locations. When in doubt, please ask politely!

Also, please note that some of these restaurants may only offer military discounts at certain times. For example, many of them offer a free meal on Veterans Day or Memorial Day, but may not offer a discount at other times of the year. Call ahead to verify, or ask at the restaurant.

Military Offers & Discounts on Financial Products & Services

There are many military financial institutions and companies that offer discounts on financial products and services. Here is a list of our top-rated military banks and credit unions. Check with these companies if you are searching for a new bank or other financial product.

Military Members File Taxes for Free!

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!

Discounts Related to Military & Veterans Benefits

Two of the most valuable military and veterans benefits are the GI Bill and the VA Loan. Many companies offer military discounts on education or VA Loans.

Education Benefits

You’ve earned your education benefits so use them and increase your earning power!

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!

Check for updates!

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

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Article by

Ryan Guina is the founder and editor of The Military Wallet. He is a writer, small business owner, and entrepreneur. He served over 6 years on active duty in the USAF and is a current member of the IL Air National Guard. Ryan started The Military Wallet in 2007 after separating from active duty military service and has been writing about financial, small business, and military benefits topics since then. He also writes about personal finance and investing at Cash Money Life. Ryan uses Personal Capital to track and manage his track his finances. Personal Capital is a free software program that allows him to track his net worth, balance his investment portfolio, track his income and expenses, and much more. You can open a free account here.

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Comments

  2. 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

    Reply

  3. 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!

    Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • 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.

      Reply

    • I’ll go you one better, I have check Military ID on my cards so that if one ever gets lost or not returned, it’s a lot harder for the incorrect user to have the proper ID requested.

      Reply

  5. 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.

    Reply

    • 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

      Reply

    • I am a retired Army Vet. If all the military had Nov 11th off, who would be there to protect the USA? Obama

      Reply

  9. 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!!!

    Reply

  10. 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

    Reply

  11. 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..

    Reply

  13. 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.

    Reply

  14. 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!

    Reply

  16. 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

    Reply

  17. 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 !! 🙂

    Reply

  18. 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.

    Reply

    • To Sarah: Thank you for your expression of gratitude. When I was a young mother in 1985 I was called to active duty quite unexpectedly. I was in the middle of a divorce. I lost custody of my daughter (now 30) because the female judge said that women cannot be mothers and soldiers. I am so happy to see that the sentiment has changed in terms of appreciation, not condemnation. It makes me feel as though it was all worthwhile. May we all remain safe and secure in our county due to the sacrifices of our military members yesterday, today and tomorrow! I join you in thanking the men, women and families of our military.

      Reply

  19. Please send me a list of retailers in lower bucks county who accepts the gi discount. Keep me updated. Thank you.

    Reply

  22. Autozone gives a 10% discount every day to FOR I’D card holder.
    I live near Ft Campbell and many places offer a discount.
    You will find places that will give a discount near many bases even if the company normally doesn’t offer one. You need to ask.

    Reply

  24. Since I joined the American Legion I have found that even places that don’t offer a Veteran Discount will give one if asked. My wife has gotten to to ask where ever we go. So for all veterans out there reading this no matter where you shop or go ask for that veteran discount. You never know where you might get one. We were building a new garage a few years ago and when my wife was calling around looking for a dumpster she would ask and those who said no she thanked them and called another till one said “Well we’ve never had someone ask so we will cut out the drop off and pick up charge” Saved us like $150.00

    Reply

  25. I resently went to Hoem Depot with a vic card. They would not accept it unless it had service connected disabled on it. I sereved my time during vietnam and can’t help it if I came home in one piece.

    Reply

    • Sorry but maybe you need to change Home depots. Because you get 10% no mater what, they just did not know what they were doing. All I am asked for is some kind of ID that I am a vet. I show them my VA card with no disabled on it, but I do have a disable. I wish you luck next time or just go to Lowes they also give a discount.

      Reply

      • I worked there this year. It has to say Service Disconnected and they have a photo copy of that at the registers. But, most do not check for that. Just do not be mean if some kid follows the rules. Most time you wont be asked though. ANd, for the record, they are he largest supporter of hiring and helping vets as far as retail goes. So they are doing their part even if they have that rule.

  26. Boardwalk burgers gives a wopping twenty percent discount to veterans and service members … their small fries is a extra large at any other place…
    I am not advertising ….

    I eat there all the time and I just cannot beat their deal and how much that is given for a small fry.

    Reply

  27. Albertsons grocery stores (regional to the Southwest) offers one 10% Military discount day a month, and I get it all the time with my dependent card, my husband is retired and has no disability. They advertise this in their fliers and they always do it on or around veteran’s day.

    I have never had a problem using my dependent card at Home Depot for the discount, and my husband has zero disability, so if someone denies you, ask to speak to a manager.

    I also just found out recently that my state offers free admissions to all state parks to vets on veterans day, and also to many of the museums. Since the museums are $7 per person – I know what my family of four will be doing every year on veterans day! So look into what your state offers as well, I found that on our State VA website.

    Reply

  29. Thanks for the great info. I usual make a copy of all the discounts that Veterans get and give a copy to my American Legion post every year. I also send a copy to my sister and brother-in-law who served in the Air Force and my uncles that also served. I send a copy to my son but he always is out at sea for Veterans day.

    Reply

  30. You would think that with how big McDonald’s and Burger King are, that they would do something for Military and Veterans, even if it was just the one day a year (If not all year long). But I have never seen anything about either one of them doing something for the military or veterans.

    Has anyone ever seen/heard of them doing something for us?

    Reply

    • Burger King and McDonald’s are typically franchises, and many are owned by individuals, not corporations. Usually discounts are up to the manager/owner, not the head corporation. That said, I have been to both restaurants and received a military discount. You do have to ask, and it is not a 100% guarantee since it is up to the owner’s discretion.

      Reply

  31. My husband and I are both Vietnam veterans and all we have are DD214s. Would these savings also apply to us if we each carried a copy of our DD214 with us? I wish there was simple ‘veteran’ card available.

    Reply

    • A lot of states are now putting a VETERAN stamp on your drivers licence,u might check with yours. Kentucky started it this year now my wife can get it on hers so she won’t have to carry her dd-214 around anymore.

      Reply

  33. We were recently buying a car at a Kia Dealership in Beaverton, OR. On the walls they had ” I (heart)” stickers with every profession you could think of, including veterans. I asked the salesman if they,by chance, happen to give a discount to veterans & he said they did. All my hubby had to do was show his DD214, which he didn’t have on him. We filled out all the paperwork & took the car home that day. They trusted him to bring the form back the next day. I can’t remember if we saved $50 or $500, but I was glad I asked. Since OR has no sales tax, we saved a ton of money there, as well. If you live in the Portland, OR area, & you are looking to buy a car, go see James Salon at Beaverton Kia. James even drove papers up to our house on his day off, in order to get my signature on a form we didn’t know I needed to sign.

    Reply

  34. aLL THE ABOVE IS TRUE EXCEPT SUBWAY, I WENT IN THE SUBWAY ON THE CORNER OF HWY 24 AND MAXWELL ST NEAR FAYETTEVILLE NORTH CAROLINA THEY TOLD ME THEY HAVE NOTHING FREE FOR ANY .VETERAN

    Reply

  38. Thank you so much for this website. Very cool and useful. All of the free meals are overwhelmingly appreciated. It is too bad that this was not happening to vets after Viet Nam. Not so much love shown.

    Reply

  39. Payless Shoes and New York and Company both offer 10% military discount any day of the week. Outback Steakhouse gives a free appetizer with military ID any time you ask about any special deals for the military. Lens Crafters also offered us a military discount the other day.

    Reply

  40. I was getting discount at Lowes till early 2012 with DD214, but manager said company has change policy and only give discount to those holding current and maybe retired ID’s, no more DD214.

    Reply

  41. I was in a local Subway recently, and they had all these “We support our troops” signs all over the place, so I asked if they gave a military discount of any kind. The surprising answer, considering all the signage? – “NO.”

    Reply

  42. Nike Premium Outlets give 10% military discount everyday. Show valid military ID at register to receive discount.

    Reply

  44. Just moved to AR and was asked if I wanted to include Vet on my lic. Not sure yet who may offer discounts. We live close to Mountain Home AR and about 2hrs from Branson MO. Does anyone have names of merchants that offer discounts? I’d also like to to thank all my fellow VETS and current service members for all they have done to help keep this country free for my family. God Bless and keep you.

    Reply

  45. I ran into the problem with Lowes not honoring their military discount. I’m a disabled Viet Nam veteran and I’m in the process of building a new home. My intention was to buy lots from Lowes using their 10% discount. I was told that I must have a military ID or a VA card. I told them I did not have either, but I did have my DD214, my VA letter stating my disability and my Bronze star letter for Viet Nam service. They would not even look at my letters and just stated that I must have a VA card. I told them that I have not used the VA in over 25 years and I have no need to, so why would I have a VA card? They refused my discount, Lowes does not care about veterans at all.

    Reply

    • I understand your point of view, but unfortunately, Lowe’s and Home Depot have both had a lot of fraud from people claiming to be veterans when they weren’t. They instituted policies to streamline which forms of ID they accept. It’s unfortunate some people would try to take advantage of Lowe’s and Home Depot, but it’s their policy.

      The good news is that you can qualify for a VA ID Card. Here is the information we have about VA health care eligibility and VA ID cards.

      Getting a VA ID card may make it easier to get a discount. It may also help to let the manager know that you are planning on buying a lot of material in the coming weeks, and you are happy to take your business to the competing store if they aren’t willing to work with you. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s are extremely competitive with each other and won’t want to lose your business. Best of luck, and thanks for your service!

      Reply

  47. Ryan Guina: A rep at the VA office told me you can only get a VA ID card if you are eligible for health care benefits. My income makes me ineligible, so I couldn’t get the ID card. Wish I could – it would make getting the discounts much easier.

    I do appreciate all of the information and comments.

    Reply

    • Thanks for the feedback, Dennis. This is true, you need to be eligible for VA Health care to be eligible to obtain a VA ID card. However, many veterans are eligible for VA health care based on their service dates, service connected disabilities, or by other means, I encourage everyone to at least apply for VA health care to see if they are eligible, even if they would have to pay out of pocket. That would help many people obtain a VA issued ID card, or give them another means for health care should something happen to their primary means. Here is an article with more information about VA Health Care Eligibility.

      Reply

  49. Check out id.me they are getting the retailers to use online military verification. Awesome stuff and tons of useful discounts like Troopswap, under armor, etc.

    Reply

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