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:

• General Rules About Military Discounts & Eligibility:
• Military Discounts at Retail Locations
• Travel Discounts & Discounts on Flights
• Military Discounts at Parks & Entertainment
• Military Discounts at Restaurants
• Military Discounts on Financial Products & Services (Banking, Taxes, etc.)
• Military & Veterans Benefits (VA Loan, GI Bill, etc.)

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 details:

• AT&T Military Discount
• Sprint Military Discount
• T-Mobile Military Discount
• U.S. Cellular Military Discounts
• Verizon Wireless Military Discount

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:

• BJ’s Wholesale Club – discount for new members.
• General Motors Military Discount Program.
• Home Depot 10% Military Discount.
• Lowe’s 10% Military Discount.
• Sam’s Club offers a membership discount for military members.
• Dell.

Jewelry:

• Zales – get up to 10% off some of the nation’s best jewelry and diamonds

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

Military Hotels and Resorts:

• Hale Koa Resort – Oahu, Hawaii. The Hale Koa is a military-only resort located on Waikiki Beach in Honolulu, HI.
• Shades of Green Resort at Disney – Military only resort located at Disney World, in Orlando, FL.
• Armed Forces Vacation Club discounts. Discounted resort stays at locations around the world.

Other Hotels:

• Red Roof Inns: Red Roof Inns offers several ways to save. 10% discounts for military, family members, and government employees under certain circumstances. Save up to 20% Off year-round with Veterans Advantage membership. Learn More at the Red Roof Inn Military Page.
• Other Hotel Discounts: Many hotel chains will match max per diem rates for your area. Always ask.
• Sandals Resorts – Get discounts on all five of the brands under the Sandals Resorts name
• Great Wolf Lodge – If you’re looking for a fun-filled, wildlife experience in a hotel, this is it.
• Motel 6 – An affordable lodging option made even cheaper for military members.

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:

• Expedia. Here’s a little more detail if you want to read up on the Expedia discounts.
• Hotels.com.
• Priceline.
• Travelocity.

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:

• Disney World Military Discounts. Get discounted park hopper passes to Disney World.

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.

• Applebee’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• Bob Evans – free meal on Veterans Day
• Buffalo Wild Wings – free meal on Veterans Day
• California Pizza Kitchen – free meal on Veterans Day
• Chili’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• Chipotle – free meal on Veterans Day
• Chuck E. Cheese’s – Year-round discount, plus a free meal on Veterans Day.
• Denny’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• Dunkin Donuts – at participating locations
• Golden Corral – free meal on Veterans Day
• Hooters – free meal on Veterans Day
• IHOP – free meal on Veterans Day
• Little Caesar’s Pizza – free meal on Veterans Day
• McCormick & Schmick’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• McDonald’s – at participating locations
• Noodles & Co. – 15% discount every day for first responders, active military, and military veterans with ID.
• O’Charley’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• Olive Garden – free meal on Veterans Day
• Outback – free meal on Veterans Day
• Red Lobster – free meal on Veterans Day
• Red Robin – free meal on Veterans Day
• Shoney’s – free meal on Veterans Day
• Subway – at participating locations

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!

• Free Tax Preparation for Military Members.
• E-file your 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!

• Up to $300 from Chase Bank.
• $10 Ebates Bonus (Ebates Review).
• Bank Bonuses – earn several hundred dollars for opening a new bank account.

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!

• GI Bill Benefits Guide
• Montgomery GI Bill Rates
• Post-9/11 GI Bill Benefits

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!

• VA Loan Rates for Purchases and Refinancing. VA Loans may have lower interest rates than conventional mortgages. Use the tool on our site to compare interest rates from several different lenders.
• Find the best VA Loan Companies to compare rates.

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!