In the opening paragraph, to quickly answer the main question – yes, you can ask for a military discount at many businesses and organizations. However, keep in mind that not all places offer military discounts, and policies can vary. The eligibility requirements, necessary documentation, and discount amounts offered will depend on each individual company’s policies.
What is a military discount?
A military discount is a special offer extended by certain companies and organizations to active duty service members, veterans, retirees, and sometimes their families. It is typically a percentage taken off the total purchase amount at the point of sale. Military discounts are a way for brands to show appreciation and give back to those who serve or who have served in the armed forces.
Military discounts are commonly offered at restaurants, hotels, retail stores, movie theaters, museums, parks, auto shops, gyms, and more. Amounts range anywhere from 5% up to 50% off. Eligibility requirements depend on the business, but may include showing a valid military ID card, verification of military service through veteran status documentation, or a military family member ID.
Why do some businesses offer military discounts?
There are a few key reasons why many brands choose to offer military discounts:
- To thank service members and veterans for their service and sacrifice for the country
- To show support for the military community
- As a token of appreciation for those who protect national security
- To attract more military customers and build brand loyalty
- For publicity and goodwill as a military-friendly business
Offering a military discount allows brands to give back while also potentially expanding their customer base by appealing to military shoppers.
How to find businesses that offer military discounts
The easiest way to find companies that offer military discounts is to search online. Here are some tips:
- Check the websites or social media pages of favorite brands to look for military discount policies.
- Search “[brand name] military discount” – This can pull up specific discount amounts and eligibility requirements.
- Look at review sites like Yelp that note which businesses offer military discounts and customer experiences with them.
- Search broad terms like “restaurants with military discounts” to find discounted options in a category.
- Visit sites like MilitaryBenefits.info and Military.com that compile lists of hundreds of participating companies.
- Check local community and military base websites for lists of military-friendly businesses in the area.
- Ask friends in the military community for recommendations.
Taking a few minutes to search online can reveal lots of opportunities to save with military discounts. Over time, you can compile a go-to list of discounted businesses to check first when shopping, dining out, or booking entertainment and travel.
Who is eligible for military discounts?
Each company sets their own eligibility requirements, but most military discounts apply to some or all of the following groups:
Military Affiliation | Typical Eligibility |
---|---|
Active Duty | Yes |
Reservists | Yes |
National Guard | Yes |
Military Retirees | Yes |
Veterans | Often |
Military Spouses | Sometimes |
Military Family Dependents | Sometimes |
Those currently serving on active duty, in the reserves, or National Guard are universally eligible across any business that offers a military discount. Retired military and honorably discharged veterans also qualify at most places, though a small handful restrict discounts just to active duty.
Spouses and other military family often have discount eligibility too. This depends on the individual business policies. Calling ahead or checking their website can confirm if military family members can use the discount.
What documents do you need to prove eligibility?
To use a military discount, you’ll need to show valid proof of your military status. Here are the IDs commonly accepted:
- CAC Card – Common Access Card for active duty, reserve, and National Guard.
- DD Form 2 – Retired Military ID Card for retirees.
- DD Form 2765 – Dependent ID card for military family members.
- DD Form 1173 – Veterans’ Military ID card for former members who are not retirees.
- VA Health Care Eligibility card – For eligible veterans.
- Veteran driver’s license or state ID card with veteran designation.
- Discharge papers like DD Form 214.
Carrying your affiliated military ID is the easiest way to instantly prove eligibility. If you don’t have a current ID, discharge papers that show honorable service also typically qualify. Call ahead to double check what documents each business accepts.
Can you ask for the discount if it’s not advertised?
If a business doesn’t actively advertise that they offer a military discount, you can still ask if one is available. Many companies provide military discounts upon request, even if they don’t widely publicize them. Here are some tips for inquiring:
- Ask politely, “Do you offer a military discount?” when paying.
- Have your eligible ID card ready to show, but only present it if they ask.
- Avoid assuming eligibility or demanding a discount.
- If denied, accept the answer gracefully without argument.
- Thank the person for checking if they did try to look into their policies.
You have every right to ask businesses if they offer military discounts. Just remember to ask politely and graciously accept if the company doesn’t provide one. With the growing popularity of military discounts, more and more businesses are adding them all the time.
Are there restrictions on using military discounts?
Most companies have a few rules about how their military discounts can be used. Here are some common restrictions:
- May only apply to the military member themselves, not family or friends unless otherwise stated.
- Limited to one discount per purchase or service.
- Not combinable with other coupons, discounts, or special offers from the business.
- Not valid on already discounted or sale items.
- Only redeemable by showing valid military ID – can’t just ask for the discount without proper eligibility proof.
- Not available on certain excluded products or services.
- Reservations or appointments may need an eligibility code.
- Maximum discount amounts may apply, like up to $100 off a purchase.
It’s a good idea to check for any posted restrictions or fine print when taking advantage of a military discount. Abiding by companies’ policies ensures you maintain the privilege of using their military discount programs.
Are military discounts taxable?
In most cases, military discounts work just like any other coupon or promotional discount offered by retailers. The percentage taken off through a military discount just reduces the total taxable purchase amount. So the sales tax is calculated based on the lower post-discount subtotal.
However, some state laws differ when it comes to certain specialized discounts:
- In California, military discounts are not taxable when applied to lodging like hotels.
- Illinois exempts military discounts from sales tax on food and drinks at restaurants.
- A few other states like Colorado also exempt military food discounts from taxation.
Outside of those specific cases, military discounts generally work like other coupons where the tax is assessed after subtracting the discounted amount. Check local state laws for any sales tax exemptions offered for military discounts.
Do all businesses offer military discounts?
While military discounts are widely offered, they are still far from universal. Not all businesses provide them. Here are some key factors that determine where military discounts are more or less common:
- Industry – Very prevalent at restaurants, retailers, hotels, entertainment venues. Less common for professional services, contractors, online companies.
- Location – More likely in regions with major military bases and veteran populations.
- Company values – Granted selectively depending on brand values and target demographics.
- Business model – Difficult for low-margin businesses already competing heavily on price.
- Current promotions – Often temporarily suspended during sales, peak seasons, holidays.
Don’t assume every business offers a military discount. Be gracious if a company says it’s not an option for them. There are still plenty of ways to save on both local and national levels.
Are military discounts ethical?
The ethics of military discounts have become a source of debate in recent years. Here are some key perspectives on both sides:
Arguments That Military Discounts Are Ethical:
- They are a voluntary decision by businesses, not a legal obligation.
- They show appropriate gratitude for the sacrifices service members make.
- Military members face unique financial challenges like frequent moves.
- Discount eligibility requires proof of service.
- They encourage veterans to become valuable customers.
Arguments Questioning the Ethics:
- Not all citizens have equal access to them.
- They could be viewed as preferential treatment on uncontrollable criteria.
- It obligates service members to disclose their veteran status.
- Some critics argue military service alone doesn’t warrant special privileges.
- Businesses pay the cost of discounts instead of the government.
There are good faith arguments on both sides of this issue. In the end, voluntary military discounts remain legal and an individual business decision. Patrons and service members will have personal views on whether or not these discounts are ethical or appropriate.
Do other countries offer military discounts?
Military discounts are uniquely prolific in the United States compared to other countries for several reasons:
- The U.S. does not have a Veterans Affairs national ID card that confirms status.
- Many U.S. military benefits are not directly provided by the government.
- America has strong pro-military cultural values and marketing tactics.
- Massive commercial enterprise in the U.S. enables discount programs.
- Lack of government healthcare amplifies financial assistance need.
Countries with greater military integration into the government infrastructure have less need for private discounts. Those with national veteran ID cards also require less proof for discounts. Overall, American military discounts arise from a unique cultural and business climate.
Conclusion
Military discounts offer a valuable opportunity for service members, veterans, and their families to save money on a wide variety of purchases. With hundreds of participating brands, they provide a way for businesses to give back. Military shoppers willing to ask politely and show valid ID can often unlock excellent discounts. Yet it helps to understand policies vary, eligibility requires proof, and not every company participates. Overall, military discounts demonstrate appreciation while assisting a community facing financial challenges through their service.