Amazon does offer discounts for active duty and veteran military service members. However, the discount amount varies depending on the program. Amazon’s military discount programs include:
Amazon Prime Military Discount
Amazon Prime memberships normally cost $139 per year. However, active duty military members can sign up for an Amazon Prime membership for just $79 per year, which is a 43% discount off the regular Prime membership fee.
To get the discounted Prime membership, you must have a valid military ID card and be active duty, a reservist, a retiree, or a dependent. The discounted membership can be shared with up to 4 other household members.
Eligibility for Amazon Prime Military Discount
The following military members are eligible for the discounted Amazon Prime membership:
- Active duty
- Reservists
- Retirees
- Veterans
- Dependents of active duty and retirees
You will need to verify your military status with a military ID card. Once verified, the discounted Prime membership will be available for up to 4 household members.
Amazon Military Star Card
The Amazon Military Star Card is a credit card offered in partnership with First National Bank of Omaha. It provides the following benefits for military members:
- 5% back on Amazon.com purchases (does not apply to digital purchases)
- 2% back at gas stations, restaurants, and drugstores
- 1% back on all other purchases
In addition, cardholders get access to exclusive military offers and discounts. The Amazon Military Star Card does not charge an annual fee or foreign transaction fees.
Eligibility for the Amazon Military Star Card
Below are the eligibility requirements for the Amazon Military Star Card:
- Active duty, reserve, or retired US military
- Spouse or dependent of qualifying US military member
To apply, you will need to verify your military status. If approved, you can enjoy 5% back on Amazon.com purchases with no annual fee.
Amazon Military Discount at Checkout
Amazon also offers a military discount at checkout to active duty service members and veterans. The discount amount can vary from 5-10% off eligible purchases.
To receive the discount at checkout, you must first apply for and be approved for the Amazon Military Discount program. Once approved, the discounts will automatically apply at checkout on eligible items.
Below are some key details on Amazon’s military discount at checkout:
- Discount amounts range from 5-10%
- Applies to eligible physical products shipped and sold by Amazon.com
- Excludes digital purchases, Amazon Fresh, Prime Pantry, Add-on items, and more
- You must reapply yearly to renew eligibility
Eligibility for Amazon’s Military Discount at Checkout
The following military members are eligible to receive the discount at checkout after applying and being approved:
- Active duty
- Reservists
- Retirees
- Veterans
- Dependents of active duty and retirees
Each year you must reapply and verify your status to continue receiving the checkout discount. Spouses and dependents are also eligible under this program.
Comparison of Amazon’s Military Discounts
To summarize, here is a comparison of the military discounts offered by Amazon:
Discount Program | Discount Amount | Key Eligibility |
---|---|---|
Amazon Prime Membership | 43% off – $79 per year | Active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans, and dependents |
Amazon Military Star Card | 5% back on Amazon.com | Active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans, and dependents |
Military Discount at Checkout | 5-10% off eligible items | Active duty, reservists, retirees, veterans, and dependents |
As you can see, the biggest discount is on the Amazon Prime membership at 43% off. The Amazon Military Star Card offers a nice 5% back on Amazon purchases with no annual fee. The discount at checkout provides a variable 5-10% discount.
How to Verify Eligibility for Amazon’s Military Discounts
To receive Amazon’s military discounts, you must first prove your eligibility. Here is how to verify your military status with Amazon:
For the Prime Membership Discount
- Visit www.amazon.com/primemilitarysignup
- Click the “Sign Up Now” button
- Login to your Amazon account or create one if needed
- Enter your military ID number or upload documents verifying eligibility
- Amazon will review your documents and confirm your status via email once verified
For the Amazon Military Star Card
- Visit www.amazon.com/militarystar
- Click “Apply Now”
- Provide personal information and verify military status
- Receive confirmation of approval status after review
For the Checkout Discount
- Visit www.amazon.com/militarydiscount
- Click “Create your military discount”
- Login and provide military ID number or documents
- Amazon will review eligibility and enable discount if approved
Once you are verified under any program, you can start enjoying the discounts immediately. Reverification is required yearly for the checkout discount only.
What Items are Eligible for Amazon’s Military Discounts?
Amazon’s military discounts do have some restrictions on which items are eligible. Here is a breakdown by program:
Amazon Prime Military Discount
Once discounted Prime membership is activated, you have access to all Prime benefits including:
- Free 2-day shipping on over 100 million items
- Prime Video streaming of movies, TV, and Amazon originals
- Prime Music for streaming songs and playlists
- Prime Reading ebook and magazine reading
- Prime Photos for photo storage
- Other Prime perks like Twitch Prime gaming
The Prime military discount provides access to all Prime benefits on Amazon.com.
Amazon Military Star Card
The 5% back discount on the Amazon Military Star Card applies to all eligible purchases made on Amazon.com. Below are details on what is included:
- Applies to all physical goods purchases shipped and sold by Amazon
- Does not apply to ebooks, digital media, or digital subscriptions
- No exclusions other than digital content
Any physical goods ordered on Amazon.com and shipped by Amazon will earn 5% back with this card.
Military Discount at Checkout
Amazon’s military discount at checkout has the most restrictions on eligible items. Here are the key details on what is and isn’t included:
- Applies only to items shipped and sold by Amazon.com
- Excludes products from third party sellers
- Also excludes Amazon Fresh, Prime Pantry, Whole Foods, Add-on items, and more
- Discount varies between 5-10% based on the item
Be sure to check if the checkout discount applies to an item. Savings will be displayed on the checkout page.
How Much is the Amazon Military Discount?
The exact amount of Amazon’s military discounts varies depending on the program:
- Prime Membership: 43% off – $79 per year rather than $139
- Military Star Card: 5% back on Amazon.com purchases
- Checkout Discount: Varies 5-10% off eligible purchases
The Prime membership provides the biggest dollar savings at 43% off. The 5% back on the Military Star Card can add up quickly too. The extra checkout discounts are nice when they apply.
Can the Military Discounts be Combined or Stacked?
Unfortunately, Amazon’s military discount programs cannot be combined together. You can only use one at a time on a purchase. However, some key notes on combining them:
- The Prime membership stands alone – it is not tied to the checkout discount
- The Military Star Card 5% back is separate and will apply with the checkout discount
- The checkout discount cannot be combined with other discounts like coupons
So in summary:
- Prime membership can be used with the Military Star Card and checkout discounts separately
- The Card and checkout discounts cannot be earned together on one purchase
Are Spouses and Dependents Eligible Too?
Yes, military spouses and dependents are eligible for the Amazon military discounts. The specific requirements for spouses and dependents are:
- Must be married to or dependent of a qualifying active duty or retired military member
- Spouses can activate their own discount with proper ID
- Dependents must use the military member’s ID credentials
Spouses and dependents have access to all the same Amazon military discounts. Proper verification is required during signup.
Do Other Online Retailers Offer a Military Discount?
Yes, Amazon is not the only retailer to offer military discounts. Many other online stores provide discounts, including:
- Target – 10% military discount on Memorial Day, Veterans Day, and more
- Nike – 10% military and first responder discount with verification
- Under Armour – 10% Heroes discount for military, nurses, teachers and more
- Oakley – Oakley Military and First Responder program with 50% discount
- Adidas – Friends and Family discount of 40% off with verification
Be sure to look around at popular online retailers to find other military discounts on clothing, shoes, accessories, and more.
Does Amazon Offer Other Discounts?
In addition to the special military discounts, Amazon does provide other discount programs available to all customers:
- Amazon Prime Student – Prime membership discount for college students
- Prime EBT – Discounted Prime for customers receiving government assistance
- Amazon Business – Bulk discounts and business pricing on orders
- Amazon Prime Rewards Visa Card – 5% back on Amazon purchases for cardholders
- Amazon Coupons – Special daily coupons and discounts posted on site
- Amazon Warehouse – Open box and used product discounts
Military members can take advantage of these other Amazon discount programs in addition to the special military offers.
Conclusion
Amazon provides excellent discounts for active and former military members. The Prime membership discount saves 43% off the regular cost. The Amazon Military Star Card offers a nice 5% back on Amazon purchases with no annual fee. There is also a variable checkout discount from 5-10% on eligible items.
Spouses and dependents are eligible for the military discounts after proper verification. The Prime membership and Military Star Card are the best discount programs overall. Be sure to take advantage of these savings as a military member shopping on Amazon.com.