The brave men and women who serve in the armed forces sacrifice so much to protect our country and our freedoms. Because of their service and commitment, many businesses and organizations offer military discounts as a way to give back and say thank you. Taking advantage of military discounts is a great way for active duty service members, veterans, retirees and their families to save money on everyday purchases, travel, entertainment, restaurants and more.
Who is Eligible for Military Discounts?
There are a few main groups that are typically eligible for military discounts:
Active Duty
Active duty members who are currently serving in any branch of the U.S. military (Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard and Reserves).
Veterans
Former military members who have been honorably discharged after serving on active duty. Discharge papers like a DD-214 form usually need to be shown to prove veteran status.
Retired Military
Retired members who served for at least 20 years on active duty and retired from military service. A military ID card proving retired status needs to be shown.
Spouses & Dependents
The spouse and dependents of an active duty service member or retired military member often qualify for discounts as well with proper ID.
Where Can I Find Military Discounts?
There are military discounts available across many different industries and companies. Here are some of the most popular categories:
Retail & Shopping
Many major retail stores offer a military discount either online or in-store. For example, stores like Home Depot, Lowe’s, Target, Walmart, Best Buy and more have discounts that range from 5-20% off.
Restaurants
Plenty of restaurant chains like IHOP, Denny’s, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, Buffalo Wild Wings and more offer a military discount, usually 10% off the total bill. Local restaurants may offer discounts too.
Groceries
Grocery stores that provide military discounts include Kroger, Commissaries, Albertsons, H-E-B and Whole Foods, with discounts ranging from 5-10% off.
Hotels
Hotels chains like Hilton, IHG, Best Western, La Quinta and more provide military discounts on room rates to make vacations more affordable. Discounts range from 5-15% off.
Car Rental
Rental car companies including Budget, Avis, Enterprise, Hertz and Thrifty offer car rental discounts for military members. Discounts range from 5-25% off base rates.
Airfare
Many airlines offer military discounts on flights including Delta, United, American Airlines, Frontier, Alaska Airlines and more. Discounts may range from 3-10% off.
Entertainment
Look for military discounts on tickets to movies, museums, concerts, sporting events, amusement/theme parks, zoos and other attractions. Discounts range from 5-50% off admission.
Phone & Internet
Phone carriers like Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile offer military discounts on cell phone plans and other services. Internet and TV providers like DISH, Spectrum and DIRECTV also provide discounts.
Insurance
Insurance companies like Geico, USAA, Progressive and Liberty Mutual provide discounts on auto insurance for military personnel. Discounts range from 5-15% on policies.
Travel
Look for military travel discounts on hotels, vacation packages, tours, cruises, transportation, travel agencies and more. Companies like Expedia, Priceline and CheapTickets offer military discounts up to 25% off.
Education
Colleges, universities and trade schools across the country provide discounted tuition rates for military students. Testing services like SAT, ACT and GRE also offer fee waivers.
Recreation & Entertainment
Military members can receive discounted rates on ski lift tickets, golf green fees, gym memberships, theme park tickets, movie theaters, museums, zoos, camping sites at national parks and more. Discounts range from 10-50% off standard rates.
Financial Services
Banks and credit unions like USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pentagon Federal Credit Union and more cater specifically to the military community and offer great rates and discounts on financial services and products.
Health & Dental Care
Look for military discounts at eye care centers, dental offices, clinics, hospitals, mental health providers, hearing aid centers and other healthcare services. Discounts range from 5-20% off treatments and procedures.
Home Services
Plumbers, electricians, lawn care, house cleaning, security systems, moving services and more home service providers offer a military discount. Discounts generally range from 5-15% off service fees.
Automotive
Auto repair shops, dealerships, tire shops, auto parts stores and service centers may provide military members with discounted labor rates, parts and services. Discounts range from 5-25% off.
Clothing & Accessories
Clothing and accessory brands focused on military style or patriotic apparel will offer discounts to service members. Outdoor brands like Oakley and Under Armour also offer military discounts in stores or online.
How Do I Get the Military Discount?
Taking advantage of military discounts is easy! Here are some tips:
Ask First
Always ask the retailer, restaurant or service provider if they offer a military or veteran discount before purchasing or paying. Discounts are not applied automatically, you must request it.
Have Valid ID
To get the discount, be prepared to show valid military identification like a CAC card for active duty, retired ID card, VA card, or DD-214 for veterans. Spouses may need an ID card with the military member’s information.
Look for Logos
Many businesses display stickers, signs or logos in windows or doors indicating they provide military discounts such as the white on blue military star logo.
Search Online
Websites like MilitaryBenefits.info list hundreds of companies offering military discounts. You can also find discounts listed on the official websites and social media of many national retailers and chains.
Use Discount Codes
When shopping online, look on the website for a military discount code you can apply at checkout to receive the special discounted pricing on your order.
Save Discharge Papers
Veterans should keep discharge papers like a DD-214 handy as proof of military service in order to take advantage of retirement military discounts at various establishments.
Other Ways to Save
In addition to military discounts, there are some other great ways active and former military members can save:
– Apply for military credit cards that offer low interest rates and reward points for purchases
– Take advantage of military sales tax exemption in certain states when registering a vehicle
– Shop at on-base commissaries and exchanges for the best grocery and retail prices
– Consider military affiliated banks and insurance companies that offer exclusive rates
– Sign up for military rewards programs like VetRewards to earn points and save more
– Use Veterans Advantage program for discounts on thousands of products and services
Conclusion
Military discounts provide a great opportunity for service members, veterans and their families to save money and get rewarded for their sacrifice and commitment to protecting our country. With hundreds of retailers, restaurants and more offering discounts of up to 50% off, the savings can really add up over time. Taking a few minutes to check for a military discount anytime you make a purchase can make a big difference. Whether you are active duty, retired, reserve, or a veteran, be sure to look for businesses that appreciate your service with exclusive military discounts. It is just a small way for the community to say thank you to our heroes!