Being in the military comes with many perks and benefits. One of the best perks is all the free stuff and discounts that are available to active duty, reserve, retired, and veteran military members. Military discounts can help service members and their families save a ton of money every year.
Free stuff for active duty
Active duty military members have access to many free services and discounts. Here are some of the best freebies for active duty:
Free tax filing
Active duty members can use MilTax, a free tax preparation and filing software. MilTax allows active duty members to file both federal and state tax returns for free. This can save service members hundreds of dollars in tax prep fees every year.
Free checked bags
When flying on orders, active duty members can check up to 5 bags for free on most major airlines. This perk can save a ton of money, especially when moving between duty stations.
Free shipping
USPS, UPS, and FedEx all offer free shipping when sending care packages overseas to troops. Active duty members and their families can save on shipping costs when sending packages to loved ones deployed overseas.
Free Microsoft Office
Through the Home Use Program, active duty members can get Microsoft Office for free. This includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access.
Free flu shots
Flu shots are offered for free at all military treatment facilities. Active duty members can get their annual flu shot at no cost.
Free college credits
Through the Joint Services Transcripts program, active duty members can get college credits for free based on their military training, courses, and occupational experience. This can potentially shave off months or even years on earning a degree.
Free military MWR access
Active duty members get free access to all Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) facilities and programs on military installations. This includes gyms, libraries, outdoor recreation rentals, entertainment discounts, sports leagues, and more.
Discounts for active duty
In addition to free services, active duty members can take advantage of discounts on thousands of products and services. Here are some of the best military discounts for active duty:
Discounted groceries
Commissaries offer military members grocery items at cost plus a small surcharge. This can result in savings of over 30% compared to civilian grocery stores.
Discounted travel
Many hotel chains, airlines, rental car companies, and cruise lines offer military discounts. These range from 5-25% off standard rates.
Discounted entertainment
Active duty members can get discounted tickets to movies, museums, concerts, sporting events, theme parks, and more. Sports leagues like the NFL also offer military discounts on game tickets.
Discounted cell phone plans
Cell phone carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, and Sprint all offer military members a discount on cell phone plans. Most discounts are 15% off the total monthly bill.
Discounted gyms
National gym chains like Planet Fitness, Gold’s Gym, and LA Fitness offer discounted monthly memberships to active duty service members.
Discounted insurance
USAA, GEICO, and other insurance providers offer discounts on auto and renters insurance for military members. Discounts can be as much as 15% lower than standard rates.
Free stuff for veterans
Veterans also have access to an array of free services and discounts. Here are some of the best freebies for veterans:
Free VA home loans
The VA home loan guarantee program allows veterans to get mortgages with no down payment or private mortgage insurance required. This can save tens of thousands on buying a home.
Free education benefits
Through the GI Bill, veterans can qualify for 36 months of tuition-free college classes. The GI Bill also provides a monthly living allowance while taking classes.
Free military records
Veterans can request a free copy of their DD Form 214 discharge papers and full military personnel file from the National Archives.
Free license plates
Some states offer specialty veteran license plates for free to honorably discharged veterans. Regular license plate fees can cost $25-$100 per year depending on the state.
Free national park access
The DOD provides the Access Pass to all veterans with a service-connected disability. This free lifetime pass provides access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites including national parks, forests, wildlife refuges and more.
Free small business assistance
Veterans get free personalized business mentoring, training and support through the SBA. This can help veterans launch and grow small businesses.
Discounts for veterans
Like active duty, veterans can take advantage of thousands of discounts. Here are some of the best discounts for veterans:
Discounted Airbnb stays
Airbnb offers veterans a discount on booking fees for all reservations. Discounts range from $35-$100 depending on the total booking cost.
Discounted live events
Many concert venues, festivals, Broadway shows, and live entertainment events offer veterans discounts on tickets. Discounts are usually 10-20% off.
Discounted haircuts
Great Clips, Sports Clips and other salons provide vets with discounted haircuts. Most discounts range from $2-$5 off a regular price haircut.
Discounted gym memberships
Veterans can get discounted monthly gym memberships at national chains like Gold’s Gym, Planet Fitness, and Anytime Fitness.
Discounted NFL tickets
The NFL offers veterans discounted tickets to games. Discounts vary by team but are typically 20-40% below regular prices.
Discounted meals
Many restaurants like IHOP, Denny’s, Bob Evans, and Dunkin offer veterans 10-20% off meals on holidays like Veterans Day and the 4th of July.
Conclusion
Military members have access to a huge selection of free services, discounts, and other money-saving perks. Taking advantage of these military freebies can easily save active duty families and veterans thousands of dollars per year.
Some of the best freebies include free tax filing, free Microsoft Office, free flu shots, free VA home loans, and free national park access. Top discounts include savings on groceries, travel, cell phone plans, insurance, live events, and more.
With a military ID card, active duty members, reservists, retirees, and veterans can all take advantage of these money-saving deals. Make sure to always ask about military discounts and leverage these free services to maximize savings.