Military members do get access to a variety of discounts and savings opportunities both during and after their time of service. Retailers, restaurants, entertainment venues, travel companies, and many other businesses offer military discounts as a way to show appreciation for those who serve.
Why Do Companies Offer Military Discounts?
There are a few key reasons why many companies choose to offer military discounts:
- Showing Support – Offering discounts is a simple way for companies to demonstrate their support for the troops and give back to those who serve.
- Attracting Customers – Military discounts can help attract active duty and veteran customers, which is good for business.
- Promoting Patriotism – Providing discounts to the military community allows companies to portray themselves as patriotic.
- Giving Thanks – Discounts are an expression of gratitude for the sacrifices military members make.
In addition to these reasons, some companies are required by law to offer military discounts. For example, the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act requires phone, internet, cable, and satellite TV companies to offer discounts to active duty military members who experience a change in residence due to a deployment or permanent change of station order.
Types of Military Discounts
Military discounts come in many forms and can vary widely from business to business. Here are some of the most common types of discounts offered:
- Percentage Discounts – Getting a percentage off regular prices, like 10% off at restaurants or 15% off hotel rooms.
- Fixed Dollar Discounts – Saving a set dollar amount, like $20 off an oil change or $50 off a flight.
- Free Shipping/Services – Getting free shipping and handling on online orders or free checked bags when flying.
- Exclusive Offers – Access to special military-only deals and savings opportunities.
- First Priority/Upgrades – Getting bumped up to first class seats on flights or upgrades to premium rooms at hotels.
The amount of the discount can vary greatly – some may be modest like 5-10% off, while others are quite substantial like 40% off or more. The type and depth of the discount is generally at the retailer’s discretion.
Where Can Military Members Get Discounts?
Military discounts are offered at businesses across many industries and categories. Here are some of the most common places military personnel can save:
Restaurants
Many restaurants offer dining discounts to active duty and veteran military members year round. Some examples include:
- Applebee’s – 10-15% off
- Buffalo Wild Wings – 10% off
- Chili’s – 10-20% off
- Denny’s – 10-20% off
- IHOP – 10-20% off
- Olive Garden – 10% off
- Outback Steakhouse – 10% off
- Red Lobster – 10% off
- Red Robin – 10% off
- Ruby Tuesday – 15% off
Retail & Shopping
Popular retail chains that offer military discounts include:
- Home Depot – 10% off
- Lowe’s – 10% off
- Target – 10% off on Memorial Day and Veterans Day
- Nike – 10% off online and in stores
- Under Armour – 10-15% off online and in stores
- Foot Locker – 20% off in stores
- Amazon Prime – discounted membership rate
- Sam’s Club – Discounted new membership and renewals
Hotels & Lodging
Hotels and resorts commonly provide discounts off regular room rates to military personnel, such as:
- Marriott – Up to 25% off rates
- Hilton – Up to 30% off rates
- Hyatt – Discounted rates
- Wyndham – Up to 20% off rates
- Choice Hotels – Up to 15% off rates
- InterContinental Hotels Group – Discounted rates
- Walt Disney World Resorts – Discounted packages
Car Rental
Rental car providers that offer military discounts include:
- Alamo – Up to 25% off
- Avis – Up to 25% off
- Budget – Up to 25% off
- Dollar – Up to 20% off
- Enterprise – Up to 20% off
- Hertz – Up to 25% off
- National – Up to 25% off
- Thrifty – Up to 25% off
Entertainment
Military members can save on tickets to movies, concerts, sporting events, theme parks, and more. Examples include:
- AMC Theaters – Discounted movie tickets
- Regal Cinemas – Discounted movie tickets
- Live Nation Concerts – Discounted tickets
- Six Flags – Discounted admission
- Disneyland/Disney World – Discounted park tickets
- Universal Studios – Discounted park tickets
- NBA/NHL/NFL/MLB games – Discounted tickets
- Broadway Shows – Discounted tickets
Travel
Military members can take advantage of deals on flights, cruises, vacation packages, and more. Some examples include:
- United Airlines – Discounted airfare
- Delta – Discounted airfare
- American Airlines – Discounted airfare
- Southwest – Discounted airfare
- Amtrak – 10% off tickets
- Norwegian Cruise Line – Discounted rates
- Royal Caribbean – Discounted rates
- Sandals Resorts – Discounted packages
Other Categories
Other industries that commonly offer military discounts include:
- Cell phone plans
- Internet and cable services
- Automotive insurance
- Life insurance
- Gym memberships
- Vision and dental care
- Home security systems
- Moving companies
Are All Military Members Eligible for Discounts?
In most cases, discounts apply to active duty, reservists, veterans, and military retirees. Immediate family members like spouses and children are also sometimes eligible. However, policies can vary by company. Here are some general guidelines on who typically qualifies:
- Active Duty – All current serving members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard.
- Reservists – Members of the reserve components of each branch.
- Veterans – Former members who have been discharged/separated or retired from service.
- Retirees – Members who served 20+ years on active duty or were medically retired.
- Spouses/Children – Dependent family members with military ID cards are sometimes eligible.
Companies that restrict discounts only to active duty should clearly indicate that in their policy. Most discounts today apply to both current and former service members.
What Proof or ID is Needed?
To get a military discount, active duty members, veterans, and retirees typically need to show valid military identification. This could include:
- Military ID Card (CAC Card)
- Military Dependent ID Card
- VA Health Care ID Card
- Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC)
- Veteran ID Card
- DD214 Discharge Papers
- Any card showing veteran designation
The specific type of ID needed can vary. For example, some businesses may only accept current military ID cards from active duty personnel or spouses for discounts. Others could allow any proof of military service. Always check a company’s website for specific military discount policies.
Where Can I Find Military Discounts?
The easiest way to find local and national military discounts is to visit dedicated sites that aggregate available offers. Some top resources include:
- Military.com Discounts – Extensive directory of military and veteran discounts.
- VetFriends Discounts – Allows searching for deals by business name, category, or location.
- MilitaryBenefits Discounts – Categorized lists of discounts for travel, retail, restaurants, and more.
- Military Wallet – Features exclusive military promo codes and coupon codes.
Many discount programs are also available through military associations like the American Legion, VFW, and IAVA. Checking deal websites like Groupon and living social can reveal additional military savings opportunities.
Popular Store and Restaurant Military Discounts
Some of the most popular nation-wide businesses that offer military discounts include:
| Retailer | Discount |
|---|---|
| Home Depot | 10% off for military members |
| Lowe’s | 10% off for military members |
| Target | 10% discount for all military personnel on Memorial Day and Veterans Day |
| Nike | 10% off for military members |
| Under Armour | 10-15% off for military |
| Adidas | 15-20% off certain items |
| Restaurant | Discount |
|---|---|
| Applebee’s | 10-15% off for military members |
| Buffalo Wild Wings | 10% off for military members |
| Chili’s Grill & Bar | 10-20% discount for military members |
| Denny’s | 10-20% off total meals |
| Famous Dave’s BBQ | 20% off meal purchases for military personnel |
| Hard Rock Cafe | 15% off meals for military members |
Ways to Save Even More
In addition to taking advantage of published military discounts, there are other ways service members and veterans can maximize savings:
- Stack discounts with coupon codes and sales when possible.
- Inquire about unadvertised military discounts in person or over the phone.
- Present military ID when booking travel to receive discounted fares.
- Choose credit cards that offer military benefits and rewards on spending.
- Take advantage of first responder discounts offered to military as well.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for a military discount, even if a business doesn’t advertise one.
Are Military Discounts Taxable?
Military discounts provided by retailers and restaurants are generally not considered taxable income. These savings opportunities are seen as discounts or rebates, not payments being made to the individual. Therefore, military members do not have to pay income tax or report the discounts on their tax return. Certain large discounts on major purchases like vehicles may need to be reported, but most everyday discounts can be enjoyed tax-free.
Discounts on Base vs. Off Base
Military installations provide many exclusive discount opportunities on base through commissaries, exchanges, and MWR facilities. However, there are often lots of deals to be had off base as well. While prices at the Exchange might be untaxed, outside retailers will often offer discount prices that can match or beat on-base offerings when military discounts are factored in. Comparing options on and off base can help service members find the best overall savings on everything from groceries to electronics, gas, clothing, and more.
Make the Most of Military Discounts
Military discounts provide a great way for service members, veterans, and their families to stretch their budgets and save money. Taking advantage of these discounts not only supports personal finances, but also honors the service and sacrifices made to defend the nation. With thousands of discounts available across many industries, military personnel have opportunities to enjoy savings on nearly all their consumer needs and wants.
Staying aware of current military and veteran discounts, coupled with stacking all possible savings and coupon offers, allows military families to maximize value on shopping, travel, entertainment, and everyday expenses. Rather than just thanking troops for their service, providing military discounts is a tangible way for the entire nation to support those who protect our freedom.
