Military Discounts: A Guide for How to Find and Use Them

Military discounts offer a valuable way for service members, veterans, and their families to stretch their budgets and enjoy savings on a wide range of products and services. Whether you’re outfitting your home, grabbing a meal on the go, planning your next big adventure, or simply staying connected with loved ones, these discounts can provide significant financial relief.

But with so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know where to start or how to ensure you’re getting the best deals. Fortunately, navigating the world of military discounts doesn’t have to be complicated. With a little knowledge and the right resources, you can unlock savings across various categories—from retail and dining to travel and entertainment.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to finding and accessing military discounts, ensuring you can take full advantage of the benefits you’ve earned through your service. Whether you’re an active-duty service member, a veteran, or a family member, read on to discover how to save more on your everyday purchases and special occasions.

First: Verify your military ID ahead of time to make military discounts easier.

When you verify your military ID via online services like ID.me and SheerID, you make it easy to get gobs of military discounts. You can confirm your status from home, granting you access to a range of discounts at participating retailers.

Additionally, consider joining membership programs like WeSalute (formerly Veterans Advantage) for exclusive savings, which can be especially valuable if you shop frequently at these stores.

Retailer Military Discounts

Many retailers offer special discounts to military personnel, making it easier to save on everything from home goods to clothing. To access these discounts, be sure to bring your military ID or sign up for online verification services like ID.me or SheerID when shopping online.

You can find discounts at many national retailers, including Academy Sports, Ace Hardware, Advance Auto Parts, Apple, AT&T, AutoZone, Banana Republic, Bass Pro Shops, Best Buy, Cabela’s, Cinemark Theatres, CVS, Dell, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker, Gap, Hobby Lobby, Home Depot, JCPenney, Joann Fabrics, Kohl’s, Lowe’s, Macy’s, Michael’s, Microsoft, Nike, O’Reilly Auto Parts, Old Navy, Petco, PetSmart, Regal Cinemas, Rite Aid, Sprint, T-Mobile, Under Armour, Verizon, and Walgreens.

Dining Military Discounts

Eating out is another area where military discounts can come in handy. Many restaurants offer discounts or even free meals on certain days for military members. When dining out, ask about military discounts before placing your order, and always have your military ID ready to show.

You can find discounts at many national dining establishments, including Applebee’s, Arby’s, Baskin-Robbins, Ben & Jerry’s, Buffalo Wild Wings, Burger King, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, Chili’s, Cold Stone Creamery, Cracker Barrel, Denny’s, Domino’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Golden Corral, Hooters, IHOP, KFC, Little Caesars, Longhorn Steakhouse, McDonald’s, Olive Garden, Outback Steakhouse, O’Charley’s, Papa John’s, Red Lobster, Red Robin, Ruby Tuesday, Starbucks, Subway, Taco Bell, TGI Fridays, Texas Roadhouse, and Wendy’s.

Entertainment Military Discounts

Military discounts aren’t just limited to shopping and dining; they extend to entertainment as well. Movie theaters like AMC and Regal Cinemas offer discounted tickets for military members. If you’re planning a day at a theme park, both Disney and Six Flags offer special admission rates for military personnel and their families.

To get these discounts, simply present your military ID at the ticket counter or check online for special offers available through programs like Veterans Advantage.

Participating entertainment options include AMC Theatres, Busch Gardens, Cinemark Theatres, Disneyland, Hersheypark, Knott’s Berry Farm, LEGOLAND, Regal Cinemas, SeaWorld, Six Flags, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney World.

Travel Discounts for Military Personnel

Traveling can get expensive, but military discounts can help reduce the cost. Many airlines waive checked bag fees for military personnel, and hotels often offer discounted rates. Before booking a flight or hotel, check with the airline or hotel chain to see what military discounts are available.

You can also use online services like Military.com to find and compare travel discounts specifically for military members.

National airlines and travel companies offering discounts include Alaska Airlines, Allegiant Air, American Airlines, Amtrak, Best Western, Choice Hotels, Delta Air Lines, Greyhound, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, IHG Hotels (Holiday Inn), Marriott Hotels, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and Wyndham Hotels.

Electronics Discounts for Military

If you’re looking to save on electronics, companies like Verizon and AT&T provide special pricing on phone plans and devices for military members. These discounts can be accessed by verifying your military status through ID.me or SheerID during the sign-up process.

Top national electronics sellers with military discounts include Apple, AT&T, Best Buy, Dell, HP, Microsoft, Motorola, Samsung, Sprint, T-Mobile, and Verizon.

Fitness/Gym Military Discounts

Staying fit is important, and many gyms offer reduced or free memberships to active military and veterans. For example, 24 Hour Fitness and YMCA provide military discounts that can help you stay in shape without breaking the bank. To sign up, visit your local gym and inquire about their military discount programs.

National fitness chains participating in military discounts include 24 Hour Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Gold’s Gym, LA Fitness, Planet Fitness, Snap Fitness, The YMCA (YMCA), and Total Woman Gym + Spa.

Banking Military Discounts

Many banks offer special rates and services tailored for military personnel. Navy Federal Credit Union and USAA are two popular options that provide exclusive benefits, including lower interest rates on loans and discounted insurance premiums. Signing up for these services can lead to significant savings over time.

You’ll find banking discounts from American Express, Bank of America, Navy Federal Credit Union, USAA, and Wells Fargo, for starters.

WeSalute (formerly known as Veterans Advantage)

WeSalute memberships offer a variety of benefits designed to maximize savings for military members, veterans, and their families. Membership options include:

30-day introductory trial for $4.95, which renews to a 12-month plan at $59.95 if not canceled
12-month membership costs $59.95 per year, plus a $4.95 processing fee
3-year plan for $149.95
5-year plan for $199.95, each with a $4.95 processing fee.

Memberships provide access to exclusive discounts at numerous retailers, restaurants, travel services, and entertainment venues. Benefits include a physical WeSalute+ card for in-store discounts or a digital card for online savings. Optional travel protection is available with most plans. Members can also enjoy significant savings on additional household memberships, with discounts ranging from 50% to 83%. Whether choosing a short-term trial or a longer commitment, WeSalute offers a range of perks to enhance the value of military service.

Bonus: Veterans Day, Memorial Day & Seasonal Discounts

Seasonal and special promotions often bring extra savings, especially around holidays like Memorial Day and Veterans Day. During these times, businesses nationwide show their appreciation for military service members and veterans by offering exclusive deals such as free meals, significant discounts, and complimentary admission to various attractions.

These special events provide an excellent opportunity for substantial savings beyond regular military discounts. Whether you’re dining out, shopping, or planning a fun outing, keeping an eye out for these promotions can help you maximize your benefits and enjoy extra perks.