In an effort to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of service members and their families, an increasing number of companies have begun offering special military deals and discounts. These include year-round discounts for online and in-store shopping, special promotions for active-duty military and veterans on patriotic holidays, discounted monthly bills, and even free admission to some amusement parks. This isn't the same as the discounts available for use in your favorite low-price online store. Military discounts are often more extensive and have more variety.
To help you navigate the wide array of military-friendly promotions out there, we've compiled a list of 50 of this year’s best military discounts. We want every WiseGeek reader who has served in the armed forces (and their families) to benefit from these valuable opportunities to travel, shop, and save. If you don't have time to go through them all, consider installing a website shopping plugin on your computer to get access to coupons and gift cards that you can use to buy the things you want.
Military Discounts by Category
Travel Discounts
American Airlines
Active-duty U.S. military personnel can receive up to three complimentary checked bags when traveling for pleasure, and up to five when traveling on orders. The same checked baggage allowance is also given to military dependents when traveling on orders. Learn more about American Airlines’ military baggage policy.
Amtrak
Active-duty military personnel, along with their spouses and dependents, as well as veterans, can receive an additional 10% discount when booking train travel on Amtrak. The discount, which also applies to the Auto Train, is valid when booking the lowest available fare; just select “Military” on Amtrak’s Fare Finder to apply the discount. You’ll need to present a valid armed forces ID when traveling. Learn about Amtrak’s passenger discount for military personnel.
Delta Air Lines
Delta offers five free checked bags for active-duty military personnel traveling on orders, and two free checked bags for leisure travel. Delta also has special allowances so that service members and their spouses can travel with their pets. Although military discounts on fares and Delta Vacations packages may also be available, you’ll need to contact Delta directly on the designated toll-free number (1-800-221-1212) to arrange these. Learn more about Delta’s military travel benefits.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines does not advertise a published military discount, but active-duty military personnel and their families may be able to purchase discounted fares by calling Southwest directly at 1-800-I-FLY-SWA (1-800-435-9792).
United Airlines
Military cadets and active-duty members of the U.S. military, including the National Guard, are eligible to receive special benefits from United Airlines. This includes a 5% discount on fares for those who are enrolled in Veterans Advantage.There are also extra baggage allowances for military personnel and their accompanying dependents: specifically, five free checked bags when traveling on official orders, and three free checked bags when traveling for leisure. Learn more about United Airlines benefits for active-duty military and cadets.
Car Rental Discounts
Alamo
When renting a vehicle from Alamo for leisure travel, active-duty military personnel, veterans, other government employees, and their spouses are eligible for discounted rates. And for military customers on official orders, Alamo eliminates many of the fees associated with car rental, as well as providing a complimentary Collision Damage Waiver.
Avis
Avis offers a 25% discount on their base car rental rates for active-duty military, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their immediate family members who register for free with Veterans Advantage and use the Avis discount code T765700. Learn more about the Avis military discount.
Budget
Active-duty, veterans, National Guard, reservists, and their families are entitled to receive a 25% discount on Budget car rentals. Visit Budget’s website to learn about terms and conditions for this offer.
Budget Truck Rental
Military personnel traveling on orders can save 20% on their moving truck rental by using the discount code USMIO. Learn more about Budget Truck’s military discount.
Hertz
Hertz offers military service members (and government employees) a rental car discount code that can be applied to your rental car booking, for both official and leisure travel. The discount amount will depend on factors such as the purpose of the rental, duration, and pickup and dropoff location. You can also access upgrades and receive complimentary membership in Hertz’s Gold Plus Rewards program. Contacting a Hertz customer service representative is the best way to navigate the booking process and ensure that you receive your discount code. Learn more about Hertz’s benefits for military and government employees.
Penske Truck Rental
Penske offers active-duty and veteran U.S. military members and their families a 10% discount on moving truck rentals at over 2,400 locations with the code MILITARY*. Helpfully, Penske has a call center dedicated to helping military families with do-it-yourself moves, which can be reached toll-free at 1-844-4TROOPS (1-844-487-6677). Find out more about Penske’s military discount for truck rentals.
Entertainment Discounts
Busch Gardens/Sesame Place/SeaWorld
The “Waves of Honor” program provides one complimentary annual visit to either Busch Gardens, Sesame Place, or SeaWorld for active-duty military, activated reservists, and members of the National Guard, along with free admission for up to three dependents during the same visit. Each of these individuals must have a valid, active military ID.
Disney Resorts
Disney offers all sorts of discounts for active and retired military service members and their families. This includes access to their military promotional tickets for multi-day visits to Walt Disney World, available from military base ticket offices. There are also discounts of up to 40% on rooms at selected Walt Disney World Resort hotels. Lastly, there is an option to stay at the military-owned Shades of Green resort within Walt Disney World in Orlando, which offers discounted rooms exclusively for military families, as well as ticket deals, complimentary transport, and other benefits.
Great Wolf Lodge
With the offer code “HEROES”, active, retired, and veteran service members can save up to 30% when booking a stay at Great Wolf Lodge, thanks to the “Howling Heroes Discount.” The generous discount is also available for firefighters, emergency medical personnel, doctors, nurses, 911 dispatchers, police officers, and correctional officers. A valid ID must be presented at check-in.
Legoland
Legoland offers significant benefits for members of the armed forces. Specifically, active-duty personnel can receive free admission to Legoland Florida Resort & Water Park simply by bringing their military ID to the park’s ticket window. Veterans and military families can also enjoy major savings for Legoland Florida and Legoland California on tickets and packages purchased on base or online (with verification), as well as savings of up to 30% on hotel bookings.
Marriott
When available, Marriott offers discounted room rates for active-duty military personnel, with savings of up to 40%. You’ll be able to select “Special Rates” when making a booking on Marriott..com or when using the Marriott Bonvoy app. You will need to present a valid ID when checking in. Learn more about Marriott’s military discount.
Royal Caribbean
On certain cruise sailings, Royal Caribbean offers special rates on stateroom bookings for active-duty, retired, and veteran military personnel, as well as for the spouses of deployed members of the armed forces.
Six Flags
Discounted tickets to Six Flags amusement parks are available for purchase from most military bases, with savings of up to 40%. There is also a discount for on-the-day admission at the parks themselves. This requires showing a valid military ID at the park entrance. It’s important to note that each Six Flags location may offer a slightly different discount. The various Six Flags parks also host annual Military Appreciation events, in which admission is free for active-duty personnel and veterans, while accompanying friends and family can purchase half-price tickets.
Universal Studios
Discounted tickets to Universal Orlando Resort and Universal Studios Hollywood are available on base at military ticket offices for active and retired military, Department of Defense personnel, and their spouses with a valid ID. Universal Orlando also allows military personnel to create their own vacation packages, and there are discounts on hotels, as well. For those who haven’t purchased on-base tickets in advance, there are also same-day discounts when showing a military ID at a theme park ticket window.
Apparel Discounts
Adidas
For sportswear fans, Adidas offers a 30% discount for members of the military (as well as first responders, teachers, medical professionals, and nurses). By verifying your status online, you’ll get access to exclusive savings on the Adidas website.
Foot Locker
Active-duty, retired, and veteran service members (and eligible dependents) can typically save 15% on purchases from Foot Locker, subject to uploading the necessary documentation online, or by showing a valid ID in Foot Locker stores.
Kohl’s
Every Monday in Kohl’s stores, a 15% discount is offered to all active military personnel, as well as retirees, veterans, and their immediate family members with valid ID. Learn more about the Kohl’s service member discount.
Lululemon
Lululemon offers a generous 25% discount on their athleisure wear to active-duty military personnel (as well as emergency first responders) and military spouses who show a valid ID at checkout. The discount can even be applied to markdown items, although it’s currently only available in stores, and not online.
Nike
Nike offers a military discount to all active-duty, reserve, veteran, and retired military personnel, as well as to the spouses and dependents of active personnel. Even better, Nike’s standard 10% discount has been increased to 20%, but only “for a limited time.” It’s available in stores and at Nike.com. Learn more about Nike’s military discount and verify your status.
Oakley
Members of the military can access direct pricing on Oakley products by registering for free with Oakley Standard Issue, the division of the company that is specifically designated for military, government, law enforcement, and emergency medical professionals.
Under Armour
With online ID verification, Under Armour offers a 20% sitewide discount for current and former members of the armed forces, military spouses and family members, as well as first responders, police, fire, healthcare workers, and teachers. The discount is also available on the UA app and in UA Brand House stores.
Dining Discounts
Outback Steakhouse
With a valid ID, both active-duty military personnel and veterans will receive 10% off their entire check (excluding alcohol and tax) at Outback Steakhouse, thanks to the “Heroes Discount.” This discount is available from all locations, at any time of the day, and is also granted to nurses, doctors, medical staff, police, firefighters, and first responders.
Chuck E. Cheese
There’s a military menu at Chuck E. Cheese that offers specials such as “The Alpha” and “The Bravo,” both of which feature pizza, drinks, and play tokens at discounted prices. Active-duty, National Guard, reservists and their dependents, as well as retired service members, can access these offers at any Chuck E. Cheese location by showing a valid military ID.
Technology Discounts
Apple
Veterans, active-duty military personnel, and their immediate family members will receive a 10% discount on Apple products and accessories after verifying their status. Learn more about Apple’s Veterans and Military Purchase Program.
Dell
Dell offers a 10% coupon on selected PCs and electronics for individuals with a military email address. Visit Dell’s website or email militarydiscount@dell.com to sign up for this coupon.
HP
HP allows current and retired members of the U.S. military to register for its Employee Purchase Program, giving you access to savings that are otherwise exclusive to HP employees. This includes everyday discounts of up to 35% on HP products, as well as free shipping.
Lenovo
Whether you’re active-duty, a reservist, a veteran, or an immediate family member of U.S. military personnel, you’ll be able to access a 7% discount that can be applied to your entire online purchase, subject to ID verification. Learn about Lenovo’s military discounts.
Microsoft
Active-duty, reserves, National Guard, veterans, and retired military personnel can take advantage of Microsoft’s 10% military discount on selected products, including gaming laptops, mobile devices, virtual reality headsets, Surface tablets, and more.
Samsung
A generous 30% discount is available to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. By signing up and verifying your eligibility, you’ll be able to access the Samsung Military Discount Program, which offers significant savings on mobile devices, appliances, and more.
General Retail Discounts
Amazon
Last year, during the week leading up to Veterans Day, Amazon offered $40 off Prime memberships to active-duty, National Guard, reserves, and veterans, lowering the cost of an annual Prime membership from $119 to $79. For those who already had an Amazon Prime membership, it was renewed at the discounted price. Amazon has yet to announce whether the same discount will be offered in 2020, but it seems probable. Make sure to check Amazon’s “Proud to Support” page at the start of November, when the announcement about the 2020 discount is likely to happen.
Costco
Military personnel who sign up for an auto-renewing Costco membership will automatically earn a $30 Costco Shop Card. The promotion is valid for active-duty, veterans, and retired military members, as well as the spouses and dependents of qualified personnel. Learn more about Costco’s Military Membership Promotion.
Home Depot
Compared to many other companies, Home Depot’s military discount policy is rather vague, and it isn’t spelled out on their website. According to multiple sources, however, Home Depot does offer a 10% discount to active and reserve duty military personnel, retirees, and disabled veterans, as well as family members with a military ID. On July 4th, Memorial Day, and Veterans Day, all other military personnel and veterans are also eligible for the 10% discount. Notable, the discount is only available in-store, on purchases up to $500, and there are certain exclusions, including sale items, installation fees, and major appliance purchases. A military ID, along with a government-issued photo ID, will be required at checkout.
Lowe’s
The home improvement superstore offers a 10% discount on most full-price items to active military personnel, veterans, and their spouses. The discount applies for both in-store and online purchases. Creating a Lowe’s account and verifying your military credentials is necessary in order to use this discount. Find out more about the Lowe’s military discount.
Target
Target does not have a year-round military discount, but they have previously offered a 10% coupon to current and former members of the armed forces and their families during the week leading up to Veterans Day. To receive the discount, which is likely to be offered again in 2020, you’ll need to verify your eligibility online, and then receive your coupon by email.
Outdoor Retail Discounts
Cabela’s
As part of what Cabela’s calls its “legendary salute,” the outdoor goods retailer proudly offers a Military Appreciation Discount: active-duty military and veterans are entitled to a 5% discount every day in all Cabela’s and Bass Pro Shop locations. Presenting proof of active duty or veteran status is necessary in stores, or you can create an account to verify your service and shop online. The discount is applicable to almost all merchandise, even in conjunction with other markdowns and promotions.
Tractor Supply
Although Tractor Supply does not have a permanent military discount, they have previously offered a 15% discount to active and retired military personnel and their families on patriotic holidays such as July 4th and Veterans Day. Tractor Supply also provides fellowship grants worth $1,000 to 50 veteran farmers every year on Armed Forces Day. Learn more about Tractor Supply’s military support efforts.
Vortex Optics
Vortex Optics encourages active and retired members of the armed forces to use and review their products, such as rifle scopes and binoculars, and thus offer significant discounts to military personnel who create an ExpertVoice profile. Learn more about Vortex’s military and law enforcement discounts.
Vehicle Discounts
Ford
Ford offers an “incentive” for active-duty military, veterans, retirees, and reservists who verify their eligibility online. This incentive, which arrives as a certificate in your inbox, varies depending on your location, but is likely to be up to $500 in bonus cash that you can put towards a new Ford or Lincoln. The discount may also apply retroactively if you recently purchased a vehicle. Visit Ford’s “Saluting Those Who Serve” page to find out what kind of discount you can get.
GM
GM has extensive military discounts for active-duty, National Guard, reserves, retirees, and veterans within three years of discharge. After service verification, you’ll receive a code that you can take with you to the dealership, potentially adding up to thousands of dollars in savings on a new car or truck. The GM Military Discount can also be used to get the best lease offers and up to 20% off OnStar plans. Discover the GM Military Discount.
Services Discounts
AT&T
Active military personnel, veterans, and qualified spouses who sign up online or in-store will be eligible for a 25% discount per line on any of AT&T’s unlimited wireless plans (AT&T Unlimited Starter, AT&T Unlimited Extra, or AT&T Unlimited Elite). Find out about AT&T’s discounts for military and veteran families.
Geico
Geico offers discounts on insurance premiums of up to 15% for active-duty military personnel, National Guard, and retired servicemen and servicewomen, as well as for members of professional organizations such as Navy Federal Credit Union and the Association of the United States Army. Learn more about the benefits Geico offers to current and former members of the military.
Pandora
Active-duty military, as well as veterans, retirees, and dependents can sign up for a Pandora Premium account for $7.99/month, which is a savings of 20%. Pandora Premium offers ad-free music, unlimited skips, offline listening, shared playlists, podcasts, and more. It can be canceled any time, and the first 60 days are free for everyone. Learn more about this discount.
T-Mobile
For active-duty military and veterans, T-Mobile offers Magenta Military and Magenta Plus Military plans, with a 50% discount on the cost of family lines. Find out about T-Mobile’s military plans with unlimited talk, text, and smartphone data.
Verizon
Verizon has an extensive range of military discounts for active-duty military, reservists, National Guard, cadets, veterans, and Gold Star families, including lower prices on Unlimited wireless plans and Fios, plus free limited-time access to Hulu and Disney+ with eligible plans. There’s also a discount on plans for small business owners, as well as savings for online and in-store purchases of accessories. Discover Verizon’s military benefits.
Xfinity
Xfinity recognizes active-duty and retired military personnel by offering a $25 coupon that can be applied to a customer’s next bill, or to pay for an Xfinity On Demand rental. Another special offer entitles those who signed up for a minimum service agreement with Xfinity in the last 90 days to receive a $100 prepaid Visa gift card. Learn more about Xfinity’s military benefits.
