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The 151 Best Discounts for Military — Stores, Entertainment, Wellness, Cars, and More (Rated by a Veteran)

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Ryan Smith
Edited by: Jessica Merritt
& Jestan Mendame
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As a veteran, I’ve spent years tracking the most worthwhile military discounts that make a difference.

My goal here is simple: Give you the top discounts I’d personally use, verified for 2025. I ranked them by national reach, value, accessibility for families and those stationed overseas, and ease of verification.

These aren’t just possible savings but the best military discounts that deliver.

Eligibility

Not all military discounts are created equal. Here’s who qualifies, noting that many merchants include the Coast Guard, despite not being part of the Department of Defense:

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Status

Typical Eligibility

Active duty

Full-time members of the U.S. Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, and Space Force

Retired

Retired service members from any branch

Veterans

Honorably discharged service members

Reserve and National Guard

Members of the reserve component, often eligible for select offers

Dependents and spouses

Immediate family of eligible service members; often requires ID verification

Identification: How To Verify Your Military Status

Unlocking discounts sometimes requires proof that you qualify. Here’s how you can confirm your eligibility:

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Verification Method

Use Case

Notes

ID.me

Most online retailers, including Apple, Nike, and Under Armour

Fast, digital verification; often requires government-issued ID

SheerID

Apparel, footwear, and wellness

Some stores prefer SheerID over ID.me

GovX

Exclusive online store discounts

Membership needed

WeSalute+ (formerly Veterans Advantage)

Travel, retail, and services

Subscription-based but often unlocks 10% to 20% savings

In-store ID card

Grocery stores and local shops

Some stores (like Kroger) require a physical card and a loyalty card

Department of Defense Common Access Card (CAC)

Military exchanges, some retail and travel

Active-duty verification only

Hot Tip:

Online verification is usually smoother than in-store. Some stores (like Kroger and Tractor Supply) require proof of service and a loyalty or membership card.

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Grocery Discounts

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Rank

Discount

Discount

Verification

Best For

1

Kroger

10% on special holidays (Memorial Day, Veterans Day)

Military ID plus Kroger loyalty card

All military and dependents

2

Walmart

Occasional Veterans Day specials

Military ID

All

3

Safeway

10% off on select holidays

Military ID

All

4

Publix

10% off for military appreciation days

Military ID

All

5

Harris Teeter

5% to 10% off on military holidays

Military ID

All

6

Food Lion

10% off on Veterans Day

Military ID

All

7

H-E-B

Military Appreciation Month discounts

Military ID

All

8

Meijer

10% off on select days

Military ID

All

9

Giant

Special holiday discounts

Military ID

All

10

Trader Joe’s

Occasional holiday discounts

Military ID

All

Why these made my top 10: I’ve used Kroger and Publix personally. They combine national availability, good customer service, and clear verification processes, while many smaller chains are hit-or-miss.

Stores without a military grocery discount: Costco (except membership incentives), Aldi, and Whole Foods

Stores That Give Military Discounts — Verified for 2025

Let’s start with some good news: Many stores offer military discounts. Unfortunately, you won’t find Amazon Prime, Chewy, Coach, IKEA, or Sephora among them.

Why these recommendations? I prefer retailers with national coverage, reliable online redemption, and recognition for overseas use. Local-only stores didn’t make the cut for most of these sections.

That said, a store near you may provide decent discounts. Just be aware that stores near military bases might not give the best discounts — or might provide them only during certain times — due to the sheer number of people eligible for the discount in that area.

Miscellaneous Stores

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Michaels

Yes

Military ID

All military

Standard discount in-store and online

2

Tractor Supply

Yes

Military ID

Veterans and active duty

Discount applies online and in-store

3

Figs

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount on select scrubs

4

Sephora

No

N/A

N/A

Occasionally promo events only

5

Sport Clips

Yes

Military ID

All military

Varies by location, widely offered

6

Total Wine & More

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount applies with verification

Automotive Parts and Supplies

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

AutoZone

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount in-store and online

2

Discount Tire

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verify with ID at checkout

3

Tire Rack

No

N/A

N/A

No official discount but ships to APO and has good deals on winter tires required at overseas bases

Fashion and Apparel Stores

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Oakley

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount on select products

2

Ray-Ban

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified ID required

3

Coach

No

N/A

N/A

Occasional promo events only

4

Old Navy

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount online and in-store

5

Pandora

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified ID required

6

American Eagle

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount online and in-store

7

Birkenstock

Yes

Military ID

All military

Some stores yes; online via verification

8

Converse

Yes

ID.me

All military

Online verification required

9

Crocs

Yes

ID.me

All military

Verified online discount

10

Darn Tough

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount on select products

11

Finish Line

Yes

Military ID

All military

In-store and online

12

Journeys

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verification required

13

Zappos

Yes

ID.me

All military

Online discount

14

Fanatics

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified military discount

15

Ariat

Yes

Military ID

All military

In-store and online

16

Boot Barn

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verification required

17

Carhartt

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount applies with ID

18

Kuhl

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verification required

19

Tecovas

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified military ID needed

20

UGG

Yes

SheerID / ID.me

All military

Discount online

21

Vans

Yes

ID.me

All military

Online discount with verification

General Merchandise

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Amazon Prime

No

N/A

N/A

Occasionally around Veterans Day

2

Amazon Veteran Discount

No

N/A

N/A

Occasional promotions only

3

Costco

Yes

Military ID

All military

$30 shop card for new memberships

4

Macy’s

Yes

Military ID

All military

Select products only

5

Sam’s Club

Yes

Military ID

All military

$10 membership incentive

6

Target

Yes

Military ID

All military

Typically 10% off during promo periods

7

Walmart

No

N/A

N/A

No official military discount

8

Wayfair

No

N/A

N/A

No official military discount

Home Furniture and Décor

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Ashley Furniture

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount in-store and online

2

Mattress Firm

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verification required

3

Mattress Stores

Yes

Military ID

All military

Various stores offer military pricing

Home Improvement

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Ace Hardware

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount in-store

2

Harbor Freight

Yes

Military ID

All military

Military discount available

3

Home Depot

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount applied with verification

4

Lowe’s

Yes

Military ID

All military

In-store and online

5

Menards

No

N/A

N/A

No official military discount

Sporting Goods, Outdoor, and Tactical

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

5.11

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified military discount

2

Dick’s Sporting Goods

Sometimes

Manager discretion

All military

Not official online

3

Fringe Sport

Yes

Military ID

All military

Discount in-store and online

4

RTIC

Yes

Military ID

All military

Online and in-store

5

Scheels

Yes

Military ID

All military

In-store discount only

6

Vortex

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verification required

7

Leupold

Yes

Military ID

All military

Verified military discount

8

Gun Zone Deals

No

N/A

N/A

Other retailers like Guns.com and IWI US may offer discounts

Electronics Stores

Electronics is where military discounts can really stack up — especially on laptops, phones, and home gear that doesn’t come cheap. Here’s my top 10 based on national availability, ease of online redemption, and genuine savings.

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Apple

10% off

ID.me or SheerID

Active duty, veterans, and dependents

Online and in-store; available year-round

2

Dell

10% off select laptops and desktops

Dell military program verification

All military

Online only

3

HP

10% off select computers

ID.me

All military

Online only

4

Lenovo

10% off select laptops

ID.me

All military

Online only

5

Microsoft

10% off PCs and accessories

ID.me

All military

Online only

6

Samsung

10% to 15% off select electronics

ID.me

All military

Online and in-store; smartphones, TVs

7

LG

10% off select electronics

ID.me

All military

TVs and appliances; online and in-store

8

Bose

10% off headphones and audio gear

SheerID

All military

Online only

9

On Cloud

10% off footwear and smart gear

ID.me

All military

Online only

10

Apple Store veterans’ discount

Special pricing for veterans

ID.me

Veterans only

Combines with Apple Education program sometimes

Stores without verified discounts are Best Buy, Dyson, and Garmin; they occasionally run holiday promotions but do not offer an ongoing military discount.

Why these top 10? Apple, Dell, HP, and Lenovo cover the broadest electronics needs, such as computers, phones, and accessories. Bose and Samsung add personal entertainment and home tech. These are discounts I’ve personally verified or used online.

Entertainment

Entertainment discounts are hit-or-miss, but there are still big wins for theaters, concerts, and sports.

Miscellaneous

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Broadway shows

10% to 20%

Military ID, venue-specific

All

Discounts vary by show and theater

2

AMC Theatres

10% off tickets

Military ID

All

Online and in-person

3

Regal Cinemas

10% off tickets

Military ID

All

In-person verification at box office

4

Cinemark

10% off tickets

Military ID

All

Online and in-person

Retailers without discounts: Atom Tickets and Ticketmaster (company-wide)

Gaming

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

GameStop

10% off

Military ID

All

Online and in-store

2

CORE Gaming

15% off

ID.me

All

One-time-use code valid for 12 months

Sports

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best for

Notes

1

NFL Sunday Ticket

10% off

Military ID

Active duty and veterans

Online subscription

2

MLB tickets

10% to 15% off

Military ID

All

Depends on team and location

3

NBA tickets

10% to 15% off

Military ID

All

Depends on team and location

4

UGA tickets

10% off

Military ID

All

College football

5

Dallas Cowboys tickets

10% off

Military ID

All

NFL home games

6

NHL tickets

10% off

Military ID

All

NHL home games in the U.S.

Why these recommendations? Movie and theater discounts are easy to redeem locally, while sports tickets provide real value — especially for families. Many stadiums also offer free or discounted parking for military members.

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Wellness Companies That Offer Military Discounts

Military discounts can make a real difference when it comes to staying fit and healthy. Here are my top wellness picks — from gym memberships to fitness equipment.

Fitness Equipment

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Rank

1

Assault Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Online only

2

Rep Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Weightlifting gear

3

Sole Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Treadmills and cardio

Why these top picks? Assault, Rep, and Sole cover the essentials for home workouts. Additional brands like Rogue Fitness and Titan Fitness don’t have verified ongoing discounts, despite online reports that discounts were available in the past. It’s always worth checking to see if these come back, even temporarily.

Gyms

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

24 Hour Fitness

10% to 15% off

ID.me

All

National locations

2

Crunch Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Online and in-person

3

Gold’s Gym

10% off

ID.me

All

Nationwide

4

EOS Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Regional chain

5

Chuze Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Regional chain

6

Vasa Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Regional chain

7

Fitness Connection

10% off

ID.me

All

Locations in multiple states

8

Club Fitness

10% off

ID.me

All

Regional chain

9

UFC Gym

10% off

ID.me

All

National locations

10

LA Fitness

Varies by location

Local verification

All

Some locations offer discounts; check in advance

Gyms without discounts: Planet Fitness and Equinox generally don’t have discounts.

Athletic and Sporting Gear

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Nike

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

2

Adidas

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

3

Lululemon

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

4

Under Armour

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

5

Reebok

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

6

New Balance

10%

ID.me

All

Online and in-store

7

Brooks

10%

ID.me

All

Running shoes and gear

8

Patagonia

10%

ID.me

All

Outdoor gear

9

Yeti

10%

ID.me

All

Coolers and drinkware

10

Bass Pro Shops

10%

ID.me

All

Outdoor and tactical

Stores without verified discounts: Bally Sports and some specialty sports shops offering items like snowboards or climbing gear.

Car Dealerships With Military Discounts

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

GM

Up to $1,000 rebate

Military ID

Active duty, veterans

Participating dealers only

2

TrueCar

Varies

ID.me

All

Online quotes

3

BMW

$500 to $1,000

Military ID

All

Some U.S. and overseas dealers

4

Chevy

GM Military program

Military ID

All

Online and dealer

5

Ford

$500 rebate

Military ID

All

Participating dealers

6

Toyota

$500 to $1,000

Military ID

All

Participating dealers

7

Lexus

$1,000 rebate

Military ID

All

Military Reward Program

8

Tesla

N/A

N/A

N/A

No military discount

9

Honda

Varies

Military ID

All

Dealer-dependent

10

Nissan

Varies

Military ID

All

Dealer-dependent

Car Insurance

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

USAA

Up to 15%

Membership verification

Active duty, veterans, and families

Best overall

2

GEICO

Up to 15%

Military ID

All

Excellent customer service for military

3

State Farm

N/A

N/A

N/A

No official military discount

Car Shipping and Moving

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best for

Notes

1

North American Van Lines

Up to 50% off

Military ID

Active duty, Veterans

Moving and storage

2

PODS

Up to 25% off

Military ID

All

Moving and storage

3

U-Pack

$100 off for active, $50 off for veterans

Military ID

Active duty

Moving and storage

4

Penske

15% off

Military ID

All

Truck rental and moving

5

Budget Truck

20% off

Military ID

All

Truck rental and moving

6

uShip

Up to 60% off

ID.me

All

Shipping services

Restaurants With Military Discounts

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Rank

Restaurant

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

Texas Roadhouse

10%

Military ID

All

Varies by location

2

Cracker Barrel

N/A

N/A

N/A

Veterans Day specials only

3

Olive Garden

N/A

N/A

N/A

Veterans Day specials only

4

Chick-fil-A

N/A

N/A

N/A

Varies by location

5

Chipotle

N/A

N/A

N/A

Veterans Day specials only

6

McDonald’s

N/A

N/A

N/A

Varies by location

7

Applebee’s

N/A

N/A

N/A

Veterans Day free meal only

8

Burger King

N/A

N/A

N/A

Varies by location

Colleges With Military Discounts

Many colleges and universities offer tuition discounts and benefits to military members and their families. Here are some examples:

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School

Discount

Notes

American Military University (AMU)

$250 per credit hour for both undergraduate and master’s-level courses, available to active, guard, reserve component, plus their family members

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Worldwide

Active and reserve component military eligible for discount to $250 per credit hour

Herzing University

  • Active duty may qualify to reduce tuition to $250 per credit hour for undergraduate or $500 per credit hour for graduate programs
  • Veterans and dependents of Active duty may receive up to 10% off tuition

Scholarships for the cost of enrollment and learner resource fees available

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU)

$225 per credit hour for U.S. service members, both full and part-time, and the spouses of those on active duty

SNHU offers a reduced per-credit tuition cost for all military-affiliated students and spouses, regardless of residency status

University of Alaska – Fairbanks

Active, Reserve, Guard, and dependents of active military qualify for in-state tuition at $223 per credit hour for in-state students at the 100-200 level

Best Military Deals for Utility Bills

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Notes

1

TXU Energy (Texas)

Varies

Military ID

Often seasonal promotions

2

Con Edison

Up to $30 per month credit

Military ID

New York area

3

Local providers

Varies

Military ID

Check regional utilities for offers

Services

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Rank

Supplier

Discount

Verification

Best For

Notes

1

TurboTax

Free federal filing, discounts on state filing

ID.me verification or proof of military service

Active duty, veterans, retirees, dependents

Well-known, widely used tax preparation software

2

Liberty Tax

Discounted tax prep for military, coupon MILITARY25

Proof of military status

Active duty, veterans

In-person and online appointments, varies by location

3

TaxAct

Free federal and state filing for active duty

Employer ID / military verification

Active duty

Online only, government-endorsed

4

TaxSlayer

Free federal e-filing for active duty

Proof of active-duty status

Active duty

State filing may incur fees

5

AT&T

25% off eligible wireless plans

Military ID verification via AT&T form or retail

Active duty, veterans, dependents

Includes eligible unlimited wireless plans

6

Home Depot

10% off eligible purchases

Third-party verification

Active duty, veterans, spouses

Applies to in-store and online orders for verified military

7

Travelpro

10% off luggage and travel accessories

ID.me verification

Active duty, veterans

Online only, verification required

Credit Card and Rewards Programs for the Military

Our guide to the best credit cards for military and veterans covers issuers you’d expect — like USAA and Navy Federal — but you’ll also find lucrative offers from big-name financial institutions like American Express and Chase.

That’s because the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA) cover existing debts and financial products, including the interest on your credit card and its annual fee.

Military Family Holding Hands
Image Credit: Air National Guard Master Sgt. C.T. Michael

Active Duty military members can get the annual fee waived on top-tier credit cards that provide lucrative perks like travel credits, lounge access, and points on numerous everyday spending categories.

There are numerous cards with these benefits, but I’ll provide 2 of the most interesting to give you a sample:

Discount Holiday Calendar (Timing to Maximize Savings)

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Holiday

Stores/Deals

Notes

Memorial Day

IHOP, Kroger, Lowe’s, Target, Texas Roadhouse, Tractor Supply, Under Armour

10%+ is common

Veterans Day

Academy Sports & Outdoors, Bass Pro Shops, Chipotle, Ikea, Kohl’s, Target, Tractor Supply, Under Armour

Major discounts for stores and restaurants

4th of July

Select retailers

Usually 5% to 10% off electronics and clothing

Military Appreciation Month (May)

Busch Gardens, Chevy, GM, Nike, SeaWorld, Starbucks

Seasonal bundles; often best time to buy cars or park memberships

Maximizing Your Discounts: Veteran Pro Tips

Knowing that a store offers a discount is just the beginning. In addition to the savings available, using online shopping portals can earn you extra points or cash-back.

Here are some additional strategies for your upcoming purchases:

  • Stack deals: Combine in-store discounts with credit card portals, store loyalty programs, or holiday promotions.
  • Subscribe for alerts: Sign up for email lists like VetRewards, GovX, ID.me offers, and regional alerts.
  • Check franchise locations: Some gyms, restaurants, and stores have location-specific deals. Always call ahead.
  • Plan big purchases around holidays: Veterans Day and Military Appreciation Month are consistently the best periods for savings.
  • Use verified portals: ID.me, SheerID, and GovX to ensure your discount works online and overseas.

Final Thoughts

As a veteran, I’ve walked into stores, logged in online, and even called companies to verify these discounts. What matters most is national availability, ease of use, and reliability — so you don’t have to waste time or money looking for deals that don’t exist.

These top 10 picks in each category are real-world discounts I’ve verified, used, or would personally recommend. From cars to groceries and gyms to electronics, knowing who does and who doesn’t offer a discount lets you know what to expect in advance.

Stack these with credit cards, portals, and holiday timing, and you’ll have the best military discounts available in 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do Reserves get military discounts?

Absolutely. Most businesses that honor military discounts extend them to reservists. They serve, they sacrifice, and they get the respect — and savings — they deserve. Just have your military ID handy.

How do military discounts work?

It’s simple: Show your valid military ID, and you save money on goods or services. Some places automatically apply it online; others give it at checkout. Think of it as a thank you from companies to those who serve. When shopping online, you may need to complete a verification process before the discount is attached to your order.

Are military discounts only for active duty?

Not at all. Discounts often cover active duty, reservists, veterans, and sometimes even retirees or family members. The rules vary by business, so it never hurts to ask. Basically, if you’ve worn the uniform, there’s a good chance you qualify.

Do spouses get military discounts?

Spouses often do. Many programs extend the same benefits to the military family. Again, proof is key: A military ID card showing dependent status is usually what you need.

Does Amtrak offer military discounts?

Amtrak gives a solid 10% discount for active duty, reserve, and retired military personnel. Just book with your ID, and you’re good to go.

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About Ryan Smith

Ryan completed his goal of visiting every country in the world in December of 2023 and is letting his wife choose their destinations, including revisiting some favorites. Over the years, he’s written about award travel and credit cards for publications like AwardWallet, The Points Guy, USA Today Blueprint, CNBC Select, Tripadvisor, Point.me, and Forbes Advisor.

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