As I work my way through all of the retailers that offer a military or veteran discount, the Best Buy military discount kept popping up as one that I needed to research in greater detail. It seems they had a “public” military discount as recent as 2017 but may have gone away. So I visited a couple Best Buy stores to try and find some answers so vets and active military could save a few extra bucks. Here’s what I found out, hope this info helps you save.

So…Does Best Buy Have a Military Discount?

No….well maybe.

Their “military discount” is on a case-by-case basis and comes down to the discretion of the manager.

I recently went into my local Best Buy and inquired about the discount to try and get some answers.

I spoke with a very friendly manager and was told that “Yes” he does hand out a 10% military discount to those who ask.

I then went to a Best Buy in a neighboring town and was told “No, they don’t offer a military discount”.

So the bottom-line is your mileage will vary depending on who you talk too, but you might as well ask as you have NOTHING to loose.

So How Do I Make It Happen?

You can do TWO things to try and obtain a military discount at Best Buy.

1. Call Your Local Best Buy Location

Simply call and ask as many locations offer a military discount to those who inquire.

They might not promote or advertise it anywhere, but it does exist.

See Also: 90+ Places Where Veterans Get a Nice Discount

2. Go To Your Local Store and Ask

When you arrive, head to the customer service desk and ask if they have a military discount.

If they say “no” or they aren’t sure, politely ask to speak to the manager.

When you talk to the manager explain that you’ve heard many Best Buy locations offer a 10% military discount and see what they say.

Who Qualifies for the Discount?

It’s not exactly clear who is eligible for a military discount at Best Buy.

But according to the Best Buy manager that I spoke with, he gives the discount to active and retired military members.

He asks for a current military ID card, DD214, or a driver’s license with a veteran’s designation on it and he’ll give a 10% discount.

See Also: The Home Depot Military Discount: Here’s How It Works

How Do I Prove My Status As a Veteran?

The easiest way is to get a driver’s license with a “veteran” designation on it.

If you don’t have that designation on your license, then bring whatever paperwork you have that can prove your service.

What About Geek Squad Services?

Some stores managers are more likely to hand out a military discount on Best Buy services rather than actual products.

The Geek Squad falls into this category and if you need tech help ask politely for a military discount on the services.

You stand a great chance of getting a small kick-back on Geek Squad services like in-home installation and computer repair.

What If I’m Denied a Discount, Do I Have Other Options?

Yes.

Here are a few other options to save at Best Buy if you fail to score a military discount.

1. Student Discount

The Best Buy student discount is no joke and serves as a great way for college students to save on specific products like laptops, tablets, and even Apple products.

Best Buy has essentially created a separate website for “college deals” with savings up to 45% off the original retail price.

You only need to have a .edu email address to qualify.

2. Employee Discount

 If you get turned down for a military discount, maybe ask for a job application and save money via the Best Buy employee discount.

When hired you’ll get a discount of cost + 5% which ain’t too shabby.

So if the product’s retail price is $100 and Best Buy paid $65 for it then you’ll get it for a smooth $68.25.

With the high markup on consumer electronics, you’ll save a TON of money working for Best Buy.

See Also: Target Military Discount: A Cool 10% Discount…Just Not Everyday

3. Get a Price Match

 A smart, yet often overlooked way to save at Best Buy is to take advantage of their price match policy.

If a competitor within 25 miles of your local Best Buy has a lower price, they’ll happily match that price.

Items must be identical and in-stock at both stores.

Ask the Reader: How do you save money at Best Buy? Let me know your favorite trick or savings hack in the comments section.

By Kyle James

Kyle James( Owner/Founder )

I started Rather-Be-Shopping.com in 2000 and have become a consumer expert and advocate writing about out-of-the-box ways to save at stores like Amazon, Walmart, Target and Costco to name a few. I’ve been featured on FOX News, Good Morning America, and the NY Times talking about my savings tips. (Learn more)