If you’ve been reading my blog for awhile, you know I love discounts for active military and vets. What better way to say “thanks” for serving our country than with a way to save money on everyday expenses. With that said, it’s now time to breakdown the T-Mobile military discount…how much money can it save you on your wireless bill, who’s eligible, and how do you apply. Turns out Sprint and T-Mobile have merged and Sprint no longer offers a discount to military members, but T-Mobile does and it’s worth knowing about. Plus, I offer some T-Mobile insider tips on how to maximize your savings.

Is the T-Mobile Military Discount Good?

It’s pretty solid, especially for military families.

Specifically, their military discount is really good for military families, not so much for individuals or a couple with NO kids.

Here’s exactly how the T-Mobile Unlimited Military Discount breaks down for the standard Magenta Military plan:

1 Line = $55/month

2 Lines = $80/month

3 Lines = $90/month

4 Lines = $100/month

5 Lines = $110/month. This is easily the best value and comes out to $22/month per line. 5 lines without the discount would cost a family $160.

Here’s what you get with the Magenta Military plan:

• Unlimited data, talk and text.
• 5G Access.
• 3GB of 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot data.
• Streaming in SD (DVD-quality)
• In Mexico & Canada you’ll get unlimited talk & text and 5 GB of 4G LTE data.
• Global Roaming in 200+ worldwide destinations.

It’s also worth noting that data speeds could get throttled during times of heavy congestion.

You can also opt for the T-Mobile Magenta Plus Military plan which costs on average about $10 more per line.

With the Plus plan you get 20GB of hotspot data and 2x faster data speeds when traveling abroad. Everything else is the same making it not a smart option for most.

Who is Eligible?

Their military discount is available to current and former members of the military.

This includes active duty, reserves, National Guard, veterans, and their family members.

Military members must be the primary Sprint account holder for family members to be eligible.

How Do I Sign-Up?

If you aren’t currently a Sprint subscriber you need to visit this page and fill-out the pre-registration form.

Once your pre-registration is accepted, you’ll get an offer code via email with instructions on completing your military discount.

If you’re already with Sprint, just visit the same page and click the Activate button under the pre-registration form.

You can also walk into any Sprint store and have an associate help you setup your discount.

It’s also important to note that this discount requires you to sign-up for auto-pay.

See Also: Verizon’s Military Discount: How It Works and How Much You Can Save

What Proof Is Needed?

You’ll need to submit one of the following to complete your discount registration.

– .mil Email Address

– Military ID Card

– Military Orders Form

– Veterans ID Card

– DofD Form 214

– W-2 Tax Form

– Military Retiree Account Statement

How Do I Verify My Discount?

T-Mobile uses a highly reputable 3rd party company called Sheer ID to verify your military service.

Once you’ve applied to get the discount, you can visit this page and check if you’re getting all the discounts you’re eligible for.

What Happens If I’m Sent Overseas?

If you get deployed be sure to visit the T-Mobile Deployment Page.

T-Mobile will happily suspend your wireless service and you won’t have to pay ANY monthly charges while you’re gone.

You’ll get this free service for 36 months. If you need to extend it for any reason call T-Mobile at 844-751-0149 and they’ll help you out.

Be sure to call the same number to get your service reinstated when you get home.

How Does the T-Mobile Discount Compare to Verizon’s?

The T-Mobile Military discount is much better than Verizon’s military discount if you need 3 or more lines.

You’ll save close to $40/month by using T-Mobile compared to Verizon.

If it’s just you, or maybe just you and your spouse, the savings with Verizon is better.

Ask the Reader: If you end up applying for the T-Mobile military discount let me know if it was an easy process.

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

Verizon Wireless is expensive, there I said it. But thanks to the Verizon military discount it doesn’t need to be. People, me included, are cool with paying more for Verizon because of the great features and strong network coverage. Heck, I live out in the countryside and Verizon is the only reliable service in the area thanks to it’s great coverage map. Here’s how their military discount program works so you can start saving today. Thanks for your service to our country.

What is the Verizon Military Discount?

Verizon’s military discount breaks down into 3 main categories.

1. $30/mo for Unlimited Data Plan: To qualify for this discount you’ll need at least 4 lines on the plan.

Unlimited plans available include the following: Start Unlimited, Play More Unlimited, Do More Unlimited, Get More Unlimited, Go Unlimited, Beyond Unlimited, and the Above Unlimited plan. Details here.

To give you an idea of how good this discount is, my family of 4 has an unlimited plan from Verizon and we pay close to $200/month for it.

For 2-3 phones you’ll get a $25/month discount per line.

For only 1 line you’ll score a $10/month discount.

Also, if you have a big family, the discount on 4+ phones is $20 per account.

2. 15% Off Eligible Plans: If you don’t want an unlimited data plan then a 15% discount is still available for you.

3. 25% Off Select Accessories via My Verizon online: Accessories include phone cases, screen protectors, chargers, etc.

4. 10% Off Accessories when you shop at a Verizon store.

Obviously you’ll want to use the discount that makes the most sense for you and your family.

Important Note: To get the discount you must sign-up for auto-pay along with paperless billing.

See Also: Veteran & Military Discounts: 90+ Places Where Heroes Get a Deal

How Do I Sign-Up?

The first thing you have to do is register your military discount and join the military discount program.

Simply visit this page on the Verizon site and follow the instructions.

Is the Discount Only Available to Active Military?

No.

The Verizon military discount extends to veterans as well as spouses and their children. More on this later.

What Proof Do You Have to Show?

You’ll need to show at least one of the following when registering for the discount.

Active Military:

– Military-issued email

– Military paystub

– Military enlistment DD Form 4

– SCRA Status Report

Veterans:

– DD Form 214

– Veteran’s ID Card

– Military Retiree Account Statement

– VetRewards Card from Veterans Advantage

See Also: T-Mobile Military Discount: Huge Savings for Military Families

Are All Military Branches Eligible?

Yes.

More branches are eligible for this military discount than any discount I’ve ever seen.

They include the following branches:

– Marines

– Army

– Air Force

– Navy

– Coast Guard

– Commissioned officers of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

– Commissioned officers of the United States Public Health Service

– All military reserves and National Guard

– Veterans of all branches

– Gold Star Families

– Cadets

See Also: First Responder Discounts: 22 Popular Stores That Offer Them

Is a Discount Available to Gold Star Families?

Yes.

I applaud Verizon for offering a discount to Gold Star spouses and next of kin.

The coolest part about this discount is the military member who died while serving their country does NOT have to be a Verizon customer for the family to qualify.

All you will need is a DD Form 2014 to register.

Visit this page for all the details.

Can I Get a Military Discount On Top of My Employee Discount?

No.

Unfortunately you can only take advantage of one discount at a time.

But keep in mind that the Verizon employee discount DOES NOT offer a discount on unlimited data plans thus making the military discount a better deal in most situations.

I’m a Military Spouse, How Do I Sign-Up?

You CAN’T by yourself.

The person signing up for the discount must be either a military member or veteran AND the account owner or manager of a Verizon Wireless account.

The one exception to this policy is Gold Star families.

How Do I Check That My Discount Was Applied?

Don’t just forget about your military discount after you register.

Be sure to follow-up and make sure it was accepted by Verizon.

Visit this page on Verizon’s website and you can quickly verify your discount status.

See Also: Best Buy Military Discount: How to Save on Electronics

Can My Data Speed Get Throttled?

Unfortunately, YES.

According to the Verizon website, “In times of congestion, your data may be temporarily slower than other traffic.”

Is a FIOS Discount Available Too?

Yes.

If you want Verizon internet services in your home you can score a military discount on that as well.

You have 2 discount options:

1. $120 off a yearly subscription of Fios Triple Play (Home phone, Internet and Fios TV).

2. $60 off a yearly subscription of Fios Double Play (Internet and a choice of Home Phone or Fios TV).

What Happens If I Get Deployed Overseas?

Verizon will let you temporarily suspend your service until you come home. Details here.

The great thing about this feature is that your discount will be waiting for you when you return.

Ask the Reader: Have you received the military discount from Verizon? Was it an easy process and how much money does it save you every month?

By Kyle James

Photo credit to Mike Mozart.

Are you considering buying hearing aids from Costco? Or maybe you already have and are wondering about the pros and cons of buying them from Costco Wholesale. Whatever the case may be, I researched exactly how the Costco Hearing Aid Center works so you can walk in and make an informed decision. Hearing aids are very expensive and it’s important to know all the facts before you spend a cent. I hope this information helps.

What Hearing Aid Brands Does Costco Sell?

Costco offers a nice selection of top hearing aid brands.

They include the following 5 brands:

– Philips: They are the newest manufacturer of hearing aids on this list.

– Kirkland Signature: These are built by Sonova, the same company that makes Phonak, Unitron, and Hansaton hearing aids.

– Phonak: Considered to be a premium brand.

– ReSound: Danish company famous for making the “Made for iPhone” hearing aid.

– Rexton: While still good, these are considered a slightly less expensive brand.

Many of the models from these brands are sold exclusively at Costco.

It’s common knowledge that some of the models Costco sells are slightly watered down versions of themselves and have less features.

Always compare features when deciding where to buy your hearing aids.

Do your research ahead of time and figure out what features you actually want and make sure the hearing aids you buy have all those included.

To help you figure out which features are important, check out this fantastic Consumer Reports buying guide.

Are Costco Prices Competitive?

Yes.

As a matter of fact, the prices are so good at Costco that they’ve grown into the largest private seller of hearing aids in the United States.

For example, you can buy the Kirkland Signature premium hearing aids for about $1,500 per pair. This is about 50% less than a “name-brand” equivalent.

Remember when I told you that the Kirkland brand is actually made by the same company that produces the premium Phonak hearing aids? This makes the Kirkland brand an excellent value.

When it comes to the name-brand hearing aids that Costco sells, they are definitely more expensive than the Kirkland brand, but still 15%-30% less than other sellers.

What Hearing Aid Styles Does Costco Offer?

Costco offers 6 hearing aid styles for you to try.

They include the following:

– Open Fit: For mild to moderately severe hearing loss. They fit behind the ear and have a small tube that goes into the ear.

– Behind the Ear: For mild to extreme hearing loss. Worn behind the ear and attached to a custom fitted ear mold.

– Bluetooth Compatible: For mild to severe hearing loss. Similar to the open fit but allows you to connect to Bluetooth enabled devices.

– In the Ear: For mild to severe hearing loss. Custom molded and takes up most of the outer ear.

– Canal: For mild to moderate hearing loss. Custom molded to fit in the ear and takes up most of the ear canal and some of the outer ear.

– Completely in the Canal: For mild to moderate hearing loss. Fits in the inner ear canal.

Do I Need to Be a Costco Member?

You DO NOT need to be a Costco member to get a free hearing test and expert recommendations.

Just tell the card checker at the door that you’re there for your hearing test and they will let you in.

But if you decide to buy your hearing aids or batteries from Costco, you WILL need to be a member.

Do I Have to Make an Appointment?

If you’re a new customer YES, you need to call and make an appointment. (Find a Costco Near You)

Basically you’re making an appointment for a no-obligation hearing test.

Once the hearing test is complete, a specialist will go over the results with you and make any recommendations.

Be sure to fill out this Patient Intake Form before your appointment and bring it with you as it will speed up the process.

Can I Return Hearing Aids If I Don’t Like Them?

Yes.

If you don’t like your hearing aids for ANY reason, you can take advantage of Costco’s Generous Return Policy and bring them back for up to 6 months after you bring them home.

Does Each Costco Have Their Own Audiologist?

Some, but not all.

It depends on the location and some travel from Costco to Costco on certain days of the week.

They are considered “independent audiologists” and are not a Costco employee.

This means they are not bound by sales quotas and will not push a certain brand on you.

The end result is typically someone who has your best interests in mind.

But EVERY Costco employs highly trained hearing aid specialists that will help you.

What Are the Cons of Using Costco?

1. “De-Featured” Hearing Aids: As mentioned above, some hearing aids at Costco might not have the features you need the most. Always ask.

2. Crowded Warehouse: Another con is you have to visit a big crowded warehouse to buy your hearing aids and have them serviced.

The key here is to shop midweek before noon. The parking lot will have ample space and the warehouse will be very easy to maneuver in and out of.

3. Locked Hearing Aids: Some of the hearing aids that Costco sells are “LOCKED”.

This means they can only be unlocked and serviced by Costco.

So if you move to a town that doesn’t have a Costco, or you have to make a long drive, you’re kinda screwed.

What Other Hearing Aid “Perks” Does Costco Offer?

Besides competitive pricing, the Costco hearing aid center offers some other nice perks…

– Free Cleaning & Check-ups: When you’re shopping at Costco be sure to stop by the Hearing Aid Center and they’ll clean your hearing aids for free.

– Free Follow-Up Appointments: Need help adjusting your new hearing aids? No problem. You’ll get unlimited follow-up appointments for free at Costco.

– 2-Year Loss and Damage Protection: My Dad actually lost one of his hearing aids on a plane and Costco replaced it for free. There is NO deductible either which is a huge perk.

– 3-Year Warranty on Faulty Devices: This covers anything that might go wrong with the hearing aid that is not your fault.

– Deals on Hearing Aid Batteries: Be sure to buy Kirkland hearing aid batteries at Costco too since they’re cheaper than anywhere else.

Ask the Reader: Do you buy your hearing aids from Costco? If so, what has been your experience? Let me know in the comments section below, thanks.

By Kyle James

Side-note: I want to thank my Dad, who recently bought his hearing aids from Costco, for his help in putting this article together. Much appreciated!