The Home Depot Military Discount: Time to Cut Through the Confusion
Until recently, the Home Depot did not have an official military discount printed anywhere on their website. This has created a lot of confusion as vets and active military try to figure out what, if any, military discount exists. So I thought I’d take this opportunity to investigate these new changes and see what I could find out. What I discovered was really enlightening. Hopefully you can take advantage of this information at the Home Depot and save some money. Let’s get into it…
What Exactly is the Home Depot Military Discount?
I went straight to the top and called the Home Depot corporate office and spoke personally with a big-whig who basically read me their internal “military discount” policy.
Essentially the discount breaks down into 2 main categories:
1. The Everyday Discount:
The “Everyday” discount at the Home Depot is a flat 10% off and it’s available 365 days a year. It’s good for the following service men/women.
– Active members and Veterans from the following:
- Army
- Navy
- Air Force
- Marine Corps
- Coast Guard
- Space Force
- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
- US Public Health Service Commissioned Corps (USPHS)
- National Guard
– Reserve personnel
– Retired veterans who served for at least 20 years.
– Those with a Service-Connected disability.
2. The Holiday Discount:
The “Holiday” discount is also 10% and is good for all other veterans who don’t fit into the four “everyday discount” categories above.
But…it’s only available on these 3 holidays: Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Veteran’s Day.
See Also: Lowe’s Military Discount: If You Served, It’s a No-Brainer Way to Save
You’ll Need to Show Proper I.D.
You’ll need to show one of these eight ID’s when registering for the discount (more on how to do this later):
- Active Duty Military ID card w/ picture (Green Background)
- Retired Military ID card w/ picture (Blue Background)
- VA Card with word “Service” on it.
- DD-214 form.
- Valid driver’s license with the U.S. flag -OR- “Veteran” designation.
- A service-connected VA Medical Center card.
- Common Access Card (CAC).
- Active Military and Retired Military ID card for spouse or dependents. (Yellow/Beige Background)
I’m not sure what evidence is required to get the “Holiday” discount.
Please let me know in the comments if you have the answer to that question.
See Also: Veteran & Military Discounts: 90+ Places Where Heroes Get a Deal
The Discount Can Be Used Online
As of October 2023, you can use your discount online and in-store.
Because of this, you need to create a Home Depot account and then GO HERE to get your military status in their system.
You can also scroll down this page until you see “SERVING MEANS SAVINGS” and click on Learn More. See screenshot above.
You’ll then be guided through the process of registering for the military discount.
The good news is you only need to register ONCE and then you can use the discount online and in-store forever.
The 10% discount will be tied directly to your online account, so when you shop the Home Depot website, the discount will automatically be applied to your purchase.
Use the Home Depot App When Checking Out In-Store
First of all, you still need to register online or via the Home Depot app for the in-store discount just like you do for the online discount.
NOTE: Keep in mind that when using the Home Depot app you need an iPhone with iOS 13 or newer -OR- Android 10 OS or newer for an Android smartphone.
Follow the same exact directions that are posted above in the “Can the Discount Be Used Online?” section.
Then when you’re shopping in-store, you’ll have to present a Virtual ID (see picture above, looks similar to a QR code) on your smartphone for the cashier to scan in order to get your 10% discount.
The best way to make this happen is to download the Home Depot app and login to your account via the smartphone app.
That way it will be really easy to pull up the Virtual ID for them to scan.
Here’s EXACTLY how to find the barcode within the Home Depot app: (thanks Gail!)
- Go to Menu, then My Account.
- Then tap Account, to access the drop-down menu.
- Next tap Military Discount Benefit.
- Then the Barcode will pop up.
Below is an iPhone screenshot to show you exactly where you’ll find it.
Unfortunately, if you DON’T have a smartphone you can no longer get the discount which is a TERRIBLE move by the Home Depot.
Spouses Are Eligible But NOT Dependents
Spouses absolutely are eligible to also get the military discount, including Gold Star spouses.
Unfortunately, dependents cannot score the savings.
Some Items are Excluded from the Discount
Unfortunately, there are a few military discount exclusions.
Here are the most notable:
– Installation Services: Think carpet, blinds, tile, HVAC, closet shelving, and windows.
– Major Appliances: While you cannot use your military discount on major appliances at Home Depot, they have partnered with Military Exchange which gives you tax free and military exclusive pricing on appliances.
– Special Purchase Appliances: If you have to buy the appliance at the special services desk then you probably won’t get the 10% discount.
– Some Commodity Products: Includes some lumber, wire, and building materials.
– Value Priced Merchandise
– Tool Rental Fees
– Delivery and Freight Fees
– Gift Cards
There’s an Annual Maximum Discount
While you can use the discount as often as you want, you’re restricted to a $400 maximum annual discount.
So essentially the discount will be good on the first $4,000 you spend every year.
Cannot Be Combined with Other Discounts
This means you cannot combine the military discount with coupons or other discounts of any kind, including their “10% moving soon” discount.
So What’s the Big Controversy?
Because the Home Depot does not post an official military discount policy online, or in their stores, it’s often misinterpreted by managers and cashiers.
This leads to a lot of confusion and frustration among veterans and active military members.
I’ve read of some HD managers refusing the discount altogether and some cashiers being completely unaware of its existence.
I think if the Home Depot corporate office came out with an official policy, and made it easy to register (like Lowe’s), all of this confusion would go away.
UPDATE: Home Depot now lets you verify your military status online and then you can use your discount BOTH online and in-store.
Visit THIS PAGE and Scroll down the page until you see “SERVING MEANS SAVINGS” and click on Learn More.
Keep in mind that you MUST create a Home Depot account first.
Why Shouldn’t I Just Shop at Lowe’s?
Many vets don’t want to jump through the hoops mentioned above and DON’T want to create a Home Depot account.
Some also don’t have a smartphone, making it impossible to get the discount in-store.
Thus many are opting to shop exclusively at Lowe’s where their military discount is much easier to use.
There’s no doubt the Home Depot is losing a lot of business because of this.
Your military information at Lowe’s is put into their system JUST ONCE and you get your 10% discount every time you shop, no questions asked, and no need for a smartphone.
Come on Home Depot, it’s time to copy your competitor and do the same!
I’d also like to see them open up their “Everyday” discount to ALL vets. After all, isn’t a vet a vet? They are in my book.
Ask the Reader: Have you ever asked for a military discount at the Home Depot? Was it an easy process or not worth the hassle?
Final Note: If you have some further information that I don’t have in this article please leave a comment and I’ll be sure to investigate, thanks.
By Kyle James
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)