While the Target military discount is a nice gesture, it’s pretty darn limiting as you can only use it for a short amount of time every year, you can only use it twice, and the list of excluded brands is significant. But that doesn’t mean you should ignore it, and if you’re a vet, or active duty military member, you should definitely take advantage of it. Here’s EVERYTHING you need to know so you can save some cash shopping at Target.

Does Target Actually Have a Military Discount?

Yes, 10% to be exact.

Even though I write about military discounts all the time, I was today years old when I discovered Target has one as well.

It’s probably because the Target discount is very specific on when it can be used and how often.

Let’s break it all down…

Is the 10% Discount Available 365 Days a Year?

No.

Unfortunately, Target only makes their military discount available around Veteran’s Day and the 4th of July every year and they limit you to 2 qualifying storewide purchases each time period.

In other words, you get to use your 10% discount on 4 purchases per year.

The next opportunity to use the discount is between 10/29/23 – 11/11/23 and you can only use it TWICE in that time period.

See Also: The Target Teacher Discount: A Clever Way for Educators to Save

Is it 10% Off 1 Item or My Entire Order?

The discount is good for your entire order.

So the takeaway here is to only make your purchase when you have a bunch of items to purchase as the more you buy, the more you save.

Who’s Eligible for the Military Discount?

This is where their discount gets kinda awesome.

Active military, reservists, and veterans are ALL eligible.

The discount is also good for either one dependent -OR- one family member.

Target uses the online service SheerID to verify your military status.

So…How Do I Make It Happen?

The first thing you have to do is Sign-in, or Create a new Target account.

Then in the Settings section, you’ll see the link for Military verification.

Next, after you click on Military verification, you’ll be sent to the page where you select whether you’re a Service member or Dependent.

Then once you click Continue, you’ll be taken to the page where you’ll actually enter your military service information.

The information you’ll need to enter includes the following:

– Military Status – The 3 options includes active duty, reservist, or veteran. Veterans will have to enter their discharge month and year.

– Branch of Service – You’ll have 14 branches of service to select from.

– First and Last Name

– Birthday

Once you’re successfully verified, you’ll be sent to a “Congratulations Screen” telling you that you’re good-to-go.

If you don’t get the congrats message, you’ll typically be sent to a page asking you to upload additional documentation.

See Also: Target Student Discount: The Easy Steps to Qualify and Save

How Do I Get the Discount When Checking Out In-Store?

You’ll need to bring your smartphone, with the Target app open, and show the employee at the checkout register the 10% coupon barcode to collect your savings.

How Do I Use the Discount When Shopping Online? 

Once you’ve been verified, you’ll see the option to add your 10% discount to your purchase when checking out via the Target app or on Target.com directly.

Is There A Maximum Discount I Can Receive?

No.

You can buy (and save) as much as you want on your 2 purchases as long as they qualify.

Do I Need a Registered Target Account to Get the Discount?

Yes.

Unfortunately, you’ll need a registered account in order to verify your military service and get the 10% discount.

Can I Stack the 10% Discount with Other Target Discounts?

Sorta.

As many shoppers are aware, you get a 5% discount when you use your Red Card…but can you stack that with the 10% military discount for 15% off?

The answer is you CAN get both discounts, but they just don’t stack.

For example, let’s say you buy something for $100, if the discounts “stacked” you would get 15% off, making the item cost only $85.

But instead Target takes 10% off first, making the item $90, THEN you get 5% off the $90, making the final price that you pay $85.50.

A small difference, but one that definitely works in Target’s favor.

Are There Any Items or Brands Excluded From the Discount?

Yes, there are quite a few actually.

While most of the brands are consumer electronics and toys, it’s also worth nothing that ALL alcohol is excluded.

Here’s a running list of the more popular brands that are excluded from their military discount:

• Barbie
• Beats
• Bose
• DSLR Cameras
• Fisher-Price Laugh n Learn
• Fitbit
• JBL
• Lego
• Peg Perego
• PlayStation
• Samsung TVs
• SONOS
• Sony
• Trading Cards
• Ulta Beauty
• Vera Bradley
• Weber

Insider Hack: I was told by a friend (who’s a veteran) that you can often use your 10% discount on video game consoles if you buy a BUNDLE DEAL rather than a individual gaming console. He did this recently when buying a PlayStation, a console by itself was excluded, but he got the 10% discount on the Call of Duty bundle.

Your mileage may vary on this hack but I thought it was definitely worth sharing so you could give it a try.

Also, their list of exclusions tends to change every year so be sure to check back each October for a new list.

Ask the Reader: Have you recently registered for the military discount at Target? Was it an easy process or were you required to upload additional documentation?

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)