Veteran & Military Discounts: 90+ Places Where Heroes Get (Almost) What They Deserve
On the heels of Memorial Day, I figured it was time to research which retail stores, restaurants, travel services, and entertainment spots offer a veterans or military discount. Why this list is relatively small is kinda a head scratcher for me. You’d think darn everybody would offer a discount of some type for those who keep us save, and more importantly, free. I will definitely keep adding to this list as I find new discounts for veterans and active duty military. I hope that you find this list to be a useful money-saving resource.
Restaurant Discounts for Military & Veterans:
Bennigan’s: Active military and vets get 10% off your total check at Bennigan’s.
Ben & Jerry’s: Ask about it the next time you order a scoop of ice cream. Varies by location but is typically 15%.
Bob Evans: 10% discounts with your Veterans ID.
Burger King: 10% off military discount, just show proper ID.
Chevy’s: 20% discount for active, retired, or uniformed personnel.
CiCi’s Pizza: A large majority of CiCi’s locations offer a military discounts, ask about it.
Dairy Queen: Get a 10% off your food and ice cream at select Diary Queen locations. Must have valid military ID.
Denny’s: 10% discount to first responders which includes active military. Just show your military ID and ask for it. On Veteran’s Day itself you can get a free “Build Your Own Grand Slam” breakfast from 5 a.m. to noon.
Dunkin’ Donuts: They offer a 10% discount everyday and a free doughnut on Veterans and Memorial Day.
Dutch Bros Coffee: Just tell the barista you’re a Vet and they’ll give you $0.50 off any cup of coffee.
Famous Dave’s BBQ: All active and retired military can get a 10% discount. Just ask your server for your discount.
Fuddruckers Burgers: Show your server your military ID and get a discount of either 10% or 15% off.
Golden Corral: Flash your military ID and get 10% off your bill every time you dine. On Veteran’s Day you’ll get a free “Thank You” meal. Details here.
Hardee’s: According to reader Roman, they’ll give you a 10% discount if you tell them you’re a vet.
Hard Rock Cafe: Get a slick 15% off discount when you show your military ID.
Hooter’s: Varies by location but most Hooter’s will give a flat 15% off discount to active and retired military personnel. Often times the discount is only available on certain nights.
Lone Star Steakhouse: 15% off discount for military, police, and fire fighters every Monday. The cool thing is the discount is good for the entire table.
Panda Express: 10% military discount for active personnel. Just flash your ID before ordering your tasty grub.
Papa Murphy’s: Thanks to reader Sara for this one! They offers $3.00 off each regular priced pizza for Military ID card holders. Not valid with other discounts.
Pizza Hut: Discount amount varies by location but always ask and have your military ID at the ready.
Schlotzsky’s Deli: Thanks to reader Deborah for letting me know that Schlotzsky’s will give a 20% discount with a military ID card.
Starbucks: The folks at S’bucks are offering a “free tall hot brewed coffee for veterans, military service members and military spouses at participating U.S. Starbucks.”
Texas De Brazil: Get 15% off your meal total with your military ID.
Texas Roadhouse: Get up to 20% off your bill total with your active military ID. Discount varies by location, ask your server.
“Go Have Fun” Discounts for Military & Veterans:
AMC Theaters: After 4 p.m. flash your military ID and get a much deserved discount on movie tickets.
Baseball Hall of Fame: Free admission year-round for active and retired military.
Busch Gardens (Tampa, FL) : Under the “Waves of Honor” program all active duty military are entitled to a free 1-day admission. Also good for up to 3 family members.
Carnival Cruise Line: From reader Randall, “All cruise lines owned by Carnival (Carnival, Princess, Cunard, P&O. etc.) offer free onboard credit for military service, current or past. Just fax them a copy of discharge papers, and you get credit on any cruise you take with them.”
Camp Jellystone: Get up to 20% off campsites, cabins, and more across the country. Must show valid military ID. Details here.
Cinemark Theaters: Check this list to see all of the participating Cinemark theaters across the country.
Disneyland: Ask for details but active and retired military heroes will receive Disneyland park hotel discounts as well as a 3-day park hopper for only $129.
Dollywood: They offer a 30% discount on one-day admission tickets for U.S. active or retired military, disabled veterans, and military reservists, spouses and dependents when valid military personnel IDs and dependent IDs are presented. Unfortunately, this offer cannot be made available to other family members and friends. Tickets can be purchased exclusively at the front gate of Dollywood and cannot be pre-purchased. Thanks to USAF veteran Antony for this updated info.
Knott’s Berry Farm: Free entry on Memorial Day weekend at Knott’s Berry Farm and substantial discounts the rest of the year. Details can be found here.
Legoland: 10% military discount at the California Legoland. Military appreciation days at the Florida location gets active and retired vets in the park for free with discounts for family members.
PGA of America: The PGA of America offers Active Duty, Military Retirees, Active Reserve, National Guard, Department of Defense Civilians and their accompanying spouse complimentary Daily Grounds tickets to PGA tour events.
Regal Cinemas: Regal Cinema military discounts varies by location. Inquire at your local theater.
San Diego Zoo: Free 1-day pass to the San Diego Zoo for those who are on active military duty.
SeaWorld: Via the Waves of Honor program, “any U.S. active duty military, activated or drilling reservist, or National Guardsman gets one complimentary admission per year.”
Six Flags: Check out the website BaseOps.net and collect discounted tickets to all Six Flags properties.
Universal Studios: Military discounts at Universal Studios are available when you visit the BaseOps website as well.
U.S. National Parks: Free LIFETIME pass to veterans and Gold Star families. You can find the details here. Also, a FREE annual pass to current US military members and dependants.
Retail Discounts for Military & Veterans:
Advance Auto Parts: According to their website they “offer 10% off regularly priced items for in-store purchases to customers who serve or have served our country’s Armed Services.”
Amazon: Score free shipping to APO and FPO addresses and occasionally a discount on Amazon Prime on Veteran’s Day. Details here.
American Eagle Outfitters: Show your military ID and get 10% off your in-store purchase at AEO.
Apple Store: Thanks to reader James for the scoop on the Apple Store “Big one that’s missing here is the Apple Store. Just ask for a Federal employee discount and show your CAC card. Works for me all the time.” Details here.
Auto Accessories Garage.com: They offer 5-20% off to veterans and active military members plus their families. Details here.
AutoZone: 10% off your purchase. Thanks to a reader for letting me know about this one.
Banana Republic Factory Store: They offer a flat 10% off for veterans every day of the year.
Bed Bath & Beyond: Flat 10% off discounts for vets and their families. Varies from store to store.
Bass Pro Shops: Bass Pro Shops will give you a 10% discount with your military ID.
Best Buy: Varies from store to store, but many retail locations offer a 10% discount to vets. Just ask a Best Buy sales associate about it. Details here.
Big Lots: Be sure to shop on Veteran’s Day every year to take advantage of their military discount.
BJ’s Wholesale: All military personnel get over 25% off their membership + a $10 coupon. Details here.
Buckle: The Buckle military discount requires online verification. Once verified, you’ll get 10% off all purchases.
Cabela’s: 5% military discount except on firearms at your local Cabela’s.
Charlotte Russe: 10% discount with ID. Thanks to reader Katie for letting me know about this one.
Columbia: 15% off your entire purchase.
Dell Computers: Dell offers a variety of military programs. Check this page for all the details and learn how to save some money on your next computer system.
Dick’s Sporting Goods: The next time you are shopping at Dick’s, ask about their 10% discount for vets. Varies from store to store.
Eddie Bauer: Eddie Bauer offers a 10% discount for active and retired military personnel.
Famous Footwear: Thanks to Navy brat Jeffrey who told me FF offers a 10% discount to active military, retired, and dependents.
Finishline: The folks at Finishline offer a 10% discount to vets and active military.
Footaction: Vets and active military can save an awesome 20% off w/ proper ID. Family members can get the discount as well.
Grocery Outlet Bargain Market: They might not have a percentage-off discount for vets, but many locations reserve a parking spot right out-front for veterans.
Harley-Davidson Dealers: Most will offer 10-15% off accessories.
Home Depot: All year long military personnel, active or retired, can get a 10% discount at the Home Depot. Just gotta ask for it and show proof. Details here.
Kelly’s Auto Parts: Thanks to Zee for this one. Kelly’s offers a 10% discount all the time for all vets and active service members.
L.L.Bean: Save 10% off your entire order, verify your eligibility here.
Lowe’s: Thanks to a couple vets for setting me straight on Lowe’s (Full review here). They will give a flat military discount of 10% to all active and retired military personnel. For all other vets they give a discount on Veteran’s Day, 4th of July, and Memorial Day. It is also worth noting, from the Lowe’s website, that “immediate family member(s) of someone with a valid military ID Card” is also eligible for the 10% discount. Click here to enroll.
Lululemon: Save 15% off both online and in-store, good for reservists, active military, and veterans.
Manscaped: They offer a 20% discount + free shipping to active duty, veterans, and 1st responders on all grooming tools, clothing, and deodorants.
Maurices: Show your ID and get a 10% discount on your apparel purchase at Maurices.
Michaels: Show your military ID at Michaels and get a flat 10% off. I have read of some exclusions that vary from store to store so ask a sales associate at Michaels. Details Here
Nike Store: Nike offers a 10% in-store discount to vets, active service, as well as those in the reserves. Their families too.
Old Navy: Keep and eye out and ask about Military Monday’s at Old Navy where active and retired military personnel get a 10-15% discount.
O’Reilly Auto Parts: According to the their website, they offer an “in-store only” discount of 10-15% off with valid ID.
Payless Shoes: Shop at any of their retail locations and get a 10% military discount. Just show your ID and collect your savings.
PetSmart: I got a comment that told me PetSmart offers 10% off pet grooming to veterans. Ask about it.
Pottery Barn: Most Pottery Barn locations offer a 10% discount for vets.
Target: In recent years Target introduced a military discount that gives vets and active military a 10% discount around the 4th of July and Veteran’s Day.
Tractor Supply Company: 15% discount on Memorial Day, 4th of July, and Veteran’s Day.
Walgreens: Varies from store to store, but most Walgreens offer a military discount, be sure to ask.
Williams-Sonoma: Flat 10% discount with proper ID or proof of service.
Zales Jewelry: 10% off discount for active and retired military.
Travel Discounts for Military & Veterans:
Alamo Rent a Car: Discounted rates for military families and free rental insurance and waived fees for military personnel.
Amtrak: Active military and their families get a 10% discount on train tickets with Amtrak. The Downeaster, which runs between Brunswick, ME, and North Station in Boston, offers on the 11th day of every month $11 one way fare (normal fare $29). Need to make reservations three days in advance, and have proof of veteran status.
Best Western: Discounted room rates at Best Western hotels for active military. Present ID at check-in or when reserving via the phone.
Choice Hotels: Discounted room rates for active military and their families. Ask about it when reserving your room.
DoubleTree by Hilton: Get 15% off the popular Bed & Breakfast rate when booking your room.
Greyhound: Ride the hound for 10% off all walk up fares. Good for active military and vets. Also, the most you’ll ever pay is $259 for a round-trip anywhere in the United States.
Hampton Inn: Book a room at any Hampton Inn and they’ll give you a flat 15% discount on your reservation. This works for both retired and active military and their families.
Hertz: Free car upgrades from Hertz for military folks and their families.
La Quinta Hotels: Several vets have chimed in and let me know that La Quinta offers a 12% discount on room reservations. Ask about it.
Marriott Hotels: When booking your room mention the military discount and you’ll get inundated with special offers.
Norwegian Cruise Lines: Save 10% off specific cruises for active military, veterans, and their families.
U.S. Airways: From their website, “Special rates to military personnel traveling on an officially excused absence and to discharged personnel within 7 days of discharge.” Pretty cool, I wish more airlines would do something similar.
Banking Discounts for Military & Veterans:
American Express: AMEX waives ALL fees for active duty military, including the annual fees on all of their cards. AMEX Platinum? $0 instead of $450. Thanks Heath for this one!
Chase Bank: Thanks to Jim, a veteran, for this one. “Show your ID or in my case discharge papers at any Chase branch when opening a checking/savings account and get the Premiere package for free (Normally $25 a month) which includes a fee free safety deposit box, debit visa and many goodies.” Thanks for your service to this country Jim.
U.S. Bank: Thank to Tony for this one, “US Bank gives all active duty & veterans free Premiere checking & savings with ID or DD214.”
Wireless Discounts for Military & Veterans:
AT&T Wireless: From the AT&T website, veterans and active military can get 15% off “qualified monthly service charges”. Just follow the directions on their site to get your discount.
Sprint Wireless: Get 15% off your monthly bill by showing evidence of your service. Details here.
T-Mobile Wireless: TMo will happily give active and retired military 15% off their monthly bill. It might take a while according to this thread, just be persistent!
Verizon Wireless: From vet Jim, “It’s either 10 or 15% (at Verizon). Active duty, retired and veterans. I took my DD-214 to the local Verizon store and they submitted the information. It took about a month. Saves my about $20 per month on my bill.” Details here.
Ask the Reader: Do you know of any other veteran or active military discounts? Let me know in the comments below and I’ll be sure to get it added to this article. Thanks!
By Kyle James
Photo credit to mrdonduck.
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)
Awesome list Kyle! I had no idea that so many places offered discounts for military members or vets. Wonderful.
Yeah, it is a decent list Dee, I hope to make it even longer though!
Why some stores have just military discounts? I’m a 100% disabled veteran. That doesn’t count?
Go to the VA and get your ID card. It gets me a discount everywhere. Also check your State for VA benefits. In the State of Maryland if 100% disabled you proprty taxes are waived.
If you are in Calif. and you r 100 % disabled you dont pay property tax on your home. Go to V.A. and get the paperwork. I dont know if this applys in any other state but it doesn’t hurt to check it out. A veteran is a veteran disabled or not. Thank you for ur service.
Same for me in Louisiana
Or go to your VFW
Home Depot and Lowe’s veteran’s discounts include year-round for vets receiving VA benefits.
Ocean State Job Lot has been giving 25% off on everything for the weekly sale of Nov 6 thru 12 for veterans.
Sorry about that, The 25% off is on everything in their stores for the week of Nov 6 thru 12, not just the items in their weekly flyer.
Bass Pro only offers a discount to active duty or retired military…..veterans do not receive a discount.
They gave it to me. VA Discount. They didnt care.
I just went to and thay gave 10% va discount to me.
Taylormade Golf offers a 20% military discount
Boscov’s also offers 10% discount on whole store. Must go to service desk to pickup discount tag to present when checking out each day.
Home Depot does not give Veterans discounts either year round. just 4th of July Memorial day and Veterans day. so it should come off this list.
BS, all yr discounts. I’ve never had a problem with them.
I’d must say service connected for the year round discount
THAT IS CORRECT. HOME DEPTO ONLY DOES IT TWICE A YEAR IN PHX. I BEEN THERE.
If u are 100% serviced connected like me they do and it tell u that on web page
Actually it depends on the store. The one in Winchester VA does all veterans as long as you have an ID either from the State or the VA. The Lowes in Winchester which we have two the one in town does not, but the one just north of town does all the time. I think anyplace that gives seniors discounts should also give veterans discounts. IMO
Go on-line to and look for the military discount, you get a card that you can use with each purchase, it’s national!!
Me either
Here in Utica, NY I have received a 10% military discount all year around for at least 2 yrs….just about every time I go there I show my retired ID…many times they just give it to me…especially if I am wearing one of my Navy caps.
Regarding Lowes or Home Depot, I have never once had a problem receiving the 10% military discount. I am an officer in the USAF individual ready reserve. All I do is show my i.d. and every time, without exception, they give me the 10% discount. Just at Lowes and Home Depot alone I have saved at least a couple thousand dollars.
Our Home Depot gives 10% on many items. Ask before what items are not included.
Home Depot gives you a hassle. Not only that, but will not honor if item us on sale. That’s BS. I WILL SHOP Lowes before ever going to Home Depot. Lowes honors it sale or not.
This is just plain false. HD has never denied me 10% off the sale price and I shop there weekly
I agree with this Lowes is only place I buy from
Yes they do if you have a service connected disability.
Home depot only gives discount on certain holidays, Lowes gives them everyday
I use home depot a lot and I always get a 10% discount every time I go in year round. Sunrise, Florida.
That’s because it is Florida. Florida is one of a small handful of states that care about their Veterans 100%.
Not the Orange City HD
lowes does not give a vetrans discount. they told me they did. got to the check out and they would not accept my dd214 or my drivers license with vetran on it from the state. WHAT GIVES!! i will not do business with them again. they are pretenders.
Lowes in st petersburg fl, at two locations i shop at Always gives me 10% off, including on sale items.
They give me 10 percent discount all year long. They will match Lowes
They give 100% disable veterans everyday. But never have to prove just show VA card I get
Home Depot gives discounts year round. I’m in there at least twice a month
Most stores do offer this year round but not in sale items.
Not true
In Illinois most Home Depots offer 10% every day.
100%disabled service connected year round
Home Depot has always gave me the discount. If they don’t, ask for a manager
Correction: Home Depot does give Veterans discounts of 10% year round. Veterans must show a Veterans ID that states “Service Connected”. Go to your nearest Veterans Service Office and they should be able to provide one.
These discounts are not really for veterans; they are for active duty and retired military.
Agreed it could be a little more specific as not all apply to active, reserve, retired, veteran. Maybe the author could set up a key (AD, Rsv, Rtd, Vet)
I believe I may be able to lay claim to Home Depot giving year round discounts to military. At one time they only did this on Veteran’s Day. Some stores did year round, but not many. Well a few years back I went ballistic on HD corporate in a letter and about a month or two later they started giving year round discounts with valid military ID.
Mimi’s Cafe 1O% (Active & Veterans)
Sleep Train Mattress Centers 20% (Active & Veterans)
Alot of workers are unclear of details sometimes especially coming to discounts and can come with punishment if doing something improper. Most Petcos will do a military discount but varies store to store; ie: my store used to and the new GM said no more but i still do….whoops. Also the Chase account is great because normally you must maintain at least $15,000 in your checking account for one of those and it also gives you access to the chase premium member locations. Way nicer and less crowded. if you Have USAA and need a local bank i highly suggest chase.
Papa Murphy’s Pizza offers $3.00 off each regular priced pizza for Military ID card holders. Not valid with other discounts.
I’m not sure of its extent, but Round Table Pizza has given me a 50% discount as a military retiree. No kidding 50%!!
Autozone gives you 10% also
Microsoft offers a great discount of Office products for military. I was able to get Office 2013 for $12. Its a little confusing to go through, but the website is:
hup.microsoft.com
You have to use your military email address, but following instructions from here:
https://militarycac.com/MSHUP.htm
Show your id or in my case discharge papers at any Chase branch when opening a checking/savings account and get the Premiere package for free (Normally $25 a month) which includes a fee free safety deposit box, debit visa and many goodies.
Best one I’ve found so far…AMEX waives ALL fees for active duty military, including the annual fees on all of their cards. AMEX Platinum? $0 instead of $450.
Express (retail clothing store), Footlocker, Rack Room Shoes also.
Also take a look at id.me. It is one of the pilots that the National Strategy for Trusted Identities in Cyberspace (NSTIC) is doing. They provide an easy pathway for veterans to gain discounts online at a lot of retailers.
Charlotte Russe gives 10% off with a military ID.
Lowes gives a 10% discount to veterans – not restricted to active duty and retired. If you served and have evidence (in Texas, you can have your veteran’s status on your drivers license), you get 10% off.
You can get the veteran’s status on your DL in Florida also. Shopped in North Carolina Lowes and was told they don’t accept Florida DL “V” status.
In Massachusetts you can have ”veteran” printed on your drivers license. You have to bring your DD214 as proof of service. It’s in tiny letters on the front bottom right, am working on having something more noticeable, maybe a hologram of the branch of service served. I don’t think that they would ever do that, but it’s what I would like to see.
Pennsylvania also prints Veteran (with an American Flag ) on the front of your Pa DL. They will ask for a DD 214, a Military ID card or a VA ID card as proof of service.
all lowes do not give the military discount. your lucky to be in a state where lowes cares. i am in michigan where lowes does not care.
I don’t know what Lowes store you shopped at, but I’ve been to many in Michigan and all honored it. Marquette, Gaylord, Traverse City, Midland, Big Rapids, and a couple Grand Rapids locations. Also a few around Detroit. I show my VA card, and never have a problem.
Here in Texas, I always ask for a discount at the counter, nothing ventured nothing gained. I show my driver’s license with veteran designation. They usually tell me that they prefer to see the VA ID card, but that they will give me the discount anyway.
HP has employee pricing for veterans. Just call customer service.
Williams-Sonoma offers 10% off to active duty military
You are missing Pepboys, 10% discount
My cousin works at a Polo Ralph Lauren outlet. They offer a 15% discount with military ID (spouses/families included).