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)
I work for Nike & unfortunately they only give the military discount to Active, Retirees, & dependents. I get so many upset people that pull out their VA id & want a discount. I’m pretty sure it’s because it’s posted incorrectly on most of the sites.
Carnival cruise, free parking at the terminal for disabled vets. Not sure what % qualifies, but saves us a lot in parking fees each time. Must have VA card or paperwork as proof of disability.
This is for the terminal in Galveston, Texas
Although it isn’t a store, an additional option for the “Go Have Fun” discounts might be VET-TIX. Although it is officially an organization, but they provide tickets for a multitude of different events. Usually for the low price of $12.97 per event. They limit the number of tickets usually to 4, but the price does not change. I have received a lot of tickets for baseball, football and basketball from this organization.
Hey Kyle, went to a Home Depot in Winterhaven, Florida and they told me I had to be Disabled, or Active Duty. They turned me away..
I live in Tallahassee, Florida. Mostly, I shop at Lowes and I only use my VA discount for big ticket items. Every time I attempt to get the discount, there’s a big hassle and a lecture from a manager on the fact that I’m presenting my DD214 and not a VA card or a “V” on my driver’s license. In the end, they always give me the discount but I feel like I’ve earned it by just fighting for it. About a year ago, I contacted the local VA rep who advised that there is no VA “card” unless you’re receiving medical services. He also told me that Florida does not put a “V” on vets drivers licenses.
Recently Lowes told me that had changed. However, I would need to get a duplicate drivers license at a cost of $25 when my regular license is up for renewal in two years so I’ve opted to wait and continue to fight Lowes until I renew and get the “V” on my license.
I just don’t understand why my DD214 is not good enough for Lowes but that’s what I have to present to the state to get the “V” on my drivers license.
I have a friend who no longer shops at Lowes for this reason but he says he has no trouble in getting a VA discount at Home Depot. I think a lot depends on the store’s local management.
I used to ask the hotels if they gave a military discount, and usually got around 5% off at check-in. Then a couple years ago I ran across a flyer for Government Vacation Rewards at the AAFES and checked it out. I have booked every hotel there since then, because the military rates on hotels there are unbeatable. https://www.govvacationrewards.com
Home Depot is 10% only to service connected disability
U.S. Cellular also gives Military discounts, and the Home Depot will only give discounts of your card has “Service Connected ” printed on it, but no questions asked at Lowes
U S Pizza in Arkansas also give a military discount. Went to VA and was told that we make too much money (social security disability) to even get a card! When did that start?
Harris Teeter gives VIC card holders a membership and unimaginable discounts
Zaxby’s gives a military discount for active or vets.
We went to the Subway in Port St Lucie FLA got a 50%, said all subways did it, but went to one in palm city, they did not do it.
Active duty and retired military now make more than civilians with all of their discounts and medical. That is the definition of a third world country. I am a veteran from 1986-1990 and I made poverty wages at the time. Now all the discounts only go to the active duty and retired, not veterans. Being in the generation directly after baby boomers seems to be the worst generation ever, always shortchanged and xhit on. The general public now needs the discounts as well. All of our jobs except government have gone overseas and there is very limited manufacturing done in the states. Maybe should look to retire in another country where I can afford healthcare. Nothing will be left for anyone in twenty years. No social security for anyone.
TORRID (a clothing store) gives a 10% Military Discount at all stores for Service Members and family with Mil. ID.
If your a Lowe’s employee and a Veteran, on the 4 military related holidays, you can add all the discounts together I.e., If item is 10% off, + 10% military discount + your employee discount.
I found this out when I worked there and it is listed in one of Lowe’s corporate regulations. No one knew this until I was checking out and showed them lol
Those holidays are the only time it is allowed. Otherwise you can only use one of your discounts. Can’t get military and employee at same time normally.
Most Harley Davidson Dealers offer Veterans discounts from 10% to 15% on accessories
Just got 10% off at Omaha Steaks online. Had to verify with dd214.