Editor’s note: Please follow this link for an updated version of this story! Read Military Discounts available year-round.
Stores know it’s good for their image to be patriotic. They also know that the military men and women who serve our country are potential shoppers who deserve a break, not just on Veteran’s Day (Nov. 11), but every day of the year.
With millions of men and women defending and aiding our country under difficult conditions, it’s not surprising that retailers, restaurants, service providers, and travel and entertainment companies now offer a wide variety of discounts in gratitude.
Some places post the fact that they offer military discounts, but not all. When in doubt, ask if the store you’re visiting offers a military discount and have your military ID handy, just in case.
Here are some stores that offer year-round military discounts:
- Foot Locker. U.S. active duty military, National Guard, reservists and veterans, as well as the dependents of active and retired personnel, can get a 15% discount — up to $100 per SheerID verification — every day of the year. That offer is good both online and at any store location, including Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker, Kids Foot Locker, Footaction and Champs Sports, and includes sale items.
- JCPenney. JCPenney stores nationwide will give military folks 50% off an 8-by-10 family portrait and waive sitting fees. Just show your ID when you arrive for your appointment. Details are online.
- Home Depot. The big-box home improvement store offers a 10% discount (up to a $500 maximum) to all active military, reserve, retired or disabled veterans and their immediate family members with a valid military ID. All other veterans qualify for a 10% discount on Veterans Day, Memorial Day and Fourth of July. Available on in-store purchases.
- Lowe’s. Details about Lowe’s home improvement centers can be found here. You must enroll online to receive the discount.
- GMC cars. Need a car? Check on military discounts at local dealers or go online to the GMC site for some hot deals on new cars. They claim to have the best military discount of any car company, and you choose from new Chevrolets, Buicks, Cadillacs or GMC vehicles. Get all the details about offers and eligibility here.
- True REST Float Spas. The chain of flotation therapy spas offers a free one-hour session to anyone on active duty or any veteran on the 11th day of every month. Flotation therapy is used to ease symptoms of depression, chronic pain and PTSD, among others.
- Verizon. The company offers $10 to $25 off on its unlimited data plans to all five branches of the active military, reservists, National Guard members, commissioned officers of the National Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, veterans, Gold Star families and cadets. Phone accessories ordered through Verizon online or purchased at its retail stores are eligible for a 10% to 25% discount, too. And Verizon will suspend service during a deployment, resuming it when the service member returns home.
Gift Card Granny lists dozens of discounts for the military. The site has compiled a detailed list of ways to save for veterans, all active branches and, in some instances, the families who stand behind them. Participation may vary by location, so check first. Discounts are good at all kinds of clothing retailers and many of your favorite restaurants. There are also discounts for car repairs, as well as discounts at travel outlets.
Military Connection also does roundups of current stores and restaurants that offer military discounts. They’ve found deals at everything from A&W and AutoZone to Disney sites and Dollar Car Rental, from Michael’s and NAPA Auto Parts to Sea World and Travelodge. The list seems endless.
In military towns like Colorado Springs, where I live, some businesses offer military discounts not offered in cities with a small or no military population. Local stores also advertise military discounts on everything from yoga classes to auto parts. See if your city has a website that collects this data.
For other close-to-home discounts, check out Local Military and Veterans Discounts. The site lists offers at the state and local level in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and the U.S. Virgin Islands. They are available for all branches of the service – those on active duty or retired, veterans, reservists and dependents.
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Sandra says
There is a app download that is starting on the East Coast…designed for military, firefighters and police. Presently free for those that keep us safe and free!
Check it out
http://thehcard.com/
Will (Wise Bread) says
Thanks for the great list. I’m glad so many companies are making an effort to support our men and women in uniform.
Phil Martin says
Thank you for the info.I am a Korean War Veteran and would welcome a list of all discounts available for my wife and I.