There’s no single, definitive way for civilians to fully repay the men and women in uniform who risk their lives to defend this nation. Still, a lot of retailers and well-known brands make an effort to express appreciation by providing discountsto service members whenever they shop.
Clearly, the deals below can’t compensate for the sacrifices of military personnel. They’re meant to show gratitude and help service members keep more of their hard-earned money, no matter the amount saved.
Who Qualifies for Military Discounts?
Discounts are commonly extended to active-duty members, National Guard or Reserve personnel and military dependents, who may be asked to present a Department of Defense dependent ID card. Veterans and DOD retirees are usually included as well.
Some offers are available exclusively through veteran benefit organizations such as Veterans Advantage, USAA or Veterans of Foreign Wars. If you’re in the military but not affiliated with one of those groups, consider researching their perks to determine if joining is worthwhile.
Memorial Day weekend and Veterans Day often bring special deals from restaurants and entertainment venues.
Numerous retailers validate eligibility using ID.meor SheerID, both of which are free to join. Note: discounts were gathered in May 2025.
201 Ways for Military Personnel To Save Money
Restaurants
If you’re dining out and the place is part of a chain, it likely participates in military savings programs — but confirm at that location first. Independently owned restaurants sometimes offer steeper discounts. Always ask if you don’t spot any signage about military pricing.
1 . A&W
The company notes that A&W has honored service members since 1919. With military ID, active or inactive personnel get a year-round discount (amount varies by restaurant) at A&W restaurants.
2. Applebee’s
Applebee’s typically provides a family-friendly setting and 10% off meals for military personnel, and a free meal on Veterans Day.
3. Arby’s
Depending on the franchise, active and retired service members get a 10% savings with military ID at Arby’s locations.
4. Ben & Jerry’s
Ben & Jerry’s offers a military discount that varies by shop, typically between 10% and 15%.
5. Bennigan’s
Active-duty military and veterans usually receive 10% off the total bill at Bennigan’s, though this can differ by location.
6. Bob Evans
Bob Evans gives veterans and active-duty members a 10% discount with ID and offers free meals on Veterans Day.
7. Bonefish Grill
Seafood fans who serve in the armed forces get 10% off their check every day at Bonefish Grill.
8. Boston Market
At all Boston Market restaurants, anyone with military ID can receive a discount ranging from 10% to 25%, depending on location.
9. Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. provides a 10% discount to military personnel and often promotes freebies on national observances such as Veterans Day and Memorial Day.
10. Buffalo Wild Wings
At participating BWW locations, military members with ID can get a 10% discount and receive a complimentary basket of 10 wings and fries on Veterans Day.
11. Burger King
Certain Burger King outlets provide 10% off food and beverages for military personnel with valid ID.
12. Carl’s Jr. (Hardee’s)
Carl’s Jr. and Hardee’s offer a 10% military discount at participating sites, and run the Stars for Heroes program for Veterans.
13. Carrabas
Carrabas provides a 10% discount to both active-duty and non-active-duty military with ID.
14. Chevys Fresh Mex
Some Chevys Fresh Mex locations offer 20% off meals for military personnel and complimentary two-piece meals on Veterans Day.
15. Chick-fil-A
Via Veterans Advantage, participating Chick-fil-A restaurants extend a 10% discount to active and retired military members.
16. Chili’s
Chili’s offers a free meal to military personnel on Veterans Day. Some franchises may also provide a year-round 10% discount with valid military ID.
17. Chuck E. Cheese
Chuck E. Cheese features military pricing on its Alpha and Bravo party packages. A military ID is required and customers should request the discount from location management.
18. Cici’s Pizza
Cici’s Pizza offers military discounts at certain locations, and all outlets give free food on Veterans Day. Verify details with the specific restaurant.
19. Cinnabon
Cinnabon provides a 15% discount on bakery items.
20. Dairy Queen
Depending on location, Dairy Queen offers 10% off orders and a free Blizzard on Veterans Day.
21. Dave & Buster’s
Dave & Buster’s provides a 15% discount on food and nonalcoholic beverages to military members with a valid ID.
22. Denny’s
Denny’s offers a 10% military discount and a complimentary meal on Veterans Day.
23. Dunkin’
A military ID is required to receive a 10% discount on food and beverages at some individual Dunkin’ outlets. There isn’t a universal nationwide discount, but all locations give service members a free donut on Veterans Day.
24. El Pollo Loco
El Pollo Loco provides a 15% discount to service and first-responder personnel, limited to $1.50 off.
25. Famous Dave’s BBQ
Famous Dave’s offers a 15% discount on meals year-round and a complimentary menu item on Veterans Day (for example, a two-meat lunch combo in 2024).
26. Fuddruckers
Active-duty and retired military are eligible for a location-dependent discount with valid ID at Fuddruckers.
27. Golden Corral
At Golden Corral, discounts typically range from 10% to 15% depending on location, and many restaurants host military appreciation nights.
28. Hard Rock Cafe
Hard Rock Cafe offers 15% off food and nonalcoholic beverages.
29. Hooters
Hooters extends a daily 10% discount to military personnel and raises that to 20% on Tuesdays; it also provides a free entrée to service members on Veterans Day.
30. IHOP
IHOP gives free pancakes to military personnel on Veterans Day. Some IHOPs may offer a 20% discount throughout the year at the owner’s discretion.
31. Longhorn Steakhouse
Longhorn provides a 10% discount on the entire meal year-round and a complimentary appetizer or dessert on Veterans Day.
32. Noodles & Company
Noodles & Company offers a 15% discount to service members who present valid military ID.
33. O’Charley’s
O’Charley’s has a 10% military discount year-round and gives current and former military a free meal on Veterans Day.
34. Omaha Steaks
Omaha Steaks offers $10 off purchases of $100 or more to active-duty members, veterans, and their spouses and dependents.
35. Outback Steakhouse
Outback Steakhouse provides a 10% discount on entire orders every day to armed forces personnel who show proof of service.
36. Panda Express
All Panda Express locations offer a 15% discount to military personnel.
37. Pizza Hut
Certain Pizza Hut restaurants have military discounts, but amounts vary by location.
38. Popeye’s
Popeye’s offers military discounts at the discretion of each location.
39. Red Lobster
Participating Red Lobster restaurants give veterans and active-duty military 10% off individual orders (excluding alcohol) with proof of service and offer a free shrimp meal on Veterans Day.
40. Red Robin
Through its loyalty program, Red Robin gives military members special bundle deals when they sign up, and a free Big Tavern Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Veterans Day.
41. Schlotzsky’s
Eligible service members typically receive a 10% discount at participating Schlotzsky’s locations; some stores provide discounts up to 30%.
42. Skyline Chili
Skyline offers a 10% discount at select locations; call ahead or ask in-store. Specials are common on Veterans Day as well.
43. Texas de Brazil
Texas de Brazil runs military promotions, including 50% off on Memorial Day and a 10% discount for armed forces, EMS and teachers.
44. Texas Roadhouse
Texas Roadhouse extends a 10% discount to military personnel.
45. Wendy’s
Wendy’s offers savings to Veterans Advantage members through its WendyMail WeSalute+ program.
46. Zaxby’s
Zaxby’s provides a 10% discount with valid ID and offers a free menu item on Veterans Day.
Movie Theaters
Active-duty, retired and veteran service members and their families can benefit from reduced prices at major theater chains.
47. AMC Theaters
Participating AMC Theatres offer discounted tickets to military personnel with ID; some deals require Veterans Advantage membership.
48. Cinemark
Cinemark provides varying discounts by location for active and retired military on tickets and concessions.
49. Marcus Theatres
Marcus Theatres offers $8.50 movie tickets at any time for armed forces members.
50. Regal Entertainment Group
Regal Cinemas gives discounts to active-duty and veteran military; amounts vary by theater.
51. Showcase Cinemas
Active-duty members and dependents can purchase reduced-price tickets at Showcase Cinemas with an active service ID. Discounts are also available on Veterans Day. See pricing here.
Theme/Amusement Parks
Discounts at theme and amusement parks can lower the cost of admission for military families.
52. Busch Gardens
Busch Gardens offers military pricing to service members and families via the ID.me portal.
53. Disney Theme Parks
Disney provides special package rates for military personnel, with larger discounts often available to those living in the same state as the park.
54. LEGOLAND
LEGOLAND has distinct discounts for active-duty members and for veterans, non-active personnel and military families. Active-duty personnel get reduced admission to LEGOLAND Florida Resort and Water Park, and families can also get discounted hotel rates.
55. Six Flags
Six Flags offers reduced general-admission tickets to active and retired service members with valid ID.
56. Universal Studios
Universal Studios offers discounted tickets to active-duty and retired military, disabled vets and military spouses.
Miscellaneous Entertainment
Various entertainment venues offer savings to active-duty and veteran service members.
57. Ford’s Theatre
Ford’s Theatre, the historic site of President Lincoln’s assassination, extends up to 50% off select tour tickets to active-duty and veteran personnel who show valid military ID.
58. Major League Baseball
Every Major League Baseball club provides offers to service members, though the specifics differ by team. Teams also run military appreciation events.
59. San Diego Zoo
San Diego Zoo provides free admission for active-duty military, while family members and eligible companions may receive a 10% discount with proper identification, even if the service member is not present.
60. SiriusXM Radio
SiriusXM offers a 25% discount on subscription pricing for armed forces members.
61. U.S. National Parks
Gold Star Families and U.S. military veterans qualify for free access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites, including national parks, wildlife refuges and forests. The Interagency Annual Military Pass waives entry fees but doesn’t cover extra amenity charges like campsite fees. Learn more about the Interagency Annual Military Pass here.
62. The Wilds
The Wilds Animal Park in Cumberland, near Columbus, Ohio, offers active-duty members a free one-day safari by appointment.
Air Travel
Several airlines provide special offers for military travelers.
63. Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines provides special military fares for active-duty members and their dependents in select markets, including fares for service members traveling on official leave or those recently discharged. Veterans Advantage members can also receive benefits such as 15% off in-flight food purchases.
64. Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air extends travel discounts to U.S. active and reserve personnel and veterans, often including up to two checked bags for free and complimentary in-cabin service for one pet.
65. American Airlines
American Airlines provides discounts on domestic and international travel to military members and families who book through WeSalute+ — the specific savings vary by route. Free baggage service may apply for active-duty personnel depending on destination.
66. JetBlue
JetBlue offers a 5% discount to Veterans Advantage members.
67. Lufthansa
U.S. armed forces members with a Veterans Advantage membership can receive 5% off Lufthansa flights.
68. Southwest Airlines
Southwest has military discounts available; travelers should call 1-800-I-FLY-SWA to learn about applicable offers.
69. United Airlines
United provides a 5% discount through WeSalute+ subscriptions and free checked bags for service members.
Hotels
Major hotel chains with properties worldwide often offer special rates for military guests.
70. Best Western
Best Western lists numerous military discounts on room rates for veterans, active-duty and civilian service members.
71. Choice
Choice Hotels provides special rates for military leisure and government travel.
72. Hampton Inn
Visit Hampton Inn to learn about its military pricing options.
73. Hilton
Hilton offers multiple accommodation packages and group rates for service members and government employees.
74. Hyatt
Hyatt provides 10–15% off standard room rates at participating properties for U.S. veterans, active-duty members and immediate family.
75. Intercontinental Hotel Groups
A valid military ID is required to apply a military rate at IHG, which includes brands such as Holiday Inn and Candlewood Suites. Individual hotels set the discount, with a minimum of 5% typically offered.
76. LaQuinta Inns & Suites
Show your military ID to save 12% at LaQuinta. Discounts apply to active-duty members, veterans and family members.
77. Red Roof Inn
Red Roof Inn offers a 10% reduction in room rates for service members moving on a permanent change of station and a 10% discount for leisure stays.
78. Marriott
Marriott provides discounted rates for military personnel, subject to availability.
79. Sandals Resorts
Sandals Resorts extends a 10% discount to active-duty and retired service members on resort bookings.
80. Wyndham
Wyndham offers reduced room rates and bonus rewards points to active duty, National Guard, Reservists, veterans and family members, with additional benefits for Veterans Advantage members.
Car Rental
Car rental companies frequently offer reduced rates for military travelers, useful for both work and leisure.
81. Avis
Through WeSalute+, Avis provides up to 35% off base rates for U.S. veterans, active-duty members, National Guard, Reservists and military spouses.
82. Budget
With a WeSalute+ membership, active-duty and retired service members and military spouses can save up to 35% on Budget rentals.
83. Enterprise
Enterprise Rent-A-Car provides discounted rates to active-duty, veterans, National Guard and Reservists, with extra perks for USAA members.
84. Hertz
Hertz offers a 10% government and military discount; applicants must complete a form to qualify.
Miscellaneous Travel
Various travel services offer exclusive savings for service members.
85. Cheap Caribbean
Join Waves4Warriors to get $150 off your next vacation booked through Cheap Caribbean.
86. Ikon Pass
Ikon Pass offers discounted passes for active-duty and retired military and their adult dependents.
87. Vail Resorts
The Epic Military Pass from Vail Resorts provides unlimited access to 40 resorts for $185 for active and retired military and their dependents. Veterans and dependents can purchase an Epic Military Pass for $601; prices may increase later in the year.
88. Amtrak
Amtrak provides a 10% military discount to service members and their families and often grants priority service in ticket lines. Some restrictions apply.
89. Delta Vacations
Delta Vacations advertises significant package discounts for service members; booking may require a military email address.
90. Greyhound
Service members and their families can get 10% off tickets purchased at Greyhound stations or through WeSalute+.
Cruise Lines
Several cruise lines extend special offers to military travelers.
91. Carnival
Carnival provides discounts for U.S. military members on select sailings.
92. Norwegian Cruise Line
Norwegian often offers a 10% discount to military members and families on certain cruises.
93. Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises may provide up to $250 in onboard credit for active-duty members and veterans.
94. Royal Caribbean
Royal Caribbean offers discounted staterooms for active U.S. service members.
Banking
Financial institutions often provide favorable rates and waived fees for military customers under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) and Military Lending Act (MLA).
95. America First Credit Union
America First Credit Union gives $100 to U.S. service members who open a credit card and spend at least $500 within 60 days.
96. American Express
American Expressprovides SCRA and MLA resources and assistance for military members, and caps certain interest rates at 6%.
97. Capital One
Capital One offers an SCRA resource page and caps applicable card rates for military members at 4%.
98. Chase Bank
Chase removes the $25 monthly service fee and minimum balance requirement for its Chase Premier Plus Checking Account for military personnel; many other fees are waived as well.
99. Citi
Citi provides a range of services for military members, including SCRA-related financial relief.
100. Navy Federal Credit Union
Navy Federal Credit Union members pay no account fees, receive free military checks and can get early access to military pay with qualifying direct deposit.
101. U.S. Bank
All consumer checking accounts from U.S. Bank are available to military personnel without monthly maintenance fees or minimum balance requirements.
Insurance
Companies like USAA focus on insurance solutions for military families and veterans.
102. GEICO
GEICO reduces insurance premiums for active and retired military and National Guard members, and provides an Emergency Deployment Discount for deployments to danger pay areas designated by the Department of Defense.
103. Liberty Mutual
Liberty Mutual offers premium reductions to active service members, veterans and reservists, with amounts depending on individual circumstances.
Hardware Stores
Hardware retailers often provide military discounts on purchases and services.
104. Home Depot
The Home Depot offers a 10% military discount on qualifying purchases.
105. Lowe’s
Lowe’s runs a Military Discount Program that typically provides 10% off purchases.
Apparel, Shoes and Accessories
Many apparel and footwear retailers extend savings to service members and their families.
106. Adidas
Adidas offers 30% off online and in-store, and 15% off at factory outlet stores for military personnel, first responders, medical workers and teachers.
107. Aeropostale
Aeropostale gives service members 15% off total purchases.
108. American Eagle Outfitters
American Eagle typically provides a 10% in-store discount to military personnel.
109. ASICS
110. Banana Republic
Banana Republic grants a 15% in-store discount to service members.
111. Bass Pro Shops-Cabela’s
Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s run a Legendary Salute program with 10% off in-store and online and 5% off firearms and ammunition.
112. Carhartt
Carhartt offers a 15% discount on clothing and accessories to service members, first responders and nurses, with ID.me verification required.
