Here is a rule of thumb if you are in the military, a veteran, or a military spouse: Always, always ask if there is a military discount available – no matter what store you’re in or what service you’re purchasing. Many discounts aren’t public knowledge, and so many major brands offer them that you’re bound to save money on many of your purchases. And always carry your ID with you whenever you shop – you’ll probably have to show it for the discount. If you’re shopping online, check if the store has an in-store discount if there isn’t one online, because you may want to buy the product in person.
Here are some of the best discounts we’ve found:
Disney World
This is one of the best discounts out there. Disney World offers a 4-day, 5-day or 6-day discounted park pass starting at $265+tax, and you can buy them for everyone in your party. This adds up to HUGE savings if you’re traveling with the whole family. Important: Get them at your base ticket office before you leave! You can also get park hotels at a 30-40% discount, so call Disney to book these special rates.
Great Wolf Lodge
If you’re looking for a shorter or closer vacation, Great Wolf Lodge offers a straightforward 30% military discount at all locations.
Yeti
Yeti offers a 30% military discount with verification on ID.me. So you can splurge on coolers, gear and gifts without guilt.
Apple
10% off doesn’t sound like a lot – unless you’re buying that $1000 laptop. Apple offers 10% off select products through their Veteran and Military Purchase Program.
Cars
Most car companies offer military discounts on purchases and leases, so check before you buy. General Motors offers discounts when you go online to get an authorization number and show it to the dealer where you want to buy the car. Other military discounts include Ford, Audi, Hyundai, Infiniti, BMW, and Toyota. Most discounts vary by car, so you’ll have to check the websites or ask your dealer. You could save thousands, so always check.
Sneakers
Reebok offers 30% on all products through ID.me to active duty and veterans.
Clothes
New York & Company has one of the best military discounts of most stores you’ll find in the mall, with 30% off all purchases in-store.
Cruises
Most cruise lines offers discounts, so never pay full price. Celebrity’s military rates are about $100 less than civilian rates. Princess and Cunard offer onboard credit from $50 to $250. Carnival and Royal Caribbean almost always have special rates. Military Cruise Deals offers a discount off the cruise’s lowest rate, usually about 5%. So you could save several hundred dollars.
YMCA
Military and their families are eligible for a FREE (yes, free) Y membership.
National Park Service
The National Park Service offers a free annual pass to military and their families, so you might want to plan your next U.S. vacation.
Phone Service
Sprint offer 50% off family lines with their Unlimited Military Plan. You’ll also get an Amazon Prime and Hulu membership. T-Mobile’s Military Plan is $25/line per month for four lines with unlimited talk, text and data. Verizon’s Unlimited Military Plan is $30/line per month for four lines. They also offer discounts on Fios.
Manscaped
Grooming is nearly essential in the military. Manscaped provides tools and products to help service members maintain their grooming standards. As a special thank you for your service, Manscapped offers an instant 20% discount and free shipping to Active Duty Service Members and Veterans.
To sum it up: If you’re in the military or married to someone in the military, you should rarely pay full price!
Feature photo courtesy of Bryan Magaña, U.S. Air Force
