Discounts you've earned, by category.

How to verify (so retailers honor it)

Most retailers use one of three verification systems:

• VA Health ID Card or VIC (Veteran Identification Card) — apply free at VA.gov
• ID.me — used by Home Depot, Lowe's, Under Armour, etc. Free verification one-time
• SheerID — used by Adobe, Apple Music, etc.
• State driver's license with veteran designation — many states put a "VETERAN" mark on licenses
• DD-214 — old school but works at independent retailers
• VetRewards card — by Vets Advantage

Travel

• Hotels: Hilton, Marriott, IHG, Hyatt, Wyndham, Choice — most offer 10–25% off via military rate. Always ask.
• Car rentals: Hertz, Avis, Budget, Enterprise — military codes; up to 30% off plus age waiver for under-25 active duty
• Airlines: No standing veteran discount, but Veterans Advantage offers United/Alaska deals; many airlines waive bag fees for active duty in uniform
• Cruises: Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Norwegian — military rates significantly below public
• National parks: Free lifetime access pass for veterans + Gold Star families (request at any NPS site)
• Disney: Salute Tickets — heavily discounted multi-day passes for active duty + 100% disabled vets

Home improvement and tools

• Home Depot: 10% off, max $500/year for veterans; year-round for active duty/retirees + their spouses (verify via ID.me)
• Lowe's: 10% off most items year-round (verify via ID.me or in-store)
• Ace Hardware: Varies by store; many offer 10%
• Tractor Supply: 10% off Memorial Day / July 4 / Veterans Day; ongoing for active duty

Auto and vehicle

• Ford / GM / Toyota / Hyundai / Subaru / Nissan / Mazda: $500–$1,000 military rebate on new vehicle purchase
• Jeep / RAM / Dodge: Military bonus cash, often stackable with other rebates
• Insurance: USAA, GEICO Military, Armed Forces Insurance — significantly below average rates
• Tires: Goodyear Service, Discount Tire — small per-tire discount + free flat repair

Phone and internet

• Verizon: $25/line discount on unlimited plans for active duty, vets, Gold Star families
• T-Mobile (Magenta Military): 50% off lines 2-6 for vets and active duty
• AT&T (Signature Program): 25% off unlimited plans
• Spectrum: Discounts on internet for active duty + vets

Apparel and gear

• Under Armour, Nike, Adidas, Reebok: 10–20% off (online via ID.me/SheerID)
• Columbia, North Face, Patagonia: 15–25% military discount
• Carhartt: 25% off via ID.me
• 5.11 Tactical, Magpul, Vortex, Eberlestock: Military programs with significant discounts

Restaurants and food

• Veterans Day freebies: Chili's, Applebee's, Outback, Red Lobster, Cracker Barrel, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, IHOP, Denny's — free meal on Nov 11 with proof of service
• Year-round: Chick-fil-A (varies), Dunkin' (most stores 10%), Buffalo Wild Wings (Tuesdays at participating)
• Costco/Sam's Club: Discounted membership for military + vets

Streaming and tech

• Apple Music: 50% off (via ID.me)
• Adobe Creative Cloud: 60% off for active duty/vets/spouses (via ID.me)
• Spotify: Discount via Veterans Advantage
• YouTube TV: Discount via SheerID military verification

Education

• LinkedIn Learning: 1 year free for veterans (via Veteran Workforce Initiative)
• Coursera, edX, Udacity: Various military discounts and scholarships
• Khan Academy: Free always
• State colleges with veteran in-state tuition (immediate residency for GI Bill users in many states — see your state)

Financial

• USAA, Navy Federal Credit Union, Pentagon Federal: Lower fees, better rates, no minimum balances on most products
• TurboTax: Free Federal + State for active duty; veterans Federal-free in many cases
• H&R Block: Discount for active duty

Be aware — discounts can be a vector for scams

"Free veteran benefit consultations," "exclusive military rates" promoted by phone, or "you've qualified for" emails are often pension poaching, identity theft, or annuity sales pitches. See scam alerts.

Resources that maintain updated lists