Military discounts: How to save big

Honoring military service members doesn't just happen on holidays.

Hundreds of businesses offer special deals and discounts for you and your loved ones if you're affiliated with the military. Read on to learn how you can get them, what types of discounts are available, and where you can access them.

How do I qualify for a military discount?

Typically, you'll need to show a valid military ID or other proof of service to get a discount. This is easy to do when you're shopping in person, especially if you're in uniform.

For online deals, you may have to verify your eligibility by phone or email, or through a verification service like ID.me Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Other military offers are available through these deal providers that verify your status when you create an account.

• SheerID Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• GovX Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Veterans Advantage Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

Although many military discounts are offered year-round, some are only available on certain days like Veterans Day or Military Mondays. They can also have other restrictions, such as location.

Where can I find military discounts?

A complete list of savings would be too long. For example, USAA members can take advantage of cashback discounts at more than 900 shops alone by visiting MemberShop® Opens in a new window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 2}

We've rounded up some of the best military deals in top categories to give you an idea of what's available and help you claim your well-deserved savings.

Keep in mind that not all businesses advertise their military discounts. If you're not sure whether a store or service provider offers a military discount, just ask. It can't hurt — and you might get lucky and score a great deal.

Military discounts for flights and travel

Got a getaway in mind? You can save on car rentals, flights, hotels and vacation packages with our travel discounts. Save money on car rentals, flights, hotels and vacation packages. You can also plan for the unexpected by purchasing travel insurance.

Airlines

• Alaska Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted fares and in-flight meals, reduced checked bag costs and complimentary Alaska Lounge day passes
• Allegiant Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to two free checked bags, free carry-on bag and personal item, no charge for oversized checked baggage and more
• American Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted fares, up to three free checked bags or five if traveling on orders
• Delta Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Offers a free checked military bag allowance, plus discounts when booking a vacation through Delta Vacations Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Frontier Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to two free checked bags, free carry-on bag and personal item, no oversize or overweight baggage fees on the first two free checked bags
• Hawaiian Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to two free checked bags, or five if traveling on orders
• JetBlue Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts off base fare for active duty, up to two free checked bags or five if traveling on orders. Be sure to check out the stocked USO Office when traveling through JFK.
• Southwest Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Military fares are available, but you must call Southwest at 800-I-FLY-SWA or 800-435-9792.
• United Airlines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to two free checked bags or five if traveling on orders

Car and truck rentals

Many car rental agencies offer discounts or special rates for military members and veterans. Check out some of the offers available:

• Avis Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Budget Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Dollar Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Enterprise Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} also offers a special program for USAA members Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Hertz Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• National Car Rental Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 
• Penske Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} offers discounts on truck rentals for your DITY move, plus a call center for military moves.

Ground transportation

• Amtrak Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts on train fare.
• Greyhound Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 10% off full-price tickets

Cruises

• Military cruise deals Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Check for special military deals on a variety of cruise lines, including those that don't offer an official military rate.
• Carnival Cruise Lines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Reduced rates for active duty and retired military personnel
• Disney Cruise Line Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Disney sometimes offers a special military rate for last-minute sailings. Check the website for information.
• Norwegian Cruise Lines Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts on select cruises
• Princess Cruises Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to $250 free onboard spending money
• Royal Caribbean Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Special military rates are available.
• MSC Cruises Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to 10% off staterooms along with other perks

Hotels and resorts

• Best Western Hotels & Resorts Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates
• Choice Hotels Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates at Choice Hotels Brands, including Comfort Inn, Sleep Inn, Quality Inn, MainStay Suites, EconoLodge and more
• Expedia Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Frequently offers limited time military travel deals
• CheapTickets Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted hotel and travel packages
• Extended Stay America Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates
• Great Wolf Lodge Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to 40% off for military members and other "Howlin' Heroes"
• Hilton Hotels & Resorts Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates at Hilton Hotels, including Waldorf Astoria, DoubleTree, Embassy Suites, Hampton Inn & Suites, Homewood Suites and more
• Hyatt Hotels and Resorts Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 10% to 15% discount at participating Hyatt hotels and resorts in the U.S.
• Red Roof Inn Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Exclusive rates for military members and discounts for veterans with Veterans Advantage
• Sandals Resort Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 10% discount on top of other special promotions
• Wyndham Hotels & Resorts Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Special government rates or discounts through Veterans Advantage at Wyndham Hotels, including La Quinta, Wingate, Ramada, AmericInn, Baymont, Days Inn, Super 8, Travelodge and more

Food and dining

There are dozens, if not hundreds, of restaurants that offer military discounts, usually from 10% to 20% off. This includes major national chains like Popeyes, Chili's, Outback Steakhouse, Whataburger, The Melting Pot, Pizza Hut and Zaxby's. Make sure you ask for a discount at your favorite local spots the next time you dine out.

Did you know you can even save big when you eat at home? Get a discount on a Costco membership Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} You can also enjoy deals from meal delivery companies like HelloFresh and BlueApron.

Learn more about meal kits Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

Entertainment

There are lots of great deals to keep military service members and their families entertained.

Don't forget to check with your local Moral, Welfare and Recreation or Information, Tickets and Travel (ITT) office Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Here, you can find special deals on sporting events, zoos, national parks, museums, theme parks, recreation equipment, vacation packages, leisure travel services and more.

Amusement parks and waterparks

• Busch Gardens, SeaWorld and Sesame Place Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Military personnel and up to three direct dependents can get one complimentary admission per year to SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, Adventure Island, Water Country USA, Sesame Place or Aquatica.
• Cedar Point Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts on single-day admission.
• Disney World Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Special pricing on park tickets and discounted rates at Disney Resort Hotels.
• Disneyland Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Disneyland will sometimes offer discounted park tickets for military service members, as well as special rates at Disneyland Resort hotels.
• Dollywood Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted admission.
• Great Wolf Lodge Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Up to 40% off for military members and other "Howlin' Heroes."
• Knott's Berry Farm Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted admission tickets and free admission on select days.
• Legoland Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Free admission for active-duty military, plus deeply discounted tickets for veterans, nonactive military and their families. Discounts will be location specific, choose where you plan to visit form the Legoland main site.
• Six Flags Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts available for military, veterans and first responders.
• Universal Studios Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Big discounts on park tickets, vacation packages and hotels. Discounts will be location specific, choose where you plan to visit form the Universal Studios main site.

Movie theaters

• AMC Theatres Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Special military pricing when you show your military ID at the box office.
• Cinemark Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates on movie tickets.
• Regal Cinemas Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted rates on movie tickets.
• Showcase Cinemas Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Special military pricing.

Sporting events

Service members can score big with professional sporting events Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Most discounts are available on a team-by-team basis, but there are teams in the NBA Opens in a New Window,‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} NFL Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}and MLB Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} that offer military discounts.

Ski resorts

Service members can benefit from seasonal or one-day pass discounts at many ski resorts. These discounts are typically subject to availability and can change. Check out some of the discounts below:

• Military Epic Pass Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted ticket packs to more than 35 ski resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including Vail, Park City, Breckenridge, Beaver Creek and Whistler
• Ikon Pass Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} The Ikon Pass offers skiers and boarders a variety of ticket packages to choose from, including up to 45 ski destinations around the world. Verified through SheerID Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Big Bear Mountain Resort (California) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Camelback Mountain Resort (Pennsylvania) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Crotched Mountain (New Hampshire) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Grand Targhee Resort (Wyoming) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Homewood Mountain Resort (Lake Tahoe, California) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Hunter Mountain (New York) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Jack Frost and Big Boulder (Pennsylvania) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Killington Resort (Vermont) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Mammoth Mountain (California) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Monarch Mountain (Colorado) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Mount Snow (Vermont) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Palisades Tahoe Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
  
• Sierra at Tahoe Resort (California) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Sugarloaf Mountain Resort (Maine) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Wildcat Mountain (New Hampshire) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}
• Winterplace Ski Resort (West Virginia) Opens in a New Window‍ ‍ ^{See note 1}

Save more on your home and car

As a member of the military, you can get great savings on major expenses for your home and vehicle — from insurance to your next DIY project.

Home and auto insurance

• USAA Auto Insurance: USAA caters to military members with special discounts for vehicle storage,‍ ‍ ^{See note 3} convenient payment plans‍ ‍ ^{See note 4} and living on a military installation Opens in a New Window.‍ ‍ ^{See note 1,}‍ ‍ ^{See note 5}
• USAA Homeowners Insurance: With our military roots, USAA offers superior savings and service on homeowners insurance.
• USAA Renters Insurance: Military renters get great deals on renters insurance through USAA, with coverage that includes your military uniforms and gear.‍ ‍ ^{See note 6} You'll get coverage whether you're at home or deployed.

Car sales and care

• BMW Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} If you're a member of USAA, you can get discounts from BMW.
• Ford and Lincoln Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Take advantage of military appreciation cash toward your purchase.
• General Motors Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Military discounts and bonus cash
• Harley-Davidson Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted purchases, motorcycle storage and free shipping to FPO, APO and DPO addresses for active-duty military
• Honda Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Military discounts and cash-back offers
• Hyundai Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Cash-back offers and discounts
• Infiniti Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounted leases and purchases for military personnel. Check your local dealership.
• Jeep Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Bonus cash toward leases or purchases
• Mazda Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Military appreciation bonus cash
• Nissan Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts on your purchase or lease
• Toyota Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Rebates on select new models when using Toyota financing
• Volkswagen Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Money off select new models
• O'Reilly Auto Parts Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts on most items
• Pep Boys Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} Discounts for in-store purchases

Home improvement

• Home Depot Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 10% off in-store purchases year-round through Veterans Advantage
• Lowe's Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 10% off eligible purchases in-store or online
• Sherwin-Williams Opens in a New Window:‍ ‍ ^{See note 1} 15% discount on paints, stains and painting supplies

Helping you save more

Military personnel can also get big savings on clothing and footwear, electronics, jewelry and more. When you get to the register, check with your retailer to see if they offer a military discount.