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Bottom Line Up Front

  • Servicemembers have access to a range of benefits and discounts they can use on holiday gifts and travel. 
  • Save on items from popular brands by using the appropriate military ID or purchasing through the military exchange.
  • Financial institutions like Navy Federal may also offer member rewards and discounts that make holiday shopping easier and cheaper.

Time to Read

3 minutes

August 10, 2022

Every moment counts when you’re with your family and friends—and so does every penny. So when it comes to the holidays, it’s important to spend smart and make sure you’re getting the most bang for your buck. As a military servicemember, you have access to some unique financial perks that the general population doesn’t. There are special discounts and programs that cater specifically to military members, dependents and veterans. All you have to do is find them.

To get you started, we’ve compiled a few here. From servicemember discounts and the military exchange to Navy Federal Credit Union’s Member Deals, you have an array of resources to help you shop wisely this holiday season and all year long. Learn more about your different savings options now.

Servicemember Discounts

Many retailers offer military and veteran discounts, such as popular gift brands like Apple®1, Microsoft® and Nike®. While out shopping, don’t forget the necessary ID—acceptable IDs include your Common Access Card (CAC), Dependent Card (DD Form 1173) or Veterans ID Card (VIC).

If you plan on traveling for the holidays, companies like Southwest Airlines, United Airlines and American Airlines offer discounts on flights (but you may have to call to book). Looking to give your loved ones an experience instead of an item? Both Disney Resorts® and Carnival Cruises Lines® have deals for servicemembers. Armed Forces Vacation Club also offers discounted resort stays for solo or family trips. 

If you’re unsure if a store offers a military discount, don’t be afraid to ask. Often, retailers won’t advertise their discount programs, but they’re available upon request.

Military Exchange

As a military servicemember, you have access to your local military exchange. You can find name-brand items that are sold tax-free at an exchange, making it an easy way to shop smarter during the holidays. Don’t have a lot of time? You can shop the exchange online. All you’ll need to do is register on your military branch’s exchange website with your Social Security Number and date of birth to prove you’re enlisted. 

Navy Federal’s Member Deals

As always, Navy Federal members can shop with their Navy Federal Credit Card through Member Deals, our online shopping portal. You’ll earn up to 15 points or 15% cash back per dollar spent on your purchases.* 

Featured retailers include Apple, Best Buy®, The Home Depot®, Sephora® and Wal-Mart®. To shop Member Deals, sign into your Navy Federal account and select the credit card you want to use. Don’t have a credit card with us and want to shop Member Deals? Sign up for a Navy Federal Credit Card. 

Shopping Smart During the Holidays

By taking advantage of financial perks for servicemembers, hopefully you can make the season merrier and stress less about money. In addition to holiday savings, enjoy Navy Federal’s special offers, designed to help you meet and exceed your goals all year long.   

Next Steps Next Steps

  1. Make a list of the holiday items or experiences you’d like to buy and research whether you can access discounts on those brands as a servicemember or veteran. If you don’t see a discount, try calling. Some stores may not advertise military discounts on their sites. 
  2. Browse the military exchange locally or online to discover even more ways to save without paying tax on items.
  3. Sign up for a Navy Federal Credit Card to get access to our Member Deals shopping portal.

Military Families Resources

View More Military Families Resources

Disclosures

1

App Store®, Apple®, Apple Pay®, iPhone®, iSight®, Wallet®, Touch ID® and iTunes® are trademarks of Apple, Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

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Microsoft® is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Nike® is a registered trademark of Nike, Inc.

Disney Resorts® is a registered trademark of Disney Enterprises, Inc.

Carnival Cruise Lines® is a registered trademark of Carnival Cruise Lines, Inc.

Best Buy® is a registered trademark of BBY Solutions, Inc.

The Home Depot® is a registered trademark of The Home Depot Product Authority, LLC.

Sephora® is a registered trademark of Sephora Corp.

Wal-Mart® is a registered trademark of Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

This content is intended to provide general information and shouldn't be considered legal, tax or financial advice. It's always a good idea to consult a tax or financial advisor for specific information on how certain laws apply to your situation and about your individual financial situation.