Holiday Military Discounts for Servicemembers (2024)

The holiday shopping season is here, and your military status opens doors to valuable savings. From retailers offering military discounts to tax-free shopping at the exchange, you have options to help your holiday budget stretch further.

Ready to start saving? We’ll walk you through all your options—from military discounts at major retailers to cash-back opportunities—and help you make the most of your military benefits this season.

How do I qualify for military discounts?

Becoming eligible for holiday military discounts is usually straightforward. Most stores simply need to see your valid military ID card at checkout. This could be your Common Access Card (CAC), military dependent ID, veteran ID card or any other proof of being a military member. Some stores may also accept a DD Form 214 or veterans’ designation on your driver’s license.

Shopping online? Many retailers now use ID.me or SheerID to verify your military status. You’ll only need to verify once, then you can access your discount whenever you shop with that retailer.

What does the military get holiday discounts on?

Active military and members of the armed forces can enjoy a variety of holiday discounts that help with nearly every part of your holiday spending. Here’s what you’re likely to find in holiday military discounts:

• Gifts and shopping. Military discounts are often available at many major retailers, from clothing stores to electronics shops.
• Travel and entertainment. Planning to visit family? Major airlines typically offer special rates for active-duty members and Veterans. Look for military savings on movie tickets, theme parks and attractions as well.
• Dining and celebrations. Taking the family out for a holiday meal? Many restaurant chains offer military discounts. Some even increase their usual military discount during the holiday season. This is may also be true for catering services if you’re planning a holiday gathering.
• Technology and electronics. With tech gifts topping many wish lists, servicemembers can take advantage of deals from major electronics retailers. Cell phone carriers often offer service plan discounts plus deals on new devices for military members as well.
• Vehicle rentals and travel. Most car rental companies offer military rates, and some waive young driver fees for servicemembers. Many hotels and resorts also provide discounted rates during the holiday travel season.

Want to make these discounts go further? Remember you can often combine them with regular holiday sales and promotions to maximize your savings. Just ask the retailer about their policy on combining discounts.

How much off is a military discount?

Military discounts can add up during the holidays, though the exact savings vary by store and service. Typically, you’ll see discounts ranging from 10% to 20% off. Some retailers go bigger during the holidays, offering servicemembers up to 30% or more off select items. Here’s what you could expect:

• Retail stores may offer 10% to 15% off.
• Restaurants typically provide 10% to 20% off your meal.
• Hotels often discount rates by 15% to 25%.
• Entertainment venues may give 20% to 40% off ticket prices.
• Cell phone carriers frequently offer 15% to 25% off monthly plans.

Keep in mind that discount amounts can change during different seasons. Many stores increase their military discount during major holidays or military appreciation events. Some retailers also offer deeper discounts on specific items or departments. 

What companies offer military discounts?

More and more companies are thanking servicemembers with special military pricing. It’s a way for them to show their support while helping military families stretch their holiday budgets. Here’s a look at where the military community can save this holiday season:

• Clothing and accessories. Major retailers like Nike®, Under Armour® and Carhartt® offer year-round military discounts on their latest styles. For fashionable holiday outfits, check out J.Crew®, Banana Republic® and other popular brands that offer military savings. Many department stores like Kohl’s® and Macy’s® also have military discount days.
• Entertainment. Planning holiday activities? AMC® and Regal Cinemas® offer military pricing on movie tickets and concessions. Theme parks like Disney World® have special military ticket rates that can make holiday memories more affordable. And if you’re looking for indoor fun, Dave & Buster’s® and other entertainment venues typically offer military deals.
• Restaurants. Whether it’s a holiday dinner out or grabbing a bite while shopping, many restaurants honor military service with discounts. Popular chains like Texas Roadhouse®, Outback Steakhouse® and Buffalo Wild Wings® offer savings when you show your military ID.
• Travel. Major airlines including Southwest®, United® and American Airlines® provide military discounts on flights. Car rental companies like Enterprise® and Hertz® offer special rates as well, and hotels such as Marriott® and IHG® have military-friendly pricing that can help with holiday travel costs.
• Big box retailers. Looking for one-stop holiday shopping? Target®, Walmart® and Best Buy® frequently run military appreciation events with special savings. Home improvement stores like Lowe’s® and Home Depot® offer year-round military discounts perfect for holiday decorating.

Many of these discounts also extend to family members of military personnel. Always check with the store about their current military discount policy. Some retailers may have special requirements or blackout dates during peak holiday shopping times.

Military exchange: Your holiday shopping home base

The military exchange has been serving America's servicemembers for over 100 years, offering tax-free shopping on major brands. It's a benefit designed specifically for military members and their families.

Whether you prefer shopping in person or online, the exchange makes it simple. Just show your military ID at your local exchange or register online with your Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth. The exchange website gives you 24/7 access to tax-free shopping from anywhere in the world and the following benefits:

• special holiday deals and seasonal sales
• price matching with major retailers
• exclusive military-only pricing
• extended warranties on electronics
• free shipping on many online orders

Shopping online at the exchange is especially convenient during the busy holiday season. You'll find everything from popular electronics and toys to clothing and home goods, all with the same tax-free benefit you get in-store.

Tips for shopping smarter during the holidays

Shopping smart goes beyond applying discounts. You can work to take advantage of your military discounts and benefits with these money-saving strategies:

• Don't settle for one type of discount. Many retailers let you combine military discounts with holiday sales, store coupons and rewards programs. The savings can add up when you use multiple discounts on your purchases.
• Use gift card strategies to stretch your holiday budget further. Buy discounted gift cards through the exchange, use prepaid cards for better spending control and look for promotions that offer bonus rewards on gift card purchases.
• Shop at specific times. Watch for military appreciation days that offer extra discounts, shop early holiday sales rather than waiting until the last minute and price match during competitor sales.
• Create a spending plan. Use apps like our MyMakingCents app to budget, track your purchases, set alerts for your credit card spending and keep an eye on your rewards as they add up.
• Always keep your military ID handy while shopping to access your discounts. Save photos of your relevant documents, register for online military discount programs ahead of time and update any expired IDs.

Don’t forget to shop around for deals. Before making a big holiday purchase, compare prices across the exchange and military discount offers to find your best savings options.

Take advantage of Navy Federal Credit Union's Member Deals

Navy Federal offers its members a variety of military discounts. Shopping with our Member Deals means earning more rewards on your holiday purchases. Navy Federal members have access to exclusive offers from many popular retailers, earning up to 15 points (15% cash back) per dollar spent.^{Footnote 1}

If you’re considering becoming a Navy Federal member, here’s how you can start saving after joining:

1. Sign in to your Navy Federal account online.
2. Browse deals from hundreds of popular retailers.
3. Click through to shop at your favorite stores.
4. Earn rewards automatically on your purchases.
5. Track your rewards in your account.

Ready to shop? Visit our Member Deals page to learn how you can start earning rewards on your holiday purchases. The more you shop through Member Deals, the more rewards you'll earn to help with future purchases.

Did you know that you can make your holiday shopping work go further with a Navy Federal cashRewards Plus card? You'll earn 2% cash back on every purchase with no annual fee and no cap on rewards. Plus, you can redeem your rewards as soon as they post to your savings account. Apply for a cashRewards card today!

Holiday discounts for retired military and active servicemembers

By taking advantage of financial perks for servicemembers, you can make the season merrier and (hopefully) less stressful. In addition to holiday savings, remember to take advantage of Navy Federal’s special offers, designed to help you meet and exceed your goals all year long. Happy holidays!