Outside of their regularly scheduled sales for the general public, major retailers also offer special discounts to those in certain professions and/or age demographics. This can include everything from first responders and teachers to senior citizens and healthcare workers. But one of the most commonly available discounts is for those who serve in the armed forces or are veterans. And if this applies to you, knowing how to access those discounts just might help you save some serious money on your next big purchase. Read on for the big-name stores that offer a military discount.
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10 Best Military Discounts
1. Apple
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When you need a new laptop, charging cable, or phone case, Apple has you covered. The company also provides military members a 10 percent discount on their products and accessories.
Joseph Morgan, a money-saving expert at Coupon Birds, says this includes current and veteran U.S. Military members, the National Guard, the Reserve, and their families all living together.
The discount is available to both in-person and online shoppers upon certifying one's military status through ID.me, a digital verification service that allows users to confirm their identities.
Once that's complete, Morgan says you can access the special online shop on Apple's website: "The discount will be applied automatically when you're checking out."
However, as Samantha Landau, consumer expert at TopCashback, advises, be sure to review the full military discount policy before making any purchases. "You cannot do a monthly installment payment plan when using a military discount," she says.
2. Samsung
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Samsung also offers savings for military folks.
"Samsung provides a bigger 30 percent military discount covering phones, laptops, tablets speakers, and appliances," says Morgan. He adds that you can combine this with other Samsung offers. "However, you can only buy two items per category each year," he notes.
To get the discount online, you can either sign up with your military email address (.mil) or confirm your status through ID.me.
3. Home Depot
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Not only is Home Depot a veteran-friendly company (more than 35,000 of their employees are active or retired service members and their spouses), but they've been offering a military discount since 1979.
"This offer is available to active duty and veterans and is available in-store and online," says Landau. She explains that the military discount provides 10 percent off the price of select in-stock purchases and that it can be used for up to $400 in discounts annually.
Home Depot partners with SheerID to verify shoppers. Once you've confirmed your military status for the first time, the discount will automatically be applied to your purchase. If you're in a store, you'll need to scan your virtual ID at checkout.
4. Lowe's
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If you prefer Lowe's over Home Depot, fear not: They also have a military discount.
"It's our way of saying thank you to our active duty, retired and military veterans and their spouses with a 10% discount on eligible items," Lowe's explains on its website.
Once again, you'll verify your status through ID.me, create a Lowe's account, and then shop in-store or online.
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5. Kohl's
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Kohl's is a bit different than other stores on this list. Their discount only applies on "Military Mondays," when active military, retirees, veterans, and their immediate families can receive 15 percent off in-store purchases.
"The discount is subject to the same terms and exclusions as other Kohl's coupons," shares Melissa Cid, consumer savings expert at MySavings.Com. "Bring your valid military ID, military dependent ID, or veteran ID for proof of eligibility."
While you can't combine the military discount with any other percent-off coupon, Cid points out that you still can use it with Kohl's Cash or dollar-off coupons. However, not all brands or categories qualify, so be sure to check the list of exclusions on Kohl's website.
6. Carhartt
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Fans of quality outdoor and work gear should know that Carhartt is another store that offers a discount to armed forces members.
"The discount program applies not just to military personnel but also to first responders, nurses, and other medical providers," says Julie Ramhold, consumer analyst with DealNews.com.
She explains that you'll have to use ID.me to verify your identity, but once you do, you'll save 15 percent on every Carhartt purchase online from then on.
7. Adidas
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If it's sportswear or sports equipment that you need, check out Adidas. The brand also offers a military discount for active duty members, veterans, retirees, spouses, and dependents.
"This discount is 30 percent off in-store or online purchases and 20 percent off of purchases at the factory stores," Landau says. Once you verify with ID.me, you'll be able to scan a unique code at checkout to redeem the savings.
8. Lululemon
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Known for its high-end athletic wear, Lululemon is on the more costly side. Luckily, Morgan points out that they provide a 15 percent price cut for active, reserve, and veteran military members and their spouses.
Like Home Depot, Lululemon uses SheerID to verify your status. And while you can then use the discount both in-person or online, some exclusions apply.
"You can't combine the Lululemon military discount with other promo codes or use it on gift cards or their Like New website," says Morgan. It also can't be used with buy-now-pay-later options such as Klarna, AfterPay, or PayPal, according to their website.
RELATED: 24 Smart Shopping Habits That Will Save You Loads of Money in the Long Run.
9. Columbia
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Planning a trip to the great outdoors? Popular sportswear retailer Columbia offers a standing discount for those enlisted in the armed forces.
"While the discount applies to more than just military, it's 10 percent off across the board," says Ramhold, noting that it also applies to first responders, teachers, and students.
However, you'll once again need to verify your identity with ID.me in order to take advantage of these savings. "Just be sure to plan ahead in case it takes a while for your approval to go through," she suggests.
10. Under Armour
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Fitness apparel brand Under Armour is known for its high-quality, dry-fit options, but filling up your cart can be pricey. Fortunately, they offer a year-round military discount.
"Under Armour gives a generous 20 percent discount to all active duty service members, retirees, veterans, and is also extended to family members," says Cid.
Shoppers must use ID.me to validate their status, and once approved, they can start saving online and in-store.
11. The North Face
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From down jackets to warm hats, The North Face has all kinds of winter essentials that can be purchased at a discount.
"The North Face gives all military members, along with their spouses and dependents, a 10 percent discount," says Morgan. "Once you verify through SheerID, you'll get a single-use promo code valid for 30 days. You'll need a new promo code for each purchase."
This discount can be applied in both regular stores and the factory outlets. Keep in mind that if you're shopping in person, you'll need a valid military ID for verification.
12. Old Navy
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Old Navy has a branch of the military in its name, but no matter where you've served, you can still pay a little less when you shop there.
"A favorite for apparel basics for the whole family, the retailer offers a 10 percent military discount on in-store purchases," says Trae Bodge, a smart shopping expert at Truetrae.com.
According to Military.com, the deal applies to all active, retired, and reserve U.S. military personnel and their family members. All you have to do is present a valid military ID when you go to checkout.
13. Madewell
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Need a new pair of jeans or a cozy sweater? Madewell gives military personnel 15 percent off in-store and online purchases.
According to their website, to use the discount online, verify your status and then "your discount will be valid for one calendar year and applied to eligible items in your bag, no promo code needed."
In-store, simply show a valid military ID.
14. Bass Pro Shop & Cabela's
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If you're a camping, hunting, boating, or fishing fan, there's a good chance you already shop at Bass Pro Shops or its sister store, Cabela's, for some of your supplies. And if you serve in the armed forces, you can get a decent amount of money off your purchases.
"Both stores offer a military discount of 10 percent off most items every day and five percent off firearms and ammo," says Ramhold. The deal also applies to law enforcement, firefighters, and wildlife agents.
She explains that with these stores, you'll need to create an account on either site and then take the next step to verify your status. Otherwise, if you're shopping in person, be prepared to show proof of your service in order to redeem the discount.
15. Tiffany & Co.
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Tiffany & Co. has become one of the most recognized names in high-end jewelry, with its signature powder blue boxes and bags becoming synonymous with an heirloom purchase. If you've served in the military and wedding bells are in your future, you could score a better price than the general public on one of the most essential elements of your big day.
"Tiffany & Co. offers 10 percent off engagement rings and wedding bands for active-duty military personnel, veterans, and reservists," says Bodge.
She points out that fiancés, domestic partners, wives, and husbands are all eligible for this discount, even if their U.S. military partner is currently stationed overseas and cannot make it into the store. However, the discount cannot be extended to any other family members.
