Military discounts are all around us. Some offer better deals than others. Some are advertised. Some are little known secrets that are revealed only when requested. Some expire, some are seasonal, and some last forever. And while there are some military discounts that are custom-made for service members, there are some that are perfect for military spouses.
Here’s a list of 10 military discounts that spouses love:
1. Clothing and accessories
Clothes, shoes, accessories. We need them. But putting together a wardrobe sure is expensive. That’s why military spouses love the discounts offered at stores like Kohl’s, Old Navy, Banana Republic, Vera Bradley, Columbia, Buckle, Rack Room Shoes and many more. Some stores offer discounts both in-store and online while others may not, so it’s best to call or check the website for details.
2. Disney
Have you always wanted to take your family on vacation at Disney World but tossed the idea aside because you thought you couldn’t afford it? Well, with a military ID, you can afford it. Through Disney’s Armed Forces Salute program, military personnel can get discounted tickets to Disney theme parks, as well as discounts off select rooms at Disney Resort hotels. These deals are good for military spouses of eligible service members even without the member being present. (Visit our guide to Disney discounts for military families to learn more.)
3. Amusement Parks
Who doesn’t love taking a family vacation to LEGOLAND or Universal Studios or Colonial Williamsburg? Amusement parks are a fun way for military families to spend time together, whether on vacation, celebrating a homecoming, or heading out for a random day trip.
Do you have an amusement park in your area? Make sure you call ahead, check their website, or visit your local ITT office to ask about military discounts. (And visit our list of popular amusement parks that offer discounts to military families.)
4. BuildASign.com
Deployments are a regular part of military life. And that means homecomings are a regular part too. Ready to celebrate the end of a deployment with a memorable homecoming? BuildASign offers free homecoming banners to welcome your special service member home.
5. Home Depot/Lowes
Owning a house is hard work. There’s always something that needs to be done, whether it’s the grass that needs mowing or pictures that need hanging or appliances that spontaneously break. Then, once you think you finally have a handle on all those home improvement projects, it’s time to PCS and start all over with a different house.
That’s why spouses love the 10% year-round military discounts offered at both Home Depot and Lowes. If your house needs it, Home Depot and Lowes will have it.
6. Restaurants
Whether you and your significant other are heading out for date night, or the deployment is leaving you in need of a night off from cooking, going out to eat is even more enjoyable when you’re not paying full price for that yummy meal.
From Ryan’s to Bubba Gump Shrimp Co. to the Melting Pot, lots of restaurants offer military discounts. Keep in mind that even though some chain restaurants may offer a military appreciation night or a discount in one location, it doesn’t mean all of them do.
7. Crafts
Maybe you want to try to make that awesome Pinterest project people keep talking about. Maybe the kiddos have school projects due soon. Or maybe you want to put together a care package for a deployed loved one. Spouses can head over to Jo-Ann Fabric, Michaels and A.C. Moore for discounts on just about any crafting needs you can think of.
8. Movie theaters
Is it a rainy day and the kids are bored? Take them to the movies. Do you finally get to have a date night and you need something to do after dinner? Go to the movies. But don’t forget your military ID because many movie theaters, like Cinemark and Regal offer military discounts on tickets.
9. Local discounts
National brands and chains aren’t the only businesses that offer military discounts. Local businesses also like to show their support for the military by providing discounts, especially in cities with a large military presence. Don’t know what businesses in your area offer military discounts? Your best bet is just to ask, “Do you have a military discount?” It never hurts to ask, and you might end up pleasantly surprised with a great deal.
10. Cruises
Cruises are another way to enjoy family vacation time. And thanks to military discounts offered by cruise lines like MSC Cruises and Disney Cruise Line, it’s more affordable than you think.
