Discounts
Senior Discounts by Age: What You Can Get at 50, 55, 60 and 65
Many discounts start earlier than you think. A by-age guide to senior savings, plus the benefit programs retirees often miss.
Discounts
Military & Veteran Discounts
Discounts, benefits and legal protections for service members, veterans and military families — and how to verify eligibility.
Thank you for your service. Beyond store discounts, the biggest savings for military families often come from benefits and protections that go unused: VA home loans, SCRA interest rate caps, relief societies and free national park passes.
Eligibility rules and offers change. Always verify current terms with the provider before you rely on them.
Major programs & protections
| Program | What it can do | Who may qualify | Where to verify |
|---|---|---|---|
| Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) | Caps interest on many pre-service debts, and offers protections around leases, evictions and foreclosures during active duty. | Active-duty service members and, in some cases, their dependents | CFPB · Military OneSource |
| VA Home Loan Guaranty | Helps eligible borrowers buy a home, often with no down payment and no private mortgage insurance. Lender terms vary. | Eligible veterans, service members and some surviving spouses | VA.gov |
| Free military annual park pass | Free entry to national parks and many federal recreation lands. | Current service members and dependents, plus veterans and Gold Star families | NPS.gov |
| GI Bill education benefits | Help paying for college, trade school, apprenticeships and training. | Eligible veterans, service members and some family members | VA.gov |
| VA health care | Medical care, often at low or no cost depending on eligibility. | Many veterans — eligibility depends on service and other factors | VA.gov |
| Disability compensation & pension | Monthly tax-free payments for service-connected conditions, or needs-based pension for wartime veterans. | Eligible veterans and survivors | benefits.va.gov |
| Military relief societies | Emergency interest-free loans and grants for rent, car repairs, travel and more. | Service members, retirees and families of each branch | AER, NMCRS, AFAS, CGMA (see links below) |
| Commissary & exchange access | Shopping at military grocery stores and exchanges, often at lower prices. | Service members, retirees, some veterans and caregivers | Commissaries.com |
Everyday discount categories
Many brands offer military discounts, but amounts and eligibility (active duty only vs. veterans vs. families) vary and change. Ask, and verify at the time of purchase.
Verify terms
Home improvement
Several big-box home improvement stores have long-running military discount programs, often requiring online verification.
Phone plans
Major wireless carriers commonly offer military and veteran plan discounts. Compare them with prepaid plans too.
Travel & hotels
Hotel chains, rental cars and some airlines offer military rates or baggage perks. Check before booking.
Theme parks & attractions
Many parks, zoos and museums offer military tickets, sometimes at base ticket offices.
Restaurants
Many restaurants offer discounts or free meals, especially around Veterans Day.
Insurance & banking
Military-focused credit unions and insurers serve members and families. Compare rates against other options.
Tech & software
Some tech companies offer military pricing through ID.me or similar verification.
Blue Star Museums
Participating museums offer free admission to active-duty military families, typically in summer.
Learn more →Official military & veteran resources
VA.gov GovApply for and manage VA health care, disability, education and home loan benefits.va.gov ↗VA Benefits GovDetails on compensation, pension, education, housing and more.benefits.va.gov ↗Military OneSource GovFree 24/7 support, financial counseling and resources for service members and families.militaryonesource.mil ↗Army Emergency Relief NonprofitEmergency financial help for soldiers and families.armyemergencyrelief.org ↗Navy-Marine Corps Relief Society NonprofitFinancial help and education for sailors, Marines and families.nmcrs.org ↗Air Force Aid Society NonprofitEmergency assistance for Air Force and Space Force members and families.afas.org ↗Coast Guard Mutual Assistance NonprofitFinancial help for the Coast Guard community.cgmahq.org ↗Veterans Crisis Line FreeFree, confidential support 24/7 — dial 988 then press 1.veteranscrisisline.net ↗NPS Military Pass GovFree annual pass details and how to get one.nps.gov ↗CFPB Servicemembers GovGuides on SCRA, Military Lending Act protections and money scams targeting service members.consumerfinance.gov ↗ID.me FreeVerify military status for many online discounts.id.me ↗CareerOneStop Veterans GovJob search help and translating military skills to civilian jobs.careeronestop.org ↗
Getting the most from military benefits
- Tell every lender when you go on active duty — SCRA benefits usually require you to request them.
- Talk to a free on-base personal financial counselor or Military OneSource before taking any high-cost loan.
- Get a VA-accredited representative (free through Veterans Service Organizations) to help with disability claims — you never need to pay to file.
- Keep a digital copy of your DD-214 or military ID handy for quick verification.
- Beware of scams that target veterans, such as “pension poaching” and paid help with VA claims.
Discount guides for military families
Discounts
The Ultimate Military & Veteran Discount Guide
Retail, travel, phone plans, home loans and more — where service members, veterans and families can save, and how to verify eligibility.