Paying for everyday life can be expensive. But when the holidays roll around, expenses add up quickly. Fortunately for veterans, though, Veterans Advantage and other national discount programs can save big bucks for shoppers year-round.
How to Get Your Veterans Advantage Discount Card for Free
One of the best ways to save is with the Veterans Advantage discount card. For most veterans, the 30-day free trial costs $4.95. But if you have a service-connected disability rated 30% or higher, you can get your Veterans Advantage card for free. The card lists all Veterans Advantage and other military discounts available nationwide for disabled vets. So, you can shop knowing you’re getting the best deal possible thanks to your Veterans Advantage card. Here are 10 deals we love — but there are many more (and they’re always adding new ones)!
Related: More Disabled Vets Get Military Exchange Shopping Privileges
Top 10 Veterans Advantage & Other Military Discounts for Disabled Vets
1. Get a $21,000 grant to buy or equip any vehicle with disability-friendly features.
Since October 1, 2018, veterans and active-duty military with certain service-connected disabilities can apply for a one-time grant. This grant pays $21,058.69 towards any auto purchase with disability-friendly driving features. Certain service members and veterans may also qualify for grants to pay for adaptive equipment. This includes things like power steering, windows, brakes and more. It also includes any special equipment needed to get you in and out of the vehicle (i.e., wheelchair lift).
2. 20% off your entire CVS purchase.
CVS offers 20% off your entire order with your Veterans Advantage membership. And you get free shipping, every day, with no minimum purchase required! The deal also applies to sale items. Even better: Combine it with other deals in order to max out your savings.
3. 30% off any Dell laptop or desktop computer.
The Veterans Advantage card allows you to shop a private Dell store online. And you can combine the Veterans Advantage discount with Dell’s special member promotions, potentially saving even more money! Plus, if you’re active duty, Dell will ship your computer directly to any APO/FPO address overseas. (Dell is the only electronics vendor that ships directly to a military base for deployed service members.)
4. VA loan program offering special incentives for military homebuyers.
Bad credit? No credit? Or no money for a down payment? No problem! The VA loan program means veteran home buyers can still get a great deal. VA loans are still offered by private lenders. But the VA guarantees a portion of the loan, which gives the buyer better terms. In many cases, you don’t need a down payment — and the lender doesn’t look at your credit score. You could be in a new home sooner than you realize with the right VA loan!
5. Verizon’s deals on internet and mobile services.
Want to add a new line or get a discount on your existing phone or internet service? Verizon has the biggest internet and mobile plan deals as well as devices and accessories. (These deals are for Veterans Advantage members as well as those serving on active military duty.) Plus, they’re committed to hiring newly discharged vets. Use your Veterans Advantage card to verify your military service and your discounts automatically apply.
6. The National Parks Access Pass lets you enter free for life.
Seeing the best the United States has to offer is within reach. Any vet with a 10% disability rating can apply for a free lifetime Access Pass. This grants the pass holder access to over 2,000 national parks, forest, and recreational areas. It also offers discounts on extras with certain fees — like guided tours, campsite amenities, etc. (Important: This discount applies to all disabled veterans that qualify, not just Veterans Advantage members.)
7. File your income taxes for free.
No need for hefty accountant fees or muddling through confusing tax software on your own. File your taxes for free through MilTax, which automatically guarantees accurate filings. It automatically applies every possible military tax credit and deduction, too — so you save every time you file. In addition, MilTax has consultants on-hand to answer specific questions regarding tax forgiveness, filing extensions, and more. There’s potential to save even more with MilTax, since they offer free financial planning services, too. If you ever feel like your finances or budget are out of control, it’s a great free option for vets.
8. Sign up for USAA’s free checking accounts and cheap insurance plans.
Save big on recurring purchases with USAA’s military veteran offers. Every veteran qualifies for free checking accounts. But they also qualify for discounted car, auto, homeowners or renters and life insurance plans. These charges get billed monthly or once every six months — and they add up fast. USAA military discounts extend to financial planning, credit cards, and business insurance, just to name a few. Price-match your existing plan with what USAA has to offer to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
9. Save 10% on all Lowe’s purchases year-round.
If you have home improvement needs, check out Lowe’s 10% military discount. It’s good 365 days a year and also applies to assembly, shipping, and delivery fees. You can even use your Veterans Advantage card to verify your military status online!
10. Save 10% on select Microsoft products, accessories and software bundles.
Every day, military service members and veterans can save 10% on select Microsoft products (like the Surface!). While Dell’s discount is deeper, you can save 10% on accessories or software like Office 365. Many of Microsoft’s products are designed to help those on deployment stay connected to family and friends at home.
Discounts & Deals for Active Military Service Members
And if you’re on active military duty, there are even more ways to save you money. Here are just a few discounts you’ll qualify for without a Veterans Advantage card:
- Airline discounts — Skyscanner gives you a breakdown of the main airlines and the type of discount they offer. For example, veterans can get 5% off all Hawaiian Airlines and JetBlue ticket purchases. And many airlines let military service members check bags for free!
- Best Western — Best Western offers 10% off or more to veterans and active duty military service members.
- Jiffy Lube — Jiffy Lube offers 25% off most services for veterans and active duty military.
- Under Armour — Under Armour offers 10% off everything online and in stores to all veterans, active military, and first responders.
- Outback Steakhouse — Get 10% off your bill every day at Outback Steakhouse, whether you’re a veteran or active military service member.
You May Qualify for Free Legal Assistance
You have to already get VA disability compensation to qualify for many Veterans Advantage discounts shown above. If you haven’t yet filed your claim, a VA-accredited attorney may help you get approved faster than you would filing on your own. And if the VA denied your claim, an attorney can help get your appeals hearing scheduled faster. VBA data shows more than 4 in 5 veterans with lawyers filing their appeals prevail in court. You’ll pay nothing for professional claim help unless a lawyer helps you win. And if you win, then you’ll only pay a small, one-time fee.
Ready to see if you may qualify? Click the button below to start your free benefits evaluation now!
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Lori Polemenakos is Director of Consumer Content and SEO strategist for LeadingResponse, a legal marketing company. An award-winning journalist, writer and editor based in Dallas, Texas, she's produced articles for major brands such as Match.com, Yahoo!, MSN, AOL, Xfinity, Mail.com, and edited several published books. Since 2016, she's published hundreds of articles about Social Security disability, workers' compensation, veterans' benefits, personal injury, mass tort, auto accident claims, bankruptcy, employment law and other related legal issues.