You never have to go too far to find a company that offers a military discount. As of late, retailers have been generous to offer many discounts, ranging from auto parts to tennis shoes. Many of these discounts are available year-round and can be used an unlimited amount of times. Before jumping into the discounts, it is important to remember two things:

1. The majority of companies that offer military discounts require some form of military ID. Accepted IDs generally include a current Leave and Earnings Statement (LES), a veterans organization card (American Legion, VFW, etc.), your DD214, or discharge paperwork. Some companies do go off the honor system, but it is best to have the proper ID to minimize any problems.
2. Every chain or national franchise has different policies regarding discounts, which means calling ahead to double check the availability of the discount is always a good idea.

Saving on Apparel

Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker

Foot Locker, Lady Foot Locker and Kids Foot Locker provide an extensive assortment of athletic apparel and footwear suitable for the whole family. These outlets offer veterans, active duty members, reservists and their immediate family members 10 percent off their entire purchase every day of the year.

As a side note, if you are a Veterans Advantage member, this discount is increased to 20 percent and is good in stores, by phone and online.

Old Navy

Old Navy, a clothing store for both children and adults, offers a 10 percent discount on the first day of every month. Old Navy refers to this as “Old Navy Military Appreciation Day”. Be sure to have your military ID ready for this discount.

Once Upon a Child

Young children grow out of clothes almost as fast as you buy them. Once Upon a Child is an outlet that allows you to buy, sell or trade in unwanted and unused clothing, toys and equipment. They also offer 10 percent off to all veterans and service members. Remember to call ahead to confirm that your location is offering the discount.

Oakley Sunglasses and Apparel

Oakley offers military members discounted pricing via their military specific site, US Standard Issue. There is no set percentage on their discounts; however, all items including glasses, boots, bags and watches have had their price reduced. This is available online only and you must register and provide them with some form of military identification.

Food and Drinks

Many restaurants and fast food chains offer military discounts, almost too many to list; however, the most popular include:

Restaurants

Applebee’s, Famous Dave’s BBQ, Buffalo Wild Wings, Texas Roadhouse, Red Lobster and Hooters all offer 10 percent off any food purchase at participating locations. All ask service members and veterans to provide a military ID; however, some locations will go off the honor system as well.

Fast Food

Arby’s, Burger King, Hardee’s, Dairy Queen, KFC and Wendy’s, also offer 10 percent off to veterans and service members every day of the year at participating locations. As always with chain stores and franchises, call ahead to ensure they will honor the discount.

Miscellaneous Retail

Many retail outlets also offer our veterans and service members great deals, from home improvement to sporting goods and outdoor equipment.

Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops has “Military Discount Days”, which start the 15^th of every month and last one week. During this time, select items are 10 percent off. Excluded items include: reels, electronics, firearms, ammunition, reloading equipment, scopes, bows, arrows, taxidermy, gift cards, Tracker boats, Mercury motors, ATVs, internet sales, and marked down items. Military ID is required.

Lowes Home Improvement

Lowes offers 10 percent off to all military personnel who are active, reserves, retired or disabled and their family members. The discount is good on all in-stock items and special order purchases up to $5,000.

O’Reilly Auto Parts

O’Reilly’s offers discounts ranging from 2-20 percent depending on the item and brand. This discount is given at check out and will require some form of military ID.

While all these deals are great, they aren’t the only ones out there. Sites such as Military Discounts and Deals and Military Discount List provide the newest military discounts as they arise. And don’t forget to check out the latest sales and discounts brought to you by BeFrugal. What military discounts are in your area?

Image thanks to Planetc1.

This is a guest post by Matt Polsky, Senior Editor for Smart Military Money, a Veterans United personal finance blog specifically designed for veterans and service members. Connect with Matt on Twitter: @mattpolsky.