If you are a member of the armed forces or a veteran, you might be wondering if there are ways to save on everyday essentials, days out, or even holidays. Instead of spending hours searching online, we have done the hard work for you. Here are some ways to get a well-deserved armed forces discount.
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Defence Discount Service
This is the official MoD discount service for the armed forces, veterans and military families. With hundreds of companies registered it offers a wide range of discounts. You can sign up for free and access the online discounts right from the get-go. There’s even a free handy App available.
The Defence Discount Service also offer The Defence Privilege Card, which cost £4.99 for 5 years membership and can be used on the high street. This service is the main way armed forces discounts are given in the UK so well worth signing up for!
Who is eligible for a Defence discount?
Serving armed forces qualify along with:
- Reserve Forces
- Spouses/Partners of serving personnel
- HM armed forces veterans (ex-serving)
- MoD civil servants
- Bereaved family members
- War/service window and widowers
- Cadet forces over 16 years of age
- NATO personnel in the UK
Where can I use the Defence Privilege card?
There are hundreds of retailers on board, here are some of our favourites:
- Apple (variable exclusive discounts)
- Halfords (10% discount)
- JD Sports (10% discount)
- Samsung (10% discount)
- Starbucks (10% discount)
- Boohoo (15% discount)
- Odeon (10 - 30% discount)
- KFC (10% discount)
- Shark (variable exclusive discounts)
- Eurocamp (up to 40% discount)
- Go Outdoors (10% discount)
- Hotpoint (20% discount)
- Hotels.com (up to 20% discount)
- Muscle Food (varied special offers and freebies)
- Alton Towers (up to 50% discount)
- Lovehoney (variable exclusive discounts)
- Jet2Holidays (variable exclusive discounts)
- Nike (10% discount)
- BT Broadband (variable exclusive discounts)
- Myprotein (45% discount)
Discounted and free travel in London for Veterans
Veterans are eligible for free and discounted travel with the Veterans Oyster Photocard. If you receive war pension scheme payments or guaranteed income payments under the armed forces compensation scheme you are eligible to apply.
Oyster Card Armed Forces Discount
As it’s a free photocard it’s a pretty good deal for those based in the TFL area. Benefits include:
- Discounted river services
- Discounted Emirates Air Line fares
- Free travel at any time on London buses, underground, overground, DLR, trams, and TFL rail services.
- Free travel on most national rail services at the weekend and from 9.30 am on weekdays. See TFL for more information.
How can I get the Veterans Oyster Photocard?
You will need to give TFL a call and request an application form (0343 222 1234). Complete the form and return it with the relevant evidence of eligibility and a passport-size photo.
Blue Light Card
Armed forces personnel are not limited to Armed Forces-specific discounts. You can apply for the Blue Light Card and get discounts across a wide range of retailers alongside healthcare and social care workers. For more information about the Blue Light Card, visit our Health Service Discounts guide.
