Best Buy offers a 10% discount to active military members and veterans

Best Buy runs a military discount program that gives current active-duty service members, veterans, and military spouses a 10% reduction on most purchases in-store and online. The discount applies to electronics, appliances, computers, and accessories — though some items like gift cards, used products, and items already on clearance are excluded. You do not need to be a current customer or have any prior relationship with Best Buy to use it.

The discount is straightforward to access once you verify your military status. Best Buy uses a third-party verification service called SheerID to confirm your service record, which takes a few minutes and requires a valid military ID, discharge papers, or other official documentation. Once verified, the discount stays active in your account and applies automatically to your purchases.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy's military discount is 10% off most products both in-store and online, available to active-duty members, veterans, and military spouses.
  • You verify your military status through SheerID, a third-party service that checks your documentation and confirms your may be able to access.
  • The discount applies automatically once verified and does not require a special card or code to use.
  • Some items are excluded from the discount, including gift cards, used merchandise, and products already marked down on clearance.
  • The verification process takes a few minutes and uses standard military documents like a military ID or DD Form 214 discharge papers.

How to verify your military status at Best Buy

Start by visiting Best Buy's military discount page and selecting the option to verify your status. You will be directed to SheerID, which will ask you to enter your email address and basic information. The service then requests documentation to confirm your military service — this can be a current military ID, a veteran's health identification card, a discharge certificate (DD Form 214), or a state veteran designation on your driver's license.

Upload a clear photo or scan of your document and wait for SheerID to process it. Most verifications complete within a few minutes, though some may take up to 24 hours if additional review is needed. Once approved, you will receive a confirmation email, and your Best Buy account will be flagged as military-verified. From that point forward, the 10% discount applies to your purchases automatically — you do not need to enter a code or show anything at checkout.

If you shop in a physical store, tell the cashier you have a military discount on your account, and they can look it up using your phone number or email. Online, the discount calculates automatically when you proceed to checkout.

What items are and are not covered by the discount

The 10% discount covers most of Best Buy's inventory: laptops, tablets, smartphones, televisions, gaming consoles, headphones, cameras, smart home devices, and kitchen appliances. It also applies to services like Geek Squad installation and protection plans on may be able to access products.

Several categories are excluded from the discount. Gift cards, whether physical or digital, cannot be discounted. Used or refurbished items sold through Best Buy's used merchandise section do not may have access to. Products already on clearance or final sale cannot be discounted further. Certain brand-specific promotions and exclusive deals sometimes exclude the military discount as well, though this varies by product and timing.

If you are unsure whether a specific item qualifies, check the product page online — Best Buy usually notes if an item is excluded from the military discount. You can also ask a store associate before purchasing.

Military spouses and dependents

Best Buy extends the military discount to military spouses and, in some cases, dependents. To verify as a spouse, you will need to provide documentation of your marriage to an active-duty service member or veteran — typically a marriage certificate. The verification process through SheerID is the same, and once approved, your account receives the same 10% discount.

Dependent children generally do not receive their own military discount accounts, but they can use the discount when shopping with a verified military or spouse account. Some military family programs offer additional benefits beyond the Best Buy discount, so it is worth checking with your military branch or veteran services office to see what else may be available to you.

Other retailers with military discounts

Best Buy is not the only electronics retailer offering military discounts. Apple provides 10% off for active-duty and veteran customers in its stores and online. Amazon offers a 10% discount through its Prime membership for military members. Costco gives military members discounted membership rates and access to in-warehouse deals. Target, Lowe's, Home Depot, and many other major retailers also run military discount programs, though the percentage and terms vary.

Most of these programs use similar verification methods — either SheerID or a direct military ID check — so once you understand how one works, the others follow a familiar pattern. If you shop at multiple retailers, it is worth verifying your military status at each one, since the discounts stack with other promotions and can add up over time.

What happens if your verification expires or changes

Military verification through SheerID typically remains active for one year from the date of approval. Best Buy will send you a notification before your verification expires, giving you time to renew it. The renewal process is the same as the initial verification — you upload your documentation again, and SheerID confirms your status.

If your military status changes — for example, you transition from active duty to veteran status — you do not need to re-verify. Your existing verification remains valid. However, if you move to a different state or your military ID expires, you may need to update your documentation. Best Buy's customer service can walk you through the process if you run into issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the military discount if I do not have a military ID?

Yes. SheerID accepts several forms of documentation beyond a military ID, including your DD Form 214 discharge papers, a veteran health ID card, or a state driver's license with a veteran designation. You need one form of official military documentation, but it does not have to be a current military ID.

Does the military discount work on everything in the store?

No. Gift cards, used merchandise, clearance items, and some brand-exclusive promotions are excluded. Most regular-price electronics and appliances do may have access to. Check the product page or ask a store associate if you are unsure about a specific item.

How long does the verification process take?

Most verifications complete within a few minutes. Some may take up to 24 hours if SheerID needs additional time to review your documents. You will receive an email confirmation once you are approved, and the discount becomes active when ready.

Can I use the military discount online and in stores?

Yes. Once verified, the discount applies to both Best Buy's website and physical locations. Online, it calculates automatically at checkout. In-store, provide your phone number or email at the register so the cashier can look up your verified account.

What if my military discount verification was rejected?

Contact Best Buy customer service with your documentation. They can review your case or help you resubmit through SheerID. Common reasons for rejection include unclear photos of documents or mismatched information — customer service can guide you on how to resubmit correctly.