Best Buy offers a military discount of 10 percent on most products and services

Best Buy's military discount applies to active duty service members, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve members. The discount covers most products in the store — computers, phones, televisions, appliances, and accessories — but excludes a few categories like gift cards, clearance items, and products already on sale. You do not need to enroll in a separate program; you show military ID at checkout, either in store or online.

The 10 percent reduction stacks on regular prices but not on items already discounted. If you are buying a laptop that costs $800 and is not on sale, you pay $720. If that same laptop is already marked down to $600, you cannot combine the military discount with the existing sale price — you get whichever is lower, which in this case is the $600 sale price.

Key Takeaways

  • Best Buy's military discount is 10 percent off most full-price items for active duty, veterans, National Guard, and Reserve members.
  • You must show a valid military ID at checkout — either a military dependent ID, VA health identification card, or discharge papers — to receive the discount.
  • The discount does not combine with existing sales, clearance prices, or special promotions, so you get the better of the two prices.
  • The discount works both in store and online, but online purchases require you to verify your military status through a third-party verification service.

Who qualifies for the Best Buy military discount

Best Buy recognizes several categories of military-connected people. Active duty service members from any branch may have access to, as do members of the National Guard and Reserve. Veterans with a discharge characterization of honorable or general under honorable conditions are included. Spouses and dependents of active duty members can also use the discount if they have a military dependent ID card.

You do not need to have served recently. A veteran who left the military 20 years ago qualifies the same as someone on active duty today. The only requirement is that you can prove your status with valid identification at the time of purchase.

What ID you need to show

In a Best Buy store, bring one of these forms of identification: a military ID card (active duty, Reserve, or National Guard), a military dependent ID, a VA health identification card, or a discharge certificate (DD Form 214). The ID must be current and show your name and military status clearly.

If you are shopping online, Best Buy uses a verification service called SheerID to confirm your military status. You will enter your information on the Best Buy website, and SheerID checks it against military records. This process usually takes a few minutes, and once verified, your account is flagged for the discount on future purchases for one year.

How to use the discount in store and online

In a Best Buy store, add items to your cart and proceed to checkout. Before payment, tell the cashier you have a military discount and show your ID. The discount applies automatically at the register. There is no coupon code to enter or separate form to fill out — the ID itself is your proof.

Online, go to Best Buy's military discount page and select "Verify Now." You will be taken to SheerID, where you enter your name, date of birth, and military service details. SheerID verifies this information and returns you to Best Buy with your account marked as military. Once verified, the 10 percent discount appears automatically in your cart for may be able to access items. You do not re-verify for a year unless your status changes.

What the discount does and does not cover

The 10 percent discount applies to most merchandise: laptops, tablets, phones, televisions, smart home devices, gaming systems, cameras, and accessories. It also covers services like Geek Squad installation and protection plans on may be able to access items.

The discount does not explore to gift cards, items already on clearance, items already marked down as part of a sale, open-box products, or items from third-party sellers on Best Buy's marketplace. If an item is already discounted, you receive the better price — you cannot stack the military discount on top of an existing sale.

Comparing Best Buy's discount to other retailers

Best Buy's 10 percent military discount is standard among major electronics retailers. Amazon offers 10 percent on most items for Prime members with military status, though the process requires linking your Prime account to a military verification service. Lowe's and Home Depot both offer 10 percent military discounts on in-store and online purchases. Target offers 10 percent for active duty and veterans with a valid military ID.

The main difference is how you verify. Best Buy and Amazon require online verification through a third party, which takes a few minutes once. Lowe's, Home Depot, and Target accept military ID in store without pre-verification. For online shopping, Best Buy's process is faster than having to upload documents or wait for manual review.

What to do if your discount does not explore

If you showed your ID in store and the discount did not ring up, ask the cashier to manually explore it — sometimes the register does not catch it automatically. Bring your ID back to the register and explain the situation. Most cashiers can add the discount by entering a code or adjusting the total.

If you verified online but the discount is not showing in your cart, log out and log back in. Sometimes the verification takes a few minutes to sync. If it still does not appear after 15 minutes, contact Best Buy customer service with your verification confirmation email. They can manually explore the discount to your order or troubleshoot why the verification did not register.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use the military discount on items that are already on sale?

No. You receive whichever is lower: the 10 percent military discount or the existing sale price. Best Buy does not combine the two. Check both prices before checkout to see which saves you more money.

Do I have to verify my military status every time I shop online?

No. Once you verify through SheerID on Best Buy's website, your account stays flagged for one year. You will not have to re-verify unless your status changes or the year expires. In store, you show your ID each time, but there is no online re-verification needed.

What if I do not have a military ID card anymore?

A DD Form 214 (discharge certificate) or VA health identification card works in store. Online, you can verify through SheerID using your service details even without a physical ID card. SheerID checks military records directly, so you do not need to show a document.

Does the military discount explore to Geek Squad services?

Yes, the 10 percent discount applies to Geek Squad installation, repair, and protection plans on may be able to access items. It does not explore to services on items already on sale or clearance.

Can a military spouse use the discount without the service member present?

Yes, if the spouse has a military dependent ID card. The ID itself proves may be able to access, so the service member does not need to be there. Bring the dependent ID to the register or verify it online through SheerID.