Being part of the UK Armed Forces community comes with more than just pride and purpose, it also unlocks a wide range of exclusive discounts! Whether you’re currently serving, a veteran, or a family member, there are hundreds of ways to make your money go further.
Here Troopr takes a look at the top savings available to serving personnel, veterans, and military families:
1. Defence Discount Service (DDS)
The official Ministry of Defence discount service is a must-have. Open to serving personnel, veterans, and spouses, the DDS offers access to hundreds of discounts online and in-store.
Top Offers Include:
- ASDA – 10% off in-store groceries
- Jet2holidays – Up to 10% off package holidays
- New Look – 20% off fashion
Who qualifies? Serving personnel, veterans, reservists, MOD staff, and spouses/partners.
Cost: Free online access; the Defence Privilege Card (for in-store use) is £4.99 for five years. Apply for your free card on Troopr today!
2. Blue Light Card
Although primarily for emergency workers, the Blue Light Card is also open to veterans and many Armed Forces family members. It’s widely accepted and offers significant discounts across retail, travel, and leisure.
Highlights:
- Apple – Up to 10% off
- Cineworld & Odeon – Discounted cinema tickets
- Currys – Tech and appliance savings
Who qualifies? Veterans, MOD civil servants, and many spouses.
Cost: £4.99 for two years. Find out more here.
3. Travel and Transport Savings
Cut the cost of commuting, trips home, or family holidays with these travel deals:
- HM Forces Railcard and Veterans Railcard – 1/3 off most train travel (£21/year)
- National Express – Up to 30% off coach travel with DDS
- DFDS Ferries – Up to 30% off crossings to Europe
Some airlines and cruise lines offer additional discounts or baggage allowances, check when booking.
4. Eating and Days Out
From family fun to a night off cooking, there are discounts for every occasion:
- Toby Carvery, Harvester, Pizza Hut – 10% off with DDS or Blue Light Card
- Alton Towers, LEGOLAND, Thorpe Park – Up to 40% off admission
- Vue Cinemas – Discounted tickets online
5. High Street and Online Retailers
Good news! These brands offer Armed Forces savings:
- Nike & Adidas – 10–25% off online
- B&Q – 10% off with DDS
- Halfords – Discounts on bikes, car servicing, and accessories
- Superdry, Levi’s, Mountain Warehouse – Military discounts via DDS or Blue Light
6. Rewards for Forces
From cars to clubs, electrical to education, Rewards for Forces have you covered. Highlights include:
- Access to the UK’s largest discount website featuring 1,000’s of National and local discounts including Apple, EE and SpaBreaks and Forces Cars Direct.
- Exclusive Cinema Rewards saving up to 57% off tickets with over 380 cinemas in the UK.
- Saving money every day of the week on Adults and Child tickets, Annual Passes and Popcorn & Drinks
Don’t forget to ask!
Many local businesses, especially independent shops, cafés, and barbers offer armed forces discounts, even if they’re not advertised. It’s always worth asking.
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