The Ultimate Guide to Car Discounts for Military Members

Military Car Deals

As an appreciation for your service in the military, almost all of the manufacturers offer a cash bonus savings that can be applied towards a purchase or lease. Most deals are around $500 but can go as high as $2,000 on certain models.

Nearly all manufacturers offer discounts and offers to those currently stationed overseas, but BMW and Volvo have very comprehensive incentives for military personnel in Europe. Volvo will offer to ship the vehicle to the nearest possible local dealer or port or have it directly shipped to your next destination.

Let's take a closer look at how to qualify and the requirements for each of the military savings programs.  At the bottom, we also list all the current discounts for military personnel offered by each manufacturer.

How to Qualify for a Military Discount

To qualify for a military discount you typically have to be active duty or retired armed services.

Military Status Requirements

The eligibility for the military incentive programs is generally the same for most manufacturers, with differences in restrictions on how long a veteran has been separated from military service (1-3 years). These bonus deals generally apply to:Military Status Requirements

  • Active Duty
  • Reservists
  • Retired
  • Veterans

A majority of manufacturers specify active duty as someone who is full-time in the Army, Navy, Air Force, or Marines. About a third of the manufacturers make these programs eligible to members of the National Guard:

Ford and Lincoln are the only manufacturers that offer military incentives to members of the Honor Guard. While Lexus is the only one to offer its program to Gold Star families. A few manufacturers do require a qualifying salary in addition to getting a credit approval through their financial services.

Related: Police, law enforcement, firefighters, EMTs, and healthcare professionals should look for first responder discounts.

What to Bring to the Dealership

The military incentive programs are recognized nationally so any authorized dealership should acknowledge the discounts.

Military What To Bring To DealershipAccepted forms of proof for military status varies for each manufacturer but they generally will accept:

  • Leave and Earning Statement (LES)
  • Military ID card
  • DD Form 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty
  • Retiree Account Statement (eRAS)
  • Retiree Separation Orders

If purchasing or leasing with GM Military Discount, you will need to get an authorization code from their site. It uses ID.me to verify your eligibility for the program so you only need to bring your driver’s license and authorization number.

TrueCar Military Car Buying Program

TrueCar offers military benefits. Their military benefits include a cash bonus between $500 and $4000 from select manufacturers. They also offer dealer discounts on both new and used vehicles. Military buyers can receive up to $4,000 of benefits for repair and auto deductible reimbursement. Lastly, they offer a Military Customer Service Hotline at 1-866-850-8318.

The TrueCar military car-buying program is for veterans, active members, and their families. You can activate your Military Appreciation Package by reporting your purchase. Learn more from their helpful resource page for military buyers.

Best Military Car DealsBest Deals for Military Personnel and Veterans

Out of the many military programs GM Military Discount and Lexus stand out as the better deals. GM Military Discount allows for a generous 3-year period in which the veteran has left service while Lexus’ is 2 years.

They both offer their programs to a wide range of military or related personnel.

Below are some of the best car deals for military personnel.

ManufacturerProgram NameSpecial Offers & DiscountsEligibility & RequirementsExpiration
AcuraAcura Military Appreciation Offer$750 Savings on 2023 Integra or 2022 or newer ILX, TLX, RDX and MDXActive Duty, Active Reserve, U.S. Military Retirees and Gold Star family members4/1/2024
AudiAudi Military Sales and Expatriate ProgramSpecial ordering and serviceOverseas miltary personnel and expatriates moving to USOngoing
BMWBMW Military Program$500-$5,000 off purchase/lease of new vehicleActive Duty, Retirees, Veterans, and Military family members4/1/2024
BuickGM Military Appreciation$500 off purchase of new vehicleActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 3 years)1/2/2025
GMCGM Military Appreciation$500 off purchase of new vehicleActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 3 years)1/2/2025
CadillacGM Military AppreciationUp to $1,000 off purchase/lease on new vehicleActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 3 years)1/2/2025
ChevroletGM Military Appreciation$500 off purchase/lease on new vehicleActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans1/2/2025
ChryslerChrysler Military Incentive Program$500 off purchase/lease on 2023 vehiclesActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)Ongoing
DodgeDodge Military Incentive Program$500 off purchase/lease on 2023 vehiclesActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)Ongoing
FordFord Military Appreciation Program$500 off purchase/lease on eligible new vehicleActive Duty, National Guard, Honor Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)1/2/2025
HondaHonda Military Appreciation Offer$500 off purchase/lease on 2023 or newerActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)4/1/2024
HyundaiHyundai Military Program$500 off purchase/leaseActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans12/31/2024
InfinitiInfiniti Military ProgramEligible for discounts and special serviceActive Duty, National Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)Ongoing
JaguarJaguar Military Sales ProgramEligible for discounts on select modelsMilitary PersonnelOngoing
JeepJeep Military Incentive Program$500 off purchase/lease on select 2023 and 2024 vehicleActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)Ongoing
KiaKia Military Specialty Incentive ProgramEligible for discounts on select modelsActive Duty, Retirees, VeteransOngoing
Land RoverLand Rover Military Sales ProgramEligible for discounts on select modelsMilitary PersonnelOngoing
LexusLexus Military Reward Program$1,000 off purchase/lease on new vehiclesActive Duty, Gold Star families, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)Ongoing
LincolnLincoln Military Appreciation Program$500 off on select new Lincoln modelsActive Duty, National Guard, Honor Guard, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)1/2/2025
MazdaMazda Military Appreciation Bonus Cash$500 off purchase/lease on new and unused 2022,2023, or 2024 vehicleActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)4/1/2024
MitsubishiMitsubishi Military Rebate$500 off on select modelsActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)4/1/2024
NissanNissan Military Program$500-$1,000 off and can be combined with all current national and regional incentivesActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)Ongoing
RAMRAM Military Incentive Program$500 off purchase/lease on select 2023 and 2024 vehiclesActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)1/2/2025
SubaruSubaru Military Discount Program$500 off purchase/leaseActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 1 year)Ongoing
ToyotaToyota Military Rebate$500 off purchase/leaseActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)Ongoing
VolkswagenVW Military Bonus$500 off purchase/leaseActive Duty, Reservists, Retirees, Veterans (within 2 years)1/2/2025
VolvoVolvo Military Sales Program$500 off purchase/lease on 2023/24 vehiclesActive-duty members, Reservists, National Guard members, and VeteransOngoing




 

These offers may vary based on location, credit score, and financing terms and are not guaranteed.  So use my free service to Check Discount Car Prices to get the best prices that include current manufacturer offers and incentives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What car companies give military discounts?

Buick, Chevy, Chrysler, GMC, Ford, Hyundai, Honda, Nissan, Toyota, and many others have discounts.

How much is a military discount?

Discounts range from $500 to as high as $2,000 depending on the brand.

What types of service personnel qualify for a military discount?

Active Duty, reservists, veterans from the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines all qualify. Some car brands include the National Guard as well.

How long must you be in the military to qualify?

Length of employment does not matter as long as you can prove you're currently in the military or have been separated from service within the past 1-3 years.