Does Walmart Offer Military & Veteran Discounts in 2026?

Before we dive in, let‘s get the simple answer out of the way first: No, Walmart does not offer any specific military, veteran, or military spouse discounts in 2022 – despite being the largest retailer in the world.

I know, it‘s a bummer, especially with how many military families rely on Walmart for affordable prices. But don‘t click away just yet! Even without discounts, Walmart still aims to support service members and veterans in meaningful ways.

Stick with me, and I‘ll give you the insider scoop on everything Walmart does for the military community – and share some secrets for how savvy military families can still save.

By the end, you‘ll see why some argue Walmart doesn‘t need military discounts to be military-friendly.

Why Military Shoppers Want Walmart Discounts

First, it‘s important to understand why many service members, veterans, and their families feel strongly about getting military discounts from Walmart.

For active duty families especially, budgets are tight. Between frequent moves, deployments, and lower base pay, they have less wiggle room in their finances. Military discounts provide much-needed relief from financial stress.

Veterans transitioning into civilian careers also appreciate military discounts as they work to rebuild financial stability.

Plus, military shoppers view discounts as a sign of respect and gratitude from businesses. It‘s a simple "thank you for your service" that acknowledges their sacrifices.

With all that in mind, you can see why military shoppers would want discounts from Walmart – the store they likely already shop at frequently to stretch their dollars.

The Shocking Truth: Walmart‘s 0% Veteran Discount

Now for the unfortunate news many military families have learned the hard way:

Walmart does not offer any specific military, veteran, retiree, or military spouse discounts across any of its 4,700+ stores nationwide or on Walmart.com.

No 10% off deals. No special markdowns. No Veterans Day sales. Nada.

I‘ll pause so you can pick your jaw up off the floor. Deep breath. I know, it‘s disappointing, especially from such a massive retailer.

But before you swear off Walmart entirely, know that they still support military families – just in less direct, discount-focused ways.

In fact, Walmart has made huge commitments to positively impact veterans and military families through new programs and initiatives.

So put away the pitchforks! We‘ll cover the ways Walmart does give back coming up next.

Walmart‘s Pledge to Hire Veterans

In 2013, Walmart pledged to hire 250,000 veterans by the end of 2024. Ambitious? Absolutely. But already they‘ve far surpassed that goal.

As of November 2020, Walmart hired over 320,000 veterans – well above their original pledge.

Their hiring commitment has provided thousands of veteran families with greater financial stability and purpose through meaningful employment.

Here‘s a quick snapshot of Walmart‘s veteran hiring initiative over the years:

| Year | Veteran Hires
——|—–|———
2011 | Began hiring veterans in stores
2012 | Began hiring veterans in distribution centers
2013 | Pledged to hire 100,000 veterans by 2018
2015 | Doubled pledge to hire 250,000 veterans by 2023
2020 | Surpassed goal with over 320,000 veteran hires to date

Providing careers, not just jobs, has empowered veterans to thrive after service. And Walmart continues to expand this commitment.

Their current goal is for the percentage of veteran associates at Walmart to reflect the percentage of veterans in the U.S. population.

Additionally, Walmart ranked #1 on the G.I. Jobs 2021 Top 100 Military Friendly Employers list – evidence of their meaningful commitment.

So while you won‘t get a military discount, you could get a Walmart career!

More Ways Walmart Supports Service Members

Aside from hiring veterans in stores, Walmart aims to support military families through:

Improved Healthcare Access

• Free access to nurse care managers for veterans who shop at Walmart
• Access to free healthcare resources and Walmart‘s affordable medications

Example: Walmart offers many generic prescriptions just $4-$10 through their prescription savings plan. Huge savings compared to non-military pharmacies.

Empowering Veteran-Owned Businesses

• Committed to sourcing products/services from 3,000 veteran-owned businesses from 2018-2028
• Hosts annual Open Call events for veteran-owned (and women/minority-owned) small U.S. businesses to pitch Walmart buyers

Example: In 2022, Walmart sourced coffee from veteran-owned Black Rifle Coffee Company to sell in over 2,800 stores.

Community Support Programs

• Donated $25 million in grants to veteran nonprofit organizations since 2011
• Supports initiatives providing meals, care packages, emergency aid, and other services

Example: The Walmart Foundation has donated over $1 million to Operation Homefront to provide school supplies, holiday meals, and emergency financial aid to military families.

Skills Training

• Launched Find-A-Future platform to help veterans translate military skills into civilian jobs
• Free skills/interests assessments, career recommendations, and guidance

Example: Veterans can take career aptitude tests on FindAFuture.com and receive a "veteran talent snapshot" to help tailor their resumes and job searches.

While Walmart doesn‘t offer military discounts, they provide meaningful support through healthcare access, business empowerment, community funding, and career transition programs.

How Veterans Can Still Save at Walmart

Sure, getting a straight-up military discount at Walmart would be nice. But savvy military shoppers can still save in others ways:

1. Take advantage of general sales. Walmart marks down items storewide frequently. Check for rollbacks in departments like food, electronics, home, and more.

2. Use the employee discount. Veterans working at Walmart stores, warehouses, etc. can get 10% off regularly-priced items with their employee discount card.

3. Price match competitors. Bring proof of lower prices from Target, Amazon, etc. and Walmart will match in-store. Just meet the price match terms.

4. Stack on coupons. Check Walmart‘s website, app, and emails for coupons to combine with sales for extra savings.

5. Buy discounted gift cards. Save up to 10% on Walmart gift cards through sites like Raise that you can spend in-store or online.

6. Use cash back apps. Earn cash back on Walmart purchases when you link your debit/credit card to Ibotta, Rakuten, etc.

7. Donate old stuff. Bring qualified used items to Walmart parking lots on donation days in exchange for Walmart gift cards.

While not specific to military, these strategies can help you save like a champ regardless.

Does Walmart Have Veterans Day Sales?

On top of no everyday military discount, Walmart also does not offer special Veterans Day discounts or sales.

You won‘t see big Veterans Day ads plastered around stores giving military shoppers a break on November 11th specifically.

However, Walmart likely will have various general sales around Veterans Day weekend on items like holiday decor, fall fashion, home furnishings, etc.

While not directly marketed as Veterans Day deals, vets can still shop these sales to save. Just don‘t expect extra savings for your service.

Where to Find Legit Military Discounts

If getting a discount at Walmart is make-or-break for you, don‘t worry. Plenty of big retailers do offer military discounts year-round. Here are some top picks:

Retailer	Discount	Notes
Kohl‘s	15% off in-store	Everyday discount with military ID
Nike	10% off online and in-store	Verify military status to save
Target	10% off in-store and online	Verify military status with ID
Lowe‘s	10% off in-store	Daily discount for active military and vets
Best Buy	Various discounts	Available in-store with military ID
Home Depot	10% off in-store	Some exclusions; offer can vary

Be sure to verify discount policies directly with retailers, as specifics can change. Most require showing a valid military ID card in-store to save.

Other tips for maximizing military discounts:

• Ask everywhere. Don‘t be shy – ask stores if they offer military discounts at checkout. Many have unadvertised deals.

• Search online. Google "[retailer] military discount" to quickly find current discount policies.

• Use coupon sites. Check sites like MilitaryBenefits.info that aggregate current military discounts.

• Combine coupons. Stack military discounts with coupons, sales, and loyalty programs for extra savings.

• Think beyond retailers. Many restaurants, cell phone companies, hotels, parks, museums, and more offer military discounts too!

With a little digging, you can find legit military discounts for almost anything – no Walmart required.

Is Walmart Really "Military Friendly" Without Discounts?

Walmart claiming to be military friendly without offering actual military discounts understandably rubs some vets the wrong way.

After all, actions speak louder than words. While Walmart has impressive hiring initiatives and community programs, shouldn‘t appreciating veterans also include, you know, real savings?

It‘s a fair criticism. However, some data suggests Walmart‘s approach still benefits military families:

• Hiring 320,000+ vets has an enormous economic impact by providing family-sustaining Walmart careers
• Affordable prices on grocery, home, pharmacy, etc. already help military budgets go further
• Healthcare access programs provide services many vets desperately need
• $25 million in nonprofit grants funds local programs supporting military families nationwide

Plus, Walmart doesn‘t make profits from military discounts like other retailers – so they likely funnel savings into more impactful military family programs instead.

While discounts provide short-term relief on individual purchases, Walmart aims for long-term change through meaningful employment, resource access, and community support.

In the end, though discounts are nice, programs that empower families are arguably better. But you decide what makes a company "military friendly."

More Ways to Save Beyond Discounts

As a military family well-versed in frugality, you know discounts aren‘t the only way to save money. Here are 6 more strategies:

1. Buy generic. Opt for Walmart‘s Equate brand of generic over-the-counter medicines, toiletries, and more to save up to 80%.

2. DIY gifts. Make homemade gifts like baked goods, candles, and cards from Walmart supplies instead of buying gifts.

3. Buy used. Shop Walmart‘s online Used section or in-store scratch and dent for major discounts on returned items.

4. Price match. Use sites like Honey that automatically check for lower prices on Walmart items as you shop.

5. Use cash back apps. Link cash back sites like Ibotta to your debit/credit card to earn money back on Walmart purchases.

6. Follow deal sites. Check sites like Slickdeals regularly for the latest leaked Walmart sales, codes, and rollbacks.

Using these creative savings strategies can help you stretch your budget further than any discount.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it, folks. Even as the #1 retailer nationwide, Walmart does not offer military, veteran, or military spouse discounts in any of its 4000+ stores or online in 2022.

You also won‘t find Veterans Day-specific sales. I know, it‘s a major bummer.

However, Walmart still aims to support service members, veterans, and military families through significant hiring initiatives, health programs, business empowerment, community funding, and skills training.

While actual dollar-off discounts would be nice, Walmart hopes their commitments lead to meaningful employment and provide resources military families need most. No 10% off necessary.

So if you‘re a military family loyal to Walmart, don‘t write them off yet. Just maybe leave your camo cap at home next Veterans Day.

And for everyday discounts, explore policies at military-friendly retailers like Target, Kohl‘s, Best Buy, Lowe‘s, and Home Depot instead.

How do you think businesses should support military families? Do Walmart‘s programs make up for no discounts? Let me know in the comments!