Let’s take a closer look at the 3 Major Warehouse Stores and their Military Discounts! All three stores offer their military discount for active duty members, Guard and Reserves, and retired military personnel and their families.
BJ’s Wholesale Club Military Discount
BJ’S – Military Members qualify for a discounted BJ’s Warehouse Club membership (30% off).
- Military membership is $35 (regularly $50)
- They will also send you a $10 Coupon in the mail.
The offer is valid to both active and retired military personnel. In addition, you get a Free Second Card and additional users can be added for $25 each. Note: Military Members must present a valid Military ID at the time of enrollment at the club. This $15 discount is valid for renewals also.
Costco Military Discount
COSTCO – Costco is unique because instead of presenting your ID card at the store to get the discount, they have partnered up with “SheerID” to verify your Military Status. This is all done online.
Here’s how to sign up for the Costco Military Discount:
- Visit the Costco website to start the online registration process
- Enter in your military status (active, retired, veteran) and contact information (name, email, birthday)
- Next, you will have to upload proof of military identification. Some examples include Form DD 214, VA ID, Deployment orders, or any other official military documentation.
- After they verify your military status they will send you an email with instructions on how to complete the rest of the online registration. This includes paying the $60 membership fee online.
- Costco will then send you your activation card in the mail. Take this activation card into Costco and they will complete the signup process and give you your official membership card with your picture ID.
- Along with the activation card, they will also send you coupons for free products and other great savings valued at more than $50. When I signed up a couple of years ago some of the coupon items included Rotisserie Chicken, Spring Drinking Water Bottles, and 48pk AA Batteries
RECAP: Membership costs $60 but with the membership, they send you coupons valued at around $20 bringing the overall cost of membership for military members to $40!!
Sam’s Club Military Discount
SamsClub – Offers a free $15 Gift Card with a 1-year membership. All you need is a valid ID. Membership is $45. Visit our Military Discount – Sam’s Club for more details
The nice thing about Sam’s Club Military Discount is that is good for renewals also. Costco’s military discount on the other hand is only good for NEW members.
Summary – Which Offer is the Best?
- BJ’s ($35 with $10 Coupon) = $25 Total Cost
- Costco ($60 with $20 in coupons) = $40 Total Cost
- Sam’s Club ($45 with a $15 GiftCard) = $30 Total Cost
In conclusion, Costco is definitely the cheapest cost when factoring in the coupons they send you. BJ’s and Sam’s Club are the better deals in the long run however because they give the military discount every year.
Vanessa says
Good Info!
Here's an update from my personal experience. Choosing Veteran/Retiree for COSTCO, I did not have to upload any documentation. I did have to provide my separation day though.
Bobby Rampton says
Thanks for the Update
Mike says
What are the $50 in coupons? What if I don't use those items?
Bobby Rampton says
They vary from time to time. Usually they are a combination of food items and products like batteries. Sorry you can't exchange the coupons or get cash instead. So if you don't use the coupons it is just your loss.
Juanita says
Can a military spouse apply and get the military Costco discount?
Bobby Rampton says
Yes, as long as she can verify his or her spouses military status
Capt. John Wampler says
A big thumbs down for Sam's Club for exclusion of non-retired veterans.
Michael says
Huge thumbs down. All military past and present deserve all discounts. That should be the law! I agree with you 100%
Capt. John says
BJ's offers coupons booklets to all customers every month. So you still save on the membership more than Costco one time coupon offer.
Eddie says
I'm a retired veteran and I'm so fed up with seeing veterans (retired and non-retired) acting as if they're entitled to special discounts, handouts, freebies, etc. We all VOLUNTEERED to wear the uniform and it's disgraceful to expect special treatment for doing so.
Jose says
Do you use AARP discounts or any type of senior discounts? Yes, you volunteered, but how many volunteer to give up their families for months at a time? How many volunteer to be gone for the birth of their children, or when thet know a loved one may die before they can get home? God bless all of those that have, do and will for us.
Norris says
Don't all members get coupons periodically? How is this a discount to military? I was paying $55. before someone told me they give a discount. I'm not sure this is a great deal.
James says
VOLUNTEERED?? Have you forgotten about all the Vietnam vets that were DRAFTED??
Tracy says
I think those that were drafted should have a permanent discount everywhere. I also think those that VOLUNTEERED deserve discounts as well. Remember there are millions of people enjoying the benefits of life off of the backs of those of us who CHOSE to fight for our country. Never taking away the sacrifices of those that were drafted. WE ALL deserve a discount above those that didn't do any service. Just my opinion.
Freddie says
They are coupons for free items, not the quarterly discounted items. When I joined we got coupon for free case of toilet paper, free chicken, a pizza, free case of water, free pie, muffins, 6 dollars off a meat product, and possibly others that I can not remember. It was a good welcome gift.
Bertrand says
I am really glad the US isn't one of those countries that allows those affiliated with the government to take whatever they want from private citizens like Vietnam and others we have fought against. When I volunteered to serve the terms were laid out and I only "deserve"/earned what they agreed to provide when I fulfilled my end of the agreement. I am also thankful for those that "volunteer" to get medical training to treat my sick child, serve in our police/fire departments, educate our children, build safe roads, keep my internet running, have milk available for me at the grocery store when I want it, and maintain websites to help me find discounts. The "Thank You's" and discounts are nice bonuses but not part of the official agreement anywhere. The Sam's Club customer service department didn't declare war on Vietnam so they have no responsibility in that agreement, they have a business to run with staff to pay when making these offers and we should be grateful if they ever offer anything. There is no honor in acting entitled.
Albert says
What about ongoing discounts. This article seems to reveal only discount at startup or re-instatement. For instance, Lowes and Home Depot is discounts at every purchase. Is there no ongoing discounts at the stores you cover here?
Military Veteran says
Costco site is back up but like goes to Citi. What a joke!
Military Veteran says
Dear To Whom It May Concern
My husband is a CMSGT and has been serving his country for 32+ years. He was active duty from 1983 to 1985 then he has been in the Air National Guard from 1986 to present. What constitutes the difference between his active duty time and guard time he continuously serves his country with pride and honor! It is disappointing to see a separation between the active duty and national guard for not allowing a military discount when he is still serving his country everyday. IT SHOULD BE ACTIVE MILITARY NOT JUST ACTIVE DUTY!!!
Thank You for your consideration!
Proud Wife of a ACTIVE MILITARY family.
DMDE'sMomma says
To husband of CMSGT. If you are referring to Costco site, you could check the vet part then input the year 85' when he transitioned from active duty to the Air National Guard.It worked for my DH and myself. We were AD army since we were 18 I ets'd 2010 I was done done, while DHH ets'd 2014 and is reserve now, there wasn't the reserve button to hit up there so I did vet and they were able to verify it for the both of us at separate years given.Hope this helps. Also I try to remember a civilian may have put that site together and was not aware of all different duty categories/types. (i.e. active, active reserve, reserve or vet, combat vet) Lets.not get started on our acronyms.;) I'm sure they would be honored to have a career military family a part of the club. God bless and good luck.
Phyllis says
Not true. They give you the discount if you are a veteran and didn't retire from the service. Their policy message just isn't clear, that's all.
David S. says
And do you get these coupons every month?
Eric says
Yes this is true I was in for 6 years and get the discount from Sams club make sure everytime you renew you go in the store to renew and remind them to give you the $15 giftcard because last time I almost didn't get it.
Jim W says
Are the coupons for Costco mailed, or are they emailed? I need them before I go to Costco which is 6 hours away!
Robert says
Yes you are correct, it is a business. The crater in your logic, is that they operate said business in the U.S. of A. and the laws that allowed that business to be breed and succeed, as well as the life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, of those employed and that patron said business, do so because of the sacrifices to our own lives and well being, that WE SOLDIERS AND VETERANS MADE. and you are welcome, you asshole.
Military Veteran says
Costco's offer is an insult. There should be a recurring discount of some kind annually. They are coming to our city, but I'll definitely keep my Sam's membership instead. A better deal overall.
Jan says
I agree. This article is really thin on the details on how this differs from the deal I got for signing up the first time without info about my vet status. If were a recurring benefity, that'd be great. "This offer is not valid for renewal of existing Costco membership. Membership Activation Certificates are offered online only and are not available for purchase at Costco locations."
Jeffrey says
I volunteered. I did that because I believed (still do believe) it was my responsibility (I needed a DD214 to get my man card stamped). Now, I'm 100% disabled.
The only one that owes me anything is the Government of the United States of America. They owe me compensation for the loss of my ability to earn a living.
If someone who offers me free ice cream, I'll gratefully take it, but it amounts to next to nothing compared to what I lost during my service. I knew what I was gettkng into when I volunteered. I'm proud that I served. When I went in, civilians spit on veterans, and companies ignored them. I'm pleased that the spitting has stopped.