Verizon offers a military discount of 15% off most monthly service plans for active duty, retired, and veteran military members
Verizon's military discount reduces your monthly bill by 15 percent on may be able to access wireless plans. The discount applies to active duty service members, retirees, veterans, and National Guard members. You do not need to be the account holder — family members can open an account under this discount if they provide proof of military status.
The discount stacks with some other Verizon offers but not all. It does not apply to device payments, activation fees, or add-on services like device protection plans. If you switch to Verizon specifically for this discount, confirm the final monthly cost with a representative before you port your number, because the savings depend on which plan you choose.
Key Takeaways
- Verizon's military discount is 15% off monthly service plans for active duty, retired, and veteran members of any U.S. military branch.
- You must show military ID, a military dependent ID, or a Veterans Health Identification Card to verify your status when you set up the account.
- The discount does not apply to device costs, so the actual savings on your bill depends on whether you are financing a phone through Verizon.
- You can combine the military discount with some promotions but not others — ask Verizon which current offers stack before you commit.
- Family members can open accounts under the military discount if they provide proof of the service member's status, even if the service member is not the account holder.
Who qualifies for the Verizon military discount
Verizon extends the discount to active duty members of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, and Coast Guard. Retired service members and honorably discharged veterans also may have access to. Members of the National Guard and Reserves may have access to if they are on active duty orders.
Spouses and dependent children of active duty or retired service members can open their own Verizon accounts under the military discount. The service member does not have to be the account holder. A dependent simply needs to provide proof of the service member's military status — usually a military ID or dependent ID card.
What documents you need to verify military status
Verizon accepts several forms of military identification. An active military ID card, retired military ID card, or dependent military ID card all work. Veterans can use a Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) issued by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Some Verizon locations also accept a discharge certificate (DD Form 214) for veterans who do not have a VHIC yet.
You can show your ID in person at a Verizon store when you open the account. If you are setting up an account online or by phone, Verizon may ask you to upload a photo of your ID or verify your status through a third-party service. Call Verizon at 1-908-559-4899 to ask which verification method works for your situation.
How much you actually save each month
The 15% discount applies only to your monthly plan cost, not to device payments or one-time fees. If you are on a $70 monthly plan, the discount saves you about $10.50 per month. If you are financing a $1,000 phone over 24 months, that device payment does not get the discount — you pay the full amount on top of the discounted plan.
Your total savings depend on your plan size and whether you are buying devices. A single line on a basic plan might save $8 to $12 per month. A family plan with four lines could save $30 to $50 per month. If you are switching from another carrier, ask a Verizon representative to calculate your exact monthly cost before you port your number.
Combining the military discount with other Verizon offers
Verizon sometimes runs promotions that stack with the military discount and sometimes ones that do not. Recent examples include bill credits for switching carriers (which usually stack) and discounts on new device purchases (which usually do not). The rules change month to month, so you cannot assume a promotion will combine with your military rate.
Before you commit to switching or upgrading, contact Verizon and ask a representative which current promotions stack with the military discount. Get the answer in writing or take note of the representative's name and the date of the call. This protects you if the promotion terms change or if a different representative later tells you something different.
Setting up your military discount account
You can start the process online at Verizon.com, in a Verizon store, or by calling 1-908-559-4899. Verizon has a dedicated military line, though wait times vary. In a store, tell the representative you want to open an account with the military discount and bring your military ID or dependent ID card.
If you are porting a number from another carrier, have your current account number and PIN ready. The port usually takes a few hours to a few days. Your military discount begins on the first day of your billing cycle, not on the day you switch. Ask when your first bill will arrive and what the exact monthly cost will be, including any promotional credits.
What the military discount does not cover
Device payments, activation fees, and SIM card fees do not get the discount. Add-on services like device protection plans, international roaming packages, and premium data speeds (like 5G Ultra Wideband in some areas) are usually not discounted. Taxes and regulatory fees are calculated after the discount is applied, so they are lower, but they are not waived.
If you are buying a device outright at full price, you pay the same price whether you have the military discount or not. The discount only reduces your monthly service bill. Some Verizon promotions offer separate discounts on devices — those are different from the military discount and may or may not stack with it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the military discount if I am a veteran but no longer have my military ID?
Yes. A Veterans Health Identification Card (VHIC) from the VA works as proof. If you do not have a VHIC yet, you can request one through the VA website or by calling 1-800-698-2411. Some Verizon locations also accept a DD Form 214 (discharge certificate) as proof of veteran status.
Does the military discount work on prepaid plans?
No. Verizon's military discount applies only to postpaid plans — the standard monthly billing plans. Prepaid plans like Verizon Prepaid do not may have access to. If you are currently on prepaid and want the military discount, you would need to switch to a postpaid plan.
Can I add the military discount to an existing Verizon account?
You can contact Verizon and ask them to add it, but you may need to open a new account instead. The answer depends on how your current account is set up. Call 1-908-559-4899 and ask whether your existing account can be converted or whether you need to start fresh.
What happens to my military discount if I leave the military?
The discount continues as long as you have proof of military service — active duty, retired, or veteran status all may have access to. If you are currently active duty and separate from the military, you become a veteran and keep the discount. You do not lose it on the day you leave.
Does my spouse get the military discount on their own Verizon account?
Yes. A spouse of an active duty or retired service member can open a separate Verizon account and receive the military discount by providing proof of the service member's military status (military ID or dependent ID card). The service member does not have to be on the account.