If you’re serving, have served, or are part of a military family, the Defence Discount Card could be your key to everyday savings. From high street shopping and holidays to meals out and home essentials, the card gives you access to thousands of exclusive discounts as a thank you for your service or support.

The Defence Discount Card provides recognition of the commitment and sacrifices made by the Armed Forces community. It’s also very handy to have in your back pocket to help save you some cash on a wide range of purchases. Whether you’re doing the weekly shop, booking a trip or treating yourself to something new, a Defence Discount Card can help your money go further.

So, can you get one? Let’s take a closer look at what the card is, who’s eligible, what you can save money on and how to apply.

What is the Defence Discount Card?

The Defence Discount Card (also known as the Defence Privilege Card), is the official discount card of the Ministry of Defence (MoD). It gives members of the Armed Forces community access to thousands of discounts at popular retailers, restaurants, travel services and entertainment providers across the UK.

Available as a physical card that you can carry in your wallet and show in-store, it also links to an online platform where you can browse and access exclusive online deals. Brands that regularly offer discounts include the likes of Tesco, Apple, New Look, JD Sports, B&Q, and even holiday providers like Haven and Jet2holidays.

The card costs a one-off fee of £4.99 and is valid for five years, so it’s a relatively small investment for long-term savings. You receive reminders when it’s time to renew, and your access to discounts continues as long as you’re still eligible.

Unlike general discount platforms, the scheme is run through the Defence Discount Service, which is the MoD’s official provider. This means it’s a secure and trustworthy way to unlock benefits as a recognition of your service or connection to the Armed Forces.

Eligibility for serving personnel

If you’re currently serving in the British Armed Forces or supporting the Ministry of Defence, it’s likely that you’re eligible for the Defence Discount Card.

  • Regular Armed Forces: All full-time personnel in the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force can apply.
  • Reserve forces: Members of the Army Reserve, Royal Naval Reserve, Royal Marines Reserve, and Royal Auxiliary Air Force are also eligible.
  • Ministry of Defence civil servants: Civilian staff employed directly by the MoD qualify, provided they can supply a recent payslip showing their name and staff number.
  • Military cadets and adult volunteers: Cadets aged 16 and over, as well as adult instructors in organisations like the Army Cadet Force, Sea Cadet Corps, Air Training Corps and Combined Cadet Force are eligible.

What documentation is required?

  • Serving personnel: A photocopy of the front cover of a recent MoD payslip (dated within the last three months) showing your name and service number. Ensure sensitive information like salary details and address are obscured.
  • MoD civil servants: A recent MoD payslip (dated within the last three months) displaying your name and staff number.
  • Cadet forces: A completed and stamped cadet form, a relevant page from your 3822 book showing your name and date of birth, or a recent payslip indicating your affiliation with the cadet forces.

Eligibility for veterans

Veterans who’ve served in the Armed Forces can benefit from the Defence Discount Card, including:

  • HM Armed Forces veterans: If you’ve previously served in the Royal Navy, British Army, or Royal Air Force then you could be eligible for the card.
  • Merchant Navy veterans: Those who served in the Merchant Navy in support of UK military operations.
  • Royal Fleet Auxiliary veterans: Former members of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Verification process

To confirm your veteran status, you can provide:

  • A Certificate of Service or Certificate of Discharge
  • An Armed Forces pension statement (ensure financial details are obscured)
  • A previous Armed Forces payslip showing your name and service number
  • A Veterans ID card or a letter from Veterans UK

If you no longer have these documents, you can request a copy of your service records from Veterans UK by calling 0808 1914 218.

Eligibility for military families

The Defence Discount Card also recognises the vital role of military families, meaning you could get one if you fall into one of the following categories.

  • Spouses and partners: If you’re married to or in a civil partnership with serving Armed Forces personnel.
  • Widows and widowers: If your spouse or partner died during or as a result of their service.
  • Dependents: Children aged 16 and over who are dependents of serving personnel.

What documentation is required?

  • Spouses and partners: A copy of your partner’s MoD payslip showing their name and service number, a Forces Dependents Card, or a letter from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) addressed to you or your spouse or partner.
  • Widows and widowers: A letter from the Ministry of Defence, a letter from the Service Personnel and Veterans Agency (SPVA) indicating receipt of an Armed Forces Pension or War Widow’s or Widower’s Pension, or a letter from the War Widows Association GB.
  • Dependents: Documentation confirming your status as a dependent, such as a Forces Dependents Card or a letter from the DIO.

Just make sure that all sensitive information, like financial details, is obscured when submitting documents.

Special categories

Beyond the standard categories, the Defence Discount Card is also available to some other specific groups.

  • Foreign and Commonwealth Forces: Personnel from foreign or Commonwealth nations serving in the UK Armed Forces.
  • NATO personnel stationed in the UK: Members of NATO forces currently based in the UK.
  • Medically discharged personnel: Individuals who were medically discharged from the UK Armed Forces.
  • Cadet force adult volunteers: Adult instructors in cadet organisations, even if not part of the regular or reserve forces.

What documentation is required?

  • Foreign and Commonwealth Forces: Official documentation confirming your service in the UK Armed Forces.
  • NATO personnel: A NATO payslip dated within the last three months, a NATO ID card, or travel orders indicating your current stationing in the UK.
  • Medically discharged personnel: A Certificate of Discharge or relevant medical discharge papers.
  • Cadet force adult volunteers: A completed and stamped cadet form, a relevant page from your 3822 book, or a recent payslip indicating your affiliation with the cadet forces.

Make sure all documents submitted match the name on your Defence Discount Service account and that any sensitive information is obscured where necessary.

If you need further help or have questions about your eligibility, get in touch with the Defence Discount Service and they should be able to give you a hand.

Using your card

The Defence Privilege Card is your key to exclusive savings, both online and in-store. You can use the physical card at participating high street retailers simply by showing it at the checkout. Many big brands recognise it as proof of your eligibility for their special Armed Forces discounts, so it’s worth keeping on you at all times.

For online shopping, your Defence Discount Service account unlocks a huge range of offers. Once logged in, you can browse thousands of discounts across categories like travel, fashion, tech, groceries and entertainment. The website and mobile app make it easy to spot new deals and seasonal promotions, many of which are only available for a limited time.

Wherever you’re shopping and whatever you’re buying, some offers are exclusive to the Defence Discount Service platform, so be sure to check it before you buy. You can also sign up for email alerts or app notifications so you never miss a deal.

Discounts vary by retailer, so it’s a good idea to check the terms of each offer. Some may only apply on certain days, in specific locations or for certain product lines. Do a bit of digging and the rewards can be well worth it.

Renewals and updates

Your Defence Discount Card is valid for five years from the date of issue. Before it expires, you should get an email reminder prompting you to renew. Renewing your card is easy and can be done online through your Defence Discount Service account. It costs just £4.99 for another five years of access to thousands of discounts.

If anything changes in your circumstances, such as your job role, military status or contact details, it’s important to keep your profile up to date on the Defence Discount Service website. This can help you to retain your eligibility and avoid any disruption in accessing discounts.

Lost or damaged your card? No problem. You can request a replacement card through your account dashboard.

If your eligibility ends, for example, if you leave the Armed Forces or your family connection changes, you may no longer qualify for a new card. However, you can still access online discounts through your account until your current card expires.

Don’t miss out

The Defence Discount Card is a valuable benefit if you serve or have served in the British Armed Forces, as well as your family. It’s an easy way to save money and receive recognition for your service. If you’re eligible, why not apply today and start enjoying the benefits?

At RIFT, we advise that you always check the Defence Discount Service website for the most up-to-date information on eligibility and participating retailers.

And if you’d like some extra cash in your back pocket to spend on all those great deals, why not get in touch with us today about starting your military tax refund?