Verify your veteran status to unlock armed forces discounts
If you’re a veteran of the UK armed forces, you may be missing out on hundreds of pounds’ worth of savings every year. From shopping and dining discounts to cheaper travel across the UK, these dedicated armed forces discounts have been created to recognise your service.
Here’s a guide showing how you can verify your status, access discount schemes and make the most of the benefits available to you.
Time to read:
1. Start by verifying your veteran status
The easiest way to verify your veteran status is to apply for an HM Armed Forces Veteran Card. It’s available as a physical card and now a digital version can be downloaded straight to your smartphone.
Why it matters:
It’s official proof of your service.
It helps you access veteran‑specific services and offers from organisations across the UK.
It’s widely recognised and trusted.
Apply online and keep your card handy when visiting shops, venues or applying for support.
2. Get a Defence Privilege Card
The Defence Privilege Card is one of the best ways to access everyday savings.
With this card, you can get savings at:
- over 12,000 shops and restaurants
- major high‑street brands
- popular online retailers
- days out, dining, travel and more
Key details
The card:
- costs £4.99
- is valid for 5 years
- works both online and in-store
How to apply
You’ll need to register with the Defence Discount Service and apply online.
Prefer using your phone?
You can download the Defence Discount Service app.
It’s one of the easiest ways to access regular armed forces discounts across the UK.
3. Get armed forces discounts on your travel
Travel can be expensive, but veterans have access to several discount schemes that can cut the cost significantly.
Veterans Railcard
A must‑have for regular train users.
The card:
- costs £35 for 1 year or £80 for 3 years
- Saves you 1/3 off rail fares across England, Scotland and Wales
Perfect for commuting, family visits or days out.
Veterans Oyster Photocard (London)
Free or discounted travel on London public transport if you:
- served in the UK Armed Forces and live in a London borough, and
- receive ongoing War Pensions or Armed Forces Compensation payments
This includes widows, widowers and dependants.
Some veterans may also qualify for a Disabled Person’s Freedom Pass, offering wider free travel across London.
War Disablement SmartPass (Northern Ireland)
You may be eligible for the War Disablement SmartPass, giving you free public transport across Northern Ireland.
- 50% off standard adult single fares on scheduled bus and rail services operating within Northern Ireland
You can get a War Disablement SmartPass if you recieve:
- a War Disablement Pension, or
- Guaranteed Income Payment
Also available:
- 60+ SmartPass
- Senior (65+) SmartPass
National Express
National Express offers discounts for veterans and serving personnel using a Defence Privilege Card, meaning you can reduce the cost of long‑distance bus travel across England, Scotland and Wales.
How to redeem your discount:
Choose your journey through the National Express online journey planner.
Enter the unique voucher code provided on the Defence Discount Service website at checkout.
Pay for your purchase – your discount is applied automatically.
Car hire
Hiring a car this year? The Defence Privilege Card gives you exclusive discounts with leading UK car-hire companies, including Enterprise, SIXT, Europcar and AVIS.
Apply today and start saving on your next rental.
Why these armed forces discounts matter
Veterans often overlook the discounts and support available to them simply because they don’t know what’s out there. These scheme above can help you:
- save money on essentials
- cut travel costs
- make days out and holidays more affordable
- access services tailored to veterans
- stay financially secure in civilian life
Quick checklist: start saving today
To begin unlocking armed forces discounts, make sure you:
Apply for your HM Armed Forces Veteran Card.
Register with the Defence Discount Service.
Get your Defence Privilege Card.
Explore travel discounts.
Even one of these can make a big difference and save you a lot of money every year.
Start using
your armed forces discounts today
Your service deserves recognition. These discounts are here to support you, thank you and make everyday life a bit more affordable. Don’t miss out. Start applying today and unlock the full range of armed forces discounts available to you.