As a company, AutoZone proudly serves those who serve our country. One small way they aim to give back is by offering an exclusive discount on automotive parts and accessories to military personnel. If you‘re an active-duty service member, veteran, or military family wondering if you‘re eligible for special savings at AutoZone, this guide will tell you everything you need to know!
The Importance of Military Discounts
Before we dive into the specifics of AutoZone‘s discount program, let‘s take a step back and look at the larger impact these types of exclusive offers can have.
According to the Department of Defense, there are currently over 1.3 million men and women serving actively in the U.S. Armed Forces. When you factor in veterans and military family members, that number swells to approximately 18 million potential customers for retailers to reach.
Research shows that military families are very loyal to brands that support their community with dedicated discounts and promotions. A study by SheerID found that 95% of military members have a positive impression of companies that offer exclusive military discounts. Additionally, 91% say they are more likely to shop at a retailer with a military discount program.
Considering that the average military family spends over $500 per year on automotive maintenance and repairs (per NADA), it‘s no surprise that major auto parts retailers like AutoZone want to compete for this valuable customer segment.
AutoZone‘s Military Discount Policy
So, does AutoZone offer a military discount? The answer is yes… with a few caveats.
AutoZone does not have an official company-wide policy for military discounts that is honored at every single location. However, many stores have been known to offer an unofficial 5-15% discount to customers who present a valid military ID at checkout.
Because this in-store discount is not mandated at the corporate level, it is ultimately up to the discretion of each individual store manager. This means you may want to call ahead to your local AutoZone to confirm whether they are one of the locations that participates.
Also note that the military discount at AutoZone is only valid for in-store purchases—it does not apply to online orders placed at AutoZone.com. If you‘re shopping on the website, you‘ll need to look for other promotions and deals to save on your order.
How to Get the Discount In-Store
If you‘re headed to your neighborhood AutoZone to pick up some supplies, here‘s what you need to know to secure the military discount:
- Bring proof of your military status, such as:
- Current military ID card (CAC card)
- Veterans ID card
- State-issued driver‘s license with a veteran designation
- At checkout, ask the cashier if they are able to provide a military discount on your purchase
- Be prepared for the possibility that the discount amount may vary from store to store, or that a particular location may not offer the discount at all
The good news is, when the AutoZone military discount is available, it can be applied to your entire in-store purchase. There are no limitations or restrictions on which brands are eligible, and you do not need to hit a minimum purchase amount to qualify for the special pricing.
AutoZone Military Discount Comparison
To put AutoZone‘s discount into perspective, here is a comparison of what their top competitors offer to military customers:
| Retailer | Discount Amount | Eligibility | Restrictions |
|---|---|---|---|
| AutoZone | 5-15% (varies by store) | Active duty, veterans | In-store only, no official policy |
| Advance Auto Parts | 10% | Active duty, retired (20+ years), spouses, dependents under 18 | In-store only |
| O‘Reilly Auto Parts | 10% | Active duty, veterans, retired | Some exclusions (oil, antifreeze, sale items) |
| NAPA Auto Parts | 10% | Active duty, reserve, retired, veterans within 30 days of discharge | Participating locations only |
| Pep Boys | 10% | Active duty, reserve, retired, veterans | None |
As you can see, AutoZone is a bit of an outlier in that they do not have a structured company-wide policy like the other major players in the auto parts industry. This can make it trickier for military shoppers to consistently use the discount.
Other Ways to Save at AutoZone
Even without a military discount, there are still plenty of opportunities to save money at AutoZone. Here are a few tips to get the best deal possible:
1. Check for Coupons: AutoZone regularly posts coupons and promo codes on their website. You can find offers for a percentage off your purchase, bonus gift cards with qualifying purchases, and free shipping.
2. Shop the Sales: Like most retailers, AutoZone has major sale events throughout the year—especially around holiday weekends like Memorial Day, Labor Day, and Black Friday. You could score savings of 50% or more on select parts and accessories.
3. Join the Rewards Program: With AutoZone Rewards, you earn a $20 credit every time you make five purchases of $20 or more (in-store or online). Those rewards can add up quickly for frequent customers!
4. Explore Rebate Offers: AutoZone works with many manufacturers to provide mail-in rebates on select products. While it does require a bit of legwork on the customer‘s part, the savings can be significant—sometimes as high as $50-$100 on high ticket items.
5. Consider Remanufactured Parts: For certain products like alternators and brake calipers, AutoZone offers remanufactured versions that have been rebuilt to meet original specs. The prices are much lower than buying new.
6. Ask About Price Matching: If you find a lower price on an identical item at a competitor like Advance Auto Parts or NAPA, AutoZone will match it—plus refund you 10% of the difference.
7. Look for Financing Options: For large purchases like a new set of tires, AutoZone partners with Affirm to offer affordable monthly payments. This can be easier on your budget than paying the full amount upfront.
The Bottom Line
At the end of the day, it‘s clear that AutoZone appreciates and values its military customers. While they may not have the most straightforward discount program, they still aim to provide the best possible value on automotive supplies—whether that‘s through special military pricing, seasonal sales, or their rewards program.
By understanding how and where you can secure an AutoZone military discount, as well as taking advantage of other promotions throughout the year, you‘ll be in the best position to save on the parts that keep your vehicle safe and reliable.
