Discounts for UK Armed Forces & Veterans
Supporting those who serve — and have served — our country
Members of the UK Armed Forces community deserve meaningful recognition, and one of the most practical ways businesses show appreciation is through exclusive discounts. Two major national schemes — Defence Discount Service and Blue Light Card — give serving personnel, veterans, and their families access to thousands of savings across retail, travel, dining, entertainment, and more.
This page outlines what each scheme offers, who’s eligible, and how to join.
🎖 Defence Discount Service (DDS)
The official Ministry of Defence discount service
What it offers
DDS provides exclusive discounts both online and on the high street, covering categories such as:
- Fashion, food & dining
- Holidays and travel
- Motoring
- Home & garden
- Sports & fitness
- Electricals
- Days out & leisure
Members can also use the Defence Privilege Card, a vetted card that unlocks in‑store discounts at restaurants, shops, and venues nationwide.
Who’s eligible
DDS supports a wide section of the Armed Forces community, including:
- Serving Armed Forces & Reserve Forces
- Veterans (ex‑serving)
- Spouses/partners of serving personnel
- MoD civil servants
- Cadet Forces (16+)
- Bereaved family members
- NATO personnel based in the UK
How it works
- Select your service category
- Complete verification
- Pay £4.99 for 5 years of access
- Start saving online and in‑store
DDS also offers a mobile app with a virtual card for quick access to discounts on the go.
🔵 Blue Light Card (BLC)
The UK’s dedicated rewards service for frontline workers, including the Armed Forces
What it offers
Blue Light Card partners with over 15,000 brands, offering savings across:
- Retail and supermarkets
- Travel and holidays
- Tech and home goods
- Entertainment, events & Member Days
- Dining and leisure
Members also gain access to exclusive ticket ballots, special events, and limited‑release offers.
Who’s eligible
Although widely known for supporting NHS and emergency services, BLC also includes:
- Serving & retired HM Armed Forces
- Reserve Forces
- MoD civil servants
- MoD Police & MoD Fire Service
- Veterans
- Royal Navy, RAF, Army
- Coastguard, RNLI, Search & Rescue
How it works
- Register online
- Verify employment or service (email, ID, payslip)
- Pay £4.99 for 2 years of access
- Use your digital or physical card to claim discounts
The BLC app provides instant access to your virtual card and nearby offers.
🪖 Which should you choose?
Most serving personnel and veterans benefit from having both, as each scheme partners with different brands. For just under £10 combined, you unlock a huge range of savings that can easily pay for themselves within a single purchase — especially on holidays, tech, or days out.
