Hello there! Are you looking to stretch your budget further while getting the gear you need for your active lifestyle? As a token of appreciation for their service, Academy Sports + Outdoors often provides a military discount. While it's generally a seasonal offer rather than a year-round one, knowing how to navigate the process can save you a good chunk of change. Let's walk through how to get your military discount at Academy Sports!
Step 1: Understand Academy's Military Discount Policy
The first and most crucial step is to understand when Academy Sports + Outdoors offers its military discount. Unlike some retailers with a continuous discount, Academy Sports typically offers its 10% military discount during specific promotional periods. These often align with major patriotic holidays, such as:
Memorial Day
Independence Day (4th of July)
Veterans Day
For instance, they've been known to offer a 10% discount through July 4th and again around Veterans Day. It's always a good idea to check Academy's official website or their promotional ads as these dates can be subject to change without notice.
Eligibility: Who Qualifies?
Academy Sports + Outdoors generally extends their military discount to a broad range of service members and their families. This typically includes:
Active Duty Military: Individuals currently serving in the U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and National Guard.
Veterans: Those who have honorably served in any branch of the U.S. military.
Retired Military: Individuals who have retired from military service.
Reserves: Members of the U.S. Military Reserves.
Immediate Military Family Members: In some promotional periods, spouses and immediate family members may also be eligible.
Always double-check the specific terms of the current promotion to confirm eligibility, as it can sometimes vary slightly.
Step 2: Prepare for Verification - The Power of ID.me
Academy Sports + Outdoors, like many other retailers, utilizes a third-party verification service called ID.me to confirm military status. This is a secure and efficient way to ensure that discounts are provided to eligible individuals.
What is ID.me?
ID.me is a digital identity verification platform that allows you to prove your affiliation with various groups, including military, first responders, students, and more, across multiple websites. Think of it as a digital ID card for online discounts.
How to Set Up Your ID.me Account (If You Don't Have One)
Visit ID.me: Go to the official ID.me website (www.id.me).
Create an Account: Click on "Create an ID.me account" or "Sign Up" if you're a new user.
Choose Your Group: Select "Military" as your group.
Verify Your Status: ID.me offers several convenient ways to verify your military status:
USAA Account: If you're a USAA member, this is often the fastest way to verify.
Military Service Records: Enter your service information, and ID.me will cross-reference it with various military databases.
.mil Email Account: If you're active duty, Reserves, or National Guard, you can use your official .mil email address for verification.
Document Upload: You can upload images of official documents like your DD-214, military ID card, or veteran ID card. The ID.me team reviews these uploads quickly.
Complete the Process: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete your verification. Once verified, your ID.me account will be ready to use for various discounts, including at Academy Sports.
It's highly recommended to set up your ID.me account in advance so you're ready when a discount period begins!
Step 3: Redeem Your Discount - Online or In-Store
Once a military discount promotion is active and you have your ID.me verification ready, you can redeem your discount both online and in-store.
For Online Purchases:
Shop at AcademySports.com: Browse the Academy Sports + Outdoors website and add your desired items to your shopping cart.
Proceed to Checkout: When you're ready to purchase, go to your shopping cart or proceed to checkout.
Look for the ID.me Button: On the shopping cart or checkout page, you'll typically see a "Verify with ID.me" button or a similar prompt for military discounts. Click on it.
Log In to ID.me: You'll be redirected to the ID.me login page. Log in with your ID.me credentials.
Confirm Status: Once logged in, ID.me will confirm your verified military status with Academy Sports.
Apply Discount: The discount (usually 10%) will then be automatically applied to your eligible purchase. Ensure you see the discount applied before completing your order. If it doesn't apply automatically, a unique promo code might be provided by ID.me that you'll need to enter manually in the promotional code field.
For In-Store Purchases:
Visit Your Local Academy Store: Head to your nearest Academy Sports + Outdoors location.
Gather Your ID: Have your valid military ID, Veteran ID card (VIC), or a state-issued driver's license with a veteran designation ready. While some stores may accept physical ID, it's increasingly common for them to still require ID.me verification even in-store.
Be Prepared for ID.me (Even In-Store): It's a good idea to have your ID.me account accessible on your smartphone. Some store associates might guide you to verify through ID.me on your phone at the register.
Present at Checkout: Inform the cashier that you are eligible for the military discount. They will guide you through their specific in-store verification process, which often involves the ID.me platform.
Discount Applied: Once your status is verified, the discount will be applied to your qualifying purchase.
Important Notes:
Exclusions: Be aware that some items may be excluded from the military discount. Common exclusions can include firearms, ammunition, gift cards, clearance items, and certain brands or products. Always check the fine print of the promotion.
Combining Discounts: The military discount usually cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or coupons.
Returns: If you return a portion of your purchase, a portion of the discount may be lost.
Step 4: Stay Informed for Future Savings
Since Academy Sports' military discount is often seasonal, staying informed is key to maximizing your savings.
Sign Up for Academy's Email Newsletter
This is one of the best ways to be notified directly when special discounts, including the military discount, are available. You'll often receive alerts about upcoming sales and promotions.
Follow Academy Sports on Social Media
Retailers frequently announce special offers on their social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). Following them can give you a heads-up on discount periods.
Check Military Discount Websites & Forums
Websites dedicated to military discounts (like The Military Wallet, Military.com, or ID.me Shop) often track and announce current and upcoming military discount offers from various retailers, including Academy Sports. Regularly checking these resources can help you stay on top of the latest deals.
By following these steps, you'll be well-equipped to take advantage of Academy Sports + Outdoors' military discount and save on your favorite sports and outdoor gear! Thank you for your service!
Frequently Asked Questions
How to confirm if Academy Sports has a military discount currently active?
You can confirm by checking the "Discounts & Offers" section on Academy Sports + Outdoors' official website (academy.com), subscribing to their email newsletter, or checking reputable military discount websites like ID.me Shop or The Military Wallet.
How to create an ID.me account for military verification?
Go to www.id.me, select "Create an ID.me account," choose "Military" as your group, and follow the prompts to verify your status using options like USAA, military service records, .mil email, or document upload.
How to use ID.me for an online military discount at Academy Sports?
During online checkout at AcademySports.com, click the "Verify with ID.me" button, log in to your ID.me account, and once your status is confirmed, the discount will be applied to your eligible purchase.
How to get the military discount in-store at Academy Sports?
Present your valid military ID (or a state-issued ID with veteran designation) at the checkout. Be prepared to verify your status via ID.me on your smartphone if requested by the cashier.
How to know if I am eligible for the Academy Sports military discount?
Eligibility typically includes active-duty service members, veterans, retired military, Reserves, and sometimes immediate military family members of the U.S. Armed Forces. Specific promotion terms should be checked for exact details.
How to find out what items are excluded from the military discount?
Exclusions are usually listed in the terms and conditions of the specific military discount promotion. Common exclusions include firearms, ammunition, gift cards, clearance items, and certain premium brands.
How to combine the military discount with other promotions at Academy Sports?
Generally, Academy Sports' military discount cannot be combined with other offers, discounts, or coupons. It's usually a standalone discount during its promotional periods.
How to resolve issues with ID.me verification for the Academy Sports discount?
If you encounter issues with ID.me verification, visit the ID.me help center on their website for troubleshooting or contact their customer support.
How to stay updated on future Academy Sports military discount offers?
Sign up for Academy Sports + Outdoors' email newsletter, follow their social media channels, and regularly check military discount aggregator websites.
How to get a military discount if I don't have a military ID card?
If you're a veteran without a military ID, you can often use a state-issued driver's license with a veteran designation or your DD-214 form to verify your status through ID.me's document upload option.
