Whether you’re still in military service or a veteran, being part of the military entitles you to several benefits, like discounts and offers from brands and organizations. Some outlets offer discounts on products purchased from them, while carriers have plans that are cheaper than standard mobile plans.
Since the cost of a good plan with substantial bandwidth and voice minutes is high, it makes sense to save money when looking for the best carrier plan, including getting a discount using your military status. If you’re an active member of the military or a veteran, here’s everything you need to know before heading to a carrier store for a good discount on your and your family’s carrier plan or contract.
Related
6 You can save a substantial amount of money
Discounts can range from 10% to 40%
Popular carriers in the US, including Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile, offer discounted plans for military members and their families. Depending on the type of plan and the frequency of billing, the discount can range from 10% to 25%. However, if you opt for higher plans with unlimited usage that also include your family members, the discount can go up to 40%, at which point, your savings are substantial.
Always ask for plans that involve the entire family, since those often offer the best discounts. Getting a 40% off on your family’s mobile usage is better than a discount on your individual plan. If any of your family members use different carriers, port their numbers to your carrier of choice and then opt for the family plan.
5 Verify your eligibility
Check if your family can also enjoy the benefits
Source: BET
Carriers extend the benefit to active-duty members, reservists, National Guard, and veterans. Sometimes, the discounts apply to immediate family members, like your spouse and kids. When speaking to the carrier’s executive, ask relevant questions to ensure you are eligible for the discount. A family plan is ideal since it covers everyone in your family while giving them a few dollars off.
If you prefer having individual plans within the family, check with the carrier if your benefits can be carried forward to your family members. Some carriers allow this, which means you can get a discount on your contract, plus your spouse’s, even if they are individual connections, and you don’t want to club them.
4 The carrier may ask for proof of service
Furnish your ID
As a matter of respect, most executives in the carrier store may not ask for proof of service and may take your word for it. However, it’s always wise to carry documentation that proves that you are serving in the military or are a veteran. Possible documentation for verification includes a military ID, veteran ID, DD214, or a VetRewards Card from WeSalute. Depending on the carrier you choose, you may be asked to verify your status using the MilVetID online portal.
After you verify using any of the above IDs, the carrier activates the chosen plan with the relevant discount. To ensure you don’t face hurdles at the store, call the customer support line of the carrier you chose and ask them for the required documents and IDs to prove your military affiliation or veteran status.
3 Cancel your contract without penalties
Need to leave the country? No problem
Source: Google
Active military members may be deployed to various parts of the world without prior notice. In such situations, mobile plans within the US aren’t helpful, and existing contracts cannot be canceled without a penalty under normal circumstances. However, some carriers like Boost Mobile and Spectrum Mobile offer deployment benefits, which means you can terminate a contract with them if you relocate outside the country.
Some of them may allow you to suspend your service for the time you are away. If you have an ongoing mobile plan and are deployed in a different country for two years, you can suspend the line for two years while retaining the same plan and phone number. When you’re back, you can activate the plan and only pay for it from the date of activation. This is an excellent perk that carriers do not provide to laypersons.
2 Compare costs with MVNOs
It could still be expensive with discounts
Sources: Mint Mobile / Metro by T-Mobile / Tello
Mobile Virtual Network Operators, or MVNOs, offer mobile plans that are more affordable than those of a standard operator. This is because you don’t get features that may not be useful to you, or you want to pay as you go instead of signing a long-term contract. Moreover, you can buy an unlocked phone and use a prepaid connection from an MVNO like Metro, Cricket Wireless, Visible, Mint Mobile, or Boost Mobile. These are generally cheaper than getting a line from a full-fledged carrier.
Many MVNOs do not offer discounts for military personnel. However, the cost of a mobile plan from an MVNO might be more than a plan from T-Mobile or AT&T with the veteran discount. So, compare the offerings from all networks before making a decision. Check the relevant plans based on your usage, and compare traditional carriers with their MVNO counterparts. Then, choose the carrier of your preference after verifying that it’s working out to be a better deal. Companies like Tello Mobile may offer unlimited plans for a fraction of the cost of a plan from a bigger carrier, even with added discounts.
1 Ask for additional perks
Or for unadvertised plans
Source: Netflix
Your military status entitles you to a discount on mobile plans and gives you additional perks. For instance, T-Mobile includes a subscription to Netflix’s basic tier with the military plan, which is an additional layer of savings. Similarly, Verizon offers discounts on accessories you buy from their store along with the mobile plan. Ask the executive for additional perks, and you never know what extra services you may unlock.
Some carriers have special military plans that may not be displayed on their websites or billboards. These may have specific inclusions, or the pricing may include a discount, making it more affordable compared to standard plans. Check with the executive if the carrier has any such plans and the tariffs on those plans to check if they are more affordable.
Make your and your family’s mobile plan more affordable
With the onset of 5G networks, prices for mobile data plans have gone through the roof. If you want a high bandwidth (which you will, since 5G is fast and consumes a lot of data), you will have to splurge more than you did earlier, and that can feel heavy on your pockets.
There is some relief if you’re actively serving in the military or are a veteran. Carriers offer discounts on several plans, bringing the cost down 20% to 30% for the entire family, which is a substantial savings. They also offer additional perks, which make utilizing your military status worth it.
