Honestly, every year around November, the internet turns into a giant, messy billboard of "thank you for your service" banners. It's kinda overwhelming. You've got your local diners, massive retail chains, and even car washes throwing offers at the military community. But here’s the thing: 2024 Veterans Day deals aren't just about a free stack of pancakes or a cheap oil change.
It’s about knowing which deals are actually worth the drive and which ones come with so much red tape you’ll wish you just stayed home.
Most people think you can just walk into any storefront on November 11th, flash a camo hat, and get free stuff. Nope. That’s a fast track to an awkward conversation with a cashier who has no idea what you’re talking about. This year, the landscape for 2024 Veterans Day deals is specific. It's targeted. And if you don't have your ID.me account or your DD-214 handy, you’re basically leaving money on the table.
The Big Food Hits (And the Catch)
Let’s talk about the heavy hitters first because, let's be real, everyone wants the free meal. Applebee’s is doing their classic thing again. They’ve been at this for 17 years straight. If you're a veteran or active duty, you get a full-size entrée from a specific menu. But wait—there’s a little "thank you" kicker this year: they’re also handing out $5 "bounce back" cards. These are valid for three weeks after the holiday, so it's basically a reason to come back when the crowds have died down.
Chili’s is also in the mix with a free meal from a select menu, and IHOP is doing the Red, White, and Blueberry pancake combo.
Now, here is where it gets slightly annoying. Almost all of these sit-down deals are dine-in only.
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If you were planning on grabbing a free Legendary Burger from Hard Rock Cafe and eating it on your couch while watching the game, you're out of luck. Most of these places want you in the seat. Buffalo Wild Wings is a rare exception for 2024; they’re offering 10 free boneless wings and fries for both dine-in and takeout, though the takeout has to be via a walk-in order at their "GO" locations.
- Starbucks: Free tall (12-ounce) brewed coffee, hot or iced. This applies to veterans, service members, and—this is key—military spouses.
- In-N-Out Burger: This is a big one for the West Coast folks. A completely free meal—any burger, fries, and a drink.
- Golden Corral: Their Military Appreciation Night is legendary, but it usually starts a bit later, around 4 or 5 PM.
- Dunkin’: A free donut. No purchase necessary. Just show up and be a vet.
Retail Therapy and the 10% Standard
If you’re looking to buy a lawnmower or a new pair of boots, the 2024 Veterans Day deals in retail are a bit more spread out. A lot of people wait for the Home Depot or Lowe's 10% discount, which is great, but don't sleep on the clothing brands.
Lululemon offers a 15% discount that actually applies to markdown items. That’s huge because their stuff rarely goes on sale. Under Armour is going even bigger for 2024, bumping their usual discount up to 40% for a limited time around the holiday.
Target is doing something slightly different. Instead of a one-day-only deal, they’re offering a 10% discount on two separate transactions through their Target Circle app. You have to verify your status in the app first, though. Don't try to do this while standing in the checkout line; the verification can sometimes take a minute or two to process through the third-party systems they use.
Amazon is even getting in on the action with 20% off select items. Interestingly, they don't always require a formal military ID for some of these specific Veterans Day landing page items, though it’s always better to have your status linked to your account regardless.
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Why 2024 Veterans Day Deals Still Matter
It’s easy to be cynical. "Oh, it's just marketing," people say. And yeah, sure, it brings people in the door. But for a lot of guys I know, it’s less about the $15 burger and more about the excuse to get together.
I’ve seen groups of retirees who haven't spoken in months meet up at a Denny’s at 6 AM just because the Grand Slam is free. There’s a social currency to these deals that goes beyond the dollar amount.
Plus, some of the "hidden" deals are actually the most valuable. Take the Grace for Vets program. They’ve coordinated with over 1,500 independent car washes across the country to give out free washes on November 11th. A top-tier car wash can cost $20 or $30 these days. That’s a legit "thank you."
Surprising Services You Might Miss
- Great Clips / Sport Clips: Both are offering free haircuts. If you don't need a trim right now, Great Clips usually gives you a card you can use later in the month.
- National Parks: Every single National Park Service site that normally charges an entrance fee is free for everyone on November 11th. It’s a great day to hit Zion or the Grand Canyon if you’re nearby.
- Jiffy Lube: A lot of locations offer a free signature oil change. Seriously, call your local shop first because these are often franchise-owned and participation varies wildly.
The Verification Headache (And How to Avoid It)
This is the "expert" advice part. The biggest mistake people make with 2024 Veterans Day deals is assuming a VA card is the only way to prove service.
While a VA Healthcare ID or a retired military ID is the gold standard, many places now accept a DD-214 (bring a copy, not the original), a driver's license with a "Veteran" designation, or even just a photo of you in uniform for the more relaxed local spots.
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However, for online deals, ID.me and SheerID are the gatekeepers. If you haven't set up an account with them yet, do it now. Companies like Apple (10% off), Samsung (up to 30% off), and even various airlines use these to verify you in seconds. Without it, you’ll be stuck staring at a full-price shopping cart.
Beyond the Freebies: Actionable Steps
Don't just wander into a mall and hope for the best. If you want to actually maximize these 2024 Veterans Day deals, you need a bit of a game plan.
First, call ahead. I cannot stress this enough. Many of these deals are "at participating locations." A Subway in downtown Chicago might be doing the deal while the one in the suburbs isn't. It's frustrating, but that's how franchises work.
Second, check the dates. While most things happen on Monday, Nov 11th, some retailers like Kohl's or Target run their discounts for an entire week or more. You can avoid the Monday "rush" at the restaurants and still get your shopping done on a Tuesday or Wednesday.
Third, remember the tip. If you’re getting a $20 meal for free, don't be that person who leaves zero on the table. The servers are usually working twice as hard on Veterans Day because the restaurants are packed. Tip on what the bill would have been. It’s just good karma.
Finally, keep an eye on your local "mom and pop" shops. While the big chains get all the press, local breweries and family-owned diners often have much better, no-strings-attached offers that don't require you to sign up for a corporate rewards program.
Start by verifying your military status on ID.me today so you're ready for the digital discounts. Then, make a short list of two or three "must-visit" spots to avoid driving all over town. If you’re looking for the best value, prioritize the high-ticket retail discounts (like the 40% at Under Armour) over the $5 breakfast specials.