Military personnel shopping in a tactical gear aisle at a hardware or supply store

How to Save with the Ace Hardware Military Discount?

Ace Hardware recognizes the dedication of those who serve in the military and in first responder roles. As a gesture of appreciation, a military discount program was created to ease the cost of home improvement and repair projects for these individuals.

A clear commitment shines through Aceโ€™s actions as they support veterans, active duty members, and first responders, not just in words but through tangible savings at the register.

Without further ado, let us talk about what soldiers can expect from an Ace Hardware military discount.

How Much Can You Save?

Ace Hardware extends a 10% discount on most in-store purchases to qualified individuals.

That 10% can add up quickly when purchasing:

  • Tools
  • Paint
  • Fasteners
  • Garden supplies

For service members and first responders working on household projects, every percentage point helps lower the total cost.

Savings apply broadly, but not universally. Some limitations and exclusions should be noted to avoid confusion at checkout.

 

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Among the most important things to remember are:

  • 10% off most regular-priced, in-store purchases
  • Sale or clearance items, online-only products, and certain high-demand brands or categories
  • Gift cards, rental equipment, building materials, and bulk commercial orders may not qualify

Franchise-owned Ace Hardware stores operate with some level of autonomy. That means discount terms can differ slightly from one location to another.

In some cases, a store may honor a larger discount during holidays or extend eligibility to more individuals under local policies. Naturally, this approach is completely different from other stores like Menardsย or platforms like Netflix.

At the same time, you can find a somewhat similar approach at Planet Fitness.

Always check with the cashier or customer service desk before finalizing a purchase if unsure about eligibility or exclusions. Doing so ensures maximum benefit without surprises.

Who Qualifies for the Ace Hardware Military Discount

Eligibility for the Ace Hardware military discount spans several categories of service, acknowledging a wide range of individuals who have committed themselves to national and community service.

Below are the primary groups eligible for this benefit:

Active duty service members

Includes those currently serving in:

Veterans and retired personnel

Individuals who have completed service honorably and are no longer on active duty status. Accepted identification includes VA Cards, DD214 forms, and state-issued driverโ€™s licenses marked โ€œVeteran.โ€

First responders

Qualified individuals under this category include:

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs)

Eligibility may require registration through the ACE XR program and only applies at participating stores

Ace Hardware honors each of these roles not just by recognizing their service but by offering tangible, everyday support. The discount program reinforces a message of gratitude that goes well beyond symbolic gestures.

How to Get the Discount

Claiming the Ace Hardware military discount is simple and accessible. Customers can choose between two methods depending on store participation: showing ID at the counter or enrolling in the digital ACE XR platform.

Both options are designed to make the process as quick and seamless as possible. For clarity, the key steps involved in each method are outlined below.

Close-up of military and outdoor jackets hanging on racks in a retail store
Many outdoor and tactical retailers offer military discounts both in-store and online with valid ID

In-Store Process

Walking into an Ace Hardware location and showing proof of eligibility is the most straightforward way to receive the discount. Store staff are trained to assist with verification and will apply the discount during checkout.

Accepted forms of ID include:

  • Military ID (active duty, reserve, or retired)
  • Veterans Affairs Card (VA Card)
  • DD214 (Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty)
  • Driverโ€™s license with a veteran or military designation

Once one of these is shown to the cashier, the discount will be processed and deducted from the total on qualifying purchases. No additional forms or steps are required at most locations using this method.

Enrollment via ACE XR

Some Ace Hardware stores participate in the ACE XR digital verification system, which allows eligible customers to register online and use a digital ID when shopping.

The option is particularly useful for those who visit multiple stores or prefer a paperless process.

ACE XR checkout page showing yearly and monthly membership plans, with a field for military and first responder discount codes.
ACE XR offers a discount code field specifically for military and first responders, allowing eligible members to save on their subscription
To enroll in ACE XR:

  • Go to platform.acexr.com
  • Create an account with basic contact information
  • Upload documentation that proves military or first responder status
  • Wait for approval and receive confirmation via email or online portal
  • Access and use the digital ID at checkout in participating locations

Having the digital ID on a mobile device means one less card to carry and helps ensure smooth transactions, especially in stores with self-checkout or express lanes.

Summary

Savings at Ace Hardware reflect appreciation for those who serve. Eligible individuals can enjoy discounts that make home projects more affordable and rewarding.

Taking advantage of the military discount requires minimal effort but offers consistent value.

Aceโ€™s effort to recognize service members and first responders highlights a business that doesnโ€™t just operate in communities but contributes to them.