What do people think about “Veterans Advantage”?

2023-10-29T20:02:50-04:00

I think it is unnecessary, makes money off veterans and actually limits benefits to veteran. Example, airlines now only give you discounts if you are signed up and a member of this program. Seems that only 2 groups are benefiting; the guy who created “Veterans Advantage” (they offer ‘memberships’ for $70 bucks) and the companies (they can still say they offer discounts, but by having veterans jump through hoops they actually end up providing far fewer discounts in total.)
Anyone have a positive experience? We already have IDme which is used by the VA and other government agencies, why do we have a private for profit company acting as a middleman in this process?
Just curious….

Response by LTC Eugene Chu made Oct 29 at 2023 8:15 PM

2023-10-29T20:15:24-04:00

Years ago, I used them once. Some companies want to make money. As you mentioned, ID.me and others are free since the merchants pay for the service. Not worth it unless you use a merchant that only gives discounts with Veterans Advantage.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Oct 29 at 2023 8:26 PM

2023-10-29T20:26:29-04:00

CDR Riley Berzka I have not used Veterans Advantage. I agree with you that Veterans can obtain many discounts without having to pay for a membership.

Response by CDR Marjorie Wytzka made Oct 30 at 2023 12:29 PM

2023-10-30T12:29:13-04:00

IDme charges the agencies that utilize it, but that’s electronic validations. I have to agree that it seems crappy that a company makes veterans jump through hoops which actually limits the discounts that they give, but then advertise all over how they support the military. (I’m talking to you major airlines!)
Seems that this guy who created this program is just out to make a buck off the back of his fellow veterans…my county in NY gave me a “veteran ID” after I filed my dd214 with them, so paying 70 bucks for this guy to do it seems a rip off. And the resources listed on his website are sparse, the VA, all States and many other sites offer more, for free.
Guess you’re paying for convenience and your hard earned discounts?
I say shame on the airlines for forcing veterans to use this to get a discount while they wave their advertising flags bragging how they support the military.

Response by MSgt Steven Holt, NRP, CCEMT-P made Oct 30 at 2023 3:31 PM

2023-10-30T15:31:38-04:00

I've actually never heard of Veterans Advantage before your post. I had to go look at their web page. I'm not sure why a veteran would need to pay for something I'm already getting from many merchants for free. I'm one of those odd people in that I don't base my purchases on whether a merchant gives military discounts or not. IF they do, I'm appreciative and thankful for whatever savings the merchant offers. IF they don't, I continue on with my purchase and go about my day as normal.

Response by SSG Robert Perrotto made Oct 31 at 2023 9:36 AM

2023-10-31T09:36:23-04:00

I've heard mixed reviews about Veterans Advantage too. Some folks find it helpful for getting discounts, but it does seem like an extra step and cost for veterans. Personally, I've had better luck using my VA ID or just asking businesses if they offer military discounts directly. It's a bit of a hassle, but it can save some money without the membership fees.