As a first responder, you serve your community, save lives, and protect property. First responder discounts are a small but meaningful way companies say thank you to the heroes who serve their communities. You probably know about big-name programs like Nike or Verizon, but what about the hidden gems?

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From travel deals to home improvement perks, there are tons of lesser-known discounts waiting to be discovered — if you know where to look. Here’s how to uncover them:

1. Visit Us at BadgeDiscounts.com & Follow Us on Social Media 

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The first and most obvious way (lol) to find hidden first responder discounts is to visit our website. We update our website quarterly by adding new discounts and checking all information to make sure it is current. We list over 450 first responder discounts in an easy to use format broken down into 20 different categories. Our site includes:

• local discounts
• national discounts
• discounts offered with organizations' memberships
• and places first responders are eligible for a "government rate"

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You can also follow us on our social media pages. We are constantly posting new and limited time first responder discounts, updates to our website, and more. You can find us on:

• Facebook: facebook.com/BadgeDiscounts
• X: x.com/badgediscounts
• Pinterest: pinterest.com/badgediscounts
• Instagram: instagram.com/badgediscounts1
• Reddit: reddit.com/r/BadgeDiscounts​

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2. Verification Platforms 

Most first responder discounts are verified through secure third-party services. These platforms often list exclusive offers not advertised elsewhere:

ID.me

Used by hundreds of major brands.

• Check out the ID.me “First Responder Discounts” page — it includes travel, apparel, and electronics deals you won’t find just by Googling.
• Once verified, you can reuse your ID for other brands instantly.

SheerID

• Some companies partner only with SheerID (like Lowe’s or Columbia Sportswear).
• Visit their exclusive deals directory and filter by “First Responders.”

VerifyPass

Known for smaller, niche brands like Reebok, OtterBox, and tactical gear shops.

• Signing up once gives you ongoing access to rotating offers.

Pro Tip: Create accounts with all three — you’ll uncover more options and get notified about new deals automatically.

3. Check Brand Websites

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(Look for the Fine Print) Many companies don’t advertise their first responder discounts publicly — they tuck them away in FAQ pages, footer links, or checkout screens.

Try searching Google for:

“site:[brandname].com first responder discount”

You’ll often find hidden pages that don’t appear in main menus.

4. Look Beyond Retail

Explore Service DiscountsIt’s not just clothing or gear. First responders can save on:

• Travel: Delta, Southwest, and Hilton occasionally offer special rates through ID.me.
• Insurance: Companies like GEICO and Liberty Mutual provide exclusive pricing for emergency personnel.
• Phone Plans: Verizon, AT&T, and T-Mobile offer up to 25% off monthly bills.
• Fitness: Peloton, 24 Hour Fitness, and Oura Ring all have first responder offers.

Always check for seasonal promotions around National Police Week, Fire Prevention Week, or 9/11 — brands tend to boost offers during these times.

5. Join First Responder Communities and Forums

Online communities are goldmines for hidden discounts.

Check out:

• Facebook Groups: “First Responder Discounts and Freebies” or “Law Enforcement Deals.”
• Reddit: Subreddits like r/Firefighting or r/EMT often share unlisted discount codes.
• Nonprofit Resources: Organizations like ResponderStrong or National Volunteer Fire Council occasionally post brand partnerships.

6. Subscribe to Brand Emails

Some discounts are invite-only or sent through email to verified users.

After verifying your first responder status, join the brand’s newsletter or create an online account — that’s often how they deliver private promo codes.

Example: Under Armour sends extra 10–15% off codes to verified responders before big sales like Black Friday or Memorial Day.

7. Don’t Forget Local Businesses

Your community likely has local companies that offer deals but never promote them online.

• Ask at checkout — “Do you offer a first responder discount?”
• Check local chambers of commerce or union newsletters.
• Restaurants, auto repair shops, and small gyms often give 10–20% off just for asking.

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Final Thoughts: Finding hidden first responder discounts takes a bit of digging, but the rewards are worth it. Between national programs and local offers, you could save hundreds of dollars a year — all while being recognized for your service. Whether you’re shopping for gear, planning a trip, or upgrading your tech, take a few extra minutes to check for hidden discounts. You’ve earned them.

First responder discounts are a great way to show appreciation for those who protect and serve. But before you can unlock most of those savings, you’ll usually need to verify your status. A lot of companies now use 3rd party identity verification sites to make sure the discounts they offer are going to actual first responders. Here’s how the process works and what you’ll need to do.

​Who Qualifies as a First Responder? 

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Before starting verification, make sure you’re eligible. Most companies include the following occupations:

• Law Enforcement — Police officers, sheriffs, state troopers, federal agents
• Firefighters — Career and volunteer firefighters
• Emergency Medical Services (EMS) — Paramedics, EMTs, and emergency medical dispatchers
• Healthcare Workers (for some programs) — Nurses, doctors, and hospital staff

Always check each company’s eligibility list — some may include 911 dispatchers or correctional officers too, or be limited to a specific first responder occupation.

​Step 1: Choose a Verification Platform:

Most major brands use third-party verification services to confirm first responder status securely. The 4 most common are:

ID.me Used by brands like Nike, Verizon, and YETI.

• Allows you to verify once and reuse your verified ID for other sites.
• Verification options: upload ID, employment documentation, or pay stub.

SheerID Used by companies like Columbia, Lowe’s, and Costco.

• Verification happens in real-time — you’ll enter your agency, work email, or upload credentials.

GovX Mostly tactical gear, event tickets, and travel discounts

• Sign up for an account and follow their instructions

VerifyPass Used by brands like Reebok, Benchmade, and OtterBox.

• You can create a simple login and verify using documentation or a work email.

Each platform is free, secure, and only takes a few minutes to complete.

Step 2: Gather Your Documentation.

Depending on the platform or company, you might need one or more of these:

• Agency ID card or badge
• Pay stub showing your employer and position
• Professional license (for paramedics, nurses, etc.)
• Employment verification letter

Tip: Block out sensitive information like Social Security numbers or salary details before uploading documents.

Step 3: Complete the Verification Process

1. Go to the brand’s discount page (for example, Nike’s First Responder Discount).
2. Click “Verify with ID.me” (or the equivalent service).
3. Follow the prompts to create an account and upload your documentation.
4. Wait for confirmation — usually instant, but may take up to 24 hours.
5. Once verified, you’ll receive a unique discount code or automatic savings at checkout.

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Step 4: Keep Your Verification Current

Most verifications are valid for a set period (often one year). You may need to re-verify occasionally to keep your discounts active.

• Keep your account credentials safe — you can reuse them for other brands.
• Update your employment information if you change departments or roles.

Step 5: Enjoy Your Discounts

Once verified, you can access deals from hundreds of companies Always check the brand’s current terms since offers can change seasonally.

Final Thoughts: Verifying your first responder status online is quick, safe, and opens the door to hundreds of discounts. Whether you’re buying new gear, upgrading your tech, or planning a vacation, these programs are a simple way to save — and to be recognized for the work you do every day.

Dispatcher

Your knowledge as a firefighter or EMT can be very useful as an emergency operator, call taker or dispatcher. Qualifications can vary depending upon your location and type of job, but most prefer or require you have an EMD (Emergency Medical Dispatcher) certificate. 

Instructor

As a firefighter, EMT, or paramedic, you can work a part-time as an instructor in several different classroom settings. Schools prefer to have instructors that have real world experience when teaching their students, so they are better prepared for their future in the field. Types of classes can include Fire Science, CPR, EMT class, Paramedic school, and other first responder classes. These classes are often offered at community colleges, hospitals, small businesses, and other educational institutions. 

Ride Share Driver

To become a ride share driver at Uber or Lyft, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and spare time. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many rides as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few rides. Pay rates vary by time of day and location. The busiest and best paying times are often during rush hour and on the weekends.

Food Delivery

Similar to being a ride share driver, all you need is a reliable vehicle, a drivers license, and some spare time to work for Uber Eats, DoorDash, or Grubhub. The hours you can work are very flexible. In most cases, you can sign into the app anytime you want and do as many deliveries as you want. So on your way home from a shift at the firehouse, or while you are out running errands you could do a few deliveries. Pay rates vary by location and time of day. The busiest and best paying times are during lunch, dinner, and on the weekends.

Focus Groups

When a company creates a new product or makes changes to an existing product, sometimes they test these new ideas out on a group of people, called a focus group, before introducing the product to the market. These companies will hire a a 3rd party marketing company to do the focus groups. Types of focus groups can range from in person taste tests to online surveys. Pay rates vary per study, but it's reported that you can earn over $50 per hour. 3 sites to find local and online focus groups are: FocusGroups.org, WatchLab.com, and UserInterviews.com.

Start a Blog or Website

Starting your own website is not as difficult or expensive as you might think. These days there are plenty of companies to choose from that will host your site and have an easy to use website builder. A good rule of thumb is to write about or sell something that you are knowledgeable about or passionate about. For example, if you are a Paramedic you could start a blog about your experiences as a Paramedic. Or if you are knowledge about lawn care, you could start a blog about law care tips. For more information including how to start a website and make money on it, visit our article : How to Start a Website as a Side Job for First Responders.

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ER or Hospital Tech

Jobs as a tech or assistant in emergency rooms, hospitals, and other healthcare settings are always in high demand. If you have an EMT or paramedic license, it is a great way to make some extra money on your days off and use the skills and knowledge you already have.

Trade 

If there is a skill or trade that you are good at, you might want to consider using this as a side job. Many firefighters and EMTs own their own plumbing, HVAC, electrical, or carpentry company and make good money just through word of mouth or advertising on sites like Helpful Heroes. The general public and your co-workers often prefer to have work done on their homes by someone they see as trustworthy and hardworking, like first responders.

Arts & Crafts

If you are artistic or have a hobby creating something, you should consider selling your work on sites like Etsy. Items can range from fine art paintings, furniture making, photography, plaques & trophies, to candle making. 

The amount of companies that offer discounts to first responders has exploded in popularity since Covid. Businesses are realizing how important first responders and other "essential workers" are to our society. Police officers, firefighters, and EMTs, and paramedics are out there everyday serving their communities, saving lives, and protecting property under dangerous circumstances. 

Offering deals to first responders shows your appreciation for what they do. Discounts can boost your brand loyalty, build stronger community ties, and increase your company's revenue. This article will explain the reasons to offer first responder discounts, the many benefits, and how to implement them effectively.

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Reasons to Offer First Responder Discounts

Improving Brand Loyalty

When your business supports first responders, it creates a bond of trust and respect. Giving them special deals shows you value their hard work and sacrifice, and builds goodwill with the community. Word of mouth amongst police officers, firefighters, and EMTs spreads fast, and they are more likely to buy from a business that stands behind them. Customers who are not first responders also notice when brands stand behind those who protect and serve. They’re more likely to shop with you again because you show your appreciation for first responders.

Attracting New Customers

Data shows that people prefer to support brands that support the community. When you offer discounts to first responders, you’re handing out a clear sign that you care. Many consumers want to support businesses that give back, especially those that recognize the heroes putting their lives on the line every day. This can lead to more customers and sales.

Showing Corporate Responsibility 

Businesses see this as a way to demonstrate their values. Supporting first responders aligns perfectly with responsible business practices. It shows your company prioritizes community wellbeing and safety. This not only improves your public image but also attracts like-minded customers and employees who value corporate integrity.

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Benefits of Offering First Responder Discounts

​Increased Brand Recognition

Offering first responder discounts can create positive buzz around your brand. Local media and social media channels often highlight businesses that support community heroes. This kind of recognition can draw new customers and set you apart from competitors. Popular brands and local stores have earned praise for community initiatives, gaining loyalty and respect in return.

Employee Morale 

Supporting first responders can also boost your employee's morale. Employees often feel proud when working for a company that cares about the community. It creates a sense of purpose and shared values.

Competitive Edge

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A first responder discount program makes your business stand out. It shows you’re committed to community well-being and that you value those who serve. Customers tend to stick with brands they perceive as caring and responsible. Word-of-mouth about your support efforts can lead to more loyal customers and a stronger reputation.

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How to Implement First Responder Discounts

Type of Discount​

Choose the type of discount that works for your business: It could be a certain percentage off. For example, a 15% discount might be enough to incentivize but still not an amount that will affect your bottom line. You can also offer a flat rate that is less than your regular price, or special package deals.

Verification

When implementing a first responder discount, it is important to have a verification process to make sure your discount is only going to the target segment you intend. There are several different ways you can do this. If you own a brick and mortar business like a hotel, restaurant, or retail store, you can require the individual show a professional ID, badge, or pay stub. If you are offering an online first responder discount, you can either give a unique discount code to be entered at time of checkout, or use a third party verification company. These include ID.me, SheerID, and GovX.

Advertising

After implementing your first responder discount, it is important to advertise it on social media, your website, press releases, and/or local news media.

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Offering discounts, deals, or freebies to first responders isn’t just about giving back — it’s a smart for your business. It builds brand loyalty, attracts new customers, increases a positive image of your company, and can boost revenue and sales.

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You will need 4 things:

1) An idea

2) A website builder and host 

3) A domain name 

4) A way to monetize your site.

1) The easiest way to come up with an idea for a website is to go with something you are knowledgeable about or compassionate about. You can write a blog about your experiences as a first responder, sell products on an e-commerce site, or fill a niche that you think is underserved or you could do better.

2) A web host is essentially a company that owns a whole bunch of huge computers that specializes in creating the home where your website lives. There are a bunch of companies out there these days that will host your website, and provide an easy to use drop and drag website builder. You do not need to know any HTML code to build a professional looking site. I use Weebly to host and build my site. They offer many different templates and themes to choose from, apps, an ecommerce store, and many other options. I think they offer the most bang for your buck. They offer different levels at different prices depending upon what features you want to have. If you just want a basic site or blog, they also offer a free option. I have been very happy with Weebly and would recommend them to anyone.

3) The domain name is essentially the name in the address where you want your site/blog to live (i.e., badgediscounts.com is the domain for Badge Discounts). Getting one is really easy, as any host/website builder you sign up with can get you your domain name at the same time you sign up (I did all of this through Weebly).  Weebly offers a free domain that looks like this (yoursitename.weebly.com), or you can pay to have a ".com" name. Think long and hard before you choose your site name, because if your site is successful, you’ll be stuck with it for a long time. Be creative, because obviously a lot of the simplest names have long been taken. Generally speaking, shorter is better. More memorable is better. If you have to spell the name when telling a friend about it, that could be an issue.

4) Now that you have a domain name and built your site, why not try to make a little money. (Note: this is more for blogs etc than an ecomerce site.) There are 2 main ways to monetize your site: Pay-Per-Click Ads and Affiliate Marketing. Pay-Per-Click is just as it sounds. When someone clicks on an ad you have placed on your site, you get paid for it. The big one in this area is Google Adsense. Affiliate Marketing is different in that you get paid a commission. When someone clicks on one of the ads on your website and then buys something from that company, you get a percentage of the sale. Some companies run their own, like Amazon, and others outsource their affiliate program to companies like ShareASale.com which have thousands of advertisers to choose from. I use both Amazon and ShareASale.com, and I've seen decent returns through both.

That’s it. Follow those three easy steps, and you can have your site up and running and hopefully make a little money too. ​