Why do I need a VetRewards Card if I have my VA Medical ID card, or "VIC", to show for military discounts?

Your Veterans Identification Card ("VIC") from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is issued strictly for use at VA Medical facilities.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs site at va.gov:

"The only purpose of the card is for identification and check-in at VA appointments. The VIC cannot be used as a credit card or an insurance card, and it does not authorize or pay for care at non-VA facilities."

Also, the VA highly recommends you keep it in a secure location due to the highly confidential information stored on the card. According to va.gov:

"Veterans are warned to keep their VIC safe and secure. Some barcode readers, including those available as applications on cell phones, can scan the barcode on the front of the card, and reveal the Veteran's name and social security number. This could make the Veteran subject to identity theft if the card is lost or stolen."

The VetRewards Card from Veterans Advantage is your secure military ID for identification and redemption of your military offers.

You can carry your VetRewards Card in your wallet and show it to retailers-- our program partners or others that offer military discounts with a military ID-- without fear of highly sensitive information being scanned off your card from an unauthorized cell phone.  If it is lost or stolen, there is nothing on the card that can compromise your identity and heighten your risk of identity theft. You can simply and easily get a replacement card.

Please note: Only veterans who are determined eligible for VA medical benefits can get a VIC card. All military veterans, active duty, National Guard, reservists, military retirees and their immediate family members are eligible for a VetRewards Card. You need a VetRewards Card to access our exclusive discounts created by our partner companies as a way to support our Veterans Advantage mission and community.