If you’ve ever stood in line at the Apple Store or browsed Airbnb thinking, “There’s no way I qualify for a discount…” — surprise: you probably do.
Most companies quietly offer perks based on your job, industry, or student status—and they’re wildly underused. A 2024 CouponFollow survey found that over 60% of workers forget to check employee perks before buying anything. I’ve been there too, realizing after paying full price that my job could’ve knocked 20% off the bill. Ouch.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, a healthcare worker, or just someone employed by a medium-to-large company, hidden discounts are everywhere—and today we’re pulling back the curtain.
Let’s dive into the savings you might already be missing.
Where Employee Discounts Hide (and How to Find Yours Fast)
Before diving into categories, start here:
1. Check Your Employer Perks Portal
Most mid-size and large companies use:
- LifeMart
- PerkSpot
- Working Advantage
- Corporate Offers
- TicketsAtWork
These portals often include discounts on travel, gym memberships, electronics, local attractions, and more.
Expert Tip (CFPB): “Always confirm whether a discount requires enrollment or verifies employment through a third party.”
2. Search “[Your Employer] Discounts”
You’d be shocked how many companies have public-facing lists.
3. Ask HR (seriously)
HR teams often forget to announce new perks—so ask directly:
“Do we have partnerships or employee discount programs I should know about?”
Student Discounts: Not Just for Undergrads
Whether you’re in community college, online classes, trade school, or pursuing a certification—you likely count as a student.
Major Places That Offer Student Pricing:
Tech & Software
- Apple Education Store – up to 10% off
- Microsoft Office 365 Education – free for most .edu emails
- Adobe Creative Cloud – steep student rates
- Spotify + Hulu Student Bundle – reduced monthly cost
Retail
- ASOS, Levi’s, Madewell, Nike, J.Crew, and more often partner with UNiDAYS or Student Beans.
Education/Tools
- Notion, Canva Pro, and Grammarly offer major student discounts or free upgrades.
Pro Tip: Even “non-traditional” students (coding bootcamps, certificate programs, part-time enrollment) usually qualify through Student Beans or SheerID.
Teacher, Healthcare, Military & First Responder Discounts
These groups often enjoy some of the biggest perks—but many don’t know they exist.
Teachers & Educators
- Target Teacher Prep Event – annual deep discounts
- Staples & Office Depot – ongoing classroom supply deals
- Verizon Teacher Discount – reduced plans
Healthcare Workers
- Adidas, Reebok, Crocs, Asics – 20–40% off
- Hotels.com – special rates
- Car manufacturers like Hyundai and GM offer healthcare appreciation pricing
Military & First Responders
- Home Depot – 10% off eligible purchases
- Samsung, Lenovo – exclusive online pricing
- Disney Parks – discounted theme park tickets
If your job touches education, healthcare, or public service in any way—it’s worth checking.
Travel Discounts You Didn’t Know Existed
This is where savings get good.
Hotels
Many chains offer corporate and industry rates, even for entry-level employees:
- Hilton Team Member Travel Program (if you work for any Hilton property)
- IHG, Wyndham, and Choice Hotels offer industry or corporate-specific rates
Car Rentals
Most employers partner with:
- Enterprise
- National
- Hertz
- Avis
Check your work email for a corporate code—you may already have access.
Flights
While less common, some industries (government, healthcare, tech, consulting) offer negotiated airfare.
Even students get perks:
- StudentUniverse
- United College Discounts
- American Airlines Student Fares
Hidden Everyday Discounts Most People Miss
These are the fun ones—tiny, everyday perks that add up.
Streaming & Entertainment
- YouTube Premium, Hulu, and HBO Max offer student/employment-related promo pricing.
Fitness & Wellness
- Many health insurers reimburse gym memberships or wellness classes.
Check your insurance portal (Aetna, BCBS, UnitedHealthcare, Kaiser).
Food & Restaurants
Some big chains quietly offer 10–15% off for:
- Teachers
- Students
- Military
- Hospital staff
Always ask politely—especially at local spots.
Cell Phone Plans
Major carriers give special pricing to:
- Teachers
- Nurses
- Corporate employees
- Students (some plans require .edu verification)
How to Verify Your Eligibility (Without Giving Away Too Much Info)
Companies typically use third-party verification:
- SheerID
- ID.me
- UNiDAYS
- Student Beans
If a site asks for your full SSN—back away. Normal verification uses:
- Digital ID
- Employment documents
Security Note: The FTC warns consumers to “use official brand links when submitting employment or student data.”
A Simple Checklist to Make Sure You Never Miss a Discount Again
Use this before any major purchase:
Discount Audit Checklist
- Check employer perks portal
- Search “brand + employee/student discount”
- Verify via ID.me, SheerID, or UNiDAYS
- Try your corporate email at checkout
- Ask customer service
- Save unused perks in a notes app or password vault
I keep a running list—it saves me at least $250–400 every year.
Final Thoughts: You Deserve the Perks You’ve Earned
Most people assume discounts only apply to doctors, engineers, or full-time students.
But the truth is: your everyday identity—employee, learner, helper, human—qualifies you for more than you think.
If you take just ten minutes today to check your perks, you might score cheaper travel, discounted software, or even lower phone bills. That’s real, meaningful money back in your pocket.
What discount surprised you the most?
Drop it in the comments—I love discovering new ones!
And if you want more wallet-friendly hacks, don’t forget to subscribe to Saving Queen.
