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Updated December 24, 2022
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Military Star Card

The Military STAR Card is managed by the Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) and offered by the Exchange Credit Program (ECP). Qualified, authorized veterans (with Exchange access) military personnel […]

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    The Military STAR Card is managed by the Army and Air Force Exchange (AAFES) and offered by the Exchange Credit Program (ECP). Qualified, authorized veterans (with Exchange access) military personnel and their families can apply for the card. The STAR Card is accepted at on-base exchanges, commissaries, gas stations, uniform shops and mini marts. In addition to providing a line of credit there are many other benefits to the STAR card.

    The Military STAR card application can be found by visiting the Exchange Credit Program website.

    Note: As of Sept. 30th, 2015 the Chase Military STAR Card with Mastercard benefits has been discontinued. There is only one Military STAR Card now offered by the ECP.

    Where the Military STAR Card can be used:

    • Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES)
    • Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)
    • Navy Exchange (NEX)
    • Coast Guard Exchange (CGX)
    • Base Exchange (BX)
    • Post Exchange (PX)
    • Commissaries
    • Uniform shops
    • Armed Forces Recreation Center resort hotels
    • Army lodging, Morale, Welfare and Recreation
    • On-base Boingo Wi-Fi service subscription
    • Armed Forces Network equipment (required to rent)
    • Gas Stations *
    • Mini-marts/Shoppettes *
    • Class Six stores *
    • Some on-base mini-mall retailers *

    * On-base locations only.

    The Military STAR card can be used at the exchanges of all branches of service and online at the exchange websites.

    Eligibility

    Veterans (with Exchange access) active duty, reservist, retired service members, Veterans with service-connected disabilities, Purple Heart recipients, former prisoners of war and certain primary caregivers, military spouses and dependents are all eligible to apply for a Military Star Card.  Basically anyone with Exchange shopping privileges.

    Military STAR Card Benefits

    • Earn rewards on purchases; $1 spent on-base = 2 points; 2,000 points = $20 Exchange gift cards (applies to both cards)
    • Accepted at all commissaries
    • While you are deployed, you may still make purchases, but you are not required to make monthly payments and your interest rate is temporarily reduced to six-percent (6%)
    • Exclusive Exchange offers promotions for purchases made with the Star Card such as sweepstakes, discounts, 0% interest and more
    • No annual, late or over-limit fees
    • Free standard shipping at AAFES and Navy online exchanges
    • Five cents per gallon fuel discount (military installation gas stations)
    • New accounts receive a 10% discount for purchases the first day.
    • 10% food court discount
    • One low APR for all cardholders, regardless of credit score
    • Promotional 0% interest offers
    • Interest-free military clothing plan
    • Money saved from merchant fees is re-invested into military installation programs and services

    Military STAR Card Disadvantages

    • The military can take payment from your bank account for missed payments.
    • Must be paid at the time of separation
    • It is not a credit card that can be used everywhere
    • Easy access to credit can be a hard financial responsibility lesson
    • No off-base purchases

    Military Star Card Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the Military Star Card a credit or debit card?

    The Star card is a credit card.

    Can the Military STAR Card be used for gas?

    The card can be used for gas at installation gas stations but NOT at gas stations outside of military installations.

    Can the card be used to shop online at the Exchanges?

    Yes.

    Can a military spouse get a Military STAR Card?

    Yes, dependents too!

    Can a veteran get a Military STAR Card?

    Yes! Veterans who are eligible to shop at the exchanges can apply for a Military Star Card. If you’re a military veteran with a honorable discharge but not retired, you can go to vetverify.org and get verified, then you can start shopping online at shopmyexchange.com. Then you can apply for our military star card by going to myecp.com.


    Can STAR Card late payments be reported to my command?

    Yes, late payments, exceeding your credit limit or other issues can be reported to your chain of command. However, this most likely will not occur before the Exchange Credit Program makes numerous attempts to resolve the matter with you.

    Can you use the Military STAR card anywhere?

    No, on-base and online at the Exchange stores only.

    List of discontinued Military Star Cards

    • Chase Military Free Cash Rewards (converted to Chase Freedom Unlimited)
    • Military Star Rewards MasterCard

    • Written by Veteran.com Team

      The editorial team here at Veteran.com works to help the U.S. military community discover the many military benefits available to them. Our team is supported by our Veteran Review Board and its Standard of Care, which all content on Veteran.com is reviewed to meet.

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