The MILITARY STAR Card: Your Gateway to Savings and Benefits

The MILITARY STAR card, administered by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), is a dedicated credit card designed exclusively for the U.S. military community. It serves as a vital financial tool, offering a range of benefits, rewards, and savings opportunities tailored to the unique needs of service members, their families, DoD civilians, Purple Heart recipients, and eligible veterans. As of August 2025, the card continues to evolve, incorporating enhanced security features and expanded acceptance to provide even greater value.

Key Features and Benefits

The MILITARY STAR card distinguishes itself with a suite of benefits aimed at maximizing savings and financial convenience for its cardholders. These advantages include:

• No Annual Fee: A significant advantage is the absence of an annual fee, making it a cost-effective credit option.
• Competitive Low APR: The card boasts an industry-low, flat Annual Percentage Rate (APR) of 14.99%, which is offered to all cardmembers regardless of their credit score. This provides a predictable and affordable way to manage credit.
• Rewards Program: Cardmembers earn 2% in rewards points on every purchase, which translates to two points for every dollar spent. Accumulating 2,000 points automatically earns a $20 digital rewards card. Special double and triple-point days occur throughout the year, further enhancing earning potential.
• First-Day Purchase Discounts: New cardmembers typically receive a 10% discount on all purchases made on their first day of use. Special promotional periods can increase this discount to 15% or even 20% for new cardholders.
• Fuel Discounts: Cardholders receive a 5-cent discount per gallon of fuel at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), Navy Exchange (NEX), and Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) gas stations.
• Food Court Discounts: A 10% discount is offered on food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants.
• Free Standard Shipping: Cardmembers enjoy free standard shipping on online orders made through ShopMyExchange.com, MyNavyExchange.com, and ShopCGX.com.
• Military Clothing Plan: Active-duty service members are eligible for a 0% interest Military Clothing Plan, offering a line of credit for uniform basics.
• Deployment Benefits: Special deployment policies offer reduced interest rates and no payments for eligible cardmembers during deployment periods.
• No Late, Annual, or Over-Limit Fees: The card is designed with consumer-friendly terms, avoiding common credit card fees.

Recent Enhancements and Updates

The MILITARY STAR card has undergone significant upgrades to enhance security, convenience, and acceptance:

• New Card Design with EMV Chip: Starting in the fall of 2024, new MILITARY STAR cards were issued with EMV chip technology for more secure transactions.
• Tap-to-Pay and Mobile Wallet: The updated cards feature tap-to-pay functionality and the ability to be added to mobile wallets, offering contactless payment options.
• Expanded Acceptance: Through a collaboration with Discover Global Network, the MILITARY STAR card’s acceptance has been expanded to more on-installation merchants, including concessionaires, name-brand restaurants, third-party vendors, and certain Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) activities.
• Card Deactivation: As of May 1, 2025, all “old” Statue of Liberty design MILITARY STAR cards were deactivated, requiring cardmembers to activate their new, enhanced cards.

Eligibility and Application

The MILITARY STAR card is exclusively available to:

• Active duty, reserve, and retired service members.
• Veterans with honorable discharges and Exchange shopping privileges.
• Purple Heart recipients and veterans with service-connected disabilities.
• Dependents and spouses of eligible military personnel.
• DoD civilians.

Applications can be submitted online through the Exchange Credit Program website (MyECP.com) or in person at an Exchange associate.

Where the MILITARY STAR Card is Accepted

The MILITARY STAR card is primarily accepted at:

• All military exchanges (AAFES, NEX, MCX, CGX).
• Commissaries.
• On-installation gas stations.
• Exchange food courts and mall vendors.
• Online at ShopMyExchange.com, MyNavyExchange.com, and ShopCGX.com.
• An expanding network of concessionaires, name-brand restaurants, and third-party vendors on military installations.

It is important to note that the card is generally not accepted at off-installation merchants or gas stations.

Customer Service and Support

For inquiries or assistance regarding MILITARY STAR card accounts, cardholders can contact the Exchange Credit Call Center:

• Phone: 1-877-891-STAR (7827) or 1-877-891-7827
• Online Chat: Available through the Exchange website.
• Mail: Exchange Credit Program, P.O. Box 650410, Dallas, TX 75265-0410.

Cardholders can also manage their accounts, make payments, and access information online via MyECP.com.

Conclusion

The MILITARY STAR card continues to be a cornerstone of financial support and savings for the U.S. military community. With its array of benefits, including rewards, discounts, and flexible terms, coupled with recent enhancements in security and acceptance, the card remains an indispensable tool for service members and their families navigating their financial lives. Its commitment to providing value and supporting the quality of life for those who serve underscores its importance within the military ecosystem.