Table of Contents
Many people decide to enter the US Armed Forces for the many benefits offered to Servicemembers. Military personnel and Veterans have access to such perks as VA-backed and insured home loans, preferential recreation and vacation benefits, education, and healthcare. Many people join the military for financial reasons, as the military offers secure employment, financial perks, and assistance for financial hardships. The Military Star Card is an option for those in the military who want to rebuild damaged credit or apply for their first credit card without an existing credit history. Read on to learn more.
What Is the Military Star Card?
The Military Star Card is a credit card available to military members, their families, and other qualified groups, administered by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). It can be used both online and in person in military exchanges, such as ShopMyExchange.com, MyNavyExchange.com, and ShopCGX.com. This applies to purchases such as commissaries, food courts, and online stores. Recently, the card has expanded its offerings to include allowing purchases in areas other than military installations. It is part of the Exchange Credit Program, as part of a Department of Defense nonappropriated fund. This program was established by Congress in 1979 to protect Servicemembers from predatory lending and to assist military families with their financial obligations.
Military Star Card Benefits
There are several Military Star Card benefits that make it an attractive financial choice for Servicemembers and their families. Some of these include:
- 24/7 access to the Exchange Contact Center
- No annual fee
- Discounts on food purchases (10% off at Exchange restaurants)
- Discounts on military clothing
- Discounts on gas ($0.05 per gallon)
- Reduced interest during times of deployment
- The Military Star Card Rewards Program, which issues a $20 rewards card for every 2,000 points accumulated from purchases on the card. (2 points for every $20 spent)
- Low APR rates
- Seasonal and annual promotional offers
- Free or discounted shipping on Exchange purchases
- Fixed monthly payments for 36, 48, or 60 months with PayYourWay
Eligibility & How to Apply for the Military Star Card
The Military Star Card is primarily for members of the U.S. military and their families, as well as Department of Defense (DoD) civilians and certain Veterans, including those with service-connected disabilities. Also eligible are Purple Heart recipients and those with honorable discharges or general discharges under honorable conditions. MyECP lists the following as eligible for the Military Star Card:
- Active-duty Servicemembers
- National Guard and Reserve members
- DoD Civilians
- Veterans
- Caregivers of Veterans
- Family members and dependents
To apply for a Military Star Card, you can visit MyECP’s website, click on the Military Star Card login, and complete the online Military Star Card application. The application requires personal information such as your name, social security number, date of birth, and military or Veteran status. Applications are usually approved or declined within minutes.
On the MyECP platform, you can manage your Military Star credit card account, make payments, check your balance, view and manage your card rewards, and access information about benefits, promotions, and other Exchange Credit Program services.
Frequently Asked Questions
The following are some of the more common questions often asked about the Military Star Card. For further information on the card not answered here, call the Exchange Credit Call Center at 1‑877‑891‑7827. You can also visit the MyECP website, use your Military Star Card login, and access a summary of your Military Star Card benefits and online customer service for further questions.
The Military Star Card is accepted at military exchanges and commissaries on base, including those operated by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange, and Coast Guard Exchange. You can also use it online at ShopMyExchange.com and MyNavyExchange.com. It’s not typically accepted at non-military retailers or in regular civilian stores, although some retailers near military bases allow it for some purchases.
The Military Star Card is accepted at military exchanges and commissaries on base, including those operated by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, Navy Exchange, Marine Corps Exchange, and Coast Guard Exchange. You can also use it online at ShopMyExchange.com and MyNavyExchange.com. It’s not typically accepted at non-military retailers or in regular civilian stores, although some retailers near military bases allow it for some purchases.
To access your Military Star Card account online, you can either visit the website or use the Military Star Mobile App. The app allows you to manage your account, view balances, track spending, make payments, and access rewards. If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register an account.
The card has a variable annual percentage rate of 15.49% for non-promotional purchases. For promotional purchases, a reduced APR of 9.99% applies. There’s also a variable penalty APR of 23.49% for accounts subject to penalty.
Yes, the card does offer rewards. It does not offer cashback, but it does offer a rewards program where cardholders earn points for every dollar spent on eligible purchases. For every 2,000 points earned, cardholders receive a $20 rewards card. These rewards cards can be redeemed for merchandise or services at any Exchange location that accepts Exchange gift cards.
The card offers a low, fixed APR (15.49%) and no annual, late, or over-limit fees, making it an attractive option, especially for those with limited credit history. It also supports the military community by generating value through rewards and by not charging merchant fees to exchanges. However, its primary limitation is its exclusive acceptance at military exchanges and commissaries.
No, there is not a fee.
If you leave the military, your Military Star Card account will generally remain open, and you can continue to use it at Exchange locations and online.
Yes, you can add authorized users to your Military Star Card. You can add eligible dependents who are 18 years or older and have current exchange privileges. To add an authorized user, you need to log into your Military Star Card account, navigate to “Manage Authorized Users,” and enter the required information for the authorized user.