The MILITARY STAR Card is a private-label line of credit offered by the Exchange Credit Service (ECP) and managed by the Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES). It offers a competitive annual percentage rate (APR), no annual fees, no overage fees, or late payment charges, and a percentage off goods and services at certain Exchange-operated businesses on base. It can be used only in Exchange-operated stores.
How the MILITARY STAR Card Works
The MILITARY STAR Card is intended to provide value to service members, retirees, veterans, and their families. Not only can it help you build credit, but it also provides savings, rewards, and military-focused benefits that traditional credit card issuers don’t offer.
Here’s a breakdown of how the MILITARY STAR Card functions, what its key features are, and how cardholders can use it.
Eligibility
The MILITARY STAR Card is primarily available to individuals in the military and their family members. Here are the people who can get a MILITARY STAR Card:
- Active duty service members
- Civilians who work for the U.S. Defense Department
- Purple Heart recipients
- Disabled Veterans
- Veterans with an honorable discharge
Authorized Retailers
The MILITARY STAR Card works differently from other credit cards. It’s a line of credit that can be used on everyday purchases or military-specific expenses, such as PCS or deployment moving costs. You can’t use the credit card at non-authorized retailers, like Amazon or Walmart.
Here are some of the authorized retailers that accept the MILITARY STAR Card:
- Exchange stores
- Shopmyexchange.com
- myNavyExchange.com
- ShopCGX.com
- Army and Air Force Exchange Service food courts
- Express® locations
- Exchange mall vendors
- Armed Forces Recreation Center resort hotels
Rewards Structure
MILITARY STAR cardholders can earn 2% in rewards on most purchases. That 2% is equal to two points for every dollar you spend at qualifying in-person or online retailers.
Once you accumulate 2,000 points, you’ll receive a MILITARY STAR Rewards Card. These Rewards Cards are issued in $20 increments and can be used anywhere Exchange gift cards are accepted. There’s no annual cap on the number of Rewards Cards you can earn.
Discounts and Benefits
With the MILITARY STAR Card, you get access to discounts on everyday purchases. Here are some of the savings you can get:
- 10% off at Exchange restaurants.
- $0.05 off per gallon of fuel.
- Free standard shipping on shopmyexchange.com, myNavyExchange.com, and ShopCGX.com
When you apply for a MILITARY STAR Card, new cardholders also get 10% off every purchase they make on the first day.
In addition to the daily discounts, MILITARY STAR cardholders can get these benefits:
- Military clothing plan: Eligible cardholders can use a $1,000 interest-free line of credit for uniform and military clothing purchases.
- Deployment rate reduction: For some deployed service members, there may be a reduced interest rate during the deployment period.
- Pay-your-way plans: The card offers “Pay Your Way” plans for larger purchases. Instead of paying upfront, you have the option to make fixed monthly payments over a 36-, 48-, or 60-month period.
Interest Rates and Fees
One of the biggest benefits of the MILITARY STAR Card compared to traditional cards is low interest rates and fees. According to the ECP, the MILITARY STAR Card has:
- Competitive low APR, regardless of your credit score
- No late fees
- No annual fees
- No over-limit fees
Because of the low fees, the MILITARY STAR Card can be a good option for service members who want to build credit or improve credit.
Pros of the MILITARY STAR Card
Here are some of the biggest advantages of the Military STAR Card:
- Low APR for a retail credit card: As of October 2025, the variable APR was 13.99% for retail purchases, which is lower than many other retail credit cards.
- No annual or penalty fees: The lack of fees makes this card easier to manage without worrying about hidden or recurring costs.
- Rewards: The credit card’s rewards structure can help you earn money through your qualifying purchases, which can be redeemed at qualifying retailers.
- Deployment benefits: If you get deployed, you might qualify for a reduced interest rate.
- Military uniform benefits: The military clothing line of credit with 0% APR allows you to purchase authorized commercial uniform clothing and accessories.
- Credit building: When you make on-time credit card payments, the MILITARY STAR Card can help you build credit or improve your credit score.
- Community reinvestment: The Exchange reinvests earnings from the card back into quality-of-life programs for military communities.
Cons of the MILITARY STAR Card
While the MILITARY STAR Card offers many unique benefits, there are some downsides to be aware of:
- Interest risk: If you carry a balance, even the relatively “low” APR can add up. Plus, there may be a penalty APR if you miss credit card payments. However, this is the case with all credit cards.
- Limited use off-base: You can only use the MILITARY STAR Card at authorized retailers, which means it has limited use off-base. If you mainly shop at stores like Target, Walmart, or Amazon, this might not be the card for you.
- No cash back: While you do earn 2% rewards on your purchases, you don’t get that money in direct cash back. The rewards are converted into Exchange-store credit, which limits your purchasing power.
- Few travel benefits: The MILITARY STAR Card doesn’t provide many travel benefits, like trip cancellation insurance or rental car damage coverage, that traditional credit cards offer. If you’re a frequent traveler, you might be better off with a different card.
Who Should Consider the MILITARY STAR Card
The MILITARY STAR Card can be a great option for many people in the military, including:
- Active duty service members, retirees, and dependents who shop regularly on base.
- Service members who want 0% financing on clothing purchased through the Exchange.
- Individuals looking for a predictable, lower APR than typical retail cards.
- Disciplined borrowers who can pay off the balance regularly.
- People who want to build or improve their credit score.
Despite the unique benefits of the MILITARY STAR Card, it’s not the right option for everyone. You might want to consider other credit card options if:
- You want a card for everyday spending at off-base retailers.
- You’re likely to carry a large credit card balance long-term.
- You’d prefer a card with true cash back or flexible rewards.
- You’re looking for a credit card with robust travel benefits and protections.
The Bottom Line
The MILITARY STAR Card isn’t just another retail card. It’s designed for the military community around their spending habits. The card has a very competitive APR, no fees, military-focused rewards, and military-specific benefits. Those features make it uniquely valuable for service members, retirees, and families who shop at Exchange and commissary locations.
Like any credit card, however, the MILITARY STAR Card is only as good as how you use it. If you tend to shop off-base or want a card that earns cash back on every purchase, this card probably isn’t right for you. In that case, consider a credit card from a military-friendly bank, like USAA or Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), which can provide more card benefits with the added bonus of military perks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where Can I Use a MILITARY STAR Card?
You can use a MILITARY STAR Card at all military Exchanges and commissaries (in-person and online), Exchange gas stations, mall vendors, and food courts. Some on-base restaurants and concessionaires also accept the MILITARY STAR Card.
Can I Use My MILITARY STAR Card on Amazon?
No, you can't use a MILITARY STAR Card on Amazon. The credit card can only be used to pay at participating Exchange-operated retailers.
Can I Use My MILITARY STAR Card at Home Depot?
Yes, the MILITARY STAR Card can be used to make purchases at Home Depot. Through Home Depot's partnership with the Exchange, people in the military can take advantage of tax-free and exclusive pricing on home improvement products.
Can You Use a MILITARY STAR Card at the Commissary?
Yes, you can use a MILITARY STAR Card to make purchases at commissaries worldwide. Cardholders can earn two points for every dollar spent at a commissary.
How Do I Activate My MILITARY STAR Card?
If you received a new MILITARY STAR Card in the mail, the card can be activated by calling 1-888-983-STAR (7827). You must activate the card before you can use it.
