DALLAS – Military Exchange shoppers who use MILITARY STAR® cards don’t just save money, they earn it—and the entire military community is benefiting.
In 2017, the Exchange Credit Program paid cardholders $27.5 million in personal dividends through rewards cards shoppers earned by using a MILITARY STAR card at exchanges in-store and online, commissaries and Armed Forces Recreation Centers. For every $1 spent with MILITARY STAR, cardholders earn two points; with every 2,000 points earned, they receive a $20 rewards card. The rewards cards can be redeemed at any Army & Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard exchange; online at ShopMyExchange.com and myNavyExchange.com; and at Exchange restaurants and mall vendors.
MILITARY STAR cardholders are not the only ones reaping rewards, as the broader military community benefits each time the card is swiped through the avoidance of costly merchant fees bank-issued credit cards create. Because military exchange earnings support the military community, the money saved in merchant fees—$28.7 million in 2017—is re-invested into needed installation programs and services.
“The value of MILITARY STAR extends far beyond deals and generous terms,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service’s senior enlisted advisor. “MILITARY STAR shoppers are putting money in their pockets while supporting vital community programs.”
In October 2017, the MILITARY STAR card’s benefit grew even more as commissaries began accepting the card. Using the card at commissaries offers greater convenience to troops and families and strengthen funding for critical military Quality-of-Life programs.
In total, MILITARY STAR generated $445 million in value in 2017. In addition to the rewards cards earned and money saved on merchant fees, other customer savings include:
- $309 million* from one low APR for all cardholders, regardless of credit score.
- $32.9** million due to MILITARY STAR never charging late fees.
- $17.2 million from MILITARY STAR’s 0-percent-interest financing offers and never charging “back interest” after a promotion ends.
- $9.1 million for new cardholders taking advantage of the card’s first-day discount.
- $8 million through MILITARY STAR’s interest-free military clothing plan.
- $4.8 million at Exchange restaurants with the everyday 10 percent food discount.
- $4.3 million at the pump, where MILITARY STAR users save 5 cents per gallon of gas at Army & Air Force Exchange locations
- $2.2 million with MILITARY STAR’s reduced-interest deployment policy.
- $1.1 million on shipping on ShopMyExchange.com, where every purchase made with MILITARY STAR qualifies for free shipping.
For more information, visit MyECP.com.
*Comparison of 11.99% vs. 25.24% (average store credit card APR).
**Assumes average late fee of $35.
Facebook-friendly version: MILITARY STAR cardholders don’t just save money, they earn it! Shoppers who used MILITARY STAR earned $27.5 million in rewards cards last year, along with hundreds of millions of dollars in savings and discounts! Read more: https://bit.ly/2N9Ro7q.
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About MILITARY STAR: The MILITARY STAR credit card program offers affordable and responsible credit solutions to the military community. The Army & Air Force Exchange Service operates the MILITARY STAR program on behalf of the military resale community.
About the Exchange: Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 61st-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.4 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Marisa Wolfe at 214-312-5111 or [email protected].
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange