What you need to know:
- Eligible Department of War and Coast Guard civilian employees with a valid Common Access Card can shop tax-free at Exchange stores, Express locations and ShopMyExchange.com.
- The shopping benefit, extended to civilian CAC holders in the continental U.S. in 2021, provides access to military-exclusive pricing and tax-free shopping.
- The card’s affiliation should read “Civilian” while agency/department should read “DoW” or “DoD” or a service branch.
DALLAS — Department of War (DoW) and Coast Guard civilian employees with a valid Common Access Card (CAC) can shop tax-free at Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES, the Exchange) stores, including Express locations and online at ShopMyExchange.com.
In 2021, the Exchange benefit was extended to include DoW and Coast Guard civilian CAC holders in the continental U.S., giving them access to tax-free merchandise at military-exclusive pricing.
“Every purchase at the Exchange does more than deliver tax-free savings,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Angela Holden, the Exchange’s senior enlisted advisor. “It helps support critical Quality of Life programs that strengthen military communities. It is an honor to serve those who help keep the nation’s Warfighters mission ready.”
To shop in-store, the card’s affiliation should read “Civilian” while the agency/department should read “DoW” or “DoD” or a service branch. Shopping privileges have no category restrictions except for military uniforms. Retired DoW and Coast Guard civilians can shop online only. Shopping privileges for active DoW and Coast Guard civilians outside the U.S. and its territories vary and are subject to host-nation agreements. Visit here for more information on shopping privileges.
For Tamara Moser, Fort Rucker Morale, Welfare and Recreation sport supervisory specialist, convenience is the biggest perk of her shopping benefit.
“The PX is right here on the installation,” Moser said. “If I were to go somewhere else, I would have to go past the gate and my house, tacking on an additional 10 to 15 minutes of driving. For other retail stores, I have to make a special trip out of my way. I can get something here quicker, then go home, which means I’m saving time.”
CAC holders can also apply for a MILITARY STAR® card, which is administered by the Exchange Credit Program.
The MILITARY STAR card offers one of the lowest APR among all unsecured retail cards, according to Bankrate’s 2025 Retail Cards Study. The MILITARY STAR has no late or annual fees and offers exclusive discounts, including 10% off at participating Exchange restaurants; 5 cents off per gallon of fuel at Expresses; free shipping on ShopMyExchange.com orders; and more. For more information, visit https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/military-star/.
All authorized shoppers can also enter Exchange sweepstakes, which run year-round. In 2025, the military community took home more than $500,000 in prizes, including vehicles, gift cards, tactical gear, toys, and more. Visit ShopMyExchange.com/sweepstakes to enter.
100% of Exchange earnings are reinvested into the military community. In 2025, Exchange shoppers generated $307 million in dividends that support vital Quality of Life programs and enhance the shopping experience. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has returned $2.4 billion to military communities.
Facebook-friendly version: Eligible Department of War and Coast Guard civilian employees with a valid CAC can shop tax-free with the Army & Air Force Exchange Service. Every Exchange purchase helps fund Quality of Life programs that support military communities. In 2025, Exchange shoppers generated $307 million in dividends for these vital programs. Learn more about shopping privileges here: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-3l9
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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has gone where Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians 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 60th-largest retailer in the United States. 100% of Exchange earnings support military communities. In 2025, the Exchange generated $307 million for military Quality-of-Life programs. In the last 10 years, the Exchange has returned $2.4 billion to military communities. The Exchange is a nonappropriated fund entity of the Department of War and is directed by a Board of Directors. 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 X at https://x.com/shopmyexchange.
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Media Notes:
For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Zach Wright, 214-312-6300 or [email protected]
Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange