MILITARY STAR Card Helps Exchange Reduce Costly Fees, Increase Contribution to Military Quality-of-Life Programs
DALLAS – Military shoppers who reach for their MILITARY STAR card at Army & Air Force Exchange Service facilities worldwide are helping to reduce credit-card processing expenses and ultimately improving their military communities.
During fiscal 2015, bank-issued credit card processing expenses at Exchange facilities cost the military community more than $76 million. When shoppers use their MILITARY STAR cards, however, the Exchange avoids these costly fees – a savings of more than $19 million last year.
“A significant portion of earnings generated from the MILITARY STAR card is returned to military communities to fund quality-of-life programs,” said Jami Richardson, Exchange Credit Program senior vice president. “Avoiding costly merchant and bank fees allows us to return an even greater amount to the military community.”
Over the last 10 years, the Exchange Credit Program has returned $696 million to quality-of-life programs worldwide.
“Paying with a MILITARY STAR card is a simple way for Exchange shoppers to support their military community directly,” Richardson said. “Using the card not only benefits the cardholder, but every member of the military family.”
The MILITARY STAR card is accepted at Army, Air Force, Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard exchange facilities and online at shopmyexchange.com. Cardholders receive benefits including:
- Competitive 10.49 percent interest rate – one of the best retail rates.
- No annual, late or over-limit fees.
- 10 percent off first-day purchases.
- 10 percent off Exchange food court purchases.
- 5-cents-per-gallon savings at Exchange gas stations.
- Free standard shipping at shopyexchange.com.
With every purchase, MILITARY STAR cardholders earn points as part of a rewards program, which launched late last year. Cardholders earn 2 points for every $1 spent wherever the MILITARY STAR card is accepted. For every 2,000 points earned, shoppers will automatically receive a $20 rewards card.
For more information, shoppers can visit www.MyECP.com.
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The Army & Air Force Exchange Service goes where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives through goods and services provided. Exchange earnings provide dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs. The Exchange is part of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors, responsible to the Secretaries of the Army and Air Force through the Chiefs of Staff. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our Web site at http://www.aafes.com/about-exchange/public-affairs/press-releases.htmor 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 Julie Mitchell, 214-312-3327 or [email protected].