The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is teaming up with Discover Global Network to broaden the acceptance of the MILITARY STAR card. This initiative looks to improve the Quality of Life for military communities by making the card usable at more on-installation merchants.
Starting in September, the partnership with Discover Global Network will enable more merchants on military installations to accept theMILITARY STAR card. Despite this new collaboration, the Exchange Credit Program will still manage and issue the MILITARY STAR card, ensuring a smooth transition.
The MILITARY STAR card, managed by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service, is already accepted at a variety of military outlets, including Army PXs, Air Force BXs, and Navy Exchanges. The shift from a closed-loop network to Discover Global Network will allow even more services on military bases to accept the card. These services include name-brand restaurants, third-party vendors, and some Morale, Welfare, and Recreation activities.
Tommy Ward, the senior vice president of the Exchange Credit Program, highlighted the importance of this expansion. “As the military resale community continues to work closely with third-party providers such as name-brand restaurants, food delivery services, and other vendors that bring tastes of home to Warfighters and families, the Exchange recognized the need to work with a credit-card network to improve acceptance of the MILITARY STAR card across the installation,” he said. “Because the Exchange Credit Program will remain the issuer of the card, with Discover Global Network, acceptance will be seamless across our Nation’s military installations.”
For nearly 45 years, the Exchange Credit Program has been helping service members build credit responsibility. Ward emphasized the significance of the MILITARY STAR card for military members. “The MILITARY STAR card is a Quality-of-Life force multiplier for service members and families,” he said. “Cardholders expect one card for their lifestyle. This collaboration will strengthen the benefit of using the card.”
Discover Global Network will introduce new technology for the MILITARY STAR card, starting with a reissue this fall. The updated card will include EMV chip technology for added security and offer convenient payment options like tap-to-pay and mobile wallet capabilities.
The MILITARY STAR card’s benefits will remain unchanged, providing exclusive offers and discounts. These benefits include 10% off first-day purchases, 5 cents off every gallon of gas at Express fuel locations, 10% off food purchases at participating Exchange restaurants, free standard shipping on ShopMyExchange.com orders, and unlimited 2% rewards everywhere the card is accepted.
Since its inception in 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service has been dedicated to enhancing the lives of Soldiers, Airmen, Guardians, and their families by offering valuable goods and services at exclusive military prices. The Exchange is the 54th-largest retailer in the U.S., with 100% of its earnings supporting military communities. Over the past decade, the Exchange has generated $3.7 billion in earnings for critical military Quality-of-Life programs.
The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense, directed by a Board of Directors. As a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, the Exchange honors Vietnam Veterans and their families through various events and activities.
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