Military Star Card ( Exchange Credit Program And AAFES)

Have you ever heard about military star card? What it is, and for which purposes can it be used? If not, then let’s find out.

Military Star Card, is a credit card that is provided to the military personnel, and their families can use it too. And the best thing about this card is that whether you are on active duty, or you are someone who got retired, both can access to this card and are totally eligible.

Military Star Card

Military star card offers discounts, and many great deals. And is a great benefit for the military members. You can also earn some rewards, cashbacks, redeemable points and gift cards too. But that depends on the type of AAFES card that you have access to.

If you are a military star card user, then you can use these rewards to get major discounts on all the AAFES owned or linked brands. And this card is also accepted for online shipping or shopping. But this amazing package cannot be accessed without showing proof, and that includes your military ID. Also commissaries do not accept these cards.

Do you want to explore more information then visit 24 hour time.

My Exchange Credit Card (ECP)

Military star credit card can be used and made available through exchange credit program abbreviated as ECP. It is an army and air force exchange offer. (AAAFES) funds this program and make sure it is operated, also it was established by department of defense (DOD). It has been come into process with the intention of protecting its service members from predatory lending.

Exchange credit card program has a great deals of offers, and offers more than two million army members, Navy, air force, marine and coast guard customers and it is processed through their star credit card program.

The Service Member’s Civil Relief Act (SCRA)

Service member’s civil relief act (SCRA) is a service and offer for the star card users and provides the debt protection to the service members. The exchange star credit card holders can access to six percent of the service member civil relief act, but it also has some conditions, and that are;

  • They must have been enlisted, or must be assigned a direct appointment.
  • They should be a member of active or reserved component and national coast guard.
  • They must be allowed and activated to the US military service and it should be under the title 10 or title 32 orders and this is for federal emergencies. But this act shall be done only on the request of president or secretary.

The exchange star credit card will lessen you interest if you meet all the above mentioned requirements and once you are on the active duty. Rate of reduction depends on, and is effected from the first day of duty (active) till the active duty has ended. After this time period the interest rate goes back to its standard rate, that was mentioned in the most current exchange credit program. A formal interest rate reduction can be made, if you want but you will need the copy of you orders, and it should be mailed to the following address;

  • Exchange Credit Program
  • ATTN: Deployments
  • P.O. Box: 650410
  • Dallas
  • TX: 75265-07410

You can also fax these documents, and that should be faxed to;

  • ATTN: Deployments.
  • At: 214-465-2997.
  •  DSN: 967.2997.

Star Credit Card Program

It is a credit card program and is designed to assist military members and also provides support to their family members. Due to availability of this card offers great packages and provides financial stability to the member’s family.

Although it comes with great flexibility and discount packages, this card cannot be used everywhere like your local bank card, star credit card has its restrictions to follow. It is usually used for military exchanged purposes, and facilities that may include army or air force shopping services. Members that are in use of this card service do not need to incur any an annual fee, foreign transaction payments, late fees, and over-limit taxes. Also, there will be no back on interest added when zero percent promotion expires.

The reward winning program allow their members to earn two times of the point for each one dollar ($1) net purchasing. When any member gains 2k points (2000) then they will be getting a twenty dollar ($20) reward. This card is only redeemable where military cards are accepted or allowed for exchanges. New subscribers automatically get a ten percent (10%) off on their first purchase. With all these generous packages, this card offers flexibility to their members.

Military Star Cards Cash Benefits And Drawbacks  

1.   USA Cash Rewards

Each of these cards offer different limit of packages that is dependable on your active duty and also your preferences. It can be whether no fees and redeemable cash or travel to entertainment coupons. As explained before there are no annual payments or transaction fees. Users can earn up to (1.25%)  cash back on each one dollar ($1) they spent in net purchases and shopping. No limit has been set on the amount of cash back that you can earn and then spend it on your goods. So the more you spend, the more you will earn and it is a win win for you or any card user.

BenefitsDrawback
Cash back can be redeemed for the statement of credit card or be paid to you as a check.Variable APR for purchases, balance transfers, and cash advances can be done for withdrawal purposes. (10.15%-26.15%, based on their credit score and worthiness).

2.   Chase Sapphire Preferred Card

It is a better option for military personnel to go for if they are in the favour of earning more and going for greater savings. But the most major benefit this card gives you is that it is a good option for travelling discounts. This card offers two times more points for every one dollar spent ($1) during net purchases for traveling and hoteling purposes. Points are equal regardless of travel line or hotel programs (1 point = $1).

BenefitsDrawbacks
You will receive 25% more value when points are used to book any travel through the Chase Ultimate Rewards portal. (i.e. Fifty thousand (50,000)-point bonus is worth $625 in travel credit)The zero dollar ( $0 ) annual fees is the first year introductory offer only. (A $95/year will be charged after that one year.)

3.   Discover- Cashback Match Card

This category of card provides graduated cashbacks, bonuses, and prize plans. The discover it-card has a reward plan that is double of that military star card plan. Bonuses usually has the discount packages on movie theatres, gas and dining etc.

Benefits Only:

  • There will be no annual charges or any foreign transaction fees.
  •  You can earn a five percent (5%) cash back in the designated bonus listings and categories.(There is a limit of $1,500 in every purchase that is every three months the account is activated).
  •  Also unlimited (1% cash back) on all the other purchases and shopping (this is not included in the designated bonus listings and categories).

 All the earned cash backs, then at the end of the first year will compared and matched by the Discover. (For new card members specifically).

4.   Blue Preferred Card (Cash Card)

This card is from American express and is wise option for those people who are particularly interested in cash backs offers. They can get 6% cash backs at US supermarkets, and this is for daily use. Upto $6000 purchases can be made on this card per year and after that only one percent can go on. Everyday cash back is only one percent and it is on each and every purchase they do.  They get to have three percent (3%) cash back on gas stations, and this is one of the best options that this card offers. Not only this but American express travel benefits are also given to this card holder. And card protection is also included as their are a lot of chances of fake Ids to make things critical for them.

BenefitsDrawbacks
Earn up to $150 cash back when you are ready to spend $1,000 in purchases and that on the new card but only within the first 3 months as after that, this offer may not be there or the price will be reduced.The annual fee is higher than other cards as the benefits are bigger. And so it is ninety-five dollar ($95) per year fee. If you do not spend it significantly, then you might prefer the Military Star card as it has no per year charges.

Military Star Cards Can Only Be Used On

As this card is only for military personnel’s and their dependents so it can be accepted any place that has been running by army or air force teams. They can also be used at stores that have partnership with the military. But to name some places, military star credit card can be used at;

  • It is valid to use it at Commissaries
  • Uniform shops for the purpose of education of their children.
  • Gas Stations, as gas is one of the most important figure in practical life and is quite expensive too.
  • Mini-marts/Shops for any shopping purposes, and grocery too.
  • Class Six stores, depending on individuals need.
  • Armed Forces Recreation Center resort hotels as they are military personnel and are interacted more with army hotels rather than civilian.
  • Army lodges and Morale, purposes.
  • Armed Forces Network equipments but it cannot be purchased but rent.
  • Also in some on-base mini malls.
  • It is also used for Marine Corps Exchange (MCX)
  • Beneficial use for Navy Exchange (NEX)
  • Also plays a great flexibility role at Coast Guard Exchange (CGX)
  • It is also very convenient to use at Base Exchange (BX)
  • And last but not the least, it provides appreciable discounts at Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES).

The above mentioned services and places allow the use of Military star credit card and it covers most of the finances for its members.

Military Star Card Benefits

You can earn rewards on the purchases equal to one dollar ($1) that is spent on-base and is equivalent to 2 points (2,000 points = $20). Also Exchange gift cards are also offered to the card users. (This applies to both the cards). Military star card has one of the most flexible benefit and that is, that this card is accepted in all commissaries. Once your card limit is reached you may still be able to make purchases, and you are not asked to make any monthly payments or pay any fee. Also your interest can be occasionally reduced to (6%). Exclusive Exchange offers different promotions that allows purchases to be made with the Star Card, that may include sweepstakes, zero interest and discounts etc. There is no extra charges such as per year fee or late fee fines, so it provides you with time flexibility to pay the bills. Standard shipping is also free of cost at AAFES and Navy during the online exchanges. 5¢ (five cents) per gallon of fuel is also in discount package. Which can be known as military installations at gas station. The very new and fresh accounts will receive a ten percent (10%) discount on all the purchases for the first month. Food court is also in the discount list, and that is limited to only ten percent. Also there is no interest charged from cardholders on any type of promotion or shopping.

Military Star Card Disadvantages

If in any case you miss to pay for your card, then military can take away the amount from your bank, as they already have access to it. In case of separation Military star card must be paid off, as after the military star card after separation cannot be activated. It does play the role of a credit card and so cannot be used everywhere. As it cannot be used everywhere, in the same manner it cannot be used out-of-the-base, for any purpose.

Tips For Building Up The Credit

The lenders can track history of credit and (FICO) score rate so they can check credit worthiness and risks. ECP helps the service users by keeping them updated so they can make up the solid history and improve their scoring and not only this, but also enables them to consume as much benefit as possible.

If you have a poor credit history or bad scoring then it will be harder for you to qualify for home loans, cars or credit cards etc. And then you may get to pay some amount of interest pay too, which is double the original price.

Do You Want To Know How To Improve Your Score And Credit Card History?

With restrictions, ECP also make sure to give the best solutions to their members, they have given the following guidelines that can help you with keeping up with a good history.

  • Usually payment history is around 35% of their members credit score, so they should be regular with payments of their bills and need to pay the bill on time.
  • They need to keep check on their accounts statements and statuses as they don’t want to miss any error their account may have.
  • Account balance, can effect your account scoring and so to keep it on track you should try to keep a low figure balance.
  • Pay off your debts because transferring it to other cards is not an effective solution.
  • Do not shut off unused credit accounts. And do not open any new account just because of a promotion or any mail.
  • Ten percent (15%) of your credit score depends upon, for how long you may have the history of your credits. This may include one of the two things or both, and those are, that is how much regular you are with using your credits, and also how you have had it, all this information is being stored.
  • 10 percent of the score depends on how many new accounts you may hold, and so to avoid crises, you need not to open too many accounts and perfectly manage the ones you already have access to.
  • Types of credit also matter and it makes up to 10% of your score. To avoid problems you need to keep up good balance between them.
  • Already closed accounts can also tangle with your balance so make sure to resolve all the issues.

Military Star Credit Card Also Comes With Deployment Benefits

Yes, you read it right. Military star card also comes with deployment interest as the ECP offers this benefit to all its eligible members that may be active on duty or may need temporarily relief from the card  obligations.

Eligibility Requirements;

To be eligible you need the same status required as for service members civil relief act (SCRA) as that normally will address the debt protection of its members. The members that are deployed need to provide documents and get verified for deployment so they can access to deployment benefits.

Their star credit card payment history must show positivity as their is flexibility for only one time late payment otherwise the member will be declined from the deployment benefits.

The member or even their spouse may continue with their purchases and they are currently not asked for any monthly payments. Also the card interest will be reduced to six percent for sometime.

Once the deployment period is over the interest will be back again and the monthly payments will be resume again.

Military Star Card Withdrawal

There is no annual or late fee charges but this card cannot be used for any out of the base purposes. You need to pay off your star credit card while getting a separation from the military. IG there is any issue with your payments then in that case the military can directly take out the money from your bank account. This card is used only at army and Navy service providing malls or hotels and even traveling lines but it cannot be used at where the civilians have more right. The bank that is used for withdrawal is “CHASE” bank.

Military Card And Travelling

The military star card that is only available for military personnel’s and also their spouses or family members. This card offers discount on all the in-base purchases and provides redeemable points, that can be redeemed as cash, services or even gift cards, so you can say it comes with many withdrawal options. This card can now also be used for traveling purposes. You can use it for traveling at MWR exchange holidays. But will be limited to military airlines.

Military Star Card Rewards And Points

Let’s take a glance at the MILITARY STAR card’s rewards program. The rewards structure is fairly easy. Any time you employ your card at one amongst the approved locations mentioned earlier, you’ll earn 2 points for each $1 in web purchases. you’ll use the cardboard for Military article of clothing arrange purchases however you won’t earn points for those purchases.

Military Star rewards are accepted to be redeemed as merchandise and cash, also it can buy you services or discounts online. Military cards can be accepted only in on-base and anywhere around military area. This package includes exchange services and services. There is no limit on how many cards anyone can earn per year and it all depends on your activity. To present an example of cash back or rewards, let us think that you spent ten thousand dollars ($10,000) on your per year purchases, then you get one hundred dollars ($100) back into your wallet again. Besides these cashbacks and discounts, you get to have free online shipping. Traveling packages are also there for people who are more in to traveling and exploring the world. There is also fuel/gas discount up to some percentage, not so generous but still a good feature to offer. And the story does not end here, and the card holder will also get a 10 percent discount on food courts that are a part of army exchange or air force exchange.

Let’s take a glance at the MILITARY STAR card’s rewards program. The rewards structure is fairly easy. Any time you employ your card at one amongst the approved locations mentioned earlier, you’ll earn 2 points for each $1 in web purchases. you’ll use the cardboard for Military article of clothing arrange purchases however you won’t earn points for those purchases.

Military Star rewards are accepted to be redeemed as merchandise and cash, also it can buy you services or discounts online. Military cards can be accepted only in on-base and anywhere around military area. This package includes exchange services and services. There is no limit on how many cards anyone can earn per year and it all depends on your activity. To present an example of cash back or rewards, let us think that you spent ten thousand dollars ($10,000) on your per year purchases, then you get one hundred dollars ($100) back into your wallet again. Besides these cashbacks and discounts, you get to have free online shipping. Traveling packages are also there for people who are more in to traveling and exploring the world. There is also fuel/gas discount up to some percentage, not so generous but still a good feature to offer. And the story does not end here, and the card holder will also get a 10 percent discount on food courts that are a part of army exchange or air force exchange.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.   Can Star Card Be Used At Gas Stations?

Yes this card is accepted at gas stations and the members get some amount of discount on their prices.

2.   What Will Happen With Late Fee Submission?

Military star credit card is an exchange program, and it does not act as other ordinary cards. It comes with different benefits and different penalties. If in any case, you failed to pay for your charges then your command will follow up this information and you may face certain crises likewise it may affect your pay, as you may not get it or it may be reduced. Or your income tax return will be affected and stopped. So do not miss out on this part or you may face some problems.

3.   Will My Military Star Card Build Any Interest?

Your payment history score and your activity might affect your rewards and payments. But normally it does not build any credit or affect your interest rate by any means. The military star credit card is the same rate and same benefits for all the members and borrowers regardless of your credit.

4.   What Will Be The Maximum Limit On The Star Card?

Your credit rate depends on the points you accumulated. Then these points are redeemable, you can convert them into real money. Every twenty thousand points (20,000) is equivalent to twenty dollars ($20). These points can also be redeemed as gift cards and services and not only cash. Also there is no literal limit to how many cards you can earn per year and one can say that it is unlimited package.

5.   Is This Card Also For Paying Federal Debt?

Your tax refund can be against paying federal debt, and so you can predict the limit for what you can do with your federal debt.

6.   Can We Say That It Is A Good Card To Get One?

Let me repeat this that this very matter relies on your pool of different choices. The Military Star card has some nice edges, like it can give the 1/3 rate of interest on military article of clothing things. I, personally will  favor it as because of it I will get 100 percent off on my food court purchases. The rate of interest is not much appreciated, however it is not so bad, either.If you are within the military and you would like a credit line otherwise you do a great deal of looking through the exchange, the MILITARY STAR card could have the sort of advantages you’re searching for. Also, the very fact that you just will delay payments and cut back interest whereas on preparation may be a mark in its favor. If you’re curious about mistreatment this card to boost your credit score, take care to clarify with the client service representative if your transactions are going to be rumoured to the 3 major credit bureaus. When you’re advisement totally different military master card choices, take a glance at however the rewards, charge per unit and extra card edges collect. The a lot of analysis you are doing beforehand, the higher the chances of finding a card that matches your preferences and wants.

More Ways To Save Money Using Military Star Card

Add it to each two points earned for each one dollar ($1) that is spent on purchases that were qualified, one can also take advantages such as;

  • Standard shipping that is free of cost whether you are shopping online or making any purchase.
  • You also get a 10% discount on all army exchange and also air force exchange food court that are purchased.
  • You also get a $0.05 that is per gallon when you get a fill-up at any army exchange or air force exchange locations and places.
  • You can also use the card for clothing plans, that maybe military clothing plan that needs to be purchased. You may get different discounts on clothing plans but you will not get any rewards or points for buying any clothing plan. But it is still a good package as all the other discounts makes up for it.

Though out the year, military star card offers a great deal of discounts and cash backs. It also comes with redeemable points for many purchases you make, and in this way it helps to keep your money in your pocket or returns your money after sometime. All this happens in different ways and has different packages for different types of purchase and spent money.

Some of the main services that it may provide is zero percent (0%) interest rate. Also promotional holiday and vacation prizes and rewards. There is no interest asked and no payment required for at least twelve (12) months on some specific products such as electronics and jewellery etc. There is also incentives savings but that is only for few members of this card and is up to fifteen percent (15%).

Things To Keep In Mind Before Applying For Military Star Card

You will want a (My ECP) account that can be used for a MILITARY STAR master card. It is also helpful to make up a profile and complete the appliance, also give your name, date of birth, sometimes place of birth too. Social Security variety, verification of your military credentials and proper answers to security queries all these figures are also required.

Online Apply

If you are to apply on-line through the ECP Military Star web-site, you save one hundred percent (100%) on your 1st day’s purchases. And surely restrictions and limitations could be applied if needed.

You can also conjointly fill out a MILITARY STAR MasterCard application in your native exchange. You’ll want a similar information to be made in public that is higher than to use. If you have got questions about your application or your account, you’ll follow up with MILITARY STAR client service as that will help you with all your questions and clarify your mind.

Further Related Posts: