Military Star Card: An Overview
The Military Star Card is a popular credit card available for members of the military. Here is what you need to know about this card.
What Is The Military Star Card?
The Military Star Card is a line of credit exclusive for military personnel and their families. Those that use the card will receive a personal dividend with the Military Star Rewards Program.
The Exchange Credit Program operates the Military Star Card on behalf of the Army, Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps, and Coast Guard.
There are approximately 2 million cardholders from all branches of service and the vision of the card is to be the one card solution for all purchases made on a military installation.
What Rewards Can You Earn With The Card?
You will be able to earn a $20 Military Star Rewards Card for every 2,000 points you accumulate, earning two points for every dollar you spend. You can use these reward cards anywhere an exchange gift card is accepted. There is no limit to the amount of rewards cards you can earn and you will receive the points on the final amount that you are charged. You can not earn rewards on the Military Clothing Plan. The rewards don’t expire as long as you have made a purchase at least once every 12 months.
Where Can You Use The Military Star Card?
You can use your Military Star Card at exchange facilities, Armed Forces Recreation Center resort hotels, online at shopmyexchange.com, myNavyExchange.com and ShopCGX.com, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service Food Courts, Express locations, and mall vendors. Make sure to ask before paying for something on a military installation if you are not sure.
Are There Any Fees?
There is no annual fee, over-limit fees, and no back-interest when 0% promotions expire.
What is the APR For The Military Star Card?
As of July 28, 2022, there is a variable APR of 12.49% for retail purchases, and a variable APR of 20.49% that will apply to accounts that are subject to a penalty APR. The minimum interest charge is $.50.
Where Can You Pay Your Bill?
You can pay your monthly bill online on the website, by calling the Exchange Credit Program Call Center, at your local Exchange, or mail in your payment. If you do not make your payments, your account becomes delinquent. If this happens, you might not be able to use your card or earn rewards, and the service member’s unit commander can be notified. In some cases, the delinquent balance may be involuntary collected.
What Perks or Discounts Can You Get With The Military Star Card?
Besides the Rewards Program, the Military Star Card supports the military community as a significant portion of the Military Star earnings fund quality of life programs. The Exchange Credit Program has returned $639 million to MWR programs over the last 10 years.
The Military Star Card also offers a $500 interest-free military clothing plan and have a reduced interest deployment policy.
As far as discounts go, they do have promotional 0% interest offers, exclusive savings for just cardholders, and free standard shipping when you order online at shopmyexchange.com and myNavyExchange.com. There is an everyday $.05 per gallon fuel discount, and an everyday 10% food court discount available only at Army & Air Force Exchange Service and participating facilities. After you are approved for your card, you will receive a 10% discount for purchases on your first day which will appear as a credit on your first monthly billing statement.
What Is The Interest-Free Clothing Plan?
This plan is not available to all eligible cardholders.
The plan is only for the Army, Air Force, and Marine Corps.
Minimum payments are required and failure to make them for three billing cycles will cancel the promotional rate.
With the interest-free clothing plan, the interest rate will be 0% instead of the usual 12.49%.
What Is the Reduced Interest Deployment Policy About?
If the service member is activated or deployed, your interest rates can be temporarily reduced. The reduced interest rate will be effective for the duration of the activation or deployment. After the service member returns home, the interest charges will return to regular rates. The service member will need to request a temporary reduction in interest charges and they will need to have a copy of their activation or deployment orders.
While activated or deployed, the service member can still make purchases but they will not be required to make monthly payments and the interest rate will be reduced to 6%.
What Is The Penalty APR?
This APR may be applied to all of your account balances and new purchases if you do not pay the full amount of your Total Minimum Payment due within 60 days of its due date. The Penalty APR will apply until you make six consecutive payments of your Total Minimum Payment Due by the due date. The Penalty APR will vary based on the Prime Rate and is currently 20.49%. In addition to the Penalty APR, you can also be charged a $25 returned payment fee.
Where Can You Apply For The Military Star Card?
If you would like to apply for the Military Star Card, you can do so on their website.
Would It Be A Good Idea To Get The Military Star Card?
For some military families, the Military Star Card can be a good choice, for others, it might not be. It is a credit card and needs to be used wisely. Getting this type of card could lead to more debt and overspending.
Having this type of rewards card means you will want to use it more often than others. If you do decide to get this card, make sure not to put yourself in a bad spot financially. Have a plan for paying the balance off on time.
If you do get the card, make sure you keep within your budget and enjoy the rewards. Make sure to not use the card as a way to spend extra money you don’t have. Treat the Military Star Card like you do any other credit card. Take care to not misuse it or get behind on your payments.
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About the author
Julie Provost is a freelance writer, and blogger. She lives in Tennessee with her National Guard husband and three boys.