• DALLAS
In his latest message to “Team Exchange,” Tom Shull, director and chief executive officer (CEO) of the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES), explains the benefits of the Military Star Card, and how it helps military members and families toe the line when it comes to the cost of their purchases.
Here is what Shull said, in his own words.
“Bankrate, a personal financial services company, issued its 2025 Retail Cards Study this week — revealing that the Exchange’s Military Star Card has the lowest APR among unsecured retail cards.
“This news comes at a time when interest rates for retail cards are skyrocketing. According to the study, the average retail card APR remains above 30 percent, which is the second-highest average rate since 2008.
“The Military Star’s APR of 14.24 percent is nearly half of the industry average of 30.14 percent. Only the Amazon Secure Card has a lower rate, but it requires cardholders to put down a deposit equal to their credit line.”
OTHER CARD BENEFITS
“The low APR is just one benefit of the Military Star Card. The card has no annual, late or over-limit fees. Unlike most store cards, it never charges deferred interest after zero-percent promotions, meaning shoppers are not charged ‘back interest’ for the entire promotional period.
“Other benefits include five cents off of every gallon of gas at all participating Exchange, Navy Exchange Service Command (NEXCOM), and Marine Corps Exchange (MCX) fuel stations; 10-percent off at participating Exchange restaurants; and free standard shipping on all ShopMyExchange.com and MyNavyExchange.com orders.”
FORCE MULTIPLIER
“With one low rate offered to all card members, regardless of credit score, the card is a force multiplier for mission success.
“It is often a young service member’s first credit card, supporting credit building and financial readiness.
“And it is a great way for retired service members to enjoy extra savings.
“The tremendous value this financial readiness tool provides our military community continues to grow.
“During fiscal 2024, the card, now powered by Discover, provided $473 million in value to the military community.
“The card is now accepted at more merchants across installations — including vendors and quality-of-life programs —as well as at all military exchanges and commissaries.
“Military Star ambassadors and associates at BXs, PXs and Expresses continue to be lead tanks in increasing awareness of the card and its versatility.
“Military Star is the one card for the military lifestyle!
“Very best, Tom”
Source: AAFES
Edited by Larry Lapka
