Commissary & Exchange Access
Access to military commissary and exchange shopping for all service-connected disabled veterans.
At a glance
- Benefit type
- Other Benefits — Federal
- Who it's for
- Veterans
- VA rating needed
- No rating requirement
- Where it applies
- United States
- Last verified
- May 12, 2026
What is Commissary & Exchange Access?
Commissary & Exchange Access is a federal other benefits benefit for veterans. Access to military commissary and exchange shopping for all service-connected disabled veterans.
Who qualifies
- Available to any veteran
- Honorable discharge required
How to apply
Contact the VA at 1-800-827-1000 for application instructions.
Who is eligible
Eligibility
Since January 1, 2020, ALL veterans with any service-connected disability rating (even 0%) who received an honorable discharge have access to commissary and exchange facilities. Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and primary VA caregivers are also eligible.
What Commissary & Exchange Access covers
Benefits
Full shopping privileges at military commissaries (groceries at cost + 5% surcharge) and military exchanges (tax-free shopping on electronics, clothing, etc.).
Credit-card user fee
Veterans whose access is granted under the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 (i.e., service-connected ratings 0–90%, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and primary VA caregivers) pay a user fee of 1.43% on credit/signature-debit transactions and 0.36% on PIN-debit transactions. Cash and SNAP/eWIC are exempt.
Savings
DeCA states shoppers save at least 25% on average compared to civilian grocery stores.
How to apply for Commissary & Exchange Access
How to access
Obtain a Veteran Health Identification Card (VHIC) from your VA Medical Center, or use your VA disability letter at the gate. May also need to register in the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS).
Verified information & sources
Last verified: May 12, 2026
Official source: corp.commissaries.com
Compiled and fact-checked against the official source linked above. Benefit rules and dollar amounts change over time — always confirm current details at the official source before applying. A county Veterans Service Officer (VSO) is a free, accredited advocate who can review your eligibility and help you file at no cost.
Frequently asked questions about Commissary & Exchange Access
Who qualifies for Commissary & Exchange Access?▾
Where can I verify Commissary & Exchange Access?▾
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