Commissary & Exchange Access
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.
Details
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.
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 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).
Always confirm current rates and rules on VA.gov before applying — eligibility rules and dollar amounts change with each fiscal year.
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