Commissary & Exchange Access
Access to military commissary and exchange shopping for all service-connected disabled veterans.
About this benefit
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 ONLY basis for access is 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 an additional small user fee on commercial credit/debit card transactions to offset processing costs to the U.S. Treasury.
Savings
Approximately 23.7% average savings at the commissary compared to civilian grocery stores (DeCA regional methodology).
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 against official source
Last checked 2026-04-30 against corp.commissaries.com. Always confirm current rates and rules with the VA before applying — eligibility rules and dollar amounts change with each fiscal year.
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