CONUS On-Base Shopping Guide
Your quick start to the Commissary, the Exchange, and smart ways to save—tax-free perks, MWR benefits, and calculators to estimate your family's annual savings.
The Commissary: Savings on Every Aisle
Run by the Defense Commissary Agency (DeCA), the Commissary is your on-base supermarket. Its single mission is to provide groceries and household goods to military families at the lowest possible price, saving the average family over 25% on their grocery bill.
How It Works: At-Cost Pricing
By law, commissaries sell all items at cost from the supplier. To fund store construction and maintenance, a 5% surcharge is added to your total bill at the register. Even with this surcharge, the savings are substantial compared to civilian stores.
The 5% Surcharge Explained
$100.00
Items at Cost
$5.00
5% Surcharge
$105.00
Your Total
The $5 surcharge is reinvested directly into building new and modernizing existing commissaries worldwide.
Commissary Rewards Card
This free card unlocks digital coupons. Create an account, "clip" coupons online, and scan at checkout—stack extra savings on top of at-cost pricing.
Case Lot & Sidewalk Sales
Usually in spring and fall. Stock up on bulk items—canned goods, paper products, drinks—at deep discounts. Check your local store's schedule.
Family Magazine Coupons
Pick up Family Magazine at the Commissary entrance for money-saving coupons and deals you can combine with in-store sales and your Rewards Card.
The Exchange: Shop & Support
The Exchange is your on-base department store, gas station, and food court all in one. Each service branch has its own system (AAFES, NEX, MCX, etc.), but they all share two powerful benefits: every purchase is tax-free, and 100% of profits go back to the military community. Eligibility: Active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, and eligible dependents can shop on base.
How It Works: Profits with a Purpose
Unlike any civilian retailer, 100% of Exchange earnings are paid as dividends to fund Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs. Your shopping directly improves the quality of life on your installation.
Your purchase of electronics, clothing, and gas helps fund gyms, youth centers, outdoor recreation, and more.
Visualize Your Savings
The benefits of on-base shopping add up quickly. Use these interactive calculators to estimate how much your family can save over the course of a year by taking full advantage of your Commissary and Exchange.
Commissary Savings
Estimate your annual savings on groceries. The average family saves at least 25%.
Estimated Annual Savings:
$1,500
Exchange Tax Savings
Calculate how much you save by not paying sales tax on larger purchases.
Estimated Annual Tax Savings:
$70
Shop Like a Pro
A few extra pieces of knowledge can make your shopping trips even more effective. Here are some essential tips and official resources to help you get started.
Essential Tips
-
✔
Tip the Baggers: Commissary baggers work for tips only. It is customary to tip them for bagging your groceries and carrying them to your car.
-
✔
Check Local Ads: Your local Exchange and Commissary often have weekly sales flyers with special deals. Look for them near the entrance or online.
-
✔
Learn Your Store's Layout: Each base's stores are different. Take some time on your first visit to walk the aisles and learn where your favorite products are located.
-
✔
Combine Savings: Use manufacturer coupons inside of Family Magazine. Utilize the Commissary Rewards Card, and take advantage of store sales together to maximize your savings on every trip.
Official Resources
Find hours, locations, digital coupons, and online shopping portals at the official sites:
Common Questions
Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about commissary and exchange shopping.