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Savings & Perks

On Base Shopping Guide

Your complete guide to shopping, saving, and settling in at your new duty station. Get personalized, location-aware information to maximize savings from day one. Planning a PCS move? Check our Base Guide for location-specific shopping tips.

TL;DR - Quick Summary

Military commissaries save families 25%+ on groceries by selling products at cost (plus 5% facility surcharge). The Exchange offers tax-free shopping on everything from electronics to gas, with 100% of profits funding MWR programs. Key benefits: MILITARY STAR card (no fee, 5¢/gal fuel discount, 10% off food court), price matching, and online shopping with free shipping. Eligible: active duty, Guard/Reserve, retirees, dependents, and qualifying veterans. Use our interactive calculators to estimate your annual savings. OCONUS families get additional VAT exemptions under SOFA.

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YOUR GROCERY STORE

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.

Family Magazine & Couponing

Maximize savings by combining methods. Pick up Family Magazine at the entrance, and look for on shelf coupons throughout the store.

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.

💡 Get Your Personalized Shopping Strategy

Every base is different, and so is every family's shopping pattern. Answer a few quick questions about your location and spending habits, and we'll create a custom guide to maximize your Commissary, Exchange, and off-base shopping benefits.

Build My Shopping Plan →
YOUR DEPARTMENT STORE

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), but they all share two powerful benefits: every purchase is tax-free, and 100% of profits go back to the military community.

Primary Shopping Eligibility:

  • Active Duty, Guard/Reserve members & their dependents
  • Military Retirees & their dependents
  • Medal of Honor recipients
  • Disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients & former POWs (with VHIC)
  • Primary Family Caregivers of Veterans (with VA eligibility letter)

Beginning Jan 1, 2020, certain disabled Veterans, Purple Heart recipients, former POWs, and authorized caregivers gained in‑store access with a VHIC or letter. Learn more.

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.

The Exchange returns 100% of earnings to the military community via MWR dividends and capital improvements (varies by year).

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🛒 On-Base Savings Calculator

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Calculate your real annual savings from Commissary and Exchange shopping with our interactive premium calculator.

💰 Commissary Savings

Track monthly groceries & PCS stock-ups

Average: 25% savings on groceries

🏪 Exchange Tax Savings

Calculate tax savings + MILITARY STAR® rewards

Plus: 5¢/gal fuel discount

Launch Savings Calculator →

💡 See your actual potential savings based on your local tax rate and shopping habits

OLD CALCULATOR

Hidden Section

Advanced Commissary Savings

Estimate your savings based on your family's actual spending and shopping habits for a more personalized result.

Adjust if your store's flyers/coupons regularly push you above/below the average.
Savings Habit Boosters

Estimated Annual Savings:

$0

Estimates use DeCA's worldwide average savings (~25%). Real savings vary by store and basket; the 5% surcharge funds commissary facilities.

Advanced Exchange Tax Savings

Estimate your total tax savings by breaking down your annual and weekly spending at the Exchange.

Not sure? Look up your rate by state.

Enter your local rate to calculate savings.

Tax Savings (non‑fuel):

$0

MILITARY STAR® Savings:

$0

Includes 5¢/gal at Express + 10% at Food Court.

Combined Estimated Savings:

$0

Assumes your local sales‑tax rate for non‑fuel items. Exchange fuel prices are set to be competitive with local market, so tax savings aren't calculated on fuel—only the MILITARY STAR® per-gallon discount is.

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FINANCIAL FOUNDATIONS

Decoding Your Paycheck: The Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)

Your military pay is more than just a salary. Understanding the components of your LES is the first step to building a solid budget.

Key Components of Your LES

The LES can be confusing. Focus on these core areas: Base Pay (your taxable salary based on rank and time in service), BAS (Basic Allowance for Subsistence, non-taxable money for food), and BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing, a non-taxable allowance for housing that varies by location and rank).

Official Resource

For a detailed, line-by-line breakdown, use the official guide from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS):

Reading Your LES Guide (DFAS)
RETIREMENT PLANNING

Planning for the Future: The BRS & Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)

The Blended Retirement System (BRS) is a modern, 401(k)-style retirement plan. Understanding it early is critical for maximizing your long-term wealth.

The Two Pillars: Pension and TSP

The BRS combines a traditional pension (after 20 years of service) with a government-managed investment account called the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP). The most critical part is the DoD's automatic 1% contribution and 4% match to your TSP. Contributing at least 5% of your pay to your TSP is essential to receive the full government match.

1%

Automatic Contribution

DoD contributes 1% of your base pay automatically

4%

Matching Contribution

DoD matches up to 4% when you contribute 5%

Your 401(k) for Government Service

The TSP is a low-fee retirement savings plan, similar to a civilian 401(k). You can choose how to invest your money across different funds, from conservative government securities (G Fund) to stock index funds (C, S, and I Funds).

Manage Your TSP

Log in, manage your contributions, and explore fund options on the official Thrift Savings Plan website:

Visit TSP.gov
FINANCIAL HEALTH

Building Your Financial Foundation

Achieve peace of mind with these fundamental strategies for financial health.

Your Financial Shock Absorber

The Emergency Fund

Military life is unpredictable. An emergency fund of 3-6 months of essential living expenses is critical to cover unexpected costs like a car repair, a last-minute flight home, or non-reimbursable PCS expenses. Keep this in a separate, high-yield savings account.

Lower Your Interest Rates with SCRA

Debt Management & the SCRA

The Servicemembers Civil Relief Act (SCRA) is a powerful law that can cap interest rates on loans you took out before entering active duty at 6%. This applies to credit cards, auto loans, and mortgages. Contact your lenders with a copy of your orders to request this benefit.

You Don't Have to Do It Alone

Access Free Financial Counseling

Every military installation provides access to free, accredited Personal Financial Management Program (PFMP) counselors. They can help you create a budget, develop a debt-reduction plan, and understand your investments. This confidential service is one of the most valuable resources available to you.

Get Free Financial Counseling

Find a financial counselor near you or schedule a virtual appointment through Military OneSource:

Schedule Free Counseling
TIPS & RESOURCES

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.

From the Trenches: PCS & OCONUS Shopping Secrets

Real advice from experienced military spouses who've been there, done that, and learned the hard way so you don't have to.

  • 💡
    The Pre-OCONUS Stock-Up: "Before moving overseas, use your US-based Commissary to stock up on American staples you love (spices, baking mixes, favorite brands). They can be expensive or unavailable abroad."
  • 💡
    Wait on Big Purchases: "Never buy furniture for an OCONUS move until you see your actual housing. European and Asian homes are often much smaller, and power outlets are different (220v)."
  • 💡
    The 'First Day' Box Rule: "Your first grocery run in a new place is overwhelming. Pack a 'First Day' box with paper towels, soap, coffee, snacks, and pet food so you're not in a rush."
  • 💡
    Learn the Local Brands: "Don't be afraid to try the local store brands ('Ja!' in Germany, 'TopValu' in Japan). They're often high quality and much cheaper."

Essential Tips

  • ✔
    Tip the Baggers: At many commissaries, baggers are not DeCA employees and customarily work for tips; check your local store's norms.
  • ✔
    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, the Commissary Rewards Card, and store sales together to maximize your savings on every trip.

Beyond Shopping: MWR & ITT

Your Exchange purchases fund MWR programs that offer incredible savings for new families:

Local Entertainment

Discounted tickets to amusement parks, movies, and local attractions.

Equipment Rentals

Low-cost rentals for lawnmowers, tools, and outdoor gear.

Travel Deals

Special hotel rates and discounted travel packages through ITT.

PCS ESSENTIALS

Your PCS Shopping Toolkit

Essential resources and tools to help you shop smart during your PCS move. Get organized with our comprehensive shopping list and savings calculators.

Complete Grocery Checklist

Everything you need to stock your new home after a PCS move

Organized by category • Print-ready PDF • 200+ essential items

Download Free Checklist

PCS Shopping Tips

1

Shop Early

Hit the commissary on Tuesday-Thursday mornings for the best selection and shortest lines.

2

Check Exchange First

For big-ticket items like appliances and electronics, check the Exchange before shopping off-base.

3

Plan Your Route

Map out your shopping route to hit commissary, exchange, and gas station efficiently.

Official Resources & Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information about your specific base, always check these official sources:

Your Base Website

Check your installation's official website for current hours, locations, and services.

Commissary Website

commissaries.com - Official DeCA information and digital coupons.

Exchange Services

shopmyexchange.com - AAFES, NEX, MCX online shopping.

MWR Office

Visit your local MWR office for recreation programs, travel deals, and community events.

OCONUS GUIDE

Shopping Overseas

Shopping OCONUS comes with unique opportunities and challenges. This guide provides country-specific tips to help you navigate local economies and make the most of your overseas tour. Remember that the Cost of Living Allowance (COLA) you receive is designed to offset higher local prices, and maximizing your on-base shopping helps that allowance go much further.

Select a Country:

Germany

Currency: Euro (€)

VAT/Tax Info: Germany has a Value-Added Tax (VAT, or Mehrwertsteuer). Under the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA), you are exempt from this tax on many purchases. Get VAT forms from your local VAT office before you shop to save significantly on large purchases off-base.

Popular Local Stores: Rewe, Edeka (groceries), Lidl, Aldi (discount groceries), Saturn, MediaMarkt (electronics).

Key Phrase: "Wie viel kostet das?" (How much does this cost?)

Pro-Tip: Bring your own reusable bags when shopping, as stores charge for plastic or paper bags. Also, be prepared to bag your own groceries quickly!

Next Step:

How VAT relief works & where to get forms (example: USAG Bavaria VAT office). Check your base VAT office for location-specific procedures and required documentation. Also, learn to recognize local discount chains like Lidl and Aldi for basics, which can be cheaper than the Commissary for certain items.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED

Common Questions

Quick answers to the most frequently asked questions about commissary and exchange shopping.

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