AAFES is the military's retail system for on-base shopping

AAFES stands for Army and Air Force Exchange Service. It runs the stores on military bases where active-duty service members, retirees, veterans, and their families can shop for groceries, clothing, electronics, and household goods. AAFES is separate from the commissary — the commissary sells food at reduced prices, while AAFES runs the general retail stores (called the Exchange or BX/PX depending on the branch).

AAFES is a benefit of military service. You do not pay rent or property taxes to operate an AAFES store, which is why prices are typically lower than civilian retail. The organization reinvests profits back into military community programs, recreation facilities, and morale activities.

AAFES operates stores on Army, Air Force, Space Force, and Coast Guard bases. The Navy and Marine Corps run their own retail system called Navy Exchange (NEX), which works the same way but is a separate organization. If you shop at a Navy or Marine base, you will use NEX instead of AAFES.

Key Takeaways

  • AAFES runs retail stores on Army and Air Force bases and sells groceries, clothing, household goods, and electronics at prices lower than civilian stores.
  • You need a military ID card to enter an AAFES store and make purchases, though some bases allow online shopping without entering the base.
  • AAFES is different from the commissary — the commissary sells groceries at a discount, while AAFES is a general retail store similar to a department store or supermarket.
  • AAFES profits go back to military communities through recreation programs, morale activities, and facility improvements rather than to shareholders.

Who can shop at AAFES

Active-duty service members can always shop at AAFES. Retirees with a military ID, veterans with a VA health identification card or verified veteran status, and family members with a dependent ID card can also shop there. Spouses and children of active-duty members receive dependent ID cards that grant them AAFES access.

Access rules vary slightly by base and by your military status. Some bases allow online shopping through AAFES.com without requiring you to enter the base in person. Others require you to show your ID at the gate. If you are unsure whether you have access, contact the AAFES customer service line or visit your local base exchange to ask.

Disabled veterans and Medal of Honor recipients may have additional shopping privileges. Check with your local exchange or the AAFES website for current rules specific to your status.

How to shop at AAFES in person

To shop at an AAFES store on base, you will need a valid military ID card. This includes a Common Access Card (CAC) for active-duty members, a military retiree card, a dependent ID card, or a VA health identification card for may be able to access veterans. Bring your ID to the base gate when you arrive.

Once you enter the base, AAFES stores are open to the public within the base — you do not need special permission to walk in. Prices are marked the same as in any retail store. You pay at checkout like you would at a civilian store. AAFES accepts cash, credit cards, and debit cards.

AAFES stores are typically located near the commissary or in a central shopping area on base. If you cannot find the store, ask at the base information desk or call ahead to confirm hours and location.

Shopping online through AAFES.com

AAFES operates an online store at AAFES.com where you can order groceries, household items, and other products for delivery or in-store pickup. You will need to create an account and verify your military status. The verification process asks for your military ID number or other proof of service.

Shipping costs and delivery times vary depending on what you order and where you live. Some items ship free if you meet a minimum order amount. In-store pickup at your local exchange is often faster and may have lower shipping costs than home delivery.

Online prices are sometimes different from in-store prices. Check both before you decide where to buy. AAFES also runs sales and promotions that you can see on the website or in emails if you sign up for their mailing list.

AAFES prices compared to civilian stores

AAFES prices are generally lower than civilian retail stores because AAFES does not pay property taxes or rent on base locations. The difference is usually most noticeable on groceries, where AAFES prices can be 5 to 15 percent lower than nearby civilian supermarkets, though this varies by location and item.

Electronics, clothing, and household goods at AAFES are often priced competitively with major civilian retailers like Target or Walmart. AAFES runs sales and clearance events throughout the year, similar to civilian stores. Military members sometimes find better deals at AAFES during these sales than they would online or at civilian stores.

The actual savings depend on what you buy and which civilian store you compare it to. A grocery item at AAFES might be cheaper than at a small local supermarket but the same price as at a large chain store in your area. Comparing prices before you shop helps you understand whether AAFES is saving you money on the items you actually buy.

AAFES membership and rewards programs

AAFES does not charge a membership fee to shop there — your military ID is your membership. However, AAFES offers a rewards program called the AAFES rewards card, which you can sign up for at any exchange or online. The rewards card tracks your purchases and gives you points that you can redeem for discounts on future purchases.

The rewards program is free to join. You earn points on most purchases, though some items like groceries may earn points at a different rate than clothing or electronics. Points do not expire as long as your account remains active, but AAFES may close inactive accounts after a period of time.

You can check your points balance online or at the register. Redeeming points is usually as straightforward as providing your rewards card number at checkout. Some AAFES locations also offer special promotions for rewards members, such as double points on certain days or bonus points on specific product categories.

What AAFES does not sell

AAFES is a general retail store, not a full grocery store. While AAFES locations carry some food items, household supplies, and toiletries, they do not stock the full range of groceries that a commissary does. If you are looking for fresh produce, meat, dairy, and a wide selection of packaged foods at a discount, the commissary is where you will find those items.

AAFES also does not sell alcohol or tobacco products at most locations, though some exchanges may have limited selections depending on base rules and state law. Prescription medications are not sold at AAFES — you would use the military pharmacy or your civilian pharmacy for those.

For a complete picture of what is available on your base, visit both the AAFES store and the commissary. Many military families shop at both because they serve different purposes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to be active-duty to shop at AAFES?

No. Retirees, veterans with a VA health ID, and family members with dependent ID cards can all shop at AAFES. Rules vary by base, so if you are unsure whether you have access, contact your local exchange or call AAFES customer service.

Can I return items I bought at AAFES?

Yes. AAFES has a return policy similar to civilian stores — most items can be returned within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. Return windows and conditions vary by product category. Check your receipt or ask at customer service for the specific return policy on what you bought.

Is AAFES the same as the commissary?

No. AAFES is a general retail store that sells clothing, electronics, and some household items. The commissary is a grocery store that sells food at a discount. Both are military benefits, but they are separate organizations with different products and purposes.

Can I shop at AAFES online if I do not live near a military base?

Yes. AAFES.com allows online shopping for may be able to access military members regardless of where you live. You will need to verify your military status during account setup. Shipping costs and delivery times depend on your location and what you order.

What happens to AAFES profits?

AAFES reinvests profits into military community programs, recreation facilities, morale activities, and base improvements. AAFES is a nonprofit organization that exists to serve the military community, not to generate profits for shareholders.