The Defense Commissary Agency runs the military grocery stores where service members and retirees shop

The Defense Commissary Agency, or DeCA, is the federal organization that operates commissaries — the discount grocery stores on military bases. DeCA is part of the Department of Defense and manages about 240 commissaries worldwide. If you have a military ID card, you can shop at these stores and typically pay less than you would at civilian supermarkets because the stores don't charge a markup on most items.

DeCA commissaries serve active-duty service members, retirees, veterans with service-connected disabilities, Medal of Honor recipients, and their families. The stores carry groceries, household goods, and some health and beauty products. Prices are lower because the military subsidizes the operation — there's no profit margin built into the shelf price the way there is at Kroger or Safeway.

Key Takeaways

  • DeCA operates commissaries on military bases where shoppers with valid military ID cards pay lower prices on groceries and household goods.
  • You need a military ID card to enter a commissary, and the type of ID you hold determines which stores you can access and when.
  • Commissary prices are typically 20 to 30 percent lower than civilian grocery stores because the military subsidizes the operation.
  • DeCA also runs the online ordering system that lets you order groceries for pickup or delivery at some locations.

Who can shop at a DeCA commissary

You need a valid military ID card to enter a commissary. The card must be current — expired IDs are not accepted. Active-duty service members, retirees, National Guard and Reserve members, veterans with service-connected disabilities rated by the VA, Medal of Honor recipients, and their authorized family members all have access.

Family members of active-duty or retired service members can shop if they have a dependent ID card. Surviving spouses and children of deceased service members may also have access, depending on their status. If you're unsure whether your ID qualifies, check with the commissary customer service desk or call the DeCA customer service line before your first visit.

How to find a commissary near you

DeCA maintains a store locator on its official website where you can search by zip code or military installation name. The locator shows the address, phone number, hours of operation, and which services each store offers — some have pharmacies, some have gas stations, and some offer online ordering.

Commissaries are located on military bases, so you'll need to pass through base security to enter. Bring your military ID and be prepared to show it at the gate. If you don't have a base pass, the security office can issue a visitor pass, though procedures vary by installation.

What you'll pay and how you save money

Commissary prices are typically 20 to 30 percent lower than civilian grocery stores on the same items. The military subsidizes the operation, so there's no corporate profit margin. You pay the wholesale cost plus a small surcharge that covers labor and overhead — usually around 5 percent.

The savings add up fastest on bulk items, meat, and dairy. A gallon of milk or a package of ground beef will cost noticeably less than at a supermarket. Branded items and specialty products also carry lower prices. The one area where you won't see as much savings is on sale items — civilian stores run weekly promotions that can beat commissary prices on specific products.

DeCA online ordering and delivery options

DeCA operates an online ordering system called Military Star Card Online Shopping at some locations. You can browse items, add them to a cart, and pick them up at the commissary or have them delivered to your home. Not all commissaries offer this service yet, so check the store locator to see if your nearest location participates.

Delivery fees and minimum order amounts vary by location. Some stores offer free delivery on orders over a certain amount, while others charge a flat fee. Pickup is usually free and available within a few hours of placing your order. The online system requires you to log in with your military ID information.

Commissary hours and access restrictions

Most commissaries are open six or seven days a week, with hours typically from early morning to early evening. Some locations have extended hours on weekends. Hours vary by installation, so check the store locator or call ahead before your visit.

Some commissaries have designated shopping hours for specific groups — for example, early-morning hours for seniors or retirees. Active-duty service members usually have access during all operating hours. If you're shopping during a time when your ID category might have restricted access, call the store to confirm you can enter.

What DeCA does and doesn't cover

DeCA commissaries sell groceries, frozen foods, dairy, meat, produce, household cleaning supplies, paper products, and some health and beauty items. They also carry a limited selection of pharmacy items and over-the-counter medications at many locations.

Commissaries do not sell alcohol at most locations — this varies by state law and base regulations. They also don't carry clothing, electronics, or furniture. For those items, the military operates separate retail stores called the Exchange (or BX/PX depending on the branch), which are different from commissaries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a military ID to shop at a commissary?

Yes, you must have a valid military ID card to enter a commissary. The ID must be current and not expired. Family members need their own dependent ID card to shop independently.

Can I use my commissary card to pay online?

You can use a Military Star Card or other payment methods to pay for online orders through DeCA's system. At the physical store, most commissaries accept cash, debit cards, credit cards, and some accept EBT for may be able to access items.

What's the difference between a commissary and an exchange?

A commissary is a grocery store where you buy food and household items at discounted prices. An exchange is a retail store where you buy clothing, electronics, and other merchandise. Both are military retail operations, but they sell different things.

Can I shop at a commissary if I'm a veteran without a disability rating?

Veterans without a service-connected disability rating do not have commissary access. Only veterans with a VA disability rating, Medal of Honor recipients, and their families can shop at DeCA stores. Active-duty, Reserve, National Guard, and retired service members have access regardless of disability status.

How do I get a military ID if I don't have one yet?

Contact your nearest military installation's ID card office or DEERS (Defense Enrollment may be able to access Reporting System) office. You'll need to bring documentation of your military status and proof of identity. Processing times vary, but most ID cards are issued within a few days.