Today, service members and veterans can access the PX from their smartphones or computers. If you’re a veteran and haven’t tried the online military exchange, you could be overlooking significant savings. At a minimum, purchases there are tax-free.
Physical military exchanges exist on bases worldwide. The names vary by branch — you may see terms like post exchange (PX) or base exchange (BX).
What began as trading posts in 1895 has evolved into outlets resembling department stores or shopping centers. There’s also a web-based version available.
More than 18 million honorably discharged veterans across all services are eligible to shop at ShopMyExchange.com. Shopping through the exchange can give you access to:
- Tax-exempt purchases
- Pricing reserved for military customers
- Credit options exclusive to members
- Free shipping on orders of $49 or more
Additionally, you’ll get free delivery on any order amount if you use the exchange’s Military Star credit card.
Exchanges typically offer roughly a 20% savings compared with commercial department stores when you combine discounted prices with the military’s exemption from state and local taxes, according to sources like Military Advantage.
This access was opened to veterans in 2017. Previously, exchange shopping was limited to active-duty personnel, military retirees, Medal of Honor recipients, or veterans discharged honorably with a 100% service-connected disability rating.
The site lets you browse by category — options include electronics, apparel, footwear, furniture, appliances, jewelry, toys and sporting goods.
If you’re hunting for deals, the online exchange features a “Savings Center” with rotating clearance sales on items from laptops and televisions to toys, bedding and cookware. There’s also a daily rotating “deal of the day,” which might slash prices on a handful of featured items.
Every online purchase veterans make contributes to improving life for active-duty troops, says Tom Shull, a Vietnam veteran who serves as the Exchange Service’s director and CEO.
Profits from the exchange fund programs such as fitness centers, child development facilities and youth initiatives on Army posts, Air Force outdoor recreation activities, school meal programs for service members’ children stationed overseas, and more.
“This creates a beneficial cycle,” Shull said.
Jordan Keene ( [email protected] ) is a senior writer at Savinly.
