Exchange credit card fees impact entire Barksdale community Published Sept. 8, 2011 By Jeanette Dunmire Army & Air Force Exchange Service Public Affairs Barksdale AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Airmen patronizing the Barksdale AFB Exchange probably don't give a second thought about which credit card to use at checkout. What they may not be aware of, however, is that the use of bank-issued cards at the Exchange ultimately costs the Barksdale community thousands of dollars annually. This year alone, bank-issued card processing expenses at Barksdale facilities are up 17.42 percent compared to this time last year, sapping $251,326.33 from the Exchange and, in turn, critical funds that could be used for morale, welfare and recreation programs. In 2010, total credit card fees for the entire year at Barksdale AFB were $449,363.50. One way military families can help reduce costs and strengthen their Exchange benefit is to take advantage of the Exchange's exclusive Military Star Card. Unlike bank cards, profits generated from the Military Star Cards are shared with military communities through contributions to the military service's quality-of-life funds. "Using the Military Star Card is one of the easiest ways for troops to directly impact their Exchange and morale, welfare and recreation benefits," said the Exchange's General Manager Gilbert Mata. "Reducing these unnecessary expenses can go a long way in maximizing the dividend the Exchange annually returns to the military community." The Military Star Card is accepted at all Army and Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard Exchange activities, as well as the Exchange Catalog and the Exchange Online store at www.shopmyexchange.com. Authorized exchange shoppers can learn more about the card by visiting www.shopmyexchange.com and clicking "Credit Services."