Ready for the holidays? Commissary cards help spread 'gift of groceries'

  • Published
  • By Kevin L. Robinson
  • DeCA public affairs specialist
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  As the calendar flips toward the holidays, the Commissary Gift Card is always a viable option for anyone wishing to support their loved ones in the military community, said the Defense Commissary Agency's senior enlisted advisor to the director.

"The Commissary Gift Card is a wonderful way for anyone to help spread the gift of groceries - whether it's the holidays or any time of year," said Air Force Command Chief Master Sgt. Stuart M. Allison. "The gift card can be sent by anyone for any authorized patron conveniently and quickly."

Commissary Gift Cards come in denominations of $25 and $50. Anyone can purchase a card for an authorized patron either online through DeCA's website, http://www.commissaries.com or at a commissary.

The gift card can be used to pay for all in-store purchases or customers can use multiple forms of payments and coupons along with the gift card. Gift cards cannot be redeemed for cash, and customers will not be able to receive change for any unused amount left on the card. With its declining balance, the gift card is used until it is "zeroed out."

Since DeCA began the gift card program in June 2011, commissaries have sold nearly 470,000 cards worth nearly $16 million, said Bob Bunch, gift card program manager.

"A lot of families and friends of service members have used Commissary Gift Cards because they're a quick and easy way to show support," Bunch said.

"Organizations routinely use them, especially during the holidays, to help military families in need."

Here are some Commissary Gift Card quick facts:

· Gift cards are available at all commissaries worldwide - on a rack at full service, front-end registers - as well as through the DeCA website, http://www.commissaries.com. Click on "Shopping," then "Gift Cards" and then the "Place your order" box.

· The cards expire five years from the date of purchase.

· Commissary Gift Cards purchased online incur a shipping and handling fee. These fees are not assessed, however, when the card is purchased in a store.

· There is no limit to the number of gifts cards that a purchaser can buy. However, DeCA officials recommend organizations and activities consider purchasing their gifts cards online if they plan to purchase more than 50 cards at a time.

· Commissary Gift Cards can be shipped anywhere in the United States. When shipping outside the United States, an APO, FPO or DPO address must be used.
· To check the gift card balance, visit www.commissaries.com, click on "Shopping," then "Gift Cards" and then the "Check your balance" box.

· For customer service questions, please call 877-988-4438, which is also found on the back of the gift card. Customers can also use this number to check the balance on their card.

Customers who still have unused gift vouchers, the precursor to the gift card, may still redeem them through Aug. 31, 2016, regardless of the expiration date printed on it. After this date, DeCA will no longer accept gift vouchers as a form of payment.

"In the military, we pride ourselves on 'taking care of our own,' " Allison said. "Well, with the Commissary Gift Cards, anyone can use these cards to help make the holidays a little brighter for our military and their families."