Army & Air Force Exchange Service Encourages Customers to Limit Cash Purchases to Help Fight Spread of COVID-19

Courtesy Photo | In an effort to help keep point-of-sale areas as sanitary as possible, Exchanges worldwide will now ask customers to make purchases using a bank-issued credit or debit card, MILITARY STAR® card or gift card instead of cash. The initiative, which also encourages shoppers to minimize cash-back and check-cashing transactions, is expected to further strengthen existing efforts to protect authorized shoppers and Exchange associates, including disinfecting customer service and sales point areas multiple times daily. Learn more: wp.me/p9Q7PG-1j9  

DALLAS, TX, UNITED STATES

03.25.2020

Story by Conner Hammett 

Army & Air Force Exchange Service HQ

DALLAS – The Army & Air Force Exchange Service is enlisting the help of military shoppers in its fight to protect Warfighters, families and installation communities from the global spread of COVID-19.

In an effort to help keep point-of-sale areas as sanitary as possible, Exchanges worldwide will now ask customers to make purchases using a bank-issued credit or debit card, MILITARY STAR® card or gift card instead of cash. The initiative, which also encourages shoppers to minimize cash-back and check-cashing transactions, is expected to further strengthen existing efforts to protect authorized shoppers and Exchange associates, including disinfecting customer service and sales point areas multiple times daily.

“Paper money and coins can harbor bacteria and viruses long after they change hands,” said Air Force Chief Master Sgt. Luis Reyes, the Exchange senior enlisted advisor. “While we understand this may cause some inconvenience for customers who primarily pay with cash, we thought it best to put the health and safety of our military communities first and ask for their help in the fight to contain this virus.”

While shoppers at all Exchanges are encouraged to minimize the use of cash, some locations may transition to a card-only environment as determined by local needs. Customers in need of cash transactions or services can contact their local Exchange to inquire about the status of such transactions at their nearest location.

For more on what the Exchange is doing to support military communities during the pandemic, please visit the Exchange Community Hub at https://publicaffairs-sme.com/Community/covid19.

Facebook-friendly version: The Army & Air Force Exchange is asking shoppers to join the fight against COVID-19 by limiting cash transactions wherever possible at Exchanges worldwide. The request is aimed at keeping point-of-sale areas as sanitary as possible during the pandemic. Read more: https://wp.me/p9Q7PG-1j9.

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Since 1895, the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (Exchange) has gone where Soldiers, Airmen and their families go to improve the quality of their lives by providing valued goods and services at exclusive military pricing. The Exchange is the 62nd-largest retailer in the United States. Its earnings provided $2.3 billion in dividends to support military morale, welfare and recreation programs over the last 10 years. The Exchange is a non-appropriated fund entity of the Department of Defense and is directed by a Board of Directors. The Exchange is a 50th Anniversary Vietnam War Commemorative Partner, planning and conducting events and activities that recognize the service, valor and sacrifice of Vietnam Veterans and their families in conjunction with the United States of America Vietnam War Commemoration. To find out more about the Exchange history and mission or to view recent press releases please visit our website at http://www.shopmyexchange.com or follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/ExchangePAO.

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Media Notes:

For more information or to schedule an interview with an Exchange representative please contact Conner Hammett, 214-312-2714 or [e-mail].

Follow the Exchange:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/shopmyexchange
Twitter: https://twitter.com/shopmyexchange
Instagram: @shopmyexchange

• Date Taken: 03.25.2020
• Date Posted: 03.25.2020 16:40
• Story ID: 365892
• Location: DALLAS, TX, US