Coast Guard Exchange Eligibility Requirements
The Coast Guard Exchange (CGX) is proud to serve those who serve. Our mission is to provide high-quality products at competitive prices to those who dedicate their lives to ensuring the safety of our nation.
Who Can Shop At The CGX
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U.S. Active Duty Military
Military academies' cadets and midshipmen and their dependents are also eligible. |
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Retired Military Personnel Military Services and their Reserve components' retirees and their dependents:
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Dependents of Eligible Military Members Immediate family members of active duty, retired, and reservist personnel are eligible to shop at the Coast Guard Exchange:
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Armed Forces Veterans Veterans can shop at the Coast Guard Exchange if they meet one of the following requirements:
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Veteran Caregivers Individuals assessed, approved, and designated as caregivers or family caregivers for veterans under the VA Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers. |
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National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
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Reservists and National Guard Members U.S. Armed Forces Reserves and National Guard members, Medal of Honor recipients, and their dependents are also welcome to shop at CGX, whether actively serving or drilling. |
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Active Coast Guard Auxiliarists Members of the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary are eligible to shop at CGX. |
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Department of Homeland Security Employees Coast Guard, DOD, and DHS Civilian employees can utilize CGX's offerings. |
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Public Health Service (PHS) Commissioned Officers
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U.S. Armed Forces Exchanges' Associates
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Foreign Armed Forces Officers and enlisted personnel of a foreign country's armed forces when visiting a U.S. installation on official business. |
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Service School Students and Faculty & DEP Civilian students and faculty members at service schools and delayed entry personnel can shop at CGX. |
Other Eligible Patrons
- Government civilian Associates and full-time staff of the Red Cross, and their dependents, who are required to reside on military installations in CONUS, Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico.
- U.S. Armed Forces honorable discharged veterans and honorably discharged National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Public Health Service commissioned officers when hospitalized where Exchange stores are available.
- Contract surgeons employed under a limited term by the Surgeon General.
- U.S. Armed Forces official organizations or activities composed of personnel on active military duty.
- DHS/DOD civilian Associates on TDY and Coast Guard, Army, Navy and Air Force Academy applicants, if occupying Government quarters.
- Military Exchange systems' retired Associates with 20 or more years of service and their dependents.
Enjoy our Exclusive Deals
At the Coast Guard Exchange, we’re honored to serve those who protect and defend our country and their families. If you have questions about eligibility, please contact us at shopCGX@cgexchange.org or 1-800-572-0230.
Ready to start shopping? Create an account.
Shopping at the Coast Guard Exchange: Frequently Asked Questions
How does the Coast Guard Exchange verify eligibility?
When creating an account, you’ll be asked to submit paperwork verifying that you meet one of the above requirements.
VetVerify.org has been set up so that veterans of all military branches can check their eligibility.
Can civilians shop at the Exchange?
Civilians who meet one of the above eligibility requirements can shop at the Coast Guard Exchange. If you have questions about eligibility, email us at shopCGX@cgexchange.org or call 1-800-572-0230.
Who can be referred to the Exchange?
Only Active Duty, Veterans, and their dependents may be referred to the exchange.
What’s the difference between an Exchange and a Commissary?
While both provide tax-free shopping, exchanges focus on general merchandise, and commissaries specialize in groceries and household essentials.
An exchange offers clothing, electronics, furniture, beauty and health products, and more that eligible patrons can purchase online and in-store. These stores are managed by various military branches, such as the Coast Guard, and provide tax-free goods, often at discounted prices.
A commissary functions as a grocery store on military bases, offering subsidized groceries and household goods. Commissaries are also tax-free and cater to the same group as exchanges.