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Military Exchanges to Round Cash Totals as Pennies Run Out — What Shoppers Should Know

U.S. military exchange stores will start rounding cash purchases to the nearest nickel or dime as penny supplies dwindle. The policy takes effect Jan. 1 or earlier if pennies run out; it applies only to cash transactions and does not affect card payments. AAFES and Navy Exchanges published specific rounding rules and said overseas exchanges have used rounding for years. Shoppers paying cash are advised to bring exact change or use cards.

08:04 PM, 12/03/2025Economy
Military Exchanges to Round Cash Totals as Pennies Run Out — What Shoppers Should Know

Military retail outlets will begin rounding cash purchases to the nearest nickel or dime as penny supplies dwindle. Starting Jan. 1 — or earlier if stocks run out — Army and Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Navy Exchanges will adjust cash totals when pennies are not available, officials say.

AAFES spokeswoman Julie Mitchell and Navy Exchange Service Command spokeswoman Kristine Sturkie confirmed the new procedures, which apply only to cash transactions. Purchases made with credit, debit or gift cards will still be charged the exact amount printed on the receipt.

Why the change? The move follows a decision to end penny production after more than two centuries; the U.S. Mint struck its final penny on Nov. 12. Production costs for the one-cent coin rose over the past decade, and with fewer people using cash, the Mint has ceased making new pennies. Although pennies remain legal tender and the Mint estimates hundreds of billions remain in circulation, banks can no longer order new coins and some merchants are already running low.

When and where it applies

The rounding will take effect at domestic AAFES and Navy Exchange stores on Jan. 1 or sooner if penny supplies are exhausted. Overseas military exchanges are unaffected because cashiers at many overseas locations have been rounding cash totals for decades — AAFES has used rounding overseas since 1980.

How the rounding works

  • AAFES: Totals whose last penny digit is 3, 4, 6 or 7 will be rounded to the nearest nickel; totals ending in 1, 2, 8 or 9 will be rounded to the nearest dime. For example, a $4.73 total would be adjusted to $4.75, while a $4.71 total would be adjusted to $4.70.
  • Navy Exchanges: If the change due ends in 1, 2, 6 or 7, the amount will be rounded down to the nearest five cents; if it ends in 3, 4, 8 or 9, it will be rounded up. For example, $0.71 in change would be rounded down to $0.70, while $0.73 would be rounded up to $0.75.

What shoppers should do

Shoppers who plan to pay with cash may want to use exact change or bring small coins from their piggy banks. Cardholders need not worry — card and electronic payments will still be charged the exact purchase amount.

If you have questions about a specific transaction, ask the cashier or contact the exchange's customer service for clarification.

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