Updated on Tuesday, October 13, 2026: The Army & Air Force Exchange Service, better known as AAFES or the Exchange, has not released its Black Friday 2026 ad yet.

Last year’s event began online at midnight Central Time on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, while Exchange stores remained closed for the holiday. In-store shopping started at 8:00 AM on Black Friday, and most offers continued through Sunday. The 2025 ad was a substantial 45 pages.

For 2026, we expect a very similar schedule, with online deals launching November 26 and Exchange stores opening Black Friday morning on November 27.

AAFES Black Friday 2026 at a Glance

These dates are predictions based on the 2025 event. Store hours can vary by installation.

When Will the AAFES Black Friday 2026 Sale Start?

Our best prediction is Thursday, November 26 online and Friday, November 27 in stores.

In 2025, ShopMyExchange.com launched its Black Friday offers at 12:00 AM Central on Thanksgiving. Physical Exchange stores were closed Thanksgiving Day and reopened at 8:00 AM on Black Friday. Most offers lasted through Sunday, November 30, although some Friday-only specials were available while supplies lasted.

Following the same calendar pattern this year would mean online deals beginning Thanksgiving Day, November 26, with the main in-store event following November 27.

If you are shopping for a limited-quantity laptop, TV or gaming item, going online Thursday will probably give you the first opportunity to buy.

What Did AAFES Offer Last Black Friday?

The 2025 ad covered everything from electronics and gaming to clothing, holiday merchandise, jewelry and home goods.

Some of the more notable advertised offers included an 11-inch Apple iPad with A16 chip for $229, AirPods 4 for $79, an ASUS 15.6-inch laptop for $179 and an Acer Predator 27-inch QD-OLED monitor for $399. Select military-priced apparel from Columbia, Nike, The North Face, Under Armour and adidas received an additional 40% off, while Christmas trees and holiday lights were an extra 25% off.

Those deals give us useful benchmarks for 2026, particularly for Apple products and inexpensive laptops.

Electronics Will Probably Be the Biggest Category Again

TVs, computers, tablets, headphones and gaming equipment should be some of the most competitive deals in the ad.

The Exchange is already running electronics promotions in October. For example, a current 13-inch iPad Air with M4 chip is marked from $1,049 to $949, while qualifying Apple purchases of $499 or more have a temporary MILITARY STAR financing promotion.

That means ordinary $50 or $100 markdowns may not be particularly exciting by Black Friday.

For Apple products especially, we would compare the Exchange price with Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart, then account for the Exchange’s tax-free advantage. A price that appears slightly higher can still produce a lower checkout total once sales tax elsewhere is included.

The Tax-Free Advantage Matters on Expensive Purchases

Tax-free shopping is one of the biggest reasons eligible shoppers should check AAFES before buying from another retailer.

The Exchange describes tax-free shopping and military-exclusive pricing as core parts of the benefit. Its Veterans Online Shopping Benefit also provides eligible honorably discharged veterans with tax-free online shopping at ShopMyExchange.com.

On a $1,500 television or computer, the difference can easily be worth more than a small additional discount from a competing retailer.

For that reason, compare final checkout totals rather than advertised Black Friday prices alone.

Apparel Could Again Have Some of the Largest Percentage Discounts

Last year’s extra 40% off select military-priced clothing from brands including Nike, adidas, Columbia, The North Face and Under Armour was one of the better percentage-based offers in the ad.

The Exchange continues to run similar MILITARY STAR apparel incentives in 2026. An October promotion, for example, offered an additional 10% off qualifying clothing, shoes, handbags, cosmetics, jewelry and watches when paying with MILITARY STAR.

For Black Friday, we would look for at least 30%–40% off selected apparel before calling the deal unusually strong.

MILITARY STAR Promotions Could Add Extra Value

The Exchange frequently uses its MILITARY STAR card for financing offers and digital rewards.

Current October promotions include a $40 digital reward on qualifying laptop or desktop purchases and 12-month promotional financing on qualifying Apple purchases of $499 or more.

Black Friday could bring similar incentives, but do not assume a MILITARY STAR promotion will combine with every advertised deal. Check the specific terms before purchasing.

For financing offers, also pay attention to what happens after the promotional period rather than focusing only on the initial 0% offer.

Who Can Shop the Exchange?

Physical Exchange shopping and online Exchange shopping do not have exactly the same eligibility rules.

The Exchange serves active-duty personnel, Guard and Reserve members, military retirees, eligible dependents and several other authorized groups. Honorably discharged veterans can also receive lifelong online shopping privileges through ShopMyExchange.com, although the Veterans Online Shopping Benefit by itself does not grant access to installations or physical Exchange stores.

If you are an honorably discharged veteran who has never used ShopMyExchange.com, it is worth verifying your eligibility before Black Friday. The Exchange notes that some veterans may need to provide discharge documents through VetVerify, and verification can take several days.

Do that before Thanksgiving rather than discovering a verification issue when a limited deal goes live.

Online Shopping May Be the Better First Move

Last year’s schedule gave online shoppers almost a full-day head start because the website went live Thanksgiving morning while physical stores were closed.

We expect the same advantage in 2026.

Shopping online makes the most sense for high-demand electronics that might sell out. Stores may still have separate Friday-only specials, though, so the eventual ad will be important for identifying deals that require an in-person visit.

Shipping Is Straightforward for Most Orders

ShopMyExchange currently offers free shipping on orders of $49 or more. Purchases made with a MILITARY STAR card also receive free shipping regardless of the normal $49 threshold, although oversized products can carry additional charges.

Orders below $49 that are not paid with MILITARY STAR currently carry a $4.95 shipping charge.

With most Black Friday electronics already above $49, shipping should not affect many of the larger deals.

Should You Wait for Cyber Monday?

Probably not for a limited-quantity doorbuster.

In 2025, the main Exchange Black Friday sale continued through Sunday, but some offers were Friday-only or available only while supplies lasted.

Cyber Monday falls on November 30 this year. There will likely be additional online deals, but we would not assume a $79 pair of AirPods or an unusually cheap laptop will become even cheaper Monday.

If the exact product you want reaches a strong price and the Exchange’s tax-free total beats competing retailers, buying during the Black Friday event is the safer move.

When Will the AAFES Black Friday 2026 Ad Be Released?

Last year’s 45-page Black Friday ad was posted on November 17, eleven days before Black Friday.

That makes the week of November 16 a reasonable target for the 2026 ad.

Once it appears, the most important things to check will be the Apple and electronics prices, Friday-only doorbusters, clothing discounts, MILITARY STAR rewards and whether the online event again begins at midnight on Thanksgiving.

We’ll update this page when the AAFES Black Friday 2026 ad is released with the confirmed sale dates and standout deals.

Until then, you can see the AAFES Black Friday 2025 ad and complete ad history below.

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How to Prepare for the Sale

With AAFES offering such a wide variety of deals during Black Friday, it’s a good idea to prepare ahead of time. Here are some tips to make the most of the event:

1. Review the Ad Early

Take some time to go through the ad carefully. Highlight the items you’re most interested in and note whether they’re part of a Friday-only in-store special or available throughout the weekend.

2. Plan Your Shopping Strategy

If you’re shopping online, set your alarm for midnight CST on Thanksgiving Day so you can snag the best deals as soon as they go live. For in-store shoppers, plan to arrive early on Black Friday morning, especially if you’re targeting doorbuster deals that may sell out quickly.

3. Create an Account Online

If you plan to shop online, make sure you have an active AAFES account set up in advance. This will save you time during checkout and ensure a smoother shopping experience.

4. Understand the Return Policy

While most items purchased at AAFES can be returned, Black Friday deals often come with specific terms and conditions. Be sure to review the return policy for the items you purchase, especially for electronics and other high-value products.

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What Kind of Deals Can You Expect?

AAFES Black Friday sales  cover a wide range of categories, making it an excellent opportunity to shop for almost anything you need. Here are some of the highlights:

1. Electronics

Electronics are always a major focus during the AAFES Black Friday event. Expect significant discounts on big-ticket items like televisions, gaming consoles, and laptops. In previous years, shoppers have been able to find deals on brands like Samsung, LG, and Sony, so this year’s sale will likely be no different.

2. Home Appliances and Cookware

Small kitchen appliances like air fryers, coffee makers, and blenders are also common items featured in the sale. If you’re looking to upgrade your kitchen or purchase gifts for the home chefs in your life, this is the time to shop.

3. Clothing and Accessories

From casualwear to activewear, AAFES typically offers discounts on clothing for the whole family during their Black Friday sale. Jewelry and accessories are also part of the lineup, with watches, necklaces, and other pieces often included at discounted prices.

4. Toys and Games

If you’re shopping for children, keep an eye out for deals on popular toys, board games, and video games. AAFES frequently includes these items in their Black Friday ad, making it easy to pick up holiday gifts while saving money.

5. Tax-Free Shopping

One major benefit of shopping at AAFES is the tax-free pricing. Unlike regular retailers, AAFES doesn’t charge sales tax, so the price you see is the price you pay. This can lead to additional savings on top of the Black Friday discounts.

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In-Store vs. Online Shopping

One of the big questions for any Black Friday event is whether to shop in-store or online. Both options have their advantages, but here’s a quick comparison for AAFES shoppers:

Online Shopping

• Pros: Early access to deals (starting at 12:00 AM CST on Thanksgiving), convenient, and no need to deal with crowds.
• Cons: High-demand items may sell out quickly online, and shipping times could vary depending on the volume of orders.

In-Store Shopping

• Pros: Opportunity to see and test products in person, immediate availability for certain items, and access to Friday-only specials.
• Cons: Stores don’t open until 8:00 AM on Black Friday, and you’ll need to deal with the usual Black Friday crowds.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to your personal shopping preferences and which deals you’re targeting.

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Ad History/Archive

Is this year’s Black Friday sale as good as last year’s sale? Here’s a look at AAFES’ previous Black Friday ad scans from the last few years.

• 2025: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44 and 45.
• 2024: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40.
• 2023: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36.
• 2022: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46.
• 2021: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47 and 48.
• 2020: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39 and 40.
• 2019: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59 and 60.
• 2018: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31 and 32.
• 2017: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50.
• 2016: Page 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.
• 2015: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32.

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Questions & Comments

What’s on your Black Friday weekend shopping list this year? Let us know in the comments below.