PCS orders create chaos. In the scramble of movers, housing, and travel, financial details fall through the cracks.

The result? Thousands of dollars in missed benefits, illegal charges, and avoidable costs.

This is the complete financial PCS checklist—everything you need to handle before, during, and after your move.

Before Orders Drop

Build Your Financial Baseline

Pull your credit reports:

  • AnnualCreditReport.com (free, all three bureaus)
  • Note every open account, balance, and interest rate
  • Flag accounts opened before active duty (SCRA-eligible)

Calculate your SCRA potential:

  • Which accounts have rates above 6%?
  • What's the monthly savings per account?
  • What retroactive refunds might you be owed?

Document current lease terms:

  • Lease end date
  • Monthly rent
  • Early termination clause (will be overridden by SCRA, but know it)
  • Required notice period

Organize Your Documents

Create a PCS folder (digital and physical) containing:

  • ☐ Military orders (when received)
  • ☐ Current lease agreement
  • ☐ All loan/credit account statements
  • ☐ Vehicle registration and loan documents
  • ☐ Insurance policies (auto, renters, life)
  • ☐ DD-214 or previous orders (if applicable)

When Orders Arrive

Immediate Actions (Days 1-7)

Notify your landlord in writing:

"I am invoking my rights under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, 50 U.S.C. § 3955, to terminate my residential lease due to PCS orders. Attached are my military orders. Per federal law, my lease terminates 30 days after the next rent due date."
  • Send via certified mail AND email
  • Keep copies of everything
  • Include a copy of your orders

Notify utility companies:

  • Electric, gas, water, trash
  • Internet/cable
  • Request final bills sent to your new address or forwarding address
  • Ask about early termination—many waive fees for military PCS

Contact vehicle loan holders (if relocating vehicle):

  • Notify them of your move
  • Update address on file
  • Confirm the loan transfers with no issues
  • If the lender requires insurance updates, handle now

SCRA Notifications (Days 1-14)

Send SCRA interest rate requests to all pre-service creditors:

If you haven't already claimed your 6% rate cap, now is the time. For each creditor with accounts opened before active duty:

  • Written request citing 50 U.S.C. § 3937
  • Copy of your orders or active duty verification
  • Request for rate reduction and retroactive refund
  • Specify each account by name/number

Update auto insurance:

  • Notify insurer of relocation
  • Some states have different rate requirements
  • Ask about military discounts at new location
  • Confirm coverage during the move itself

Contact cell phone provider:

  • SCRA allows termination of service contracts for PCS
  • Under 50 U.S.C. § 3956, you can terminate without penalty
  • Get it in writing if they resist

Storage and Vehicle Decisions

If storing household goods:

  • Government-arranged storage has timeline limits
  • Private storage costs add up—factor this into budget
  • Ensure renter's/homeowner's insurance covers stored items

If storing a vehicle:

  • Cancel or suspend registration (state-dependent)
  • Suspend auto insurance or switch to storage-only coverage
  • Check if loan holder requires notification
  • SCRA may allow suspension of loan payments (consult JAG)

If shipping a vehicle:

  • Document condition before shipping (photos, video)
  • Confirm insurance coverage during transit
  • Keep transport company contract and contact info

Financial Terminations Under SCRA

What You Can Terminate Without Penalty

Residential lease: [50 U.S.C. § 3955]

  • Any lease signed before receiving PCS orders
  • Terminates 30 days after next rent due date
  • No early termination fees
  • Security deposit must be returned per state law

Vehicle lease: [50 U.S.C. § 3955]

  • Same rules as residential
  • Some restrictions on vehicle age/mileage
  • Return vehicle in reasonable condition

Cell phone contracts: [50 U.S.C. § 3956]

  • Can terminate or suspend
  • Restocking fees on devices may still apply (check carefully)
  • Family plan members may be affected

Internet/cable: [50 U.S.C. § 3956]

  • Can terminate for PCS
  • Equipment must be returned
  • Final bill should be prorated

Gym memberships: [State laws vary]

  • Many states require gyms to release military members
  • SCRA may cover if it's a "service contract"
  • Ask about freeze options vs. termination

Other service contracts: [50 U.S.C. § 3956]

  • Home security monitoring
  • Pest control
  • Lawn services
  • Any ongoing service contract

What Requires Special Handling

Mortgages:

  • If keeping the home (renting it out): Update insurance, consider property management
  • If selling: SCRA doesn't require buyers, but understand VA loan implications
  • If struggling to pay: Contact servicer about SCRA protections before missing payments

Auto loans:

  • Cannot terminate the loan via SCRA
  • Can reduce interest to 6% if pre-service
  • If selling the vehicle, ensure payoff amount is current

Student loans:

  • Federal loans have separate military benefits
  • Private loans fall under SCRA 6% cap
  • Contact servicers before move to update address and status

At the New Duty Station

First Week Actions

Establish new banking if needed:

  • Open accounts at on-base credit union or new local bank
  • Set up direct deposit with finance
  • Update any auto-pay accounts with new info

Update address everywhere:

  • USPS forwarding
  • All creditors and banks
  • Insurance companies
  • DMV in new state (timelines vary)
  • Voter registration

Update auto insurance for new location:

  • Rates change by state/zip code
  • Some states have minimum coverage differences
  • Ensure you're not overpaying or underinsured

Review housing allowance:

  • BAH varies by location
  • Ensure finance has correct duty station
  • Budget based on new BAH, not old

Ongoing Financial Maintenance

Track SCRA request responses:

  • Follow up at 30 days if no response
  • Verify rate reductions appear on statements
  • Track retroactive refund amounts received

Update beneficiaries:

  • SGLI
  • TSP
  • Any private life insurance
  • Retirement accounts

Review and update emergency fund:

  • PCS often depletes savings
  • Rebuild to 3-6 months expenses at new location cost of living

OCONUS-Specific Considerations

If Moving Overseas

Power of attorney:

  • Execute a durable financial POA before leaving
  • Designate someone to handle US-based financial matters
  • Ensure it's accepted by your specific banks/institutions

Vehicle disposition:

  • Selling in the US?
  • Shipping to overseas location? (Check country regulations)
  • Storing long-term?

Foreign bank accounts:

  • May need local account for local transactions
  • Understand FATCA reporting requirements
  • Keep US accounts open for US-based bills

Mail forwarding:

  • USPS won't forward APO/FPO effectively for some items
  • Consider a US-based mail scanning service
  • Ensure creditors have correct mailing address

Tax implications:

  • Some overseas locations have tax treaties
  • State of residence rules affect state taxes
  • Consult with base tax office before filing season

Common Costly Mistakes

1. Not Terminating Lease Properly

SCRA requires written notice + copy of orders. Verbal notice doesn't count. If you don't follow the process, landlords can (and do) charge early termination fees.

2. Assuming Landlord Will Comply

Some landlords fight SCRA terminations despite the law. Document everything, send certified mail, and escalate quickly if they push back.

3. Forgetting Small Accounts

That $500 retail card at 24% interest? That's $50/year in excess interest. Small accounts add up.

4. Missing the 180-Day Deadline

If this is a final PCS (separation), you have 180 days to claim SCRA benefits on pre-service debts. Don't let transition chaos cost you thousands.

5. Not Updating Insurance

Driving without proper insurance in a new state can void coverage, incur fines, and affect your security clearance. Update immediately upon arrival.

6. Keeping Unused Subscriptions

Cancel or suspend:

  • Streaming services you won't use
  • Subscription boxes that can't ship to new location
  • Services specific to old location (local gym, etc.)

The Complete PCS Financial Checklist

Pre-Move

  • ☐ Pull credit reports and identify all accounts
  • ☐ Calculate SCRA savings for pre-service accounts
  • ☐ Organize documents folder
  • ☐ Notify landlord (certified mail + email)
  • ☐ Submit SCRA rate reduction requests
  • ☐ Contact all service providers about termination
  • ☐ Update vehicle/property insurance
  • ☐ Execute POA if moving OCONUS

During Move

  • ☐ Keep all receipts (some may be reimbursable)
  • ☐ Confirm forwarding address is active
  • ☐ Track final bills from terminated services
  • ☐ Verify security deposit refund process

Post-Move

  • ☐ Update address with all creditors
  • ☐ Verify BAH is correct
  • ☐ Update auto insurance for new location
  • ☐ Follow up on SCRA requests at 30 days
  • ☐ Update beneficiaries
  • ☐ Rebuild emergency fund

PCS is stressful. Don't let poor financial planning add to it.

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