Applying for a government travel card, often referred to as a “Gov Travel Card,” is a standard procedure during the onboarding process for both military and civilian employees within the U.S. government. The Agency Program Coordinator (APC) is your primary contact throughout this process. Your APC initiates the application and serves as your go-to resource for any inquiries or issues related to your travel card.
APCs play a crucial role in managing the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) program at the local level. They act as intermediaries between cardholders and the card vendor, overseeing transactions, adjusting credit limits as needed, and performing other essential administrative tasks.
If you are unsure who your APC is within your organization, it’s recommended to first consult your chain of command or your HR/management support group. Alternatively, you can reach out to your local level travel help desk for assistance in identifying your APC.
The following outlines the typical steps involved in obtaining a new government travel card. However, it’s important to note that specific procedures can vary based on local organizational rules. Always confirm the exact steps with your APC for precise guidance tailored to your situation.
Accounts are centrally managed through CitiManager. For cardholders who applied for their gov travel card after March 2020, Citibank automatically establishes a CitiManager account as part of the card issuance process. If your travel card was issued before this date, you will need to self-enroll on the CitiManager website.
Once enrolled in CitiManager, cardholders gain the ability to efficiently manage their GTCC account online and through a dedicated mobile app, available for download on both the App Store and Google Play. Through these platforms, you can access and view statements, check account balances, make payments, update your account settings, opt for paperless statements, set up personalized alerts, and utilize many other convenient features. For detailed instructions and a complete overview of CitiManager’s functionalities, refer to the CitiManager Digital Reference Guide, a one-page PDF document available on the Citi website.
Understanding Split Disbursement for Gov Travel Card Payments
Split disbursement is a mandatory payment method for all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and a highly recommended best practice for all government employees utilizing a gov travel card. This system allows for direct payment of your travel card bill from your travel reimbursement. When preparing your travel voucher, it is critical to carefully review the split disbursement amounts. Ensure that sufficient funds are allocated to fully cover all charges accrued on your GTCC. If the automatically calculated amount is insufficient, particularly if you are using the Defense Travel System (DTS), you must manually adjust the disbursement amount to ensure complete payment to the vendor.
Handling Mail Payments for Your Government Travel Card
While digital payment methods are encouraged, mail payments are still an option. It is imperative that all mailed payments include the remittance slip from your paper statement. Additionally, always write your account number clearly on your personal check. Submitting payments without this critical account information carries significant risks. Payments lacking proper identification may be delayed in processing, incorrectly posted to the wrong account, returned to sender due to insufficient information, or ultimately become unprocessable, potentially leading to late fees or other complications.
For standard mail payments, use the following address:
Citibank Government Card Services
PO Box 78025
Phoenix, AZ 85062-8025
For overnight or express payments, use the following address:
Citibank Government Card Services
Attn: Payment Processing Center 78025
1820 E. Sky Harbor Circle South STE 150
Phoenix, AZ 85034
Standard vs. Restricted Government Travel Cards and Credit Limits
There are two primary types of Individual Billed Accounts (IBAs) for government travel cards: Standard and Restricted. The type issued is largely determined by your FICO credit score.
Standard gov travel cards are typically issued to individuals who have a FICO credit score above 659. These cards come with default spending limits of $7,500 for general credit purchases, $250 for cash withdrawals, and $250 for retail purchases.
Restricted gov travel cards are issued to individuals with a FICO credit score below 660. These cards have lower default spending limits: $4,000 for credit purchases, $250 for cash withdrawals, and $100 for retail purchases. It’s important to note that restricted travel cards are visually identical to standard cards.
Regardless of whether you have a standard or restricted card, it’s possible to request temporary increases to your spending limits when necessary to accommodate mission requirements. Such requests require validation and approval from your commanding officers or supervisors.
Individuals who prefer not to undergo a credit score check (soft pull) but still require a government travel card must complete the Alternate Credit Worthiness Evaluation, DD Form 2883. This form requires affirmative responses to all questions. Upon completion and submission of DD Form 2883, these individuals will be issued a restricted travel card. It is important to understand that your specific FICO credit score is not disclosed to either the cardholder or their APC during the application process, regardless of the outcome.
To complete the DD Form 2883, you will need to download and save the form to your device and then open it using Adobe Reader to add your electronic signature.
Conclusion: Managing Your Gov Travel Card Effectively
Understanding the application process and management of your government travel card is crucial for efficient and compliant official travel. Remember that your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) is your primary resource for any questions or assistance you may need. Utilize CitiManager’s online and mobile tools for convenient account management and always adhere to guidelines for split disbursement and mail payments to ensure smooth and trouble-free usage of your gov travel card.
