Navigating the world of official travel can be complex, but understanding your government travel card doesn’t have to be. This guide, “Travel Card 101,” is designed to provide you with a clear and concise overview of everything you need to know about government travel cards, often referred to as GTCCs (Government Travel Charge Cards). Whether you’re military personnel or a civilian employee, mastering the basics of your travel card is essential for smooth and compliant travel. Your journey begins with understanding the role of your Agency Program Coordinator, or APC, who is your primary contact for all things related to your travel card.
Understanding Your Agency Program Coordinator (APC)
Think of your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) as your go-to expert for your government travel card. Typically, applying for a travel card is initiated by your APC as part of your onboarding process. They are the linchpin in the entire system, managing the GTCC program at the local level within your organization. Your APC serves as the vital link between you, the cardholder, and the card vendor, addressing any questions or issues that may arise. Their responsibilities are broad, encompassing transaction monitoring, credit limit adjustments, and ensuring the smooth operation of the travel card program within your agency.
If you’re unsure who your APC is, it’s crucial to find out. Start by checking with your chain of command or your HR/management support group. Another helpful resource is often your local level travel help desk, which can usually point you in the right direction. Knowing your APC is your first step in effectively managing your government travel card.
The Process of Obtaining a Government Travel Card
The process of getting a new travel card generally follows a standard set of steps, although specific procedures can vary based on your local business rules. Always consult with your APC for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance tailored to your organization.
Accounts are primarily managed through CitiManager, an online platform designed for government travel card management. If you applied for your travel card after March 2020, Citibank likely automatically established a CitiManager account for you during the card issuance process. For those who received their travel cards before this date, self-enrollment in CitiManager is necessary. You can easily self-enroll at the Citi Cards website to gain access to your account.
Once enrolled in CitiManager, you unlock the ability to manage your GTCC account conveniently online and through the CitiManager mobile app, available for download on both the App Store and Google Play. CitiManager provides a comprehensive suite of tools to oversee your account. You can view statements, check your account balances, make payments, update your account settings, opt for paperless statements to reduce clutter, set up personalized alerts to stay informed about your account activity, and much more. For a detailed walkthrough of all the features CitiManager offers, refer to the CitiManager Digital Reference Guide, a helpful PDF document provided by Citi.
Managing Payments: Split Disbursement and Mail Options
Effectively managing your travel card payments is crucial to avoid any issues and maintain good standing. Two key payment methods to understand are split disbursement and mail payments.
Split Disbursement: A Mandatory Payment Method
Split disbursement is a mandatory system for all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, designed to streamline the payment process for your travel card. This system allows for direct payment of your travel card bill from your travel reimbursement. When you are preparing your travel voucher, it’s imperative to carefully review the split disbursement amounts. Ensure that the amount allocated is sufficient to completely cover all charges accrued on your GTCC. If you are using the Defense Travel System (DTS), and find that the automatically calculated split disbursement amount is insufficient, you will need to manually adjust the amount directed to the vendor to ensure full payment.
Mail Payments: When Necessary
While split disbursement is the primary method, there might be instances where you need to mail a payment. It’s critical to adhere to specific guidelines when sending payments via mail to ensure they are processed correctly and efficiently. All mailed payments must include the remittance slip, which you can find on your paper statement. Additionally, always write your account number clearly on your personal check. Omitting this critical account information can lead to significant problems, including payment delays, payments being applied to the wrong account, payments being returned to sender, or even the inability to process your payment altogether.
Keep these addresses handy if you need to mail a payment:
| Standard Payment Address | Overnight Payment Address |
|---|---|
| Citibank Government Card Services PO Box 78025 Phoenix, AZ 85062-8025 | Citibank Government Card Services Attn: Payment Processing Center 78025 1820 E. Sky Harbor Circle South STE 150 Phoenix, AZ 85034 |
Standard vs. Restricted Travel Cards: Understanding the Types
Government travel cards come in two primary types: Standard and Restricted, each designed to accommodate different creditworthiness profiles.
Standard Travel Cards: These cards are typically issued to individuals who have a FICO credit score above 659, indicating a good credit history. Standard cards come with default spending limits of $7,500 for credit purchases, $250 for cash withdrawals, and $250 for retail purchases.
Restricted Travel Cards: Restricted cards are issued to individuals with a FICO credit score below 660. These cards have more conservative default spending limits: $4,000 for credit, $250 for cash, and $100 for retail purchases. It’s important to note that restricted travel cards look identical to standard cards, so visual distinction is not possible.
It’s worth knowing that the spending limits on both Standard and Restricted cards can be temporarily increased when necessary to support mission requirements. These temporary limit increases typically require validation from commanders and supervisors to ensure appropriate usage.
For individuals who choose not to consent to a credit score check (soft pull) but still require a travel card, there is an alternative. These individuals must complete and affirm all responses on the Alternate Credit Worthiness Evaluation (DD Form 2883). By completing this form, they will be issued a restricted card. It’s important to understand that the specific FICO credit score is not disclosed to either the cardholder or their APC during the application process, maintaining privacy while still categorizing card types appropriately. You will need to download and save the DD Form 2883 to your device and open it with Adobe Reader to add your signature before submission.
Conclusion: Your Travel Card is Your Tool
Understanding your government travel card is a fundamental aspect of official travel. By familiarizing yourself with the roles of your APC, the application and management processes through CitiManager, payment procedures like split disbursement, and the distinctions between Standard and Restricted cards, you are well-equipped to utilize your travel card effectively and responsibly. Remember, your travel card is a tool designed to facilitate official travel, and mastering its use ensures smoother and more compliant travel experiences.
