Applying for a government travel card is a standard procedure for newly onboarded military and civilian personnel who are authorized to travel for official government business. Navigating this process can seem complex, but understanding the key steps and resources available will make it much smoother. Your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) is your primary contact throughout this process and for any questions or issues you may encounter regarding your travel card. APCs are crucial figures managing the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) program at the local level. They act as liaisons between cardholders and the card vendor, Citibank, and are responsible for a range of administrative tasks, including monitoring transactions, adjusting credit limits as needed, and ensuring compliance with travel card regulations.
If you’re unsure who your APC is within your organization, it’s recommended to first check with your chain of command or your HR/management support group. They can provide you with the necessary contact information to get you started with your travel card application. Alternatively, your local level travel help desk is another excellent resource for identifying your APC and getting initial guidance.
The following outlines the general steps involved in obtaining a new government travel card. Keep in mind that specific procedures can vary based on your agency’s local business rules. Always consult with your APC for the most accurate and up-to-date guidance tailored to your situation.
Setting Up and Managing Your CitiManager Account
Accounts for government travel cards are managed through CitiManager, Citibank’s online platform designed for GTCC holders. For cardholders who applied for their travel card after March 2020, a CitiManager account is automatically created by Citibank as part of the card issuance process. This automatic enrollment simplifies the initial setup for new cardholders. If you were issued your government travel card before March 2020, you will need to self-enroll on the CitiManager website to access and manage your account online.
Once enrolled in CitiManager, you gain access to a suite of tools to effectively manage your government travel card account. CitiManager allows you to view your statements, check your current account balances, make payments, and update your personal account settings. You can also opt for paperless statements to streamline your record-keeping and set up alerts to stay informed about account activity. For a detailed walkthrough of all the features available, refer to the CitiManager Digital Reference Guide. The CitiManager mobile app, available on both the App Store and Google Play, provides convenient access to these features on the go.
Understanding Split Disbursement for Travel Card Payments
Split disbursement is a mandatory payment process for all Department of Defense (DoD) personnel and is highly recommended, and often standard practice, across other government agencies. This system allows for direct payment of your government travel card bill from your travel reimbursement. When you are preparing your travel voucher after a trip, it’s crucial to carefully review the split disbursement amounts to ensure that enough funds are allocated to fully cover all charges made on your GTCC. If the automatically calculated split disbursement amount is insufficient, especially when using systems like DTS (Defense Travel System), you are responsible for manually adjusting the disbursement amount to guarantee complete payment to the card vendor. This proactive step prevents potential late fees and negative impacts on your credit score.
Mailing Payments for Your Govt Travel Card
While split disbursement is the primary and recommended method for payment, there may be instances where you need to mail a payment. If you are sending a payment via mail, it is imperative to include the remittance slip from your paper statement. Additionally, always write your government travel card account number clearly on your personal check. Submitting payments without this essential account information can lead to significant issues, including payment delays, misapplication of payments to incorrect accounts, return of payment to sender, or even the inability to process the payment altogether. To ensure your mailed payments are processed correctly and efficiently, use the appropriate address based on the delivery method:
| 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 |
Types of Government Travel Cards: Standard and Restricted
Government travel cards are issued in two main types: Standard and Restricted, each designed to accommodate different creditworthiness profiles. Standard government 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 credit purchases, $250 for cash withdrawals, and $250 for retail purchases. Restricted government travel cards are issued to individuals with a FICO credit score below 660. These cards have lower default limits: $4,000 for credit purchases, $250 for cash withdrawals, and $100 for retail purchases. It’s important to note that both Standard and Restricted cards look identical.
While these are the default limits, it’s possible to request temporary increases to your spending limits on either card type when necessary to support mission requirements. These temporary limit increases require validation and approval from your commander or supervisor.
Man using government travel card for payment
For individuals who prefer not to have their credit score checked (soft pull) but still require a government travel card for official travel, there is an alternative. In such cases, you must complete the Alternate Credit Worthiness Evaluation (DD Form 2883) form, affirming all responses. Upon submission and approval of this form, you will be issued a restricted government travel card. It’s important to understand that the FICO credit score itself is not disclosed to the cardholder or their APC during the application process, maintaining privacy while still adhering to necessary financial protocols. You will need to download and save the DD Form 2883 to your device and use Adobe Reader to add your signature before submitting it to your APC.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of your government travel card, from the application process to account management and payment procedures, is essential for efficient and compliant official travel. Your APC is your best resource for personalized guidance, ensuring you navigate the GTCC program effectively.
