Navigating the world of official travel often involves understanding specific financial tools, and for many in government and military roles, the travel card is essential. This guide, “Travel Card 101,” will walk you through the basics of government travel cards, ensuring you’re well-informed about obtaining and managing this important resource. Your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) is your primary contact for all things travel card related. They are the linchpin of the Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) program at your local level. Think of your APC as your go-to expert who liaises between you and the card vendor, overseeing transactions, managing credit limits, and providing essential support. If you’re unsure who your APC is, reaching out to your chain of command, HR department, management support, or your local level travel help desk is the best first step.
Securing a new travel card generally follows a standard process. Keep in mind that specific steps can vary based on your organization’s local rules, so always consult with your APC for the most accurate guidance.
Managing Your Travel Card Account with CitiManager
CitiManager is the central platform for managing your travel card account. If you applied for your card after March 2020, Citibank likely established a CitiManager account for you automatically when your card was issued. For those with cards issued before this date, self-enrollment on the CitiManager website is necessary to access your account online.
Once enrolled in CitiManager, a range of account management features become available both online and through the mobile app, accessible via the App Store and Google Play. Cardholders can easily view statements, check balances, make payments, adjust account settings, opt for paperless statements, and set up crucial alerts for transaction monitoring. For a comprehensive overview of these digital tools, the CitiManager Digital Reference Guide is a valuable resource.
Understanding Split Disbursement
Split disbursement is a mandatory payment method, particularly crucial for Department of Defense (DoD) personnel, designed to streamline travel card bill payments directly from your travel reimbursement. When preparing your travel voucher, carefully review the split disbursement amounts to confirm they adequately cover your GTCC charges. If you’re using the Defense Travel System (DTS), and find a shortfall, manual adjustments to the vendor payment amount are necessary to ensure complete payment.
Mail Payment Procedures
For payments made via mail, adherence to specific procedures is critical. Always include the remittance slip from your paper statement and clearly write your account number on your personal check. Omitting this essential account information can lead to payment delays, misapplication of funds, returns, or processing failures.
| 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
There are two primary types of Individual Billed Accounts (IBAs): Standard and Restricted travel cards. Standard cards are generally issued to applicants with a FICO credit score above 659. These cards come with default spending limits of $7,500 for credit, $250 for cash, and $250 for retail purchases. Restricted cards, intended for individuals with a FICO score below 660, have lower default limits: $4,000 for credit, $250 for cash, and $100 for retail purchases. Visually, both card types appear identical. It’s important to note that limits on both Standard and Restricted cards can be temporarily increased to accommodate mission-critical travel needs, subject to commander or supervisor approval.
For individuals who prefer not to undergo a credit score check (soft pull) but still require a travel card, completing the Alternate Credit Worthiness Evaluation (DD Form 2883) form is necessary. Affirmative responses across all sections of this form will result in the issuance of a restricted card. It’s worth noting that your specific FICO credit score is not disclosed to either the cardholder or their APC during the application process. The DD Form 2883 requires downloading and opening with Adobe Reader to add a digital signature.
In conclusion, understanding the nuances of your government travel card, from application to management and payment procedures, is vital for smooth and compliant official travel. Utilize your APC as your primary resource and familiarize yourself with CitiManager and relevant payment processes to confidently manage your “travel card 101” responsibilities.
