New travel card will save time, money

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Jacob Morgan
  • 436th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Team Dover members are scheduled to receive a new Government Travel Card by July 2011. The controlled spending account cards are plain light-blue and they are used just like a debit card.

The overall idea of the new controlled spending accounts is to give access to the most travelers while decreasing the amount of risk for both CitiBank and the Air Force. This change has already been tested at McConnel AFB, Kan., and Travis AFB, Calif., with positive results.

In the past, travelers have not used their cards because they were not convenient, or because the traveler did not trust the system, said Sandy Springer, Air Mobility Command finance agency program coordinator.

However, when the travel system is used for expenses, the Air Force receives rebate money from CitiBank. Last year, the Air Force lost $10 million in rebates due to the system not being used for all travel expenses.

"These new cards are more convenient to use," said Ms. Springer. "The lower risk of delinquency will help ensure members use it for all related expenses."
Highlights of the new GTC include:


· The new cards are not credit-score based and everyone is able to receive one.


· A spending limit will be loaded on an individual traveler's account based upon the orders that are in the system. The cards only have value when the travel orders are approved.


· Career fields that get missions without travel orders in the system will recieve a set credit limit. However, orders will need to be placed into the system at a later date.


· When vouchers are filed, the individual is required to pay 100 percent of the debt to CitiBank first.

However, there are many options as to how the remaining amount can be spent. The remaining positive balance on the controlled spending account can be used just like a debit card for personal use, or CitiBank can transfer the balance directly to a personal account.

"Overall the new system will benefit the Air Force by reducing overhead costs," said Senior Master Sgt. Mike Snodgrass, 436th Airlift Wing Inspector General superintendant. "It will save the government money and the servicemembers headaches."