New program to launch for travel card

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DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  Over the next few months, the Air Force will be converting to the Controlled Spend Account (CSA) card. The CSA is different from the government travel card and provides the traveler with increased flexibility to meet their travel needs. Fueled by "mission-driven" spend limits and unprecedented worldwide merchant acceptance, the new program allows the traveler to fulfill mission requirements while also minimizing the risk delinquency.

An extensive pilot program validated the benefits to the Air Force, automating processes to reap manpower savings without negatively impacting the traveler. Most importantly, the CSA delivers a higher level of card excellence, so travelers can perform their missions with confidence while making travel related purchases.

New standards in operational excellence
Using the card is simple and travelers no longer have to worry about using the card for the wrong purchase. Once travel orders are approved, the CSA's spend limit automatically adjusts based on the estimated dollar amount for that particular mission. In addition, the unprecedented merchant acceptance allows the card's use for all reimbursable travel expenses such as temporary duty assignments, permanent changes of station and deployments.

Making purchases from any location around the world has never been easier - through Citi's global network with an expanded number of merchants allowed, the CSA cards are accepted at more than 30-million merchant locations worldwide. Access to ATMs further simplifies the process for getting cash in local currencies.

Enhancing security with greater flexibility
Increased access to more merchants; however, does not pose more risks.

"The cards only have value when the traveler has an approved travel order. Spend limits adjust automatically when orders are issued, amended or canceled," said Mike Bilbrey, Air Force Banking Officer. "Once the mission is complete, travelers simply submit their travel vouchers for processing and the payment updates the spend limit to reflect the actual cost of the trip. Any residual funds remaining on the CSA are available for use by the cardholder or can be transferred to another personal account. "

Additionally, cardholders have the same protection and dispute capabilities that exist in the traditional government program.

Deliver mission accountability while better managing cash flows
The CSA program delivers a more efficient travel program and allows the Air Force to better manage cash flows. Keesler Air Force Base, Miss., just completed a five month pilot of the CSA program.

"I've always felt my focus should be toward evaluating and improving processes to ensure customers are paid in an accurate and efficient manner," said 2nd Lt. Bill Kiser, Keesler's Financial Services Officer. "The CSA program allowed Keesler to transform the travel process by eliminating arduous tasks associated with setting up mission assignments and streamlining the reconciliation process. Translation, I'm saving 12-20 hours per week on tasks previously spent on the (GTC) program and delinquency management."

This ability to accurately determine spend limits also has a powerful impact on the Air Force's ability to better manage tight budgets.

Premier support - no matter where the mission takes you
At the foundation of the CSA is Citi's 24/7/365 customer service network providing cardholders with support from anywhere in the world. Immediate service is now at the cardholder's fingertips since they can call Citi directly when they need assistance or manage their accounts online. Additional coverage for insurance, travel, medical and emergency assistance combines to deliver the most comprehensive coverage in the card industry.

A transformation is underway
The Air Force has partnered with Citi to expand the CSA program throughout the Air Force. The goal is to transition all bases and users in a phased in approach by April 2011. Look for announcements and training updates to stay abreast of the latest news.

For more information, e-mail afcsa.travelcard@pentagon.af.mil or visit "virtual Finance" on the Air Force Portal Life and Career: Money - Welcome to virtual Finance!

(Editor's note: No endorsement of sponsor intended.)