Officials unveil new government travel cards Published Dec. 17, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Amaani Lyle Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs WASHINGTON (AFNS) -- The Air Force is primed for servicewide distribution of new Citibank controlled spend account government travel cards now through spring 2011, officials said here Dec. 1. "Transition to the new card should appear seamless to the customer. Travelers should still use their card for all official travel expenses," said Maj. Crystal Moore, 72nd Comptroller Squadron commander. Issuance of the CSA card for use in conjunction with temporary-duty assignments, permanent change of station or deployment orders follows an extensive multi-installation pilot phase and involves the eventual replacement of more than 480,000 traditional set-limit cards currently in use. Civilian employees will also be issued CSA cards for temporary travel and permanent change of station situations. American Federation of Government Employees Council 214 and the International Association of Fire Fighters have been informed of this initiative. When obligations with these unions have been completed, full implementation will proceed for those civilians they represent. According to Mike Bilbrey, the Air Force banking officer, the CSA card differs from the traditional travel card in that approved travel authorizations and amendments automatically adjust the CSA's spend limits to reflect the estimated cost of the mission. "The CSA is the most innovative solution to the government travel card program since its inception, and it allows the Air Force to better manage cash flows," Mr. Bilbrey said. "Since the card won't have any value until a travel order is approved, Airmen can count on higher levels of security, lower delinquency rates, and best of all, instant approval, since there is no credit check required to have a CSA." Upon travel voucher settlement, 100 percent of the amount due the traveler will go to their new CSA. There will be no more split disbursement to a personal bank account. Second, travelers can access the money due to them in one of three ways: 1. ATM Cash withdrawal up to $200 2. Request a check from Citibank 3. Utilize the card similar to a gift card to expend the remaining balance. While enjoying possible residual funds for personal use is a perk for Airmen, the fully automated CSA also has virtue from a commander's perspective by eliminating arduous, time-consuming GTC oversight responsibilities, Mr. Bilbrey said. "We can reduce many hours per week on tasks agency program coordinators and managers once spent on program delinquency management, to the tune of about 382,000 man-hours per year," Mr. Bilbrey said. "With Citibank receiving 100 percent of the travel voucher payment, the number of delinquencies will be minimal, ensuring Airmen and APCs can focus on the mission at hand." Since the mission at hand can vary greatly for Airmen, Citibank allows cardholders to call for temporary spend limit adjustments, based on last-minute travel requirements. This provides cardholders the spending limit they need until they can get the amendment into the system, Mr. Bilbrey said. Current GTC cardholders will be automatically enrolled into the CSA program and will receive e-mail notifications when their card is on the way. Infrequent travelers will be among the first to have their current government travel cards deactivated and receive the new CSA cards, Mr. Bilbrey said, adding that Airmen should update their e-mail addresses with Citibank and their new card numbers with merchants. Citibank representatives said training sessions are essential to Airmen understanding how the CSA program works, and session schedules will be publicized in the near future. "The Air Force has partnered with Citibank to not only provide training, but offer cardholders premiere, 24-hour customer service to travelers anywhere in the world," said Stacy Eslich, a Citibank relationship manager. "In addition, the card's coverage for insurance, travel, medical and emergency assistance delivers the most comprehensive coverage in the card industry." At Tinker, four training sessions to unit GTC Program Coordinators were conducted last week. Two finance town hall meetings are currently being scheduled for all first-level supervisors and above. Dates are to be determined, pending official release of information from AFMC. Tinker travelers with questions should first contact their unit GTC program coordinator. Cardholders may also contact the number on the back of their GTC or CSA for questions, Maj. Moore said. The 72nd Comptroller Squadron can answer more complicated questions, or questions not addressed by the unit GTC program coordinators or the Citibank. Citibank is implementing a "No traveler stranded" policy. Travelers who may experience difficulties during the transition should contact Citibank for resolution to complete their travel needs, said Maj. Moore. For more information, visit www.airforcetravelcard.transactionservices.citi.com.