Avoid a credit crunch with GTC during the holidays

Published Dec. 5, 2008
By 72nd Air Base Wing Financial Management Office

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla., -- Historically, Government Travel Card delinquencies and misuse rise during the holiday season. This year, officials want to minimize delinquencies and eliminate travel card abuse. To achieve that goal, everyone must know the "do's and dont's" of using the government travel card. These rules apply year-round, not just at the holidays. Tinker's goal is to be the best in the Air Force.

Cardholders can save themselves hassle and help to achieve the base goal by paying bills in a timely manner and not misusing their GTCs, officials said.

Here are some reminders for Cardholders:
· Do use government travel charge card to pay for official travel expenses.
· Do obtain travel advances for official travel through an ATM if authorized by your agency. · Do track expenses while on travel for accurate information when filing a travel claim.
· Do keep receipts for all transactions made on the travel charge card.
· Do file a travel claim within five days after a trip or every 30 days on continuous travel.
· Do submit payment in full for each monthly bill.
· Do follow the dispute process for charges which are incorrect.
· Do contact the bank's customer service number for questions about a monthly bill.
· Do be aware that misuse of the travel charge card could result in disciplinary actions.
· Do be aware that failure to pay a bill in a timely manner can result in card suspension or cancellation.
· Do return a travel charge card to your Agency Program Coordinator to be destroyed if leaving, retiring.
· Do immediately report a lost or stolen card to the APC.
· Do destroy any lost or stolen cards that are recovered.
· Don't use a travel charge card for personal use.
· Don't obtain travel advances through the ATM which exceed expected out-of-pocket expenses for a trip.
· Don't obtain travel advances through the ATM unless TDY or with orders to travel a couple days prior to departure.
· Don't allow monthly bill to become overdue.
· Don't wait for receipt of a monthly statement to file your travel claim.
· Don't forget that the card is issued to individuals and liability for payment is that person's responsibility.
· Don't forget, failure to pay bills in a timely manner will be reflected on credit rating/credit score.
· Don't write personal identification number on the card or carry a PIN in your wallet.

Following these simple steps will reduce delinquencies and help AFMC avoid the traditional spike in late payments during this time of year. For more information on GTC payments, contact your GTC APC or the Finance Office.