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The Military Wallet

The Dos and Don’ts of Government Travel Charge Cards

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What is a Government Travel Charge Card?

Obtaining a government travel charge card, types of government travel charge cards, uses of a government travel card, the rules of a government travel card, how to responsibly use your government travel card, incorrect uses of a government travel card, resources and contacts.

You just received your first GTCC — the federal government’s version of a corporate travel credit card. But before your “ Wolf of Wall Street ” fantasies about perks and points come alive, it’s best to learn a bit more about how the GTCC program works, what’s expected of you as a cardholder, and how to use the card appropriately and legally.

Within this article, we explore the basics of the GTCC program at the Department of Defense, the different types of charge cards offered, and ways to obtain a card. Read on for some savvy tips on how to use (and how not to use) your government charge card so that you remain in control and out of trouble.

A GTCC is a commercial credit card offered to DoD personnel (both military and civilian) to pay for costs related to government-specific travel. For military members, this may include Permanent Change of Station moves and temporary duty assignments so that the service member doesn’t have to pay for work-related expenses out of pocket.

Currently, credit cards issued under the GTCC program are from the commercial partner, Citibank. However, the program itself is managed by DoD program coordinators within the Defense Travel Management Office (DTMO), who provide troubleshooting assistance to service members and federal employees. While Citibank issues GTCC credit card statements, DTMO set policy regarding GTCC use. It is the main agency that does so.

In general, military members will not have access to the GTCC program until it becomes a job requirement. Those who become eligible for holding a GTCC must first complete an online training course and then be invited to apply for the card through Citibank.

There are two main classifications for government charge cards: 

• Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) 
• Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs)

Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs)

Individually Billed Accounts are issued to service members for travel and travel-related expenses. With these types of cards, the service member is responsible for settling the account. 

According to the DoD , the Standard card options within this category are typically issued to those with a 660 or higher credit score. They have a credit limit of $7,500. 

In contrast, the Restricted card option is issued to those with lower credit scores (500-659) and has a lower credit limit of $4,000. Restricted government charge cards are closely monitored. They are sometimes deactivated during periods when travel has not been approved.

Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs) 

Centrally Billed Accounts can also be used to pay for travel expenses. 

These cards are settled directly by the U.S. government (so the cardholder has fewer personal responsibilities). They have limited use. Unlike Individually Billed Accounts, where the service member is personally liable for card charges, Centrally Billed Accounts assume government liability.

Approved uses of a government travel charge card include, but are not exclusively:

• Meals (not including alcohol)
• Transportation (airfare, train, etc.)

For additional guidance on what constitutes “official travel,” see page 14 in the GTCC Regulations (2020) and the newly amended Joint Travel Regulations (2021) .

See What You Qualify For

Select an option to continue:

Responsible use of your government charge card entails three main activities: 

• Ethical use of the card for official government travel expenses only;
• Timely and accurate reporting of charges (often with printed receipts);
• Timely payment of the card’s balance

The cardinal rule to follow: the government charge card is not to be treated as a personal card in any way. It should be used only for official travel . (Commuting to work or going on a family vacation do not constitute “official travel”). 

Following the travel event such as PCS or TDY , cardholders are expected to submit a “travel claims” report within five days of its conclusion in the Defense Travel System. This should include scanned receipts of individual charges as well as amounts, dates and descriptions. Foreign currency charges must be converted into U.S. dollars.

Additionally, cardholders with Individually Billed Accounts are responsible for ensuring that the government travel card is ultimately paid off. When entering trip report details in the Defense Travel System, cardholders are encouraged to use the split disbursement option to ensure that the service member is reimbursed for all out-of-pocket expenses and per-diem rates while the charges on the government credit card are settled in full.

Although it isn’t difficult to imagine the multitude of ways that service members can get into hot water for misuse of government travel cards, the most common missteps involve:

• Using the card for unofficial/non-approved travel or personal use
• Overspending
• Using the split disbursement feature incorrectly
• Failing to submit timely and/or accurate travel reports in DTS
• Failing to pay the card balance on time
• Including alcohol on receipts for DTS submission 

In addition to accruing late fees, which begin at 75 days past the due date, cardmembers can have their accounts suspended or terminated for improper use of a GTCC. For more serious offenses, service members may receive formal counseling, an Article 15, or even a court-martial . Therefore, it’s best to be on the safe side and remember the basics for proper GTCC etiquette:

• Use it only for official/approved government travel;
• Provide a timely and accurate report in DTS, using the split reimbursement option;
• Ensure that the GTCC is paid off in full by the due date

For more information on the DoD GTCC:

Citibank Customer Service: 1-800-200-7056 (or 757-852-9076 when calling collect)

GTCC Travel Assistance Center: 1-888-HELP1GO (1-888-435-7146)

Citi’s DoD Travel Card Webpage

Email of the DoD Travel Card Helpdesk

DoD GTCC Regulations (2020)

DoD Joint Travel Regulations (2021)

About Post Author

Meaghan Doherty Myers

Meaghan Doherty Myers is a freelance writer, specializing in military benefits, personal finance, and defense and security issues. She holds an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Relations from the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) and recently graduated from the Russian language program at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, CA. She is an Army spouse, a former ballet dancer, and a former management consultant who lives with her husband and daughter in Alexandria, VA.

See author's posts

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Citi to raise Global Entry statement credits to $120 for 2 cards

Applying for Global Entry is getting more expensive, but a major credit card issuer is now boosting its Global Entry benefits for two popular travel cards.

On Thursday, Citi announced it would increase its Global Entry statement credits to $120 every four years for the Citi®/AAdvantage® Executive World Elite Mastercard® (see rates and fees ) and the Citi Prestige® Card .

The move comes just days after TPG was first to report that the price of applying for a five-year Global Entry membership would rise from $100 to $120 beginning in October. In announcing the fee hike, U.S. Customs and Border Protection, which oversees Global Entry, cited rising costs to operate the program.

The information for the Citi Prestige has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Offsetting the higher Global Entry fee

As valuable an option as Global Entry is for travelers, the application fee isn't a drop in the bucket. However, some travel credit cards will reimburse the fee when it comes time to apply.

But many of those cards' benefits include specified credits of up to $100 to cover the existing Global Entry expense. (Exact terms differ from card to card.)

CBP's fee hike planned for later this year opened the door for questions about whether card issuers might adapt their Global Entry benefits to account for the new, higher fee.

Now, Citi has done just that, ensuring Global Entry remains essentially a free perk for travelers who carry two of its high-end cards.

What citi cards are raising their global entry credit?

Starting on Oct. 1, 2024, Citi will raise its Global Entry fee statement credits for two cards: the Citi Prestige Card and the Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard .

Citi/AAdvantage Executive World Elite Mastercard

Though the Citi/AAdvantage Executive card has a hefty $595 annual fee, it carries strong value for regular American flyers; it's the only card that provides complimentary Admirals Club access.

Cardholders can earn 4 AAdvantage miles for every dollar spent on American Airlines purchases and 1 AAdvantage mile for every dollar spent on other purchases. You'll earn Loyalty Points on everyday purchases, too, which helps you work your way toward AAdvantage elite status .

That's on top of other perks such as Lyft and Grubhub credits, as well as the Global Entry (or TSA PreCheck) statement credit once every four years; that credit will now rise from $100 to $120 for Global Entry applicants to cover the program's hiked fee.

Citi Prestige Card

Meanwhile, cardholders with the Citi Prestige card (no longer available to new applicants) can receive a TSA PreCheck or Global Entry enrollment fee credit every four years. As of October, that credit will likewise cover up to $120 for applications to the latter program.

The card carries a $495 annual fee.

What is Global Entry?

Global Entry provides travelers with an expedited trip through passport control following an international flight. It's available at 77 airports, most of which are in the U.S.; there's also a handful of international preclearance facilities.

The program also gives travelers access to the TSA PreCheck lanes at airport security checkpoints.

Though Global Entry applicants have faced delays in recent years, from long processing times to challenges finding an interview, wait times are improving for the vast majority of travelers, CBP insisted in a recent interview with TPG.

Bottom line

Now, all eyes will be on other credit card issuers to see if they will follow in Citi's footsteps and raise their Global Entry statement credits to account for the program's higher fee. The higher fee takes effect in October.

Because of the changes to make Global Entry more efficient and technologically advanced — not to mention the fact that children of members or applicants can apply for free as of October — it's a great time to consider joining. This is especially the case if the adults in your family can get their application costs reimbursed or offset through an eligible travel credit card.

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International Edition

Citi, Chase Will Cover Steeper Global Entry Fees for Premium Cardholders

Elizabeth Casolo , Skift

April 16th, 2024 at 2:04 PM EDT

Citi and Chase plan to chase the rising Global Entry fees, allowing cardholders to still access Global Entry.

Elizabeth Casolo

Starting October 1, 2024, Citi and Chase will cover higher Global Entry fees for certain cardholders.

The news comes after U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) decided to drive up Global Entry fees by 20% — from $100 from $120 — by October, despite wiping application fees for minors. Global Entry permits pre-approved travelers a speedier entrance into the U.S.

Chase and Citi are among the credit card companies that subsidize Global Entry fees for some clients.

According to spokespeople from the two companies, members with these cards will receive up to $120 every four years to cover Global Entry renewal:

• Citi/AAdvantage Executive
• Citi Prestige
• Chase Sapphire Reserve
• United Explorer
• United Club Visa Infinite
• United Quest
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card
• IHG One Rewards Premier Business Credit Card
• Aeroplan Card
• Southwest Rapid Rewards Performance Business Credit Card
• J.P. Morgan Reserve

Chase said cardholders could also use the credit for NEXUS , another CBP program that eases travel between the U.S. and Canada. NEXUS now costs $120, too. 

The higher Global Entry fees have no impact on TSA PreCheck . Still, Chase and Citi Cardholders could apply the credit to this program, as well.

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Tags: airline credit cards , chase , citi , credit , credit cards , customs , global entry , jp morgan chase , nexus , travel credit card , tsa , tsa precheck , u.s. customs and border protection

Photo credit: Some of the Chase Sapphire credit cards used for booking travel and other things. Source: Chase.