CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. –
Have you ever been on a trip and attempted to use your personal credit card, but were unable to because of unknown reasons?
It may be for different reasons or could have been just an honest mistake or it could have happened for not abiding with the bank's credit card policy. Many meticulously plan trips down to every last penny, especially if they are using their own money. But what happens when they travel abroad for official travel? Are they as careful?
One thing that seems to be taken for granted is the use of government travel cards. Airmen assume that because it's a Department of Defense program, everything happens automatically, it becomes "hands off" and all they have to do is enjoy the ride. Airmen should have a basic understanding of the program, when to use the card and what happens if it is abused.
According to DOD 7000.14R, Volume 9, Chapter 3, the GTC program standardizes the method utilized to pay for official travel. The card also provides the effectiveness, convenience, and flexibility that the DOD and travelers need.
Not every DOD member receives the card; there is a screening process. For those whose credit score is acceptable, a standard card is issued with a $5,000 credit limit that can be increased if the mission dictates. Unfortunately, if the credit score is too low, they may not be approved for this type of card. Rather, they would receive a restricted card with a $2,000 limit. These cards are not as common and are issued as "inactive." When required to travel, the card is activated by the agency program coordinator with command approval. Currently, Air Mobility Command is participating in a pilot program to test the effectiveness of increased credit limits. During this program, credit limits for standard cards will be $7,500 with credit limits for restricted cards at $4,000.
The travel card is used as a regular credit card where Visa is accepted and, unless exempted from obtaining one, its use for official travel is mandatory. Of course, plastic isn't accepted everywhere, so for those situations such as laundry, dry cleaning, parking, taxi fares, local transportation, tips, meal charges and telephone calls, an automatic teller machine withdrawal is authorized. Some larger common expenses are airline tickets, rental vehicles, Alaska Ferry and lodging.
The dollar amounts allocated to these types of expenses are usually significant. If a personal card is used, interest would create a non-reimbursable additional expense. There are many instances where the total limit needed surpasses the personal line of credit. Additionally, Airmen would be tempted to let the balance grow and habitually spend what they receive from the temporary duty assignment. This will result in potential financial hardship. The GTC eliminates many of these problems, however, not all the difficulties associated with this program are erased.
Members must still pay off their balances every month per DOD 7000.14R. Even though this policy is directed to settle these debts, Airmen still run into trouble by not being proactive. Some excuses are, "I didn't get paid yet," "I didn't know I had a balance," "I thought I paid it off," and "I had too many trips and the vouchers haven't caught up."
Upon inprocessing, unit members sign a document stating their responsibilities with the program, yet every month hundreds of troops throughout the Air Force show up on the delinquency report with these excuses. Although, no system is perfect, there are exceptions that must be considered case by case. However, everyone seems to think they are the exception. Little do they know that with a little advanced planning they could be more prepared.
What makes a person delinquent? Delinquency occurs when people do not pay the bill by the due date. The Bank of America's due date is at the 22nd day of every month. It's imperative that these bills get paid on time to be on top of the game.
Here are several ways to fight these problems:
· Ensure the GTC is activated upon notice of a TDY or deployment.
· Estimate how much is needed for travels. Is the limit sufficient?
· Use the GTC for everything authorized and mandatory.
· Keep a tally of all charges and compare with the Bank of America
· View the account on-line.
· If deployed for more than 45 days, file an accrual every 30 days.
· Verify that the accrual was accepted or received.
· Maintain open communication with team lead on any problems.
· The person who is the team lead should let home station know of any problems filing.
There are several ways to file a voucher while deployed. The first is to file manually. All of the documents must be faxed to home station where finance processes it. The accrual voucher can also be filed through the unit's orderly room. The commander's support staff will ensure the finance office processes it when the Accrual Advance Payment Worksheet is filled out.
It can also be done electronically. Log on to Virtual Military Personnel Flight and click on "Accrual Travel Voucher" under helpful links. Follow the step-by-step instructions. Keep the electronic receipt, fax confirmation page or just pick up the phone and call to verify receipt. The main idea to remember here is, however the voucher is submitted, it is the Airman's responsibility to follow up.
Paying Bank of America can be burdensome depending on the location and situation, but several different approaches facilitate this process. To pay the outstanding debt:
· Split disperse money electronically from the voucher.
· Write a check using cash deposited to your bank account.
· Pay with your own money by calling the number on the back of your GTC, 1-800-472-1424, or by using www.MyEasyPayment.com or visit any Bank of America branch office.
There are consequences to misusing the GTC. Failing to pay as promised may result in punitive action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice and is considered misuse. Other areas that will get Airmen into trouble include charges for personal reasons, such as family or household purposes, and cash withdrawals not related to official travel.
The temptation to misuse the card is present all year, but the risk is much greater around holiday time. There are unit and wing Airmen whose job it is to ensure people are using the card correctly. If there are any questions, let supervision know.
Travelers need to be diligent, show an "I care attitude" and do what they agreed to do. All travelers should responsibly know exactly what was charged. Everyone knows their card is used and there is a deadline to settle those outstanding debts. Not settling in a timely matter is grounds for Bank of America to suspend or revoke a card. That is a bad situation and by not following the guidelines and failing to use some common sense, the Air Force mission is jeopardized.