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Travel charge card

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• Per Diem Lookup

What is the travel charge card? The GSA SmartPay® 3 program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major banks. 

There are currently more than 560 federal agencies, organizations and Native American tribal governments participating in the program, spending $30 billion annually, through 100 million transactions on more than three million cards.

There are three types of travel accounts:

• Individually billed accounts are issued to employees to pay for official travel and travel-related expenses. The government reimburses employees for authorized expenses. The employee is responsible for making payment to the bank.
• Centrally billed accounts are established by some agencies to pay for official travel expenses. Centrally billed accounts are paid directly by the government to the bank.
• GSA SmartPay Tax Advantage Travel accounts  are new product offerings that combine an Individually Billed Account (IBA) and Centrally Billed Account (CBA), providing a means to obtain tax exemption automatically at the point of sale for rental cars and lodging charges. The combined features of CBAs and IBAs are a key characteristic of this product. When using the Tax Advantage Travel Account, charges for rental cars and lodging will be automatically billed to a CBA for payment. Charges for other travel-related purchases, such as meals and incidentals, are billed to the IBA portion of the account.

What is the benefit for federal agencies? Each agency or organization using the travel charge card receives a rebate based on sales volume. The sale refund is remitted to the organization. In addition, a separate refund is provided to agencies and organizations based on improving speed of payment.

How can travel managers make it happen? In 1988, Congress mandated that federal employees use the government travel charge card for all payments of expenses related to official government travel, with some exceptions. 

Travel managers should ensure that all of their travelers use their government-issued travel charge card for all purchases of travel-related services or products such as rental cars, hotel rooms, and telephone or Internet service.

Looking for more information on SmartPay? The  GSA SmartPay program provides charge cards to U.S. government agencies/departments, as well as tribal governments, through master contracts that are negotiated with major national banks. Additionally, to contact Travel Program call 888-472-5585 or email [email protected]

• Download the complete Federal Travel Regulation
• Joint Travel Regulations
• Foreign Affairs Manual

PER DIEM LOOK-UP

1 choose a location.

Error, The Per Diem API is not responding. Please try again later.

No results could be found for the location you've entered.

Rates for Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. Territories and Possessions are set by the Department of Defense .

Rates for foreign countries are set by the State Department .

2 Choose a date

Rates are available between 10/1/2022 and 09/30/2025.

The End Date of your trip can not occur before the Start Date.

Traveler reimbursement is based on the location of the work activities and not the accommodations, unless lodging is not available at the work activity, then the agency may authorize the rate where lodging is obtained.

Unless otherwise specified, the per diem locality is defined as "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city, including independent entities located within those boundaries."

Per diem localities with county definitions shall include "all locations within, or entirely surrounded by, the corporate limits of the key city as well as the boundaries of the listed counties, including independent entities located within the boundaries of the key city and the listed counties (unless otherwise listed separately)."

When a military installation or Government - related facility(whether or not specifically named) is located partially within more than one city or county boundary, the applicable per diem rate for the entire installation or facility is the higher of the rates which apply to the cities and / or counties, even though part(s) of such activities may be located outside the defined per diem locality.

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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) .

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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.

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Frequently Asked Questions

State sales tax exemption applies primarily to hotels and car rentals and usually does not apply to meals and incidentals.

Aren’t government employees exempt from all hotel taxes?

No. In accordance with legal precedence , IBAs are subject to any tax that a state deems appropriate. There are states that choose to extend exemption for state sales tax only. For a list of states that provide state sales tax exemption for IBAs, please visit the State Tax Information page .

All states are required to honor state sales tax exemption for travel CBAs. In summary, for both CBA and IBA solutions, states have the sovereign authority to levy any tax other than sales tax for transactions using a GSA SmartPay program solution, unless specifically exempt in state law.

Applies to both CBAs and IBAs.

Am I still exempt from state sales tax if I choose to use a personal credit card instead of a GSA SmartPay Travel card/account for hotel stay?

No. State sales tax exemption is determined by method of payment, not by the federal entity that employs the card/account holder. Vendors are only required to honor state sales tax exemption (when applicable by state law) to users that present valid federal government forms of payment, and many states specify GSA SmartPay payment solutions.

Nearly all agencies require the use of a federal government method of payment on travel. If you have any questions regarding mandatory usage of the GSA SmartPay Travel card/account, please reach out to your agency’s charge card program directly.

How do I know which card/account type is exempt from taxes?

If the sixth digit in the bank identification number (BIN) is 0, 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9, then the charge card statement is paid directly by the federal government and should not be subject to state sales tax. If the sixth digit in the BIN is 1, 2, 3, or 4, then the charge card is not paid directly by the federal government and therefore may be subject to state sales tax. Each state may have different documentation requirements for exemption.

A hotel indicates that a card doesn’t look like the card images on the GSA SmartPay website or images that the state provided. The BIN prefix however, does match. Is the card still tax exempt?

Yes. The card artwork on the GSA SmartPay website and provided to hotels and state taxation offices is the default card art for the GSA SmartPay 3 program. Some agencies requested permission from the Center for Charge Card Management to deviate from the default card artwork, or to issue “generic” card artwork. The most reliable way to determine if a card is a GSA SmartPay charge card is to verify the prefix (first four digits of the card).

Why does every state have different forms and documentation requirements for state sales tax exemption?

States have the authority to assess state sales taxes on consumers, and hotels are responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of a state’s revenue authority. Once a hotel has determined that a card/account holder qualifies for state sales tax exemption under state law, the hotel must document the evidence for sales tax exemption eligibility.

Each state determines the level of information needed to constitute sufficient documented evidence, and that is usually collected through forms and documentation requirements.

Once information has been collected, the state has the right to review the evidence and determine if the exemption was appropriately applied. If the state deems that the hotel did not collect the proper documentation, the state has the authority to collect the state sales tax and penalties from the hotel.

The hotel is asking for a form and/or information that doesn’t seem to be required. Do I need to provide it?

As stated in the previous answer, if a state determines that a hotel did not collect sufficient information in accordance with state law, the state has the authority to collect the state sales tax and penalties from the hotel. To mitigate this risk, hotels may over-document or ask for information not required by state law (e.g., tax identification numbers or tax exemption numbers).

Card/account holders are not required to provide forms or information to hotels if the state does not require it. If the hotel is insistent, recommend the hotel contact the state taxation department directly for clarification.

Why isn’t there one form for all tax exemptions?

GSA and the broader federal government do not have the authority to dictate state sales tax exemption documentation requirements. Each state has the sovereign authority to determine individual state requirements.

I am in a state that should honor tax exemption for IBA travel cards/accounts, but the hotel is insistent on charging taxes. What should I do?

Recommend that the hotel reaches out to the state taxation department directly for clarification. If the hotel is not willing to, there may be an opportunity to reclaim the taxes assessed directly from the state after your trip.

Reclamation requirements vary by state, and card/account holders should contact states directly for more information about the process. As a best practice, travelers are encouraged to contact the hotel and confirm state sales tax exemption status and documentation requirements to avoid confusion.

Applies to IBAs only.

I am in a state that should not honor tax exemption for IBA travel cards/accounts, but the hotel has given me an exemption form to complete. Should I fill it out and get the tax exemption?

No. Due to complexity in state law as applied to federal government tax exemption, there is often confusion around tax exemption. In efforts to provide customer service to federal government employees, hotels in states that do not honor state sales tax exemption for IBA travel may provide incorrect forms for tax exemption. Card/account holders should not complete these forms and claim exemption.

A hotel exempted state sales tax, but I’m seeing all of these other taxes and fees on my bill. Are they allowed to do that?

Yes. Legal precedence only supports exemption for state sales tax, unless state law also extends tax exemption to other specific types of taxes

In addition to states, do counties and localities also exempt taxes?

Some municipalities may have separate tax exemption processes for federal government employees. As we are made aware of these, we add the information to the GSA SmartPay website.

All GSA SmartPay Purchase cards/accounts are CBAs.

Why won’t a merchant exempt me from taxes even though I am using a purchase card/account? Aren’t all CBAs exempt from taxes?

CBAs are exempt from state sales tax in all states. However, states have the authority to assess state sales taxes on consumers, and merchants are responsible for collecting taxes on behalf of a state’s revenue authority.

If a merchant determines a card/account holder qualifies for state sales tax exemption under state law, merchants must document the evidence for sales tax exemption eligibility.

Each individual state determines the level of information needed to constitute sufficient documented evidence, and that is usually collected through forms and documentation requirements.

Once information has been collected, the state has the right to review the documented evidence and determine if the exemption was appropriately applied. If the state deems that the merchant did not collect the proper documentation, the state has the authority to collect the state sales tax and penalties from the merchant. As such, if a state determines that a merchant did not collect sufficient information in accordance with state law, the state has the authority to collect the state sales tax and penalties from the merchant. To mitigate this risk, merchants may over-document or ask for information not required by state law (e.g., tax identification numbers or tax exemption numbers).

Card/account holders are not required to provide forms or information to hotels if the state does not require it. If the merchant is insistent, recommend the hotel reaches out to the state taxation department directly for clarification.

Are there states that don’t honor state sales tax exemption for purchase cards/accounts?

No. However, there are a few states that do not directly tax the user and instead choose to tax the merchant. This is an indirect or pass-along tax, as the merchant can choose to pass along the amount of the gross receipts tax to the purchase card/account user. Once the merchant passes along the tax it is no longer a state sales tax and it is allowable. Please also note that the merchant is not required to pass along the amount of the gross receipts tax to the card/account holder. For more information about specific states, visit the State Tax Information page .

For states that directly tax the merchant, are GSA SmartPay card/account holders exempt from these taxes?

Yes. There may be instances where the state will exempt the merchant from the gross receipts tax on federal government transactions, which may result in the merchant choosing to not pass the tax to the card/account holder. In these states, the merchant is not required to engage in this process.

What happens if a merchant refuses to honor state sales tax exemption and won’t contact the state for clarification?

As a best practice, card/account holders should clarify with merchants, prior to purchase, that the merchants will honor the state sales tax exemption. If the merchants do not, explore other options with merchants that will honor tax exemption.

The merchant refuses to honor state sales tax exemption and this is the only merchant I can use. What should I do?

Recommend that the merchant reaches out to the state taxation department directly for clarification. If the merchant is not willing to, please contact your agency’s charge card program for further information.

Can I use a purchase card/account for travel-related expenses?

The purchase card/account was not designed to be used for travel, especially for meals and incidental transactions. There may be agencies that allow limited use for specific types of travel-related expenses (e.g., booking room blocks). Prior to using a purchase card/account for travel-related expenses, card/account holders must confirm that agency policy allows for this type of use and follow applicable policies and procedures for documentation.

I’m using a GSA SmartPay Purchase card/account at a hotel for a transaction that has been approved by my agency. Am I still exempt from state sales tax?

Yes. State sales tax exemption is based on payment liability and not by how an agency uses the charge card. For CBAs such as the purchase card/account, the sixth digit identifier determining payment liability does not apply.

I am completing forms for the Amazon Tax Exemption Program. Do I have to complete all of these forms?

The Amazon Tax Exemption Program includes a process in which applicants must complete all tax exemption forms from each individual state. This occurs once during the application process to streamline future purchases as applicable tax exemption forms are saved and then applied for each individual transaction. Applicants should refer to agency policy to determine if participation in the Amazon Tax Exemption Program is allowable.

I am participating in the Amazon Tax Exemption Program. Why am I still being charged taxes?

For items sold by third party vendors, please contact the sellers directly with the proper documentation for more information.

If I am purchasing an item from a merchant not located in the same state, which taxes am I responsible for and where do I submit a claim for exemption?

It depends on the state. Some merchants are required by law to charge taxes based on where the business is based, but most are required by law to charge taxes based on where the card/account holder is based. Merchants are responsible for being familiar with this information.

A merchant insists that I provide a tax exemption number or tax identification number. What should I do?

If the state does not require this information, the card/account holder is not required to provide it. If a merchant is insistent or refuses to honor tax exemption, recommend that the merchant contact the state taxation department directly for clarification. If the state does require this information, please reach out to your agency’s budget or finance divisions to find out where this information may be housed within your agency/organization.

Am I exempt from taxes that are assessed by a federal authority (e.g., federal excise tax on telecommunications or fuel)?

Do i have to pay tariffs or any fees, surcharges, or pass-along taxes as a result of tariffs, may i claim tax exemption from foreign or tribal governments.

Foreign and tribal governments are sovereign entities that have the discretionary authority to tax any person belonging to any other sovereign nation or entity. There may be treaties or agreements between the United States Government and these entities that govern taxation or exemption circumstances. In the instances that there are no treaties or agreements, card/account holders are responsible for paying these taxes.

Card/Account Holders

Whom should i contact for help with my card/account.

Card/account holders should reach out to their Agency/Organization Program Coordinator (A/OPC), who will be able to answer most account-related questions.

Card/account holders can also contact the bank directly by calling the customer service phone number listed on the back of their card.

If the issue cannot be resolved by the A/OPC or bank, reach out to the GSA Center for Charge Card Management (CCCM) at [email protected] .

How do I obtain a GSA SmartPay card/account? What do I need to qualify?

To obtain a GSA SmartPay card/account, employees should reach out to their A/OPC and supervisor. Each agency has different criteria for issuing cards/accounts.

What may be purchased with my GSA SmartPay card/account?

Card/account holders should contact their A/OPC to learn more about their agency’s specific policies on purchases. In general:

• Purchase cards/accounts are used to pay for supplies or services.
• Travel and Tax Advantage Travel cards/accounts are used to pay for travel and travel-related expenses.
• Fleet cards/accounts are used to pay for fuel, maintenance and repair of government owned/operated motor equipment, aviation, small marine vessels and large marine vessels.
• Integrated cards/accounts involve two or more business lines (i.e. fleet, purchase and/or travel) on a single card/account.

What policies exist regarding the use of the GSA SmartPay payment solutions?

The Treasury Financial Manual is the Department of the Treasury’s official publication of policies, procedures and instructions concerning financial management in the federal government.

There are a number of policies that govern the use of government payment solutions, including:

• Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR).
• Federal Travel Regulations (FTR).
• Federal Management Regulations (FMR).
• OMB Circular A-123, Appendix B.
• Public Law.
• American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

For more information on the policies listed above, visit the Policies page .

Additionally, many agencies have regulations that are specific to their program and tailored to their agency’s mission and operating procedures. Contact your A/OPC to learn more information about your agency’s specific policies.

What are the training requirements? How will my A/OPC know that I have completed my online training?

Per OMB Circular A-123, Appendix B, all GSA SmartPay program participants must take the required training and receive a certificate of completion prior to their appointment. In addition, refresher training must be completed every three years (or more often as required by your agency’s training policy).

If permitted by your agency’s A/OPC:

• Card/account holders may complete the required training and obtain a certificate of completion via the GSA SmartPay Training website .
• Card/account holders may retake the course and quiz as refresher training. A passing score will enable the card/account holder to reprint the certificate with the new date of completion.

Note: If an card/account holder has previously taken the course and passed the quiz on the training website, a certificate can be reprinted by accessing past certificates through the training site.

What is my responsibility when it comes to paying taxes with my GSA SmartPay card/account?

In some cases, when using certain types of cards/accounts, card/account holders are exempt from taxes on their purchases. Please visit the State Tax Information page to learn more.

• Centrally Billed Accounts (CBA): Purchase, fleet and some travel accounts where payment is made directly to the bank by the government.
• Individually Billed Accounts (IBA): Travel accounts where payment is made directly to the bank by the individual. Each state determines the exemption status for IBAs.
• Integrated Accounts: Considered CBAs, but may involve both CBA and IBA transactions, which is determined at the agency’s task order level.
• Tax Advantage Travel Accounts: Combines CBA and IBA transactions to provide tax exemption at the point of sale for rental car and lodging expenses.

What is card/account misuse and what are the potential penalties?

Intentional use of government cards/accounts for other than official government business constitutes misuse, and depending on the situation, may constitute fraud. Each agency develops and implements policies related to employee misuse.

Examples of misuse include:

• Purchases that exceed the card/account holder’s limit.
• Purchases that are not authorized by the agency.
• Purchases for which there is no funding.
• Purchases for personal consumption.
• Purchases that do not comply with the policies.

Potential consequences for the card/account holder may include:

• Counseling.
• Cancellation of the card/account.
• Written warning.
• Notation in the employee’s performance evaluation.
• Suspension.
• Termination of employment.

In the case of purchase card/account or CBA travel card/account misuse, the employee may be held personally liable to the government for the amount of any unauthorized transactions. Depending on the agency and the circumstances, there are a number of applicable laws that can result in fines or imprisonment.

Is a merchant allowed to photocopy a GSA SmartPay card?

Both Visa and Mastercard state in their guidelines that a merchant is allowed to make/store a photocopy of a charge card provided they do NOT record or copy the PIN and/or Card Verification Code (CVC) data in any manner or for any purpose.

Note: According to U.S. Code Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 33, 701 , it is illegal for a merchant to photocopy your government ID.

Can card/account holders use their card/account to fund alternative payment mechanisms, such as PayPal?

Third Party Payment processors (such as PayPal) offer e-commerce/internet payment solutions for commercial transactions. The processors own merchant accounts that allow them to accept and process orders on behalf of other companies. Many vendors choose to utilize third party payment processors in order to accept online payments without having to establish a merchant account through a bank. Some vendors find that this is a more cost-effective option, especially if they do not process enough transactions to establish their own merchant account to accept charge cards. Vendors pay third-party processors a transaction fee for these services rather than processing transactions through a merchant bank.

Transactions that are made using third-party payment platforms are considered to be high-risk transactions. We recommend GSA SmartPay card/account holders consider alternative methods of payment.

Although there are not any existing governmentwide policies or procedures outlining the use of third-party payment processors, several agencies have developed internal policies related to this issue. These policies range from the complete restriction of third party payment processors to less restrictive policies which allow for transactions to be made when a workaround cannot be identified.

What is the liability for lost or stolen cards?

Agencies and/or individual card/account holders are not liable for charges made on a lost or stolen card after the card is reported as lost or stolen. A new card with a new card/account number will be issued to the card/account holder within 48 hours of the request. Any previous authorized activity will be transferred to the new card/account.

Why do I need to provide documentation to change my name on my IBA?

Since banks are required to conform to the Know Your Customer (KYC) requirements, they must confirm the identity of every applicant and card/account holder. KYC requirements are driven from the Bank Secrecy Act and Patriot Act . Documentation, such as a marriage certificate, is needed to support this requirement. This also allows the banks to maintain account accuracy throughout the life of the customer relationship. Supporting documentation also decreases the chance of fraud and assists the banks in ensuring they are in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act in the event an account is reported to the credit bureaus.

Are there any prohibited vendors?

Below is the current list of prohibited vendors, for additional information see Smart Bulletin No. 033

• Dahua Technology Company
• Hangzhou Digital Hikvision Technology Company
• Huawei Technologies Company
• Hytera Communications Corp
• Kaspersky Lab
• ZTE Corporation

How does the GSA SmartPay Tax Advantage Travel card/account work?

The Tax Advantage Travel card/account is issued to an employee designated by the agency/organization in the employee’s name. The agency will work directly with the contractor bank to:

• Establish the billing and payment procedures for Centrally Billed Account (CBA) transactions versus Individually Billed Account (IBA) transactions.
• Determine if credit checks or other creditworthiness assessments will apply.
• Identify Merchant Category Codes (MCCs) for rental cars and lodging, in order to exclude those transactions from taxes.

When the card/account is used, invoices will be sent to the agency and the card/account holder for payment. The agency is responsible for the CBA charges on the card/account, while the card/account holder is responsible for the IBA charges.

Is it mandatory to use a federal government travel card/account when traveling?

Yes. In accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations (FTR), Section 301-51, Paying Travel Expenses, agencies are required to pay for official travel expenses using a government authorized travel payment solution, unless granted an exemption in accordance with FTR policies.

For the Department of Defense, see DoD Instructions 5154.31 and the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR).

What is split disbursement in relation to travel vouchers?

The payment process called split disbursement as described in OMB Circular A-123, Appendix B divides a travel voucher reimbursement between the contractor bank and the traveler, sending the balance owed directly to the appropriate party.

Note: Although OMB Circular A-123, Appendix B in Chapter 2.5 requires all executive branch agencies to implement split disbursement, it may not yet be operational in your agency. Please contact your A/OPC for further details.

Program Coordinators

How do i connect with other a/opcs to share ideas and best practices.

There are several ways to actively participate within the community:

• Attend the Quarterly A/OPC meetings, monthly “Discussions with Dave” calls, and other special meetings and events: Level 1 A/OPCs receive email invites to these meetings.
• Attend the annual GSA SmartPay Training Forum: Learn about all aspects of how to successfully manage your agency’s charge card program. Network, collaborate and share best practices with other card managers, bank representatives and GSA personnel.

What can I do to improve my agency’s program performance?

The GSA SmartPay program office provides a number of tools and types of assistance to support effective charge card/account program management across the government. Tips include:

• Ensure policies are being followed: Most agencies have comprehensive policies regarding the administration of their payment programs. This includes policies for card/account use as well as for program management. A/OPCs should ensure that the policies are clearly communicated and easily accessible to card/account holders. It is also important for agencies to follow through with the implementation of their policies, including distribution and compliance monitoring.
• GSA offers free basic online training covering regulations and best practices for all agencies.
• A variety of free resources to support card/account management are available on the GSA SmartPay program’s website.
• Contact the bank to schedule an in-person or virtual Electronic Access System (EAS) training for your A/OPCs.
• Consider attending the annual GSA SmartPay Training Forum, which provides a large variety of training for all A/OPCs and charge card management staff.
• Initiate an Accounts Payable (A/P) File Review : An A/P File Review, performed by the contractor bank, is a no-cost tool to help agencies identify opportunities to leverage GSA SmartPay solutions as methods of payment to increase process efficiencies, cost savings and refunds.
• Participate in Workgroups: The GSA Center for Charge Card Management (CCCM) sponsors periodic workgroups to facilitate the sharing of information between agencies and to collect feedback on the performance of the GSA SmartPay program office and its contractor banks.

How do I go about incorporating a new payment solution into my program?

Under the GSA SmartPay program, there are many options available to assist your agency in meeting your mission critical needs. Products and related services under the GSA SmartPay program can offer customized payment solutions to help your agency achieve its goals. Under the GSA SmartPay Master Contract, each participating agency tags, joins a pool agreement, or awards its own task order to one of the contractor banks. Not all products and services offered under the GSA SmartPay program may be available to your agency, as each agency’s task order is different and unique. For this reason, it is important to review your agency’s task order. In addition, speak to those within your agency that are responsible for managing your agency’s task order, such as your Level 1 A/OPC and the task order’s Contracting Officer.

Additionally, many agencies have regulations that are specific to their program and tailored to their agency’s mission and operating procedures.

What training is available for A/OPCs?

There is a variety of free training offered to A/OPCs. All upcoming training opportunities for A/OPCs will be posted on the GSA SmartPay program website on the Events page .

• Online training for A/OPCs and card/account holders (Available 24/7).
• Annual GSA SmartPay Training Forum.
• Bank Electronic Access System (EAS) training.
• Other special training events offered throughout the year.

What can agencies/organizations do to help prevent misuse of cards/accounts? What tools are available to provide assistance to agencies in detecting fraud and misuse?

Mandating training that meets governmentwide standards for card/account holders and A/OPCs is the first step to preventing misuse. Currently, training varies widely among agencies, with many agencies relying on the training provided at the annual GSA SmartPay Training Forum and the online courses on the GSA SmartPay Training website. While these training courses review the necessary governmentwide rules and regulations, they do not reflect agency-specific requirements, which are important for card/account holders to know.

The GSA SmartPay Master Contract includes a number of tools that support agencies in controlling and monitoring card/account spend to prevent fraud, waste and abuse. Examples of these tools are:

• Credit limits: Restrict single purchase, daily, weekly or monthly expenditures by the card/account holders. In accordance with agency policy, limits are set to meet the agency needs.
• Merchant Category Code (MCC) Blocks: Established by the bankcard associations to classify different types of businesses. Merchants are assigned codes that describe their primary line of business. Agencies can limit the types of businesses where card/account holders are permitted to make purchases by limiting the MCCs available to card/account holders.
• Reports: Agencies have access to online management reports via their contractor bank’s Electronic Access System (EAS). Standard reports include Account Activity, Dispute, Unusual Spending Activity, Lost/Stolen Cards and Ad Hoc reports.
• Guidebooks: The banks are required to provide written A/OPC guides that serve as a stand-alone reference for A/OPCs to conduct program management for the GSA SmartPay Program. Topics include procedures for card/account setup and maintenance, card/account suspension/cancellation, transaction disputes and reconciliation. Agencies also have access to card/account holder, Designated Billing Office and Transaction Dispute Office guides from banks.

What action should I, as an A/OPC, take if an card/account holder does not pay their bill on time or it becomes delinquent?

Every effort should be made to assist the contractor in collecting the balance due. Ensure that your card/account holders are aware of their responsibilities.

Can A/OPCs suspend or cancel a card/account?

Yes. A reason must be documented for suspension or cancellation. Cards/accounts may be canceled through your bank’s EAS or through the bank’s customer service office.

How do I set up cards/accounts?

As the A/OPC, you are responsible for the establishment and maintenance of your program’s accounts. Refer to your contractor’s A/OPC guide and EAS manual for instructions on how to set up cards/accounts.

Do I have to accept GSA SmartPay cards/accounts?

Merchants that wish to obtain a GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) contract to do business with the government are required to accept GSA SmartPay payment solutions as a method of payment for micro-purchases . The rules and requirements for accepting payment solutions are defined by the card associations.

How can I promote the use of the GSA SmartPay program at my business?

To promote the use of the GSA SmartPay payment solutions at their establishments, merchants can:

• Provide point-of-sale discounts: Offering a point of sale discount to government card/account holders is a great way to differentiate your business from others and to increase the amount of government purchases.
• Provide Level 3 transaction data: Merchants that provide Level 3 transaction data are more attractive to government agencies because the data enables agencies to keep track of their purchases more accurately. Merchants who wish to learn more about Level 3 data should contact their financial institution for more information.

How do I identify GSA SmartPay cards?

Most GSA SmartPay cards will use government-specific designs and will display the GSA SmartPay logo, including the phrase “United States Government” or “For Official Use Only.” The five standard card designs are displayed below:

How do I accept a GSA SmartPay card/account?

GSA SmartPay cards/accounts operate just like the commercial market. For example, if you already accept these forms of payment for non-government purchases, you can accept the GSA SmartPay payment solutions. The same previously negotiated transaction fees apply to GSA SmartPay transactions.

GSA SmartPay card/account holders may carry the following brands: Mastercard, Visa, Voyager and Wright Express (WEX).

If you do not currently accept a particular form of payment, contact any financial institution to learn more about establishing a merchant account and maximizing your ability to capture government sales.

Is a merchant allowed to photocopy a GSA SmartPay charge card?

Note: According to U.S. Code Title 18, Part 1, Chapter 33, 701 , it is illegal for a merchant to photocopy a government ID.

Is the GSA SmartPay card/account tax exempt?

In some cases, certain purchases made using a GSA SmartPay card/account are exempt from taxes. Please visit the State Tax Information page for more details.

What if I am unable to accept a GSA SmartPay card/account?

Businesses are required to label themselves by selecting a Merchant Category Code (MCC) that describes the products or services provided. Certain MCCs are blocked by agencies to prevent fraud and misuse. A business that has trouble accepting a GSA SmartPay card/account may be classified under a blocked MCC. To remedy this problem, merchants should talk to their financial institution to confirm that their MCC classification is accurate.

Where can I find the Mastercard and Visa rules and regulations?

Mastercard and Visa rules and operating regulations can be found here:

• Mastercard Operating Rules
• Visa Operating Regulations

Government Shutdown

Can i use my gsa smartpay card/account during a governmentwide shutdown.

It depends. Card/account holders are advised to check with your agency regarding the continued use of GSA SmartPay cards/accounts due to a lapse in funding during a shutdown. You may not be authorized to use your cards/accounts if your agency determines such use does not relate to excepted or exempted activities.

The Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits most agencies from incurring obligations in the absence of appropriations (unless otherwise allowed by law or for emergencies involving the safety of life or limb, the protection of property or other excepted/exempted services). Card/account holders should coordinate with the appropriate officials in their agency/organization to ensure only authorized travel and purchases are made during a lapse in funding.

Absent of any agency-specific action to limit card/account use, purchase, travel, fleet and integrated cards/accounts will continue to function normally.

Can I use my GSA SmartPay card/account for personal expenses?

No, it is never appropriate to use your GSA SmartPay card/account for expenses not related to official government business. Doing so may result in your agency taking disciplinary action.

Will the banks’ 1-800 customer service call centers continue to operate?

Yes. If you need to reach your contractor bank during the shutdown, please call the 1-800 number on the back of your GSA SmartPay card/account.

Do I still have to pay my individually billed travel card/account statement if I am unable to pay due to the shutdown?

Citibank: For agencies, organizations, and card/account holders unable to make payments in the event of a governmentwide shut down, Citibank will ensure that during such periods accounts will not age delinquent or be suspended or cancelled and finance charges will not be assessed. The bank will continue to generate Statements of Account.

U.S. Bank: Accounts could become past due until budgetary issues are resolved, and as such, no cards/accounts will be deactivated without authorization from the GSA Contracting Officer. U.S. Bank will work with the government to implement risk-mitigation measures to monitor fraud and unusual delinquencies, as well as to bring past due accounts up to date once the budget is approved.

If I am late paying due to the shutdown, will the delayed payment on my individually billed travel card/account be reported to the credit bureaus?

In general, the answer is “no.” Cards/accounts in good standing as of the start of the shutdown will not be reported by the contractor banks to credit bureaus for late payment. Additionally, “past due” notices will not be issued and collection activities will not occur. However, statements of account will continue to be issued and will likely show a balance due. This balance does not need to be paid until funding becomes available. These measures apply only to card/account holders affected by the shutdown with cards/accounts in good standing prior to the shutdown. For organizations (or components thereof) with funding, routine account management and payment rules apply. Generally, there is no need for individually billed GSA SmartPay Travel card/account holders to contact the contractor banks in order for these shutdown measures to be implemented, but card/account holders should comply with instructions issued by their agency. GSA SmartPay participating agency Headquarters (HQ) card/account managers (or other authorized HQ staff) are advised to coordinate with their servicing GSA SmartPay contractor bank(s) to ensure a clear understanding of how the individually billed travel cards/accounts impacted by the shutdown will be handled.

What if my card/account was already delinquent before the shutdown? Will I be given more time to pay?

No. Payment is due to the contractor bank per the statement due date. If your card/account was delinquent prior to the shutdown, it will continue to be considered delinquent until full payment is made to the contractor bank. The time elapsed after payment is due continues to accrue in the event of a government shutdown.

My card is about to expire. Will I receive my new card during a shutdown?

Yes. In accordance with the terms of the GSA SmartPay Master Contract, if your card is due to expire during a shutdown, your new card will still be mailed. If your agency elects to have the charge card sent directly to you (for example, an individually billed travel card), then you will receive the card at the address on file. Or, your agency may elect to have the card mailed to the government offices for dissemination by an Agency/Organization Program Coordinator (A/OPC) or other government employee. The card will most likely be held by the distributing government office until the shutdown is over. If you are deemed an exempt or excepted employee, your agency will most likely ensure card delivery to you, but we recommend that you confirm these procedures with the appropriate officials in your agency.

What if I am traveling for work during a shutdown?

Unless your agency takes action to limit or deactivate cards/accounts, your travel card/account will continue to work during a shutdown. For government travelers on official travel that are recalled to return home due to shutdown, GSA SmartPay contractor banks operate under a “no-strand” policy. This policy ensures that cards/accounts operate to support your return trip. But as policies vary, please be sure to check with your agency regarding travel during a shutdown.

What if I have recurring or automatic payments on my purchase card/account?

Please coordinate with your agency’s finance officials and A/OPCs to ensure that these payments are properly addressed in the event of a shutdown. Be advised that purchase card/account holders may need to contact merchants to stop any automatic payments which may be scheduled to occur during the shutdown period.

The Anti-Deficiency Act prohibits most agencies from incurring obligations in the absence of appropriations (unless otherwise allowed by law or for emergencies involving the safety of life or limb, the protection of property or other excepted/exempted activities). Card/account holders should therefore coordinate with the appropriate officials in their agency to ensure only authorized travel, purchases and payments are made in the event of a shutdown, as this issue can become especially complicated given the wide variety of agency missions, funding types, etc.

Will GSA SmartPay cards/accounts continue to operate normally during a shutdown to support authorized mission activities?

Yes. The program will continue to operate normally in that cards/accounts will function and GSA SmartPay contractor bank account management staff and systems, reporting, call centers, etc., will continue to operate.

Should agencies consider deactivating/reducing the spending limits for accounts not expected to be used during the shutdown?

A/OPCs should consult with their contractor bank to help ensure appropriate internal control measures are maintained during a shutdown.

Does the Prompt Payment Act (PPA) apply to payments to the contractor banks?

The PPA only applies to centrally billed accounts under the GSA SmartPay program. These account types include purchase, centrally billed travel, fleet and any centrally billed aspects of integrated accounts. PPA does not apply to individually billed accounts, as they do not constitute a federal government liability. GSA SmartPay cards/accounts will continue to function during a shutdown (except for those deactivated at agency direction) even though agencies may not be able to pay proper, official contractor bank invoices (which will continue to be generated) in a timely manner. Upon availability of funding, agencies must reconcile and pay these invoices as promptly as possible.

What if my agency wants to explore the temporary use of different GSA SmartPay card/account types during the shutdown (such as expanded use of centrally billed accounts)?

Agencies should first consult with the GSA Center for Charge Card Management at [email protected] . Changes in card/account types can lead to reconciliation challenges and affect dispute rights. All other potential implications should be fully explored and discussed prior to changes being made.

Even though individually billed account (IBA) travel cards/accounts are an individual liability, what if employees affected by a shutdown are unable to pay their account statements? Should the agency coordinate with its GSA SmartPay servicing bank regarding this matter?

In general, the answer is “no,” provided you are affected by the shutdown and therefore unable to pay. Payment would be required once funding is restored.

In the event of a shutdown, the contractor banks recognize that affected agencies and card/account holders may be unable to make timely payments and cards/accounts could therefore become past due until funding becomes available. For individually billed travel cards/accounts in good standing as of the start of the shutdown, the contractor banks will:

• Keep accounts open unless deactivation is requested by agency officials.
• Take appropriate action to prevent accounts from becoming delinquent, suspended or canceled.
• Ensure finance charges are not assessed.
• Waive all applicable late payment fees.
• Continue to generate account statements.
• Work with agencies to maintain risk mitigation measures.
• Coordinate with agencies and card/account holders to bring accounts up to date once funding becomes available. The banks use highly automated account management processes that may require manual intervention by bank staff during a shutdown. As a result, isolated instances of errant activities such as the issuance of late payment notices on a card/account affected by the shutdown can occur. Should this happen, please follow your agency procedures or contact your servicing contractor bank as appropriate.

For accounts that were past due prior to the start of the shutdown, routine account management and payment rules apply.

Agencies may issue supplemental card/account holder guidance regarding individually billed account management and payments during a shutdown, consistent with applicable GSA SmartPay contract and task order terms.

How can an agency contact the GSA Center for Charge Card Management during a shutdown?

Please contact us via email at [email protected] . We remain available to assist your agency during a government shutdown.

Emergency Use

Does use of the gsa smartpay purchase card/account automatically make an order for supplies a "rated order".

No, use of the purchase card does not automatically designate a purchase as a “rated order.”

Can the GSA SmartPay Purchase card/account be used to make payments on a "rated order"?

Yes, the purchase card may be used as a payment mechanism for “rated orders” so long as it is in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract under which the order is placed.

Can the GSA SmartPay Purchase card/account be used to pay for GSA Fleet vehicle cleanings under emergency contracting conditions?

GSA Fleet does not have a policy precluding the use of the purchase card/account for services not covered by GSA Fleet leases, including interior vehicle cleanings. You must check with your agency’s policy on whether or not a purchase card/account can be used to pay for vehicle cleanings.

Can items be shipped to places other than departments or offices (ie. people's homes) during national emergencies?

This is an agency determination. Items must be for official use only (i.e., no personal use).

What are the ways to document receipt of a purchase when in a contingency/telework environment and the item is received at a different location than where the card/account holder is located?

Any method the agency determines acceptable can be used in a contingency or telework environment to verify receipt of goods or services for audit purposes.

Examples of verification/validation of receipt of orders are:

• Recipient can take pictures of items received for verification of receipt and provide those to the card/account holder for their log, or
• Sign off on the shipping receipt after verifying all items were delivered to “certify” all items were delivered/received and provide a copy to the card/account holder.

Both are acceptable when there is no third party available to verify receipt and/or the recipient is not at the same physical location as the purchase card/account holder.

Is there is anything in the GSA SmartPay regulations that stipulate that delivery must be made to a federal address? Or would it be acceptable for a federal employee using a valid purchase card/account to order supplies for delivery to their private residence? This would be in support of their official duties in light of the indefinite telework situation.

The appropriate agency decision-makers for each agency’s purchase card program will need to determine if a card/account holder can receive deliveries at their home, ship products to the home address of other employees, or if they must still be sent to a government address. This is usually the Level 1 A/OPC, Purchase Card Program Office, and/or Purchasing/Policy Office.

Considerations at the agency level may include, but are not limited to:

• Ability of card/account holders to access the Government building where shipments would be sent.
• Ability to verify/validate receipt of goods or services.
• Ability to maintain proper control of supplies/products.
• Ability to ensure supplies/products are only for official government use.

With the increase in the micro-purchase threshold (MPT) from $10,000 to $20,000 for emergency purchases related to COVID-19 buys, are the MPTs for services ($2,500) and construction ($2,000) increased as well?

No, the MPTs for services and construction remain at the lower thresholds:

• $2,500 for services subject to Service Contract Labor Standards (SCLS).
• $2,000 for construction.

Are interior vehicle cleanings permitted for GSA Fleet leased vehicles during the COVID-19 pandemic? Can the fleet card/account be used to pay for these cleanings?

Interior vehicle cleanings during the COVID-19 pandemic must be reviewed on a case-bycase basis to assess risk in accordance with CDC guidance. All environmental cleaning and disinfecting that occurs should follow CDC’s guidance. Drivers should consult their agency fleet manager for agency-specific policy.

How will washes be billed if they are in excess of the establish policy?

Washes charged to your GSA Fleet leased cards in excess of the established zonal policy will be billed to your agency by your Fleet Service Representative (FSR) through our Agency Incurred Expense (AIE) process.

smartpay.gsa.gov

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Prepping for a PCS? Know your travel-card rules

For authorized travel expenses during your permanent change-of-station move , the Defense Department requires that most service members use the Government Travel Charge Card. When you get your orders, go to your organization’s point of contact for the travel card to secure one.

And don’t delay.

“One common trend we’re seeing is that soldiers aren’t requesting their travel card in time for the PCS,” said retired Army Col. Eldon Mullis, deputy director and chief operating officer of Army Emergency Relief .

You’re reimbursed up to the limit of your travel allowances, so if these purchases exceed that amount, you’ll have to pay the rest of the bill — and do so within the required time frame after you complete your PCS.

Relocation expenses include transportation costs, lodging and meals during your allowable travel time, along with related costs.

They also include any relocation items normally purchased with a dislocation allowance — items you’d buy at a retail store to set up your household at your new location, such as cleaning materials, a lamp or even a new television.

SCRA and military moves: What you need to know

Troops heading out on deployment, or changing their duty station, can get out of their lease without penalty in most cases thanks to the servicemembers civil relief act..

You can use the travel charge card for deposits at the new location, such as those for utilities and rent. But those deposits are not reimbursable from the government: You’ll have to pay the bills within the required time frame after your move.

And if you decide to take a side trip on your way to your next duty station for a quick family vacation or even a visit with relatives, don’t put those expenses on your travel card. Use of the GTCC is limited to official relocation costs.

Need more travel-card background? Check out this online tutorial .

Karen has covered military families, quality of life and consumer issues for Military Times for more than 30 years, and is co-author of a chapter on media coverage of military families in the book "A Battle Plan for Supporting Military Families." She previously worked for newspapers in Guam, Norfolk, Jacksonville, Fla., and Athens, Ga.

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Government Travel Card Rules

Getting ready to PCS or go on official military travel? You might be required to use the Government Travel Card, known as the GTC.

The Navy Army , Air Force , and Marine Corps each have their own rules for getting and using the card, so when in doubt check with service officials. The card is meant to eliminate or limit travel advances and replace them with the card, which is then, in theory, paid-off through the official travel reimbursement process before the bill becomes due..

The government travel credit card program has existed since the mid-90s, and has gradually grown to be the required form of payment for almost all official travel. As a result, more service members are being issued government travel credit cards.

There are quite a few good things and quite a few bad things about the government travel cards.

The Good Things About the Government Travel Card

Service Members Don't Have To Use Their Own Money

The government travel credit card program means that military members are no longer using their personal funds or credit cards for government travel. This can be a significant hardship, especially for larger expenses or times when repayment is delayed.

Claims Money Goes Right To The Card

With other programs, there is the potential for travel claims money to become intermingled with the service members personal funds. With the government travel credit card program, the service member can direct that travel claim reimbursement be paid directly to the card issuer.

The Government Gets a Rebate

Much like the rewards credit cards that you may have, there is a rewards aspect to the government travel credit card. Each agency or department receives a rebate based upon the total amount of travel expenses that are charged to the government card.

The Bad Things About the Government Travel Card

There Are a lot of Rules

A service member using a government travel credit card for official travel has the obligation to understand all the rules for how it can and can not be used. There are a lot. In addition, each individual trip may have its own specific authorizations. For example, you may be authorized a rental car on one trip but not on the next trip.

Once you go to enter the travel claim into the Defense Travel System (DTS), you have to know how to code each item properly. It can be overwhelming for those who are new to the system or who don't travel frequently.

Service Members Are Responsible

Military members are responsible for paying their government travel credit card bills promptly, regardless of whether they have been reimbursed by the military. This can create stress and financial hardships. Outstanding government travel credit card bills can result in a negative reporting on the service member's civilian credit report, and the Department of Defense may "salary offset" a portion of the service member's salary to pay the government travel credit card bill. This can happen even when the service member has filed a legitimate travel claim in an accurate and timely manner. (see below.)

The Claims System Isn't Perfect

Anyone who has ever used the DTS to file a travel claim knows that it can be difficult. This is a problem because of the issue above. When DTS is hard, it is that much harder for service members to file their claims efficiently.

It's Not Set Up for Operational Situations

There are no provisions in the government travel card system for things that can delay billing and repayment. This might include submarine service, deployments, time in the field. Because the government travel credit card is tied only to the service member, there is no provision for a spouse , friend, or co-worker to make payments or handle problems.

Service members may be placed in "mission critical" status to be allowed additional repayment time, but this requires that they be able to communicate with their Component Program Manager, relay the necessary information, and that their Component Program Manager is in a situation where they can make these changes. It's an imperfect system.

The same problems occur with PCS moves. As the service member changes commands and addresses, information can be lost or changed incorrectly. There is supposed to be a provision to extend the repayment time for PCS moves, but this does not always happen. The problem is worse with extended PCS moves that include multiple intermediate schools or other activities.

It Gives Credit To Those Who Aren't Qualified

The application process for a government travel credit card is less stringent than for a personal credit card. As a result, the government can be putting credit into the hands of service members who may not be qualified to obtain credit on their own. There are two levels of the government travel credit card, standard and restricted, based upon the applicant's credit-worthiness.

Misuse Can Result in Punishment

Intentional or accidental, misuse of the government travel credit card system can result in administrative or disciplinary action. Ultimately, misuse can result in separation from the military and large debts to be repaid.

It Gets Cancelled at Inconvenient Times

Service members who don't use their government travel credit card frequently may discover that their account has been deactivated. They usually discover this when they are being told to use it for government travel. This puts the service member in a bind for a couple of reasons.

First, they may have their claim denied if they don't use the government travel credit card. Second, they may not have the personal funds or credit to pay out-of-pocket. This can be a large problem if the service member is stranded away from home or the unit.

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Department of Defense Travel Clients

Frequently asked questions, what is the benefit of using the 24-hour automated telephone system.

Use of the 24-hour automated telephone system will allow you to obtain:

• Account balance
• Available credit
• Available cash
• Transaction history
• Payment information
• Payment mailing address

You can also:

• Make a Pay by Phone
• Activate card (Card Receipt Verification)
• Customize PIN number

Can I pay my DoD Travel Card account balance with a debit card?

No. Unfortunately Citi does not accept debit cards as a method of payment. You can make a payment using a valid checking account. You must also have the routing number available.

Other acceptable payment options available to Defense Government Travel Card clients include:

• Mailing Payment to Citi
• Pay By Phone
• Online Payments
• Wire Payments
• Auto Payment

Is there a fee to make a Pay by Phone?

There is no fee to make a payment by phone. To make a Pay by Phone you must have your routing number (9-digit ABA bank number) and a valid checking account number available.

Please call: 1-800-200-7056

• Enter in your 16-digit DoD Travel Card account number
• Enter the last 4-digits of your Social Security number
• Wait for system to provide balance, available credit, available cash, last payment posted and next payment due
• Press or say '2' for pay by phone automated payment

How long does it take for my payment to post to the account?

Payments are updated once a day, Monday through Friday (holidays excluded). Please allow 24-48 business hours after receipt of payment to post regardless of delivery method.

Why can I only get my last 5 transactions?

WIP - Citi is working to enhance the 24-hour automated telephone system to increase the number of last transactions provided.

How can I set up or reset my PIN number? Can I use it immediately?

You have the opportunity to customize your PIN number by calling the 24-hour automated telephone system. Once set it is available for immediate use.

• Press or say '4' for PIN number requests
• Input the new PIN number twice

Can my spouse/family member call to get information on my account?

Citi is authorized to give account information to the DoD Travel Card client or to a person authorized to act on his/her behalf ONLY if a Power of Attorney (POA) is on file.

• A POA is unique in every situation and must be given in writing
• A Power of Attorney is accepted by mail or fax
• Mail to: P.O Box 6125, Sioux Falls, South Dakota 57117-6125
• Fax: 1-605-330-6801 or 1-866-951-8005
• The original is not necessary
• The POA should be processed within 3 business days from receipt

Note: Regardless of what the POA states the "said" person can do, Citi will only entitle the POA to do the following:

• Obtain account information (balance, payment received, general info)
• Change billing address
• Close account
• Initiate/Release a billing dispute
• Request a statement
• Report a lost/stolen/NRI card

When does my on-line password expire?

Passwords expire every 60 days. After 30 days, a password expiration warning pop up in CitiManager will begin to appear to remind cardholder that his/her password will expire in 30 days. After 60 days of inactivity, the account will suspend and the on-line password will need to be re-set.

Can my late fee be waived?

Fee adjustments are only eligible if the fee has been billed due to a Citibank error. For further concerns about this fee, please contact your Agency Program Coordinator.

Can my International fee be waived?

International fees may not be waived or disputed. For further concerns about this fee, please contact your Agency Program Coordinator.

How do I request a credit balance on my account?

Please call: 1-800-200-7056 to request a Credit Balance Refund.

• Credit Balance Refunds may be requested for any amount, there is no minimum requirement
• Credit Balance Refund checks take 2 days to process before mailing
• Credit Balance Refund checks are mailed via United States Postal Service
• Credit Balance Refund checks cannot be sent by Express Courier
• Credit Balance Refund checks are valid for 180 days from the date on the check

Or email us [email protected] and please allow three business days for us to respond.

How Do Travel Credit Cards Work?

Travel credit cards allow you to earn points and miles you can redeem for flights, hotel stays and more.

Getty Images

You'll maximize the value of your rewards by using your issuer's travel or shopping portal instead of a third-party site.

Key Takeaways

• Travel credit cards offer rewards that can save you money on the likes of flights and hotel stays, plus perks for the traveler.
• Co-branded cards apply to specific airlines or hotel chains, while general cards offer flexibility.
• Travel credit cards may come with annual fees, but higher fees may mean more rewards and perks.

Transitioning from cash back credit cards to travel credit cards can feel a little daunting. But once you get the hang of it, it's almost as straightforward. Almost.

Types of Travel Credit Cards

General travel credit cards.

These are your regular travel cards that offer rewards within a card issuer's benefits program. Say you have the American Express® Gold Card . You would redeem your rewards using the American Express Membership Rewards program. This can all be done in the app, so it's less complicated than it sounds.

These types of travel cards are best for consumers who don't have any kind of allegiance to a particular hotel or airline. These cards also have flexible redemption options, so depending on the issuer, consumers can transfer rewards to a number of travel partners.

Hotel Credit Cards

You might have seen these being called co-branded cards. That's because these cards are a partnership between a hotel chain and an issuer. Points can be redeemed for hotel perks, like free stays and room upgrades. Consumers also earn the most rewards when they use their card at their preferred hotel chain.

For example, consumers with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earn 14 Hilton Honors Bonus Points for every dollar they spend at Hilton hotels and resorts. It's worth noting, though, that cards with high earning rates often charge higher annual fees. Such is the case with the Aspire Card, as it charges an annual fee of $550.

The information for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by U.S. News and the card is not currently available on the site. The information has not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer and it is accurate as of the date posted.

Airline Credit Cards

Also considered co-branded cards, airline credit cards cater to the consumer who frequents a specific airline. Many offer introductory bonuses in the form of miles and provide perks like award flights, free checked bags and priority boarding.

The Delta SkyMiles® Blue American Express Card , for example, has a welcome offer of 10,000 miles after you spend $1,000 in eligible purchases in the first six months as a cardholder. And cardholders earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants worldwide. ( See Rates & Fees )

Common Travel Credit Card Perks

These benefits will vary depending on the type of travel credit card you have, but many perks include:

• No foreign transaction fees
• Trip cancellation and/or trip delay insurance
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry application fee credit
• Baggage delay or lost baggage insurance
• Auto rental collision damage waiver
• Airport lounge access

How Travel Credit Cards Work

Cardholders can earn points and miles in the same way they'd earn cash back. Just use your travel credit card for purchases that help you get the most rewards. Once you're ready to spend them, it's best to use your issuer's travel or shopping portal instead of a third-party site. Your rewards will have a slightly higher value that way.

Miles earned on an airline credit card get deposited into your airline frequent flyer program, usually when your statement closes. Similarly, hotel points earned on a hotel credit card get deposited into your hotel loyalty account.

Rewards earned on general travel cards have a bit more flexibility. Many have travel partners, allowing you to transfer rewards to multiple airlines, hotels and car rental companies.

How to Redeem Rewards

Rewards programs typically use a 1-to-1 conversion rate – this means one point is worth 1 cent. So 100 points are worth $1. But some issuers offer higher redemption values if you use their travel portal.

For example, if you have a Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card , one point is worth 1.25 cents when you redeem through the Chase Travel portal. Chase Sapphire Reserve® has an even higher redemption rate of 1.5 cents per point.

Another way to maximize your rewards is to transfer points or miles to a travel partner with a loyalty program you participate in. You can do this through the issuer's portal. It's worth noting, however, that once you transfer your rewards to a travel partner, you can't transfer them back to the issuer.

Once you've made the transfer, your credit card issuer is no longer part of the booking process. You then book your trip through the airline or hotel loyalty program.

How to Pick the Right Travel Card

There are a plethora of travel credit cards out there. Here's what to consider when choosing the one right for you:

• Travel preferences. Picking the right travel card means figuring out how you travel. For instance, if the airline or hotel doesn't matter to you, then a general travel card is a good starting point. But if you consider yourself, say, a Delta die-hard, a co-branded airline card would be a better option.
• Introductory bonus. When you apply is almost as important as the type of card you apply for. Issuers often change their welcome offers on a yearly basis. Unfortunately, it's impossible to predict when an issuer will increase its welcome offer. But compare these offers and determine if you're able to comfortably meet the requirements before deciding on a card.
• Annual fee. There are plenty of travel credit cards with no annual fee for the budget-conscious traveler. But remember, the higher the fee, the better the perks (usually).
• Essential perks. That TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit can go a long way. Or maybe you know you're an over-packer and need that first-checked-bag-free credit. Make sure the travel card checks all your boxes.

After learning how to get the most out of your new travel card, you'll be able to pay for whole trips with just rewards. They're essential for those consumed with wanderlust.

Tags: credit cards , Travel Credit Cards

Comparative assessments and other editorial opinions are those of U.S. News and have not been previously reviewed, approved or endorsed by any other entities, such as banks, credit card issuers or travel companies. The content on this page is accurate as of the posting date; however, some of our partner offers may have expired.

8 times your credit card’s travel insurance might not cover you

Editor's Note

Travel insurance is a great perk that comes with a number of travel rewards credit cards . If you're traveling and something goes wrong — like lost luggage, a trip delay or an unplanned medical emergency — there's a chance your credit card's travel protection could save you a lot of money.

Although some level of travel insurance can be a valuable credit card benefit, it's also important to realize that it won't cover every scenario. Like any insurance coverage, there are times when the travel insurance that comes with your credit card might not protect you.

Every policy is different, and you'll need to check with your card issuer to confirm specific policy details and limitations. Typically, you can find a full guide to your card's benefits and exclusions online.

Here are eight scenarios where your credit card's travel insurance probably won't be helpful.

Paying with the wrong credit card

Some card issuers require you to pay for travel-related expenses (or, at least, a portion of them) with their specific card to be covered if something goes wrong. But if you use multiple cards to pay for your travel purchases, perhaps in a quest to score the most rewards possible, you might find yourself only partially protected.

For example, if you pay for your flights and hotel room with your Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card but use something else to pay for the excursions on your trip. In this scenario, the excursions might not be covered if your travel plans are unexpectedly cut short because a hurricane rolls into town. However, if the second card you used also offers travel insurance, you might simply need to make multiple claims.

Related: Best credit cards with travel insurance

Preexisting medical conditions

If you need to cancel your trip due to a preexisting medical condition, you may have a hard time getting a reimbursement with your card's trip cancellation coverage. The same rule of thumb may apply if you need an emergency medical evacuation during your trip.

Depending on the card issuer's travel insurance policy, there is a potential workaround here. In a situation where you didn't know about the medical condition in advance, you might be able to make a convincing case when you file a claim.

Traveling for medical treatment

Are you planning a trip to a destination with the intention of visiting a doctor or medical facility? If so, that action hits pretty close to the definition of traveling with a preexisting condition.

When the purpose of your trip is to seek medical treatment, there's a good chance your credit card's insurance policy won't cover you if a problem comes up. Instead, you might need to consider a stand-alone travel insurance policy with a waiver for preexisting conditions if you want coverage for this type of scenario.

Related: How to pick the right travel credit card for you

Length of the trip doesn't qualify for coverage

The travel insurance policy offered through your credit card may only apply to trips of a certain length. You could run into coverage issues here if your trip is either too long or too short.

For example, with the Chase Sapphire Reserve® , you won't be covered if you're traveling for more than 60 days. With The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , travel that exceeds 365 days away from your city of residence is ineligible for trip cancellation and interruption claims.

Traveling in a war zone

Taking a trip to an area that's deemed to be a war zone (either declared or undeclared) can be troubling for several reasons, but one concern is canceled flights or other travel-related issues due to military or war-like situations. In that case, related expenses are often ineligible for travel insurance coverage through a credit card provider.

Whether war breaks out before or after you arrive at your destination, your card's travel insurance benefits likely won't cover you. If you're traveling to an unstable location or one that has a history of unrest, you may want to consider purchasing supplemental travel insurance for added peace of mind.

Recently filed claim

Some credit card travel insurance policies have an upper limit of how much money you can claim for reimbursement per 12-month period. So, if you've already filed a large claim in the last 12 months, you might not be eligible to get paid for another.

It's worth noting that The Platinum Card® from American Express offers many of its benefits per trip, so you may not have to worry as much about this particular limit if you're a cardholder.*

*Eligibility and benefit level varies by card. Terms, conditions and limitations apply. Visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for details. Policies are underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Related: Best credit cards that offer trip cancellation and interruption insurance

You test positive for COVID-19

COVID-19 is often a non-eligible sickness to qualify for coverage with certain credit card travel insurance policies. Whether you have to cancel a trip, change your travel dates or quarantine due to a positive COVID-19 test result, you might be stuck paying those expenses on your own.

All protection isn't created equal

The travel insurance provided by different card issuers comes with different types of coverage. Take the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and the Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card as examples. Both cards offer insurance coverage for trip cancellation and trip interruption. The Amex Platinum , on the other hand, only provides this benefit on round-trip travel purchased entirely with an eligible card.*

Similarly, the Sapphire Reserve offers cardholders emergency medical evacuation insurance up to $100,000, but the Sapphire Preferred does not include this benefit.

Related: How Chase Sapphire travel insurance saved my family over $1,500

Should you purchase more coverage?

No one likes to think about what could go wrong when you travel away from home. Unfortunately, sometimes problems and even disasters happen while people are traveling. If you have the right travel rewards credit cards (and you understand how their travel insurance benefits work), you can enjoy some peace of mind.

You could also consider adding third-party travel insurance if you want to beef up your coverage. Sometimes independent travel insurance may cover you when your credit card's travel insurance policy does not.

Additional travel insurance comes at a cost. The investment makes sense in some situations; other times, it does not. If you're considering a separate travel insurance policy, it's a good idea to compare costs, benefits and coverage limitations in advance.

Related: Why I buy an annual travel insurance policy

Bottom line

Whether you choose to pay for additional third-party travel insurance or not, it's helpful to learn about the travel protections the credit cards sitting in your wallet may offer you. Just remember to learn about the rules and limitations of your card's travel insurance benefits. Otherwise, you might be in for a surprise if you ever need to use them.

Read more: Is travel insurance worth it?

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Document Submission to KCC suspended for DV-2024 and onward.

Effective for the Diversity Visa (DV) program for fiscal year 2024 (DV-2024) and onward, selectees only need to submit to the Kentucky Consular Center (KCC) the DS-260 immigrant visa application form for themselves and any accompanying family members.  Once a DS-260 is received from the selectee, KCC will review it for completeness and process the data contained in both the application and the entry, after which that case will be eligible to be scheduled for a visa interview if the selectee’s visa case number is current as reflected in the Visa Bulletin. The Department recently completed a review of the document review process, in consultation with overseas posts, which show that by eliminating this step, KCC can increase the number of DV appointments scheduled during the earlier months of the program year.  

Do not submit to the KCC any other required supporting documents. Rather, all supporting documents for DV-2024 selectees will be collected and evaluated in connection with the interview at the embassy or consulate where the visa application is made.  U.S. law requires all immigrant visa applicants provide supporting documents necessary to establish eligibility for a visa.  The list of documents is available here: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/immigrate/diversity-visa-program-entry/diversity-visa-if-you-are-selected/diversity-visa-prepare-supporting-documents.html .

Failure to provide all required supporting documents to the embassy or consulate will prevent applicants from establishing their eligibility for the visa and will result in refusal of the visa application. However, a refusal for lack of documents can be overcome by timely providing any missing documents to the consular section.  We strongly encourage applicants to be prepared to demonstrate eligibility for the visa at the time of interview by bringing all required documents, which differ by country.

Selection to participate in the Diversity Visa program is not a guarantee of a visa or an interview, and each program year ends with some selectees receiving neither.

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Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions

Updated: August 13, 2024

Table of Contents

Sales tax holiday dates.

For 2024, the sales tax holiday was on:

• Saturday, August 10  and
• Sunday, August 11 .

Do You Qualify?

The sales tax holiday applies only to eligible retail items bought for personal use by individuals.

What remains taxable?

• Purchases by corporations or other businesses
• Purchases by individuals for business use.

What retail items do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

The following items are still taxable and do  not  qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption:

• Motor vehicles
• Telecommunications services
• Electricity
• Tobacco products
• Marijuana or marijuana products
• Alcoholic beverages, and
• Any single item whose price is more than $2,500.

What about internet sales?  Do those sales qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

Yes. An item will qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption if you order and pay for an eligible item over the internet:

• On the sales tax holiday and
• During Eastern Daylight Time.

No sales tax is due on that purchase, even if delivery of the item occurs after the sales tax holiday weekend.

What about layaway sales?

Layaway sales do not qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption.

Do rentals qualify for the sales tax holiday?

If you rent an item that qualifies for the sales tax holiday exemption, you can use the sales tax holiday for rentals of up to 30 days .

However, the rental must be paid for in full on the holiday weekend. 

Exempt rentals do not include:

• motor vehicles or
• motorboats.

Do all retailers have to participate in the sales tax holiday?

Yes. All businesses must take part in the sales tax holiday if the business:

• Normally makes taxable sales of tangible property in Massachusetts or to purchasers in Massachusetts and
• Is open for business on August 10 and 11.

Limitations

Is there a limit to the retail value to which the sales tax holiday exemption applies.

Yes. The sales tax holiday exemption is limited to eligible sales of items costing $2,500 or less.

What if I spend more than $2,500 on an item?

If you spend more than $2,500 on an item, the entire amount paid for the item is subject to sales tax, not just the amount that exceeds that threshold.

What if I purchase multiple items that each cost $2,500 or less, but the total price is more than $2,500?  Are all items eligible for the sales tax holiday exemption?

If the price of each individual item is $2,500 or less, you can combine as many items as you want, tax-free, even if the combined items cost more than $2,500.

Is there an exemption on clothing?

Yes. An item of clothing is generally exempt from the sales tax unless the item costs more than $175. 

For items that cost more than $175, only the amount over $175 is subject to tax.

On the sales tax holiday, if the price of an item of clothing is less than or equal to  $2,500, the entire amount is not subject to tax. 

On the sales tax holiday, if the price of an item of clothing  is more than  $2,500, the first $175 is not subject to tax but the rest would be. 

A business has advertised that a purchase I made prior to the sales tax holiday weekend can be canceled and re-booked on the holiday.  Can I do that and avoid paying sales tax?

No. You can’t cancel your prior purchase and re-book the purchase on the sales tax holiday weekend to avoid the sales tax if you:

• Put down a deposit on,
• Prepaid for or
• Otherwise promised to pay for an eligible item prior to the sales tax holiday weekend. 

Do I have to take home an item I purchase on the sales tax holiday weekend for that purchase to qualify for the sales tax holiday exemption?

No. If you pay for the item in full on the sales tax holiday weekend, you can arrange for delivery of the item after the sales tax holiday weekend.   

After the Sales Tax Holiday

What happens if i exchange or return an item once the sales tax holiday has ended.

No tax is due even if the exchange is made after the holiday. You will not be subject to the tax retroactively.

What do I do if I find that I was charged sales tax on an eligible item purchased during the sales tax holiday?

If you were charged tax in error, the business that you bought your item from is responsible for giving you a refund of the tax you paid. 

To determine the amount of your refund, you should provide the business with your:

• Other proof of purchase.

What happens if I am a retailer that accidentally collects sales tax this weekend?

Any sales or use tax erroneously collected on the sales tax holiday weekend must be remitted to DOR. 

If a customer seeks a refund of tax collected in error from you, you must refund the tax to the customer. If you have already remitted the tax to DOR, you may file an amended return to recover amounts refunded to customers.

How do I report exempt sales on my August return?

On Line 2 “Exempt Sales” of the August Sales and Use Tax Return, you will report the sales amount of the items not charged tax during the two days designated for the Sales Tax Holiday.

Contact   for Massachusetts Sales Tax Holiday Frequently Asked Questions

Dor contact.

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• Sales and Use Tax for Individuals 

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Money blog: Morrisons admits it 'went too far' with self-checkouts - as it changes strategy

Welcome to the Money blog, your place for personal finance and consumer news and tips. Today's posts include Morrisons getting rid of some self-checkouts and a Money Problem on topping up your national insurance. Leave your consumer issue below - remember to include contact details.

Monday 19 August 2024 15:54, UK

• Energy bills to rise 9% this winter - forecast
• Morrisons admits it went too far with self-checkouts
• Kellogg's shrinks size of Corn Flakes

Essential reads

• Money Problem : 'Should I top up my national insurance and could it really get me £6,000 extra?'
• Pay at every supermarket revealed - and perks staff get at each
• Couples on how they split finances when one earns more than other

Tips and advice

• All discounts you get as student or young person
• Save up to half price on top attractions with this trick
• Fines for parents taking kids out of school increasing

Ask a question or make a comment

Morrisons has admitted it "went a bit too far" with self-checkouts.

Chief executive Rami Baitiéh says the supermarket is "reviewing the balance between self-checkouts and manned tills".

Some will be removed.

Mr Baitiéh told The Telegraph : "Morrisons went a bit too far with the self-checkout. This had the advantage of driving some productivity. However, some shoppers dislike it, mainly when they have a full trolley."

The executive also said self checkouts had driven more shoplifting.

What have other supermarkets said about self-checkouts?

In April, the boss of Sainsbury's said customers liked self-checkouts...

That prompted us to ask readers for their thoughts - and we carried out a poll on LinkedIn which suggested the Sainsbury's boss was right...

Asda's chief financial officer Michael Gleeson said last week the technology had reached its limit - and said his firm would be putting more staff on tills.

Northern grocer Booths ditched almost all self-checkouts last year amid customer service concerns.

Over at Marks & Spencer, chairman Archie Norman last year blamed self-checkouts for a rise in "middle-class shoplifting".

But Tesco CEO Ken Murphy is an advocate: "We genuinely believe, at the end of the day, it provides a better customer experience."

Many retailers boosted wages after living wage/minimum wage changes in spring.

Figures show German discount brands Aldi and Lidl top the list of major UK supermarkets when it comes to staff hourly pay - after Lidl introduced its third pay increase of the year in May to match its closest rival.

Meanwhile, Morrisons is at the bottom of the pack for staff pay outside London, with hourly wages starting at the National Living Wage (£11.44).

How do other companies compare when it comes to pay and benefits? We've taken a look...

Pay: £12.40 an hour outside London and £13.65 inside the M25

Aldi announced in March it was bringing in its second pay rise of the year as part of its aim to be the best-paying UK supermarket.

From 1 June, hourly pay rose from £12 an hour to £12.40 outside the M25 and £13.55 to £13.65 in London. 

Aldi is one of the only supermarkets to give staff paid breaks. It also offers perks such as discounted gym membership and cinema tickets, and financial planning tools. However, there are no cheaper meals, staff discounts or bonus schemes.

Pay:  £12.04 an hour outside London and £13.21 inside the M25

As of 1 July, hourly wages for Asda supermarket staff rose to £12.04 per hour from £11.11, with rates for London staff also going up to £13.21.

As part of the July changes, Asda brought in the option for free later-life care or mortgage advice. The company also offers a pension and a free remote GP service.

Pay:  £12 an hour outside London and £13.15 inside the M25

Co-op boosted its minimum hourly wage for customer team members from £10.90 to £12 nationally as the national living wage rose to £11.44 in April.

For staff inside the M25, rates rose from £12.25 to £13.15.

The perks are better than some. Workers can get 30% off Co-op branded products in its food stores as well as 10% off other brands. Other benefits include a cycle to work scheme, childcare vouchers and discounts on its other services.

Pay:  £11.50 an hour outside London and £12.65 inside the M25

Iceland says it pays £11.50 for staff aged 21 and over - 6p above the minimum wage. Employees in London receive £12.65 per hour.

Staff are also offered a 15% in-store discount, which was raised from 10% in 2022 to help with the cost of living.

The firm says it offers other perks such as a healthcare scheme and Christmas vouchers.

Pay:  £12.40 an hour outside London and £13.65 inside the M25

From June, Lidl matched its rival Aldi by raising its hourly wage to £12.40 for workers outside the M25 and £13.55 for those inside.

Lidl also offers its staff a 10% discount card from the first working day, as well as other perks such as dental insurance and fertility leave. 

Marks and Spencer's hourly rate for store assistants was hiked from £10.90 to £12 for staff outside London and from £12.05 to £13.15 for London workers from April.

The grocer also offers a 20% staff discount after the probation period as well as discretionary bonus schemes and a free virtual GP service.

Pay:  £11.44 an hour outside London and £12.29 inside the M25

Along with many other retailers, Morrisons increased the hourly wage for staff outside the M25 in line with the national living wage of £11.44 in April.

Employees in London receive an 85p supplement.

While it's not the most competitive for hourly pay, Morrisons offers perks including staff discounted meals, a 15% in-store discount and life assurance scheme.

Sainsbury’s

Sainsbury's hourly rate for workers outside London rose to £12 from March, and £13.15 for staff inside the M25.

The company also offers a 10% discount card for staff to use at Sainsbury's, Argos and Habitat, as well as a range of benefits including season ticket loans and long service rewards.

Pay:  £12.02 an hour outside London and £13.15 inside the M25

Since April, Tesco staff have been paid £12.02 an hour nationally - up from £11.02 - while London workers get £13.15 an hour.

The supermarket giant also provides a 10% in-store discount, discounted glasses, health checks and insurance, and free 24/7 access to a virtual GP.

Staff get their pay boosted by 10% on a Sunday if they joined the company before 24 July 2022.

Pay:  £11.55 an hour outside London and £12.89 inside the M25

Waitrose store staff receive £11.55 an hour nationally, while workers inside the M25 get at least £12.89.

Staff can also get access to up to 25% off at Waitrose's partner retailer John Lewis as well as 20% in Waitrose shops. 

JLP (the John Lewis Partnership) gives staff a bonus as an annual share-out of profit determined by the firm's performance. In 2021-22 the bonus was 3% of pay; however, it has not paid the bonus for the past two years.

Dozens of Ted Baker stores will shut for the last time this week amid growing doubts over a future licensing partnership with the retail tycoon Mike Ashley.

Sky News understands that talks between Mr Ashley's Frasers Group and Authentic, Ted Baker's owner, have stalled three months after it appeared that an agreement was imminent.

Administrators are overseeing the closure of its remaining 31 UK shops.

One store source said they had been told that this Tuesday would be the final day of trading.

Read more ...

The housing market experienced a surge in activity following the Bank of England's recent decision to cut interest rates, according to a leading property website.

Estate agents reported a 19% jump in enquiries about properties for sale after 1 August, when compared with the same period last year, research by Rightmove found.

It came after the Bank cut rates for the first time in more than four years from 5.25% to 5%.

The lead negotiator for major train union ASLEF has denied the union sees the new government as a "soft touch" after announcing fresh strikes two days after train drivers were offered a pay deal.

Drivers working for London North Eastern Railway will walk out on weekends from the end of August in a dispute over working agreements.

Lead negotiator Nigel Roebuck said it is a separate issue from the long-running row over pay, which looks likely to be resolved after a much-improved new offer from the government.

Over 40 bottles of fake vodka have been seized from a shop in Scotland after a customer reported "smelling nail varnish".

The 35cl bottles, fraudulently labelled as the popular brand Glen's, were recovered from the shop in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire.

Officers from the council's environmental health officers and Food Standard Scotland (FSS) sent them for analysis after a customer raised the alarm by saying they smelt nail varnish from one of the bottles.

The bottles were found to be counterfeit.

Britons don't have long left to claim cost of living assistance from the Household Support Fund.

Introduced in October 2021, the scheme provides local councils with funding which can be used to support those struggling most with the rising cost of living.

The vast majority of councils operate their version of the Household Support Fund on a "first come, first serve" basis and will officially end the schemes once the funding has run out in September.

The help provided by councils has ranged from free cash payments, council tax discounts, and vouchers for supermarkets and energy providers.

Who is eligible?

Local authorities were instructed to target the funding at "vulnerable households in most need of support to help with significantly rising living costs" when it was first rolled out.

In particular, councils were guided to make priority considerations for those who: 

• Are eligible but not claiming qualifying benefits;
• Became eligible for benefits after the relevant qualifying dates;
• Are receiving housing benefit only;
• Are normally eligible for benefits but who had a nil award in the qualifying period.

If you do not meet these criteria, you can still contact your local council , with many having broadened their criteria for eligibility.

By Daniel Binns, business reporter

Weapons maker BAE Systems is the big loser on the FTSE 100 this morning, with its shares down almost 3% in early trading.

It comes following reports over the weekend that the German government is planning to scale back aid to Ukraine in its war with Russia – in what would be a blow to the arms industry.

German media said ministers are set to slash support for Kyiv to 6% of current levels by 2027 in their upcoming budget.

However, the government there has rejected the reports and has denied it is "stopping support" to Ukraine.

Whatever the truth, the reports appear to have spooked traders.

Other companies involved in the defence sector, including Rolls-Royce Plc and Chemring Group, are also down more than 2% and 1% respectively on Monday.

It comes amid a slight slump in early trading, with the FTSE 100 down just over 0.2%, although the FTSE 250 is up 0.07%.

Gainers this morning include housebuilders Barratt Developments, up 1.5%, and Redrow Plc, which is up almost 3%.

Barratt said today it intends to push ahead with a planned £2.5bn merger with its rival despite concerns from the competition regulator.

Meanwhile, the price of oil is down amid concerns of weaker demand in China.

Ongoing ceasefire talks in the Israel-Hamas conflict have also raised hopes of cooling tensions in the Middle East, which would help ease supply risks and worries.

A barrel of the benchmark Brent Crude is currently priced at just over $79 (£61).

On the currency markets, this morning £1 buys $1.29 US or €1.17.

Winter energy bills are projected to rise by 9%, according to a closely watched forecast.

The price cap from October to December will go up to £1,714 a year for the average user, Cornwall Insight says.

It would be a £146 rise from the current cap, which is controlled by energy regulator Ofgem and aims to prevent households on variable tariffs being ripped off.

The cap doesn't represent a maximum bill. Instead it creates an average bill by limiting how much you pay per unit of gas and electricity, as well as setting a maximum daily standing charge (which all households must pay to stay connected to the grid).

Ofgem will announce the October cap this Friday.

"This is not the news households want to hear when moving into the colder months," said the principal consultant at Cornwall, Dr Craig Lowrey.

"Following two consecutive falls in the cap, I'm sure many hoped we were on a steady path back to pre-crisis prices. 

"However, the lingering impact of the energy crisis has left us with a market that's still highly volatile and quick to react to any bad news on the supply front.

"Despite this, while we don't expect a return to the extreme prices of recent years, it's unlikely that bills will return to what was once considered normal. Without significant intervention, this may well be the new normal."

Cornwall Insight warned that the highly volatile energy market and unexpected global events, such as the recent escalating tensions in the Russia-Ukraine war, could see prices rise further at the start of the new year.

To avoid this vulnerability, Cornwall Insight said domestic renewable energy production should increase and Britain should wean itself off energy imports.

Kellogg's appears to have shrunk its packets of Corn Flakes. 

Two of its four different pack sizes have reduced in weight by 50g, according to The Sun. 

What used to be 720g boxes are now 670g, while 500g boxes have become 450g. 

The newspaper says the 670g boxes are being sold for £3.20 in Tesco - the same price customers were paying for the larger box back in May. 

The 450g boxes are being sold for £2.19, only slightly less than the previous price of £2.25.

Other supermarkets have similar pricing, although in Morrisons the price has gone down in proportion to the size reduction.

The 250g and 1kg pack sizes remain unchanged. 

Kellogg's has said it is up to shops to choose what they charge, but Tesco said the manufacturer should comment on pricing. 

Sky News has contacted Kellogg's for comment.

A spokesperson is quoted by The Sun: "Kellogg's Corn Flakes are available in four different box sizes to suit different shopper preferences and needs. 

"As the cost of ingredients and production processes increase, it costs us more to make our products than it used to.

"This can impact the recommended retail price. It's the grocer's absolute discretion and decision what price to charge shoppers."

WHSmith has launched a café brand as it seeks to expand into the food-to-go market.

The first café is in Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton and offers teas and coffees, hot breakfasts and pastries

Its branding is the same as the Smith Family Kitchen food-to-go range launched three months ago.

WHSmith UK travel managing director Andrew Harrison said: "Whether it's in a hospital or on their journeys, customers tell us that quality food and drink options are what they prioritise most in the different locations we serve.

"That's why we have been doubling down on our food ranges and formats to ensure our customers don't need to compromise on quality or value, as demonstrated today with the launch of Smith's Kitchen."

By Jimmy Rice, Money blog editor

Every Monday the Money team answers your Money Problems or consumer disputes. Find out how to submit yours at the bottom of this post. Today's question is...

I'm 62 and have 10 years of gaps in my national insurance record as I worked for my parents' import business without a fixed wage during most of my twenties and thirties, and had periods of unemployment in my fifties. What are the benefits of topping up before I retire in a few years and can I really get £6,000 added to my pension for every £900 I put in?  Tony, Palmers Green

This is a question many people approaching retirement will be asking themselves, Tony.

First, it's worth us outlining why your national insurance record matters and who can top up.

If you reached pension age after 6 April 2016 you need 10 years of NI contributions to get a state pension - and 35 years to get the full £221.20 a week. Before that 2016 date, it's 30 years.

People may have gaps in their record for numerous reasons including: being unemployed, on a low income, self-employed, having worked abroad, or having taken a break from work to raise a family.

Ordinarily, you can pay voluntary contributions for the past six years - but currently there's an extended period meaning a man born after 5 April 1951 or a woman born after 5 April 1953 can pay voluntary contributions to make up for gaps between April 2006 and April 2016.

The deadline for this is 5 April 2025.

How much could topping up earn you?

It would cost £907.40 to cover all NI contributions from the 2023-24 tax year - each year is different but this is a good guide. Going back to your question, if you went on to enjoy 20 years of retirement, you would get back £6,000. It would take just three years to get your £907.40 back.

Who might want to think twice?

Just to stress, as always, that this post is not intended as financial advice. Instead, we're outlining things you should think about.

The first thing anyone should consider is if they'll fill gaps naturally through working - in which case there'd be no point topping up. Given your age, Tony, it could be an option for you - but check your state pension forecast  here .

There are lots of other things to factor in and you should seek independent financial advice.

Wealth management firm  Charles Stanley  says a key consideration is whether a higher pension would either:

• Drag you into paying tax when you retire;
• Mean you no longer qualify for certain benefits.

"You might not benefit from the full amount of extra money as some will be taken in income tax," they say.

"In addition, boosting state pension income can affect entitlements to means-tested benefits. Notably, if you claim pension credit, which tops up the income of very low earners over state pension age, any increase in the state pension would normally reduce an award. This often means that you would be no better off paying voluntary contributions."

Another consideration - and this isn't something most people want to contemplate - is that if you don't think you'll live long enough into retirement (you might be in ill-health or have a terminal illness) to benefit from topping up, then it's probably not worth it.

People should also look into whether they could transfer contributions from their spouse or civil partner .

One more way to top up

Which? advises: "Ensure that you are getting any NI credits you are entitled to before contemplating paying voluntary NI contributions for a particular year. 

"These are free and will apply, say, if you are caring for a child in the family as a parent or grandparent, claiming statutory sick pay or looking after a sick/disabled person."

If you're below state pension age, you can contact the Future Pension Centre to see if you'll benefit from topping up - they're on 0800 731 0175. If you already claim the state pension, call the Pension Service on 0800 731 0469.

Again, before taking any action you should seek independent financial advice.

If you do decide to top up, you'll need a Government Gateway account.

On there, you can see gaps, the cost of filling them and how much you could benefit - you can then pay online.

This feature is not intended as financial advice - the aim is to give an overview of the things you should think about. Submit your dilemma or consumer dispute via:

• The form above - you need to leave a phone number or email address so we can contact you for further details;
• Email [email protected] with the subject line "Money blog";
• WhatsApp us here.

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Help! I’ve Been Ripped Off. I Want My Money Back!

Our columnist addresses a case of wire fraud, a credit card scheme and a dubious website — just three examples of the types of reader woe that regularly surface in the Tripped Up inbox.

By Seth Kugel

Dear Tripped Up,

I took a 7.95-euro taxi ride in Paris and charged it to my Citi credit card, but the driver refused to provide a receipt, and my card was charged $795.85. Citi would not reimburse this obvious fraud. Can you help? Ann, Philadelphia

We booked a $5,500 stay at an apartment in Amsterdam via Vrbo, and soon after, the property owner contacted us requiring that we wire him the full cost of the rental. We were reluctant but had successfully wired money before for a stay in Italy, so we went ahead with it. The owner canceled at the last minute, and the refund he promised never came through. Vrbo is stalling. Can you help? Kevin, Seattle

I wanted to enroll my two college-age children in Global Entry , the program run by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency, so they could speed through passport checkpoints with me. So I Googled “Global Entry application” and clicked on the top link, which looked at first glance like an official government site. I filled in the forms and was charged $249 per application. When I realized my mistake — the actual government fee is $100 — I asked for a refund and eventually got everything but the $100 fees back. The applications did go through, but these people were super sketchy, and I’m worried about identity theft. Doesn’t Google have an obligation not to promote a fraudulent site? Christine, New York

Dear Ann, Kevin and Christine,

You are all experienced travelers, and yet you were caught in three schemes that, unfortunately, regularly surface in the Tripped Up inbox of reader woe.

The Olympics are underway in France, so let’s start with Ann. The taxi driver took your credit card, overcharged you and didn’t supply a receipt.

In the last few months, I’ve received multiple reader complaints specifically about Paris taxis, but such things happen just about everywhere. In fact, we covered a similar scam in Mexico in June. Doubly frustrating in situations like these is that the fraudsters are individuals or small businesses that are hard to track down, especially in a country where you don’t speak the language. So Ann, like other victims, you turned to your credit card issuer’s fraud department.

But that’s a crapshoot, as you learned. Different card issuers have different policies, not to mention inconsistent applications of those policies. And if you didn’t actually lose the card, and the transaction happened through a chip, you may be out of luck.

I intervened on the behalf of three victims of the Paris taxi scam: Ann, Nabeel from Atlanta (also a Citi customer), and Ronald from Sarasota, Fla., who used a Chase card. I had mixed results. Two days after I got in touch with Citi, Ann received an email with what sounded like a very final denial, “respectfully” declining to reimburse her because she did not provide a receipt. In a happy coda, Laura Barganier, a spokeswoman for Citi, then told me that after further review Ann would be reimbursed.

Nabeel turns out to have filed the wrong kind of claim, Ms. Barganier said, and Citi has reached out to him for further information. And a spokesman for Chase said that Ronald was denied correctly because he did not provide a receipt or other evidence.

While there’s no singular solution for this type of fraud, the best policy to prevent it is to avoid handing your physical credit card to anyone. Americans have long been accustomed to parting with their cards, particularly in restaurants, but break the practice by insisting on tapping (or better, inserting) the card yourself. Then keep a careful eye on the screen, require a receipt and cause a scandal if you don’t get one. If you suspect fraud, call your credit card company immediately.

As a backup, always carry cash, so if the merchant insists that you hand over the card or the machine isn’t wireless, you can avoid using a card at all. (Of course, you must then be sure you are very familiar with the denominations of local bills and triple-check your change.)

If you booked a car or hailed a taxi, take a photo of your driver’s hack license when you get in, if there’s one visible, so if you do get scammed, you can report the crime to the local authorities and help prevent such crimes in the future. According to the Parisian police, such incidents should be reported via an English-language site called Signal Conso . (I learned the very cool French word for scam: “escroquerie.”)

Now over to Kevin and the all-too-common travel fraud using money wires. Good news, Kevin — Vrbo agreed to reimburse you for the rental, as well as the two nights you spent in a hotel as you arranged another rental.

You were covered by Vrbo’s Book With Confidence Guarantee , which, according to a statement from Mel Fish, a company spokeswoman, includes “safeguards against fraudulent listings, lodging assistance if travelers are unable to check in, and rebooking support if a host cancels at the last minute.” You will receive $7,079.

But all travelers: Pay with your credit cards whenever possible. Wiring money to individuals is the reddest of red flags in travel, as it’s almost impossible to claw back international wire transfers. Kevin’s long fight for reimbursement was ultimately successful because some blame lay on a deep-pocketed intermediary like Vrbo, part of the Expedia Group. But if he had booked directly through the company offering the Amsterdam rental, Grand Stay BV, he would have been out of luck. When I checked it out last week, its website was bare on details (and not surprisingly, the company didn’t respond to my requests for comment through its listed WhatsApp number). Vrbo told me that it had actually removed the company from its listings months ago, and the website has now been taken down.

That brings us to Christine and her desire to help expedite her children through passport control. Christine, in your online search for Global Entry, you said you received a page of Google search results and clicked on a sponsored website — Globaleny-travelus.com — that appeared, you told me, above the official Global Entry site, hosted by Customs and Border Protection.

When I checked a few weeks later, that site was no longer advertised on Google, but a very similar site was — one that even used the same email addresses, according to other complaints I found on online message boards. Then that one disappeared and another took its place. There are countless other sites that look very similar and purport to help you with the application form, though all they do is have you fill out a similar form.

The ad violated Google’s rules, said Nate Funkhouser, a Google spokesman. The only entities that may advertise government services like this one, according to Google policy, are the government sites themselves and companies explicitly authorized to do so by the government.

“Our team is always working to prevent scams on our platforms and removed the ads violating our policies,” Mr. Funkhouser wrote, but added, “Sometimes bad ads can temporarily evade our detection.” He said Google encourages users to report any possible violations. It appears that, at least for now, Google has expunged dubious ads from searches for Global Entry applications.

But sketchy travel companies everywhere purchase ads on Google and other search engines, and then book reservations for travelers, charging them fees or charging commissions to the companies with which they book.

One example of a typical complaint came from Rebecca, a reader in Pacifica, Calif. She booked a room at the Cambria Hotel Calabasas in Malibu after clicking on an ad that prominently displayed the URL, or web address, cambriacalabasas.guestreservations.com.

But the actual web address for the hotel is cambriacalabasas.com . The company Rebecca booked through, GuestReservations.com, had set up a subdomain on its own servers to mimic the hotel’s web address, as it does for countless other hotels.

GuestReservations.com has the veneer of a legitimate website, with a media contact listed at the bottom. (No one responded when I wrote to it.) It operates by booking rooms for clients through Priceline Partner Solutions , a business-to-business service that allows small agencies to book Priceline inventory.

When Rebecca arrived at the Cambria, hotel staff members said it was overbooked and that she could go to a nearby Marriott. They initially told her she would be reimbursed — yet when the Cambria realized she had not booked directly, they said she would have to seek reimbursement from the third-party site. It created a frustrating and confusing situation for Rebecca, as she thought she was booking directly in the first place.

The Cambria and other hotels can’t do much about it without spending a huge amount on Google ads themselves: Mr. Funkhouser, the Google spokesman, told me that such ads generally do not violate its policies (unless the company does not deliver the services).

“It’s very frustrating,” said Kylie Chen, the senior digital marketing manager for 24seven Hotels , which owns the Cambria. She told me that sites like GuestReservations.com pull photos from the hotels’ own sites, but when the hotel group reaches out to them to remove them, “it’s always hard to find any point of response or contact.”

“I feel like Google will let anyone advertise,” she added.

This is, of course, not true . But to be safe, travelers should skip right past sponsored results and pay careful attention to the web address of the site they are clicking on, whether it’s on Google or any other search engine.

If you need advice about a best-laid travel plan that went awry, send an email to [email protected] .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Seth Kugel is the columnist for “ Tripped Up ,” an advice column that helps readers navigate the often confusing world of travel. More about Seth Kugel

Open Up Your World

Considering a trip, or just some armchair traveling here are some ideas..

52 Places:  Why do we travel? For food, culture, adventure, natural beauty? Our 2024 list has all those elements, and more .

Lake Como, Italy:  Stars like George Clooney frequent this scenic corner of northern Italy, but you might be surprised by how affordable it can be. Here’s an insider’s guide .

South of France:  Horses, bulls and birds of all types live among the pink marshes of the Camargue, a rugged landscape shaped  by the relentless push and pull of sea and river.

Disney Theme Parks:  As Disney has raised the cost of tickets and hotel rooms at its theme parks, and added pricey, difficult-to-navigate tools, even its most loyal fans are asking themselves  if they should rethink their vacations.

Helsinki, Finland:   Explore the stunning architecture  of the new central library, browse treasure-filled shops in the Design District, sweat in a wood-burning sauna, sip cocktails on a schooner and trek across islands in the surrounding archipelago.

Salzburg, Austria:  The compact Austrian city of medieval alleys, majestic Alpine views and just 150,000 residents bursts to life in the summer .