New controlled spend account reduces delinquency Published Feb. 18, 2011 By 21st Comptroller Squadron PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- The formerly predominant GTC, or government travel card, is quickly becoming obsolete as the new controlled spend account cards arrive in the mailboxes of Air Force Space Command Airmen. AFSPC has already issued a round of cards to GTC cardholders whose credit balances were zero and for whom no travel orders remained pending. GTC cardholders meeting these criteria have likely been auto-enrolled by Citibank and already issued CSA cards, even without the card application process. All other cardholders with balances outstanding or with authorized travel orders should contact Citibank or their area program coordinator to obtain an application to request the new CSA card. The CSA card has numerous advantages over the GTC. The card acts more like a debit card than a credit card, with funds pre-loaded onto the card prior to traveling based on estimated amounts on the traveler's orders. This is advantageous because with the GTC all cards had full-time credit limits ranging from $4,000 to $7,500, which unfortunately allowed members not in a travel status to use the card for unauthorized purposes. The change to the new card is designed to help eliminate the abuse perpetrated through the old system. No credit check is required to be a CSA cardholder, so every Airman is automatically eligible for the card automatically. Also, the voucher settlement payment goes directly to Citibank. The traveler may use any residual balance on the card for personal expenses, or they may request a check from Citibank or withdraw the remaining funds from an ATM or from any branch of Citibank. With the CSA system, leadership will spend less time monitoring accounts for delinquency and misuse. The CSA card will base card spending limits on approved travel orders and provide just enough funds to cover the TDY or PCS. If additional funds are needed while the traveler is on travel status, Citibank or the traveler's area program coordinator can be contacted and a "temporary spend limit" can adjust the balance on the card to accommodate the traveler's needs. The CSA card will serve Airmen by cutting down on GTC abuse and delinquencies. The card has zero value when the traveler does not have an approved travel order in the accounting system, which eliminates the potential for theft, fraud or abuse. In addition, the CSA system requires the full travel voucher settlement to be paid to the member's Citibank account to ensure the CSA bill is paid first. Airmen across AFSPC are encouraged to educate themselves on CSA prior to making future travel plans, as policy has significantly changed with the transition from GTC to CSA. Airmen can learn more about CSA by accessing the "Virtual Finance" site on the Air Force Portal or accessing Citibank's CSA website at www.airforcetravelcard.transactionservices.citi.com. The next phase of cards will soon be issued to all other cardholders with the goal of fully rolling over to CSA by March 2011. Airmen who are interested in applying to get their CSA sooner or who have unique cardholder concerns and questions can contact their area program coordinator, Citibank directly, or the local finance office at 556-4770 for additional information.