Launching a new force in travel card programs

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  • Submitted by 341st Comptroller Squadron personnel
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  By now you've heard the buzz. The new Controlled Spend Account, or CSA, card is replacing the traditional government travel card. But what does it all mean? More importantly, what impact will it have?

Over the next few months, the Air Force will be converting to the CSA. The CSA is uniquely different from the government travel card and provides the traveler with increased flexibility to meet their travel needs. Fueled by "mission-driven" spend limits and unprecedented worldwide merchant acceptance, the new program allows the traveler to fulfill mission requirements while also minimizing the risk of delinquency. An extensive pilot program validated the tremendous benefits to the Air Force, automating processes to reap huge manpower savings without negatively impacting the traveler. And most importantly, the CSA delivers a higher level of card excellence so travelers can perform their missions with confidence while making travel-related purchases with ease.

New Standards in Operational Excellence
Using the card is simple and travelers no longer have to worry about using the card for the wrong purchase. Once travel orders are approved, the CSA's spend limit automatically adjusts based on the estimated dollar amount for that particular mission. In addition, the unprecedented merchant acceptance allows the card's use for all reimbursable travel expenses (TDY, PCS and deployments). Making purchases from any location around the world has never been easier - through Citi's global network and with an expanded number of merchants allowed, the CSA cards are accepted at more than 30 million merchant locations worldwide. Access to ATMs further simplifies the process for getting cash in local currencies.

Enhancing Security with Greater Flexibility
Increased access to more merchants however, does not pose more risks. "The cards only have value when the traveler has an approved travel order," said Mike Bilbrey, Air Force Banking Officer. "Spend limits adjust automatically when orders are issued, amended or canceled. Once the mission is complete, travelers simply submit their travel vouchers for processing and the payment updates the spend limit to reflect the actual cost of the trip. Any residual funds remaining on the CSA are available for use by the cardholder or can be transferred to another personal account. "Additionally, cardholders have the same protection and dispute capabilities that exist in the traditional government program.

Deliver Mission Accountability While Better Managing Cash Flows
The CSA program delivers a more efficient travel program and allows the Air Force to better manage cash flows. Kessler AFB just completed a five month pilot of the CSA program. Keesler's Financial Services Officer, 2nd Lt. Bill Kiser said, "I've always felt my focus should be toward evaluating and improving processes to ensure customers are paid in an accurate and efficient manner. The CSA program allowed Kessler to transform the travel process by eliminating arduous tasks associated with setting up mission assignments and streamlining the reconciliation process. Translation, I'm saving 12-20 hours per week on tasks previously spent on the (GTC) program and delinquency management." This ability to accurately determine spend limits also has a powerful impact on the Air Force's ability to better manage tight budgets.

Premier Support - No Matter Where The Mission Takes You
At the foundation of the CSA is Citi's 24/7/365 customer service network providing cardholders with support from anywhere in the world. Immediate service is now at the cardholder's fingertips as they can call Citi directly when they need assistance or manage their accounts on-line. Additional coverage for insurance, travel, medical and emergency assistance combines to deliver the most comprehensive coverage in the card industry.

A Transformation is Underway
The Air Force has partnered with Citi - the leading provider of innovative card programs globally - to expand the CSA program throughout the Air Force. The goal is to transition all bases and users in a phased in approach by April 2011. Look for announcements and training updates to stay abreast of the latest news. For more information, please e-mail afcsa.travelcard@pentagon.af.mil or visit "virtual Finance" on the Air Force Portal (Life and Career: Money - Welcome to virtual Finance!).