The Air Force recently announced it is transitioning back from the Controlled Spend Account travel cards to the Government Travel Card program by the end of September 2012.
"Frequent travelers experienced many problems when attempting to use their cards," said 1st Lt. Khalisha Savage, 48th Comptroller Squadron financial services flight commander and GTC coordinator. "Primarily, the temporary spend limit increases would often expire or would not activate in time for members to purchase [travel] tickets. Additionally, many ATMs would not accept the [CSA] card or the spend limit increases would have to be separately activated in order to procure an ATM advance."
Savage went on to explain some of the differences between the two cards.
"The GTC offers a permanent credit limit [whereas the] CSA offers a 'temporary spend limit' increase, activated by travel orders for permanent change of station, temporary duty or deployment," she said.
With the change from the CSA back to the GTC, paying for travel expenses should be smoother.
"The permanent credit limit is set and will allow the traveler to use the card anytime," said Savage. "There is no expiration date for this limit and travelers can book flights, charge for meals or services or access ATM advances without the fear of [being] declined."
The transition to the GTC is scheduled to begin late this summer. Until Airmen receive notification about the transition, they should continue to use the CSA as normal.
"Ultimately, the transition will enable a more user-friendly card that will allow travelers to access services without card interruption," said Savage.
As the transition happens, the 48th CPTS will provide training to all agency program coordinators. If Airmen have any questions about the transition, they should contact their unit's coordinator.