Government Travel Card Misuse and Delinquency

Employees who travel for the Coast Guard on official business are required to use their Government Travel Credit Card (GTCC).  In doing so, employees are responsible for following the rules explained in the GTCC training and adhering to applicable policies and procedures.  It is also the employee’s responsibility to safeguard the card and use it only for official business travel when on approved travel orders.  The GTCC is not for use for personal purchases or when not on official travel.  Failure to use the GTCC in an authorized manner may lead to suspension or revocation of the GTCC as well as disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal Service.

Appropriate uses of the GTCC while on official travel include:

  • Making transportation reservations such as plane/train tickets;
  • Booking hotel and car rentals;
  • Meals and Incidentals (tolls, parking, gas, etc); and
  • Cash withdrawals to cover expenses which cannot be paid for by using the travel card and are reimbursable in accordance with the federal travel regulations. 

Employees are expected to pay the GTCC billing statement in full on or before the due date. 

Payment in full is required regardless of reimbursement. Failure to pay the GTCC within the billing cycle requirements, may lead to suspension or revocation of the GTCC as well as disciplinary action, up to and including removal from Federal Service. 

Supervisors are responsible for ensuring employees are aware of the GTCC policies and procedures.  Supervisors also should refer to any applicable collective bargaining agreements for further clarification on policies and procedures if they supervise bargaining unit employees.  If misuse or delinquency occurs, supervisors are expected to take appropriate administrative action.  Supervisors should contact their servicing CG-124 Specialist regarding any questions concerning these expectations.