Important changes to controlled spend account card

  • Published
  • By Airman First Class Antonio Gonzalez
  • 2nd Bomb Wing Public Affairs
BARKSDALE AIF FORCE BASE. La. --  The controlled spend account card formerly known as the government travel card, has undergone some recent policy changes.

Effective immediately, the CSA card may only be used for expenses related to official government travel.

"Authorized expenses relating to official government travel include but are not limited to per diem meals, lodging, airline tickets, rental car, gas, tolls, taxi, excess baggage and permanent change of station costs," said Staff Sgt. Maria Hudgeons, 2nd Comptroller Squadron NCO-in charge of special actions.

After completion of official travel, card holders can no longer use the CSA card for personal purchases.

"In the past it was advertized that once the card is paid off, members can use the residual balance as a prepaid card," said Hudgeons. "Now the policy has changed and members cannot use that card if they are not on official travel."

According to guidance posted at defensetravel.dod.mil, the excess balance on the CSA card can be obtained by using one of the following options:

· Electronic funds transfer to a personal account through Citibank's online access system or by calling 877-784-1407 directly. Transactions usually take 48-72 hours, and there is no charge.

· Travelers can call Citibank at the number above to request funds by check. Mailed check transactions usually take 14 business days, and there is no charge.

· A refund check will automatically be mailed to the cardholder after 60 days of inactivity on the account. Mailed check transactions usually take 14 business days, and there is no charge.

· Members can withdraw the funds from an Automated Teller Machine. The traveler has immediate access to funds up to the $500 ATM limit; however, ATM service fees and a Citibank surcharge of 2 percent are not reimbursable.

For more information contact Staff Sgt. Maria Hudgeons at 456-4674 or by email at maria.hudgeons@barksdale.af.mil.