Controlled Spend Accounts to replace GTC Published Jan. 27, 2011 By 52nd Comptroller Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- By now there's plenty of buzz that the new controlled spend account card is replacing the traditional government travel card. But what does it all mean, and, more importantly, how will it impact Airmen? Using the card is simple. Once travel orders are approved, the CSA's spend limit automatically adjusts based on the estimated dollar amount for that particular mission. Cards only have value when the traveler has an approved travel order. 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. The merchant acceptance allows the card's use for all reimbursable travel expenses to include temporary duty assignments, permanent changes of station and deployments. Access to ATMs further simplifies the process for getting cash in local currencies. Although there is a $500 cash limit per trip, the limit can be raised by APC. The Air Force has partnered with Citi to implement the CSA program throughout the Air Force. The goal is to transition all bases and users in a phased approach by April 2011. There are major milestones for transitioning Spangdahlem AB users to the CSA. - Feb. 7: Infrequent travelers (0 - 3 trips in fiscal year 2010) - March 18: Occasional travelers (4 - 10 trips in fiscal year 2010) - April 8: Frequent travelers (11 - 23 trips in fiscal year 2010) - May: Super travelers via applications (24 or more trips in fiscal year 2010) Transition to the CSA is automatic. All GTC holders with a current account and a zero credit balance will receive the new CSA. To ensure travelers are not stranded on a TDY during this transition period, GTC holders with upcoming travel orders will not be transferred. Cards will be issued to these people once travel is complete and there is a zero balance on the GTC account. Once the CSA card is received, ensure the following steps are completed to activate the account: - Verify the card is received by following the directions on the sticker. - Call customer service to create a PIN for ATM use. - Check DTS to ensure the account number is updated in system. - Ensure timely input of travel orders - at least 5 days prior to travel. Citi has a customer-service network that is always open and providing cardholders with support from anywhere in the world. Cardholders can call Citi directly when they need assistance or manage their accounts on-line. - CSA Customer Service Number: 877-784-1407, or overseas collect 817-802-1468 - Cardholders can call Citi to request a Temporary Spend Limit increase, followed by an order amendment when required. - Increases to spending limit, with approved orders or TSLs, will generate email notifications to the cardholder and APC. - All benefits and protections such as insurance and fraud protection will remain. Additional support is provided by unit APCs and the 52nd Fighter Wing APC, Eric L. Pangelinan who can be reached at DSN 452-5825 or eric.pangelinan@spangdahlem.af.mil. For more information, visit "virtual Finance" on the Air Force Portal.