How to Use Your Citi Government Travel Card: A Step-by-Step Guide

The Citi Government Travel Card is accepted at over 27 million merchant locations and 1.5 million ATMs worldwide. Designed to simplify travel-related purchases for U.S. Government civilian and military personnel, this card significantly reduces the paperwork and administrative costs associated with official government travel.

Furthermore, it's not just a convenience—it's actually mandated by Public Law 105-264 for all official travel expenses.

Whether you're using a Centrally Billed Account (CBA) or an Individually Billed Account (IBA), understanding how to properly manage your government travel card is essential. Standard IBAs offer a $7,500 credit line, while Restricted IBAs provide $4,000 in credit.

Additionally, the card offers valuable benefits like lost luggage insurance and travel accident insurance that can provide peace of mind during your official trips.

In this step-by-step guide, I'll walk you through everything you need to know about using your Citi Government Travel Card effectively—from the application process to managing your account online and handling potential disputes. By the end, you'll have a clear understanding of your responsibilities as a cardholder and how to make the most of this important financial tool during your government travel assignments.

Step 1: Understand What the Citi Government Travel Card Is

The Citi Government Travel Card serves as a specialized payment tool designed specifically for official government travel expenses. Established with a history dating back to 1812, Citi has developed this card to provide a flexible and convenient purchasing solution for government personnel.

Who is eligible to receive the card

According to federal guidelines, all government employees who potentially travel for official duties are eligible to receive the Citi Government Travel Card. This includes both military personnel and civilian contractors across hundreds of Federal Government agencies. The Travel and Transportation Reform Act (TTRA) of 1998 (Public Law 105-264) specifically mandates the use of this card by all U.S. Government civilian and military personnel to pay for official travel.

Important to realize, having a government travel card is considered a privilege rather than a right. For those whose roles require regular travel, the application process typically begins with your department coordinator who can initiate the online application via CitiManager. Improper use can result in card cancelation, consequently requiring you to pay for future travel out of pocket.

Types of accounts: IBA vs CBA

There are two primary types of accounts available under the Citi Government Travel Card program:

Individually Billed Accounts (IBAs) are issued directly to government employees. With an IBA, you are personally responsible for paying all charges, fees, and reconciling your account. These accounts come in two variations:

• Standard accounts offer a credit line of $7,500 and require a credit score of 660 or higher

• Restricted accounts provide a $4,000 credit line for those with scores between 500-659 or who decline the credit check

Centrally Billed Accounts (CBAs) are established to pay for official transportation and other travel-related expenses. In essence, the government department or agency bears responsibility for payment, not the individual traveler. CBAs are generally used by Commercial Travel Office managers or issued to select groups of travelers needing the flexibility of charging directly to a Department of Defense liability account.

What expenses are covered

The Citi Government Travel Card can be used exclusively for official government travel and related expenses while away from your official station or duty location. Specifically, these expenses include:

• Air and rail tickets

• Lodging accommodations

• Automobile rentals

• Transportation services

• Food service establishments

• Fuel purchases

• ATM cash withdrawals (if authorized)[71]

For Individually Billed Accounts, charges related to meals and groceries are generally your responsibility to repay to CitiBank. These individually billed charges include restaurants, convenience stores, and food delivery services like UberEats or DoorDash. Upon returning from travel, you'll receive your per diem amount after submitting vouchers, which can then be used to repay these expenses.

The card offers additional benefits for travelers, primarily including insurance coverage for permanently lost, stolen, or damaged articles when carrier fare is charged to the card, as well as accidental loss coverage while using common carriers.

Step 2: How to Apply and Activate Your Card

Applying for a Citi Government Travel Card involves several steps that must be completed properly to ensure you receive your card before your official travel. The process typically begins with your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) who serves as your primary point of contact for all card-related matters.

Where to get the application form

The application for a Citi Government Travel Card is primarily available through an online process. Unlike previous systems, paper applications are generally no longer accepted for new travel cards. To start your application:

1. Contact your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) to obtain the necessary invitation passcode and email address required for the online application

2. Visit citimanager.com/login to access the application portal

3. Select "Apply for Card" on the website's right-hand side

4. Choose "Invitation Passcode" and click continue

5. Enter the passcode provided by your APC along with their email address

   
   

Remember to submit your application at least 15 business days before your scheduled travel date to allow sufficient processing time. If you need your card expedited, select "X" when prompted for card delivery during the application process.

Completing the credit check process

Under the Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act of 2012, a creditworthiness assessment is mandatory before issuing a government travel card. Here's what to expect:

• Citibank will perform a "soft check" of your credit score, which doesn't impact your credit history

• If you consent to the credit check and have a score of 660 or higher, you'll qualify for a standard card with a $7,500 credit limit

• If your score falls between 500-659 or you decline the credit check, you'll receive a restricted card with a $4,000 credit limit

Some applicants may need to complete an Alternate Credit Worthiness Evaluation (DD Form 2883) if they don't consent to a credit score check. However, this form contains sensitive personal information and should not be uploaded to CitiManager.

Prior to approval, you must complete the mandatory GSA SmartPay Travel Cardholder Training and provide a copy of your training certificate. This training must be renewed every three years to maintain compliance.

How to activate your card and set your PIN

Once approved, your card will typically arrive within 7-10 business days. Upon receiving your Citi Government Travel Card:

1. Verify that your name is printed correctly on the card

2. Call the number on the sticker on the front of the card to confirm receipt

3. For security purposes, provide the last four digits of your Social Security Number when prompted (a requirement under the Patriot Act)

4. Access cardactivation.citi.com to create your CitiManager username and password

   
   

Setting up your PIN is essential since most merchants require it for security purposes. You can establish your PIN during the activation process or later through one of these methods:

• Within the CitiManager mobile app

• Online through CitiManager (Citi Commercial Cards)

• By calling Citi at 800-790-7206

Remember that a PIN must be embedded within your card; otherwise, transactions may be declined. Although some merchants can bypass the PIN requirement, most require it for security purposes.

After activation, sign your card immediately and secure it until you're ready for official travel.

Step 3: Using the Card During Official Travel

Proper usage of your Citi Government Travel Card ensures a smoother official travel experience. Once activated, this card becomes your primary payment method for all authorized travel expenses.

What purchases are allowed

Your Citi Government Travel Card can only be used for official government travel and travel-related expenses while away from your duty station. Authorized purchases include:

• Air and rail tickets

• Transportation services

• Lodging accommodations

• Automobile rentals

• Meals at food service establishments

• Fuel purchases

• ATM cash withdrawals (if authorized)

Remember that the card is exclusively for your use—no family members, colleagues, or friends are permitted to use it. Moreover, personal expenses unrelated to official travel are strictly prohibited. This includes purchases for entertainment, gambling, or expenses for anyone other than yourself.

How to use the card at ATMs

Access to cash via ATMs is an important feature of your government travel card, particularly for situations where card payment isn't accepted. To utilize this feature:

1. Ensure you have ATM access authorization from your agency

2. Obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) by calling customer service

3. Memorize your PIN and store it separately from your card for security

4. Locate ATMs displaying the Visa logo using www.visa.com, calling 1-800-CITI-ATM, or checking www.citibank.com

   
   

Be aware that ATM withdrawals should not be made more than three working days before your scheduled departure. Additionally, both the travel card vendor and possibly the ATM owner will charge transaction fees. These fees are typically considered part of your incidental expense allowance and are not separately reimbursable.

Tips for avoiding misuse and violations

Misuse of your government travel card can result in serious consequences. Therefore, keep these essential guidelines in mind:

First, use split disbursement to pay card charges directly from your travel reimbursement. This process is mandatory for both temporary duty (TDY) and permanent change of station (PCS) travel.

Second, submit your travel voucher within five days of completing your travel. This helps prevent late payments and potential delinquency issues.

Finally, avoid these common violations that have been identified through Inspector General audits:

• Do not pay for another person's expenses, even if they're also on official travel

• Avoid excessive ATM withdrawals exceeding authorized meal and incidental expense amounts

• Do not use the card after your TDY terminates or for personal expenses during leave in conjunction with official travel

Military members who violate travel card policies may face prosecution under Article 92 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice, while civilian employees could face administrative action up to removal from Federal service.

Step 4: Managing Your Account Online

Managing your Citi Government Travel Card through online tools simplifies tracking expenses and maintaining account details. CitiManager, Citi's global online platform, offers comprehensive account management from anywhere around the world via computer or mobile device.

How to log in to your Citi Government Travel Card online account

Getting started with CitiManager is straightforward. If you received your card after March 2020, Citibank automatically established your CitiManager account during card issuance. For cardholders with cards issued before this date, you'll need to complete self-registration.

To set up your online access:

1. Visit www.citimanager.com/login

2. Click on "Self registration for Cardholders" link

3. Follow the prompts to establish your account

4. For mobile access, download the CitiManager app from the App Store or Google Play

   
   

First thing to remember, your CitiManager credentials provide access to both the website and mobile application, giving you flexibility in how you manage your account.

Using CitiManager to track expenses

Once logged in, CitiManager offers several valuable features to help you monitor your travel expenses:

Account Activity Access: View all statements and recent transactions online. CitiManager stores up to 60 months of statements on the website and your six most recent statements on the mobile app.

Account Management: Check account balances, make payments, and update account settings all from one convenient dashboard. The platform enables you to maintain complete visibility of your transactions, helping you stay within policy guidelines.

Besides transaction tracking, you can perform account maintenance and access various tools designed to help Agency Program Coordinators better manage the GTCC program.

Setting up alerts and paperless statements

To stay informed about your account activity, CitiManager offers customizable alerts:

Alert Setup: Log in to citimanager.com/login, click the Alerts icon on the side navigation bar, then add, delete, modify, and enroll in Citi's globally available alerts. Choose to receive notifications via email, SMS, or both. To receive alerts on your mobile device, you must first subscribe to alerts in the CitiManager site.

Paperless Statements: In support of the Government Paperwork Elimination Act, Citi offers paper-free cardholder statements. To switch to paperless:

• Log in to citimanager.com/login

• Position your mouse over the Statement icon on the side navigation bar

• Select "Go Paperless" link

• Follow the instructions to complete the process

Going paperless reduces clutter and provides immediate access to both current and past statements, allowing you to view, print, and save statements at no additional cost.

Step 5: Handling Issues, Disputes, and Reimbursements

Encountering issues with your Citi Government Travel Card requires swift action to protect both yourself and government funds. Knowing the proper procedures for common problems ensures you can resolve situations efficiently and avoid potential financial liability.

How to report lost or stolen cards

If your card goes missing or you notice fraudulent charges, follow these immediate steps:

1. Contact Citi Customer Service immediately at 1-800-200-7056 (within U.S.) or 757-852-9076 (outside U.S.)

2. Notify your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) about the situation

3. Follow the instructions in the letter Citi will send after your report

   
   

Once reported, your card is blocked immediately from usage to prevent unauthorized transactions. Citi will issue a replacement card with a new account number at no additional cost. Remember that you're only responsible for valid charges made before the card was compromised.

Disputing unauthorized charges

You must initiate the dispute process for charges that are unauthorized, incorrect, for merchandise not received, or for returned items. Additionally, start a dispute if credits appear as charges or if issued credits aren't reflected on your statement.

To dispute a transaction:

• Log in to citimanager.com/login and click the Statement icon

• Select the statement containing the disputed charge

• Click the ellipsis (...) link for transaction details, then click the Dispute button

Alternatively, submit a Cardholder Dispute Form available through Citi Customer Service or your APC. You must submit disputes within 60 days of the statement billing date. Throughout this process, you remain responsible for paying undisputed portions of your bill, whereas disputed amounts are suspended during investigation.

Understanding split disbursement and salary offset

Split disbursement automatically directs part of your travel reimbursement to pay your Citi card bill. This mandatory process for all DoD personnel helps prevent delinquencies. When preparing your voucher, carefully review split disbursement amounts to ensure sufficient funds cover all card charges.

The Salary Offset Program serves as a deterrent against card misuse and ensures payment recovery from delinquent cardholders. If your account becomes 126 days past billing without payment, up to 15% of your disposable income may be withheld to pay the delinquent amount. Furthermore, you'll incur enrollment fees and three late payment fees that aren't reimbursable.

Remember that accounts become past due at 31 days post-billing and delinquent at 61 days after the billing date. To avoid these situations, submit travel vouchers within five working days of completing travel and promptly reconcile your account.

Conclusion

Managing your Citi Government Travel Card effectively requires attention to detail and adherence to established guidelines. Throughout this guide, we've explored the fundamentals of this essential financial tool mandated by Public Law 105-264 for all official government travel expenses.

Proper card management begins with understanding the difference between Individually Billed Accounts and Centrally Billed Accounts. The application process, though seemingly complex, simply requires coordination with your Agency Program Coordinator and completion of necessary training. Furthermore, responsible usage during travel—limiting purchases to authorized expenses only—prevents the serious consequences of misuse that could affect your career.

CitiManager undoubtedly serves as your command center for account management, offering convenient access to statements, transaction histories, and alert customization. This online platform essentially eliminates the need for paper statements while providing real-time visibility into your account status.

Prompt reporting of issues such as lost cards or unauthorized charges protects both you and government funds. Additionally, understanding split disbursement prevents delinquency, consequently saving you from salary offset penalties that can reach 15% of your disposable income.

The Citi Government Travel Card ultimately streamlines the financial aspects of government travel when used correctly. Though managing government credit cards might seem challenging at first, following the protocols outlined in this guide will help you navigate your official travel with confidence. For those seeking to better understand credit card management overall, resources like how to avoid credit card debt offer valuable complementary information.

Remember that responsible card management not only simplifies your travel experience but also protects your financial reputation and career standing. Your Citi Government Travel Card represents a privilege rather than a right—treat it accordingly, and it will serve as a valuable asset throughout your government service.

FAQs

Q1. How do I activate my Citi Government Travel Card? To activate your card, call the customer service number on the back of the card and follow the prompts. You'll need to verify your identity, set up a PIN, and create your CitiManager account for online access.

Q2. Can I use my Citi Government Travel Card for personal expenses? No, the card is strictly for official government travel expenses only. Personal use is prohibited and can result in disciplinary action, including potential removal from federal service.

Q3. What should I do if my Citi Government Travel Card is lost or stolen? Immediately contact Citi Customer Service at 1-800-200-7056 (within U.S.) or 757-852-9076 (outside U.S.) to report the loss. Also, notify your Agency Program Coordinator about the situation.

Q4. How can I check my Citi Government Travel Card account balance and transactions? Log in to your CitiManager account at citimanager.com/login or use the CitiManager mobile app to view your account balance, recent transactions, and up to 60 months of statements.

Q5. What is split disbursement and why is it important? Split disbursement is a mandatory process that automatically directs part of your travel reimbursement to pay your Citi card bill. It helps prevent delinquencies and ensures proper management of your travel expenses.