Misuse of GTC could lead to holiday headaches

  • Published
  • By Sheppard Senator staff
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  It's easy to get in a financial bind during the holiday season.

It's also easy to fall behind on Government Travel Card payments, placing Airmen of all ranks into a delinquent status.

"It's up to every GTC holder to ensure cards are only used for authorized travel-related purposes," said 2nd Lt. Clint Cooper of the 82nd Comptroller Squadron. "While the consequences for cardholders wrongfully using their cards may vary, misuse and late payments do not go without penalty."

Lieutenant Cooper said punishment for misuse or late payments is determined by commanders. Penalties can range from letter of counseling for first-time offense to court-martial for serious offenses.

Public Law 10-314 specifically makes split-disbursement mandatory for all cardholders unless otherwise stipulated in the members travel orders. Additionally, the members accrual travel vouchers can be filled out online using the option that has been made available through the vMPF website.

GTC cardholders may make electronic payments to their Bank of America (BofA) GTC account through the BofA MyEasyPayment website. Cardholders access this site using their full account number and the last three digits from the number on the back of their card. Upon entering the site, select the "Federal Government Charge Card" account type and enter the account information.

Cardholders will see the following information: current balance, last payment date, last payment amount, amount past due, minimum payment due and payment due date.

GTC cardholders may also use this site to verify payment amounts before requesting split disbursement on their travel voucher, verify that payments have been posted, or make a payment from their personal checking account. If a payment is due, the cardholder may enter the checking account number and routing number for their banking institution.

Bank of America will process an automatic debit to withdraw the specified payment amount on the date indicated. The BofA GTC web address is:
https://www.myeasypayment.com/Enter.aspx.

GTC holders may register online for Electronic Account Government Ledger System (EAGLS) user identification and passwords using information found on GTC statements. EAGLS allows cardholders to view current transactions, previous statement activity and maintain account information online.

To register, visit https://www.gcsuthd.bankofamerica.com/eagls_selfregistration/selfreg.aspx. EAGLS user name and passwords will be mailed to the address associated with the GTC. Cardholders can also call the EAGLS technical help desk at (800) 472-1424.