Sheppard implements new Air Force CSA program

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Adawn Kelsey
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  The Sheppard finance office is holding briefings Jan. 13 at the base theater at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m for the Air Force-wide conversion to the Controlled Spend Account program that began Dec. 27.

The CSA will replace the Government Travel Card currently used. Some of benefits of the CSA include improvements to the rebate process, reduction of misuse and fraud and production of a more efficient travel program.

Contrary to the GTC, the new card will hold a zero-dollar balance until new orders have been issued to an individual.

Second Lt. Andrew Rose 82nd Comptroller Squadron financial services officer, said some Sheppard members have already been automatically enrolled to receive their new cash advance card by mail. He said another difference is that everyone will receive a card and no credit check is required.

"Everyone who is not currently on temporary duty, does not have approved orders or an outstanding balance on their GTC, has already been automatically enrolled in the program," Lieutenant Rose said. "For those who have one of those exceptions, once they are back from TDY, or their current balance is paid they will receive the new CSA card."

Lieutenant Rose said the new card can be closely compared to a pre-paid card or a gift card.

"For example, a GTC card holder could be approved up to $7,500 at any given time," he said. "The new card will hold a zero balance until orders are approved making the program less susceptible to fraud or misuse."

Lieutenant Rose explained that the reimbursement process is slightly different.

"If someone is issued $1,000 for their traveling needs and they do not spend the entire allotted amount, they still have to put the entire settlement of the voucher back into the account," he said. "The remaining balance on the card can be used by the cardholder at their discretion. The amount can either be paid to the individual by check or they can just use the remaining balance on the card itself."

The lieutenant said the card will be more specific to the individuals traveling needs. It is important that once orders are presented to notify their agency program coordinator or resource advisor and sign their defense travel system voucher.

"The spending limit is based on the estimated dollar amount of approved travel orders," he said. "The process to receive the money can take up to five business days, so it is important not to wait until the last minute to submit your DTS voucher."

For more information, attend one of the CSA briefings Jan.13 or call the finance customer service line at (940) 676-4864.