If you have official Coast Guard travel coming up, you need to ensure your Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) is active and in good standing. The Coast Guard is issuing updated guidance regarding the appropriate use of the GTCC and the Centrally Billed Account (CBA) for mission travel.
Here is what you need to know before you pack your bags.
The GTCC is mandatory for all Coast Guard employee travelers
The GTCC provides the temporary financial vehicle to execute mission travel. It is important to note that the GTCC program does not authorize travel or govern overarching travel policy, but it is the required tool for your authorized expenses.
Under the Joint Travel Regulations (JTR 010204) and Federal Travel Regulations (FTR Subpart H §301-70.700), travelers are required to use their GTCC, not the CBA, for all authorized expenses related to Government travel.
Commands are expected to actively work with their personnel to ensure all members obtain a GTCC and keep their accounts in good standing. Maintaining a GTCC in good standing is not just good financial practice—it is a mandatory component of travel readiness.
Note: A newly updated Government Travel Charge Card Manual (COMDTINST M4600.18) is currently in the clearance process and will be promulgated soon to provide further guidance.
Strict limits on Centrally Billed Account (CBA) use
The CBA is not a substitute for a GTCC. Its use is strictly limited to the following circumstances:
Keep in mind that the CBA only pays for airfare and associated fees. It does not cover any authorized Per Diem expenses.
How to request CBA utilization
If you meet the strict criteria for CBA use, you must submit your request properly and on time:
Standard Requests: Requests to use the CBA must be sent from your Approving Official to PSC-BOPS-R at HQS-SMB-CGPSC-CITI-GTCC@uscg.mil 10 business days prior to your departure. Your unit's GTCC Travel Manager has access to the required format and documentation, which can be found in the GTCC library.
Decedent Affairs: To prevent any delays during emergencies, Decedent Affairs requests should bypass the 10-day inbox rule and be forwarded immediately to Mr. Matthew Falor at Matthew.A.Falor2@uscg.mil.
Bottom Line
Keep your GTCC in good standing, use it for all your authorized travel expenses, and reach out to your local GTCC Travel Manager if you have any questions regarding your account or travel readiness.
For more information go to the Coast Guard GTCC site.
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