Learning to Use the Card

This section helps new cardholders understand how to use a Purchase Card. Every transaction is scrutinized by intelligent software through the Purchase Card Online System (PCOLS).

Top 10 Tips for Cardholders:

  1. Be sure your purchases are preapproved and you have funds available. Unauthorized commitments are no fun, and your wallet may suffer!
  2. Keep the GPC Cardholder Checklist close at hand to ensure you don't forget any important step in the purchase process.
  3. Begin your shopping at AbilityOne. The only exception to purchasing from this mandatory source is if the item cannot be delivered to you within your timeframe. A lower price is not an exception!
  4. If a purchase is above the $3,000 purchase limit, send the requirement to the PSO. Never split your requirement to keep it below your single purchase limit.
  5. Safeguard your account number! Keep your card under lock and key and do not allow anyone else to make a purchase using your account number.
  6. Save your agency $$$. Increase your rebates by paying your statements within three working days from the date the statement is available online, usually the 20th of the month.
  7. Meetings are so much more enjoyable with coffee and doughnuts; however, in most instances food is a prohibited purchase. Always check with your Agency Program Coordinator (APC) or Legal Counsel prior to purchasing food.
  8. Keep this principle in mind. Rules about what goods and services can be bought are all based upon fiscal law. If you can't purchase items with federal funds ... you can't purchase them with the GPC.
  9. Protect the taxpayers' dollars. Ensure every purchase is proper, legal and economical and satisfies a bona fide need of your agency.
  10. When in doubt, ask. Your Agency Program Coordinator can assist you in staying out of trouble.

Training

Purchase Card training is mandatory for all Cardholders and Billing Officials. Here you'll find help getting set up with the training you need to use your card.

GPC Training Schedule

Scheduling information for GPC Face-to-Face Training for all new Cardholders and Billing Officials.

DoD GPC Tutorial Initial Training

Governmentwide Purchase Card training for new Cardholders and Billing Officials.

DoD Tutorial Refresher Training

Continuing Governmentwide Purchase Card training for existing Cardholders and Billing Officials.

Section 508 Micropurchase Training

A short training module regarding Billing Official and Cardholder responsibilities under Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act when making Micropurchases.

Billing Officials' Certifying Training

Required training course for Billing Officials. Note: You must be registered to get credit for training.

DoD Purchase Card System Tutorial

A web-based training module mandatory for all new Cardholders, Billing Officials and Agency Program Coordinators.

Access Online Web-Based Training (WBT)

Go to Web-Based Training for help using U.S. Bank Access Online purchase card management tool. Contact the APC for the web-based training password.