Government Travel Card: Travel Restrictions Civilians Must Know
BLUF
For the government civilians that continue to keep our country afloat, you can no longer use your government travel card (GTC). We expect the $1 card limitations and travel restrictions to continue through the rest of the fiscal year.
“Effective immediately, the use of all Government-issued travel charge cards by DoD civilian employees is suspended for all travel that is not exempted. DoD civilian employees must cancel all future non-exempted official travel reservations, and those currently on non-exempted travel must return to their respective permanent duty stations as soon as feasible.”
Darin Selnick
- What is the Government Travel Card (GTC)?
- What Are the Government Travel Card Limitations
- What Are the Key Changes to the Government Travel Card Policy for Civilians?
- How Does the Executive Order Influence the Justification for Federally Funded Travel?
- What Are the Implications of These Restrictions for The Department of the Army Civilians (DACs)?
- What Steps Can Civilians Take to Navigate the New Government Travel Card Restrictions?
- How Can Agencies Ensure Compliance with The New Travel Restrictions?
- Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Government Travel Card Policy Changes and Compliance Strategies
Introduction
In recent months, civilians’ use of government travel cards (GTC) has come under scrutiny, leading to significant restrictions that impact federal employees. These changes stem from a memorandum issued on March 5 by Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness Darin Selnick, following an executive order signed by President Donald Trump on February 26. This executive order, titled “Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative,” aims to curb unnecessary spending within the federal government (Trump 2025). The new rules affect the Department of the Army Civilians (DACs) and their ability to use GTCCs for non-essential travel. Understanding these travel restrictions is crucial for civilians relying on GTCs for work-related travel.
NOTE: We use GTC and GTCC interchangeably.
What is the Government Travel Card (GTC)?
The Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) program provides a standardized and efficient way for federal employees and military members to pay for authorized travel expenses incurred during official government travel (Office of Financial Management 2024). The program streamlines the payment process, ensuring government employees can access the funds they need while traveling for work-related purposes. The GTCC is primarily used for expenses such as transportation, lodging, meals, and incidentals. It is a tool to reduce the need for employees to use personal funds and seek reimbursement later. The program also helps agencies track and manage travel costs effectively. The card is mandatory for most government travelers under policies such as the Federal Travel Regulation (FTR) or Department of Defense Financial Management Regulation (DoD FMR).
Citibank issues the GTCC under a contract with the General Services Administration (GSA). Eligibility for the program typically includes civilian federal employees, Department of Defense military personnel, and some contractors who are required to travel for official duties. Cardholders access the Defense Travel System (DTS) to request, plan, and settle travel arrangements. These systems allow users to book flights, hotels, and rental cars and submit travel authorizations and claims for reimbursement. Using the GTCC in conjunction with these systems, the program enhances accountability and simplifies the administrative burden on the government.
What Are the Government Travel Card Limitations?
The Government Travel Credit Card (GTCC) provides federal employees a convenient means to cover travel expenses while on official duty. Understanding the credit limits associated with the GTCC is essential for effective travel planning. Below is a detailed list of key points regarding these credit limits:
- Individual Credit Limit: Each cardholder is assigned a specific credit limit based on their agency’s guidelines and travel needs.
- Monthly Spending Cap: The GTCC generally has a monthly spending cap that may vary depending on the employee’s position and requirements.
- Transaction Limits: There may be limits on individual transactions to help control spending and ensure compliance with federal regulations.
- Emergency Situations: In cases of an emergency, cardholders can request temporary increases to their credit limit through their agency’s travel office.
- Usage Restrictions: The GTCC is intended for travel-related expenses, such as lodging, meals, and transportation, and cannot be used for personal purchases.
- Payment Responsibility: Cardholders are responsible for paying their balances in full each month to avoid interest charges and maintain good standing.
- Reporting Requirements: Cardholders must submit travel vouchers and receipts to justify the expenses charged to the GTCC.
Category | Default Limit | APC Credit Limit | HL3 APC Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Credit |
$4,000 |
$15,000 |
$25,000 |
Travel |
$4,000 |
$15,000 |
$25,000 |
Cash |
$250 |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
Category | Default Limit | APC Credit Limit | HL3 APC Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Credit |
$7,500 |
$15,000 |
$25,000 |
Travel |
$7,500 |
$15,000 |
$25,000 |
Cash |
$250 |
$5,000 |
$10,000 |
Understanding these aspects of credit limits helps ensure proper management of the GTCC and promotes responsible use among government employees.
What Are the Key Changes to the Government Travel Card Policy for Civilians?
The recent memorandum outlines several key changes to the GTC policy. Most notably, it mandates agency heads establish a technological system to record approvals for federally funded travel. Attending conferences and other non-essential purposes is now subject to stringent justification requirements, meaning that employees must provide a brief, written explanation of their plan before they can utilize GTCs. This system aims to fund only essential travel, promoting cost savings across the government.
Category | Default Limit | APC Credit Limit | HL3 APC Credit Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
Credit |
$1 |
$1 |
$1 |
Travel |
$1 |
$1 |
$1 |
Cash |
$1 |
$1 |
$1 |
How Does the Executive Order Influence the Justification for Federally Funded Travel?
The executive order specifically emphasizes the need for justification regarding non-essential travel. The President tasked each agency with implementing a system that records these justifications centrally. If you have plans to use federal funds, you must submit justification to your supervisor through the Defense Travel System (DTS) for approval. This order improves transparency and accountability in the expenditure of taxpayer funds, focusing specifically on travel expenses
What Are the Implications of These Restrictions for The Department of the Army Civilians (DACs)?
The restrictions on GTCs significantly impact DACs, especially those involved in activities like Cadet Summer Training or monitoring recruits for the ASVAB at various testing sites. These civilians often require travel for essential duties such as overseeing recruitment efforts at satellite locations, including high schools and National Guard armories. With the new justification requirements, DACs may find it more challenging to secure travel approvals, potentially hindering their ability to fulfill their roles effectively. The emphasis on reducing non-essential travel could delay recruitment processes and other critical operations.
What Steps Can Civilians Take to Navigate the New Government Travel Card Restrictions?
To navigate the new restrictions effectively, civilians should familiarize themselves with the requirements outlined in their agency’s new travel approval system. It is essential to understand what constitutes “non-essential” travel and to prepare justifications that clearly articulate the necessity of their travel. Close communication with travel-approving officials can also help ensure requests are submitted correctly and on time. Training sessions or informational meetings provided by the agency can also be beneficial in understanding the new processes
How Can Agencies Ensure Compliance with The New Travel Restrictions?
Agencies can ensure compliance with the new travel restrictions by developing clear employee guidelines regarding requests and justifications. Supervisors can ensure their training programs educate staff about the latest requirements and the importance of compliance. Regular audits and checks can help agencies monitor DTS submissions and ensure that only essential travel is funded. Furthermore, creating a feedback loop where employees can report challenges and suggest improvements may lead to a more efficient system.
Conclusion: Key Takeaways on Government Travel Card Policy Changes and Compliance Strategies
The recent changes to government travel card policies highlight a significant shift in how federal employees approach travel for work-related purposes. With the emphasis on justification and the limitations imposed on non-essential travel, it is more critical than ever for civilians to understand these new rules and how they affect their roles. By adapting to these changes and ensuring compliance, civilians can continue to fulfill their responsibilities while contributing to the broader goal of government efficiency.
Works Cited
- Defense Travel Management Office. 2022. “Government Travel Charge Card Regulations.” U.S. Department of Defense. May. https://www.travel.dod.mil/Portals/119/Documents/GTCC/GTCC-Regs.pdf.
- Office of Financial Management. 2024. Travel Charge Card Program. July 1. https://www.commerce.gov/ofm/offices/office-financial-reporting-policy-internal-controls-and-travel/travel-management/travel-charge-card-program.
- Selnick, Darin S. 2025. “Guidance on Use of Government Travel Charge Cards by Department of Defense Civilian Employees.” U.S. Department of Defense. March 5. https://media.defense.gov/2025/Mar/06/2003659780/-1/-1/0/MEMO-GUIDANCE-ON-GTCC-USE-FOR-DOD-CIVS.PDF.
- Trump, Donald J. 2025. “Implementing the President’s Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” Executive Order 14222. February 26.
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