Citi Government Travel Card: The Citi Government Travel Card is an essential payment and expense management solution for U.S. government employees. This card simplifies travel payments and streamlines the reconciliation process. Here is a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about the Citi Government Travel Card program.

What is the Citi Government Travel Card?

The Citi Government Travel Card is a charge card issued by Citibank to U.S. government employees for official travel and travel-related expenses. It provides a more efficient way for government travelers to pay for expenses like hotels, transportation, meals and incidentals.

The card is sponsored by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) as part of the GSA SmartPay program. Citibank is the issuing bank for the travel card. There are over 3 million Citi Government Travel Card accounts for U.S. government employees and military personnel.

Key Benefits of the Citi Government Travel Card

Here are some of the main benefits of using the Citi Government Travel Card:

• Streamlines travel expense management – Charges are billed directly to the government. Employees don’t have to pay expenses out of pocket.
• Enhances convenience – Widely accepted by merchants, works similar to a personal credit card.
• Provides purchasing power – Higher credit limits than personal cards, ideal for booking travel.
• Increases security – Provides transparency into government travel spend compared to cash or personal cards.
• Improves savings – Agencies can take advantage of rebates by negotiating with Citibank.
• Integrates tracking – Charges flow directly into travel management systems.

Types of Citi Government Travel Card Accounts

There are three main types of Citi Government Travel Card accounts:

Individually Billed Accounts (IBA)

Individually billed accounts are the most common travel card account. The employee is responsible for paying the bill. IBA accounts are issued in the employee’s name and they are liable for making on-time payments.

Centrally Billed Accounts (CBA)

With centrally billed accounts, the agency or organizational unit pays the bill directly. CBA accounts are typically used for group or site-specific travel where individuals wouldn’t pay their own expenses.

Restricted Accounts

Restricted accounts limit use to specific merchant categories or dollar amounts. They provide agencies with extra control over travel spend. Restrictions help enforce travel policies and prevent misuse.

How to Apply for a Citi Government Travel Card

Applying for a Citi Government Travel Card involves these steps:

1. Check that you are eligible – You must be a U.S. government employee traveling on official business.
2. Obtain application forms – Contact your agency’s travel card program coordinator.
3. Complete application – Fill out the forms with all required personal and employment information.
4. Provide signatures – Both the employee and approving official need to sign.
5. Submit application – Send completed forms to your agency’s program coordinator.
6. Wait for approval – Citibank will review the application and verify eligibility.
7. Activate card – Once approved, activate your card when you receive it.
8. Review terms – Read all policies, procedures, and cardholder agreement terms.

The card should arrive within 7-10 business days once you are approved. Then you’ll need to activate it and review all the applicable rules before making any charges.

How the Citi Government Travel Card Works

Here is an overview of how to use the Citi Government Travel Card:

Making Purchases

You can use the card to pay for any authorized travel expenses such as airfare, lodging, rental cars, meals, and incidental purchases like baggage fees. The card works similar to a normal credit card via chip, swipe, or contactless payments.

Getting Reimbursed

For individually billed accounts, you will need to submit expenses on a travel voucher to your agency. Once approved, you will be reimbursed. The reimbursement should be used to pay your travel card bill.

Paying Your Bill

Citi provides online and mobile access to view statements and make payments. For IBAs, you are responsible for paying the balance each month. Payments are typically due within 30 days of the statement closing date.

Reporting Lost or Stolen Cards

If your card is lost or stolen, report it immediately to Citibank and your agency’s program coordinator. You can request an emergency replacement card in 2 business days or less.

Account Verification and Security

Citibank uses chip card technology, 3D Secure, and CVV codes to verify transactions. Be sure to check charges frequently in your online account and report any unauthorized activity promptly.

Prohibited Uses of the Citi Government Travel Card

There are restrictions on how you can use the Citi Government Travel Card. Prohibited transactions include:

• Personal purchases
• Family expenses
• Cash advances
• Gift cards
• Fines or penalties
• Insurance policies
• Anything not authorized under travel regulations

Personal and unauthorized use can result in disciplinary action from your agency or even criminal charges in severe cases.

Costs and Fees of the Citi Government Travel Card

There are no fees directly charged to the employee government travel cardholder. However, agencies can incur program costs. Common agency fees include:

• Setup fees – For establishing new card programs
• Account fees – Flat monthly fee per travel card account
• Transaction fees – Per transaction processing fee
• Late fees – Charged if account reconciliation is delayed

Citibank also provides rebates to the agency based on sales volume. Rebates can often offset program fees and provide savings.

Is the Citi Government Travel Card Mandatory?

Use of the Citi Government Travel Card is mandatory across most federal agencies and military branches. There are regulations requiring the use of government issued travel cards.

The Government Charge Card Abuse Prevention Act mandates use of travel cards on official business. The Federal Travel Regulation also requires card use. Agencies may stipulate some exceptions if an employee cannot qualify for a card.

Refusing to apply for or use a government travel card can result in disciplinary action per your agency’s policies. Most agencies strongly enforce mandatory card use.

How to Use the Citi Government Travel Card Responsibly

To properly manage your Citi Government Travel Card, be sure to:

• Read and understand all policies and procedures for your agency’s card program.
• Only make authorized purchases related to official travel.
• Review charges frequently and report any unauthorized activity.
• Submit expenses and get reimbursed promptly.
• Pay the balance in full each billing cycle.
• Notify your agency and Citibank immediately if your card is lost or stolen.
• Do not use for personal expenses or to withdraw cash.

Responsible use includes staying compliant with all regulations and ensuring the card is used only for approved purchases.

What Happens If You Misuse the Card?

Intentional misuse of the Citi Government Travel Card can have serious consequences. Potential penalties include:

• Revoking travel card privileges
• Disciplinary action from your agency
• Account delinquency reported to credit bureaus

Best Rewards Credit Cards: Rewards credit cards allow cardholders to earn points, miles, or cash back on purchases. With so many options, it can be difficult to identify the top rewards cards available today. Based on points earning rates, redemption values, and benefits, here are the 16 best rewards credit cards in January 2024 in the USA.

1. Chase Sapphire Preferred

With strong travel redemption options and bonus categories, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is one of the top travel rewards cards. Key features include:

• 60,000 point signup bonus worth $750 in travel
• 5x points on travel booked through Chase
• 3x points at restaurants, grocery stores, select streaming services
• $50 annual hotel credit
• Primary rental car insurance

Points are worth 1.25 cents each when booking travel through Chase. With a reasonable $95 annual fee, the Sapphire Preferred is a great option for earning rewards on dining and travel.

2. American Express Gold Card

The Amex Gold Card offers 4x points on dining and groceries, making it a top card for food purchases. Benefits include:

• 60,000 point welcome bonus
• 4x points at restaurants and US supermarkets
• $120 dining credit
• $100 airline fee credit
• No foreign transaction fees

With a $250 annual fee, this card is best for those who frequently dine out and buy groceries. The credits help offset the fee and provide additional statement savings.

3. Chase Freedom Unlimited

As one of the best no annual fee cash back cards, the Chase Freedom Unlimited offers solid earning rates and redemption options. Benefits include:

• $200 bonus after spending $500 in first 3 months
• 1.5% cash back on all purchases
• 5% cash back on travel booked through Chase
• No annual fee

With no annual fee, this is a great card for daily spending and maximizing cash back earnings. Points can be transferred to Chase travel partners when paired with a premium Chase card.

4. Capital One Venture X

The Capital One Venture X is one of the top travel rewards cards with premium benefits. Highlights include:

• 75,000 mile welcome bonus
• 2x miles on all purchases
• $300 annual statement credit for travel
• Complimentary airport lounge access
• Redeem miles for travel statement credits

Despite a hefty $395 annual fee, the statement credits and lounge access help offset the cost. With flexible redemption and strong bonus earning, this is one of the best premium travel cards.

5. Citi Custom Cash Card

The Citi Custom Cash Card offers a unique 5% cash back bonus category that you choose each billing cycle. Key features include:

• $200 sign up bonus after $750 in spending
• 5% cash back in top eligible spend category
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee

This provides flexibility to earn bonus rewards in the categories where you spend the most each month. With no annual fee, the Citi Custom Cash Card is extremely valuable for maximizing category bonuses.

6. Bank of America® Cash Rewards credit card

With customizable 3% and 2% bonus categories, the Bank of America Cash Rewards card provides options for your spending habits. Benefits include:

• $200 online cash rewards bonus
• 3% cash back in category of your choice
• 2% cash back at grocery stores and wholesale clubs
• 1% cash back on other purchases
• No annual fee

This card allows you to pick from gas, online shopping, dining, travel, drug stores, or home improvement/furnishings for your 3% category each month. This flexibility combined with solid earning rates makes it a top no annual fee cash back card.

7. Wells Fargo Active Cash Card

The Wells Fargo Active Cash Card has one of the best flat-rate cash back rates available with no annual fee. Benefits include:

• $200 cash rewards bonus
• Unlimited 2% cash rewards on purchases
• Cell phone protection
• Intro 0% APR offer
• No annual fee

Earning an unlimited 2% back on all purchases with no bonus category restrictions is valuable for those who want simple cash back without an annual fee. You can redeem rewards for cash back as a statement credit, deposit, or mobile wallet credit.

8. U.S. Bank Altitude Connect Visa Signature Card

The U.S. Bank Altitude Connect offers 4x points on travel and at gas stations, plus solid mobile wallet rewards. Benefits include:

• 50,000 point welcome bonus
• 4x points on travel and gas
• 2x points on grocery stores, grocery delivery, streaming services, and EV charging stations
• 1x point per $1 on other eligible purchases
• $15 monthly credit for mobile wallet purchases

There is a reasonable $95 annual fee for this card. With no foreign transaction fees and travel and mobile wallet perks, this card can maximize rewards for daily spending. The welcome bonus value is also among the best available.

9. Blue Cash Preferred Card from American Express

With 6% cash back at US supermarkets, the Blue Cash Preferred Card from Amex is one of the top options for grocery shopping. Benefits include:

• $350 statement credit after $3,000 in purchases in the first 6 months
• 6% cash back at US supermarkets
• 6% cash back on select US streaming services
• 3% cash back on transit including taxis/rideshare, parking, tolls, trains, buses and more
• 1% cash back on other purchases

There is a $95 annual fee for this card, but the high earning rate on groceries can quickly offset it. This card also provides one of the best cash back rates for streaming services.

10. Citi Premier Card

With broad 3x bonus categories and a large welcome bonus, the Citi Premier Card is a top contender for everyday rewards. Benefits include:

• 80,000 point welcome bonus after $4,000 spend in 3 months
• 3x points on air travel, gas stations, restaurants, supermarkets, hotels, and entertainment
• 1x points per $1 spent on other purchases
• $100 annual hotel savings benefit

There is a $95 annual fee that is well worth it considering the strong welcome bonus and bonus earning potential with this card. The points can also be transferred to airline partners for added redemption value.

11. Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card

With no annual fee, the Chase Ink Business Cash Credit Card is one of the best cards for small business rewards. Benefits include:

• $750 bonus cash back after $7,500 in purchases within 3 months of account opening
• 5% cash back on up to

Best Personal Loans: Taking out a personal loan can be a great way to finance large purchases or consolidate high-interest debt. With interest rates still near historic lows in 2024, it’s an ideal time to take advantage of a low-rate personal loan. Here are the 10 best personal loans of 2024 based on interest rates, fees, loan amounts, terms, and borrower requirements.

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SoFi offers personal loans up to $100,000 along with competitive interest rates and member benefits. Here’s an overview:

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Upgrade offers rewards programs and credit health monitoring along with competitive personal loan options. Here are the details:

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Upgrade personal loans reward on-time payments with interest rate reductions over time. Free credit monitoring is also included. Upgrade is unique in providing credit health tools to help borrowers monitor and improve their credit scores. With competitive rates and strong rewards programs, Upgrade is our pick for best credit health tools.

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Payoff is designed specifically for debt consolidation loans. Benefits include:

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FreedomPlus has a minimum credit score requirement of just 600, making it a great option for those with bad credit. While interest rates are higher, this allows borrowers with poor credit to access to personal loans they might not otherwise qualify for. FreedomPlus is our pick for best personal loans for bad credit.

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Avant’s prequalification allows you to check potential rates and likely approval odds before a hard inquiry. Those with fair credit can prequalify without impacting their credit score. With easy prequalification and mid-range loan amounts, Avant is our pick for best personal