The Daily Bulletin Archive

The Buffalo State Accounts Payable and Travel Services Office requires that New York State Citibank Travel Card holders submit their statements and required backup documentation within the time periods specified in cardholder agreements. This will help ensure prompt payment, avoid late fees, and protect the cardholder in audit. It is required that travelers follow established guidelines for use of their NYS Citibank Travel Cards. The cards must be used for allowable expenses related to cardholders themselves. Expenses related to individuals other than the cardholder are considered unallowable.

A NYS Citibank cardholder should never incur unallowable expenses with the intention of repaying New York State. Items such as transportation seat upgrades, hotel room upgrades beyond the allowable per diem rates, or personal expenses must be paid using funds other than the NYS Citibank Travel Card or state-appropriated funding. The travel manual for the Office of the State Comptroller states:

Travel cards are to be used to pay only those expenses relating to travel costs incurred when traveling on official State business. Employees may not use travel cards to make personal purchases, even if they intend to reimburse the State for those expenses. In addition, travel cards must not be used to pay expenses that are not travel-related.

Questions about these guidelines may be addressed to the Buffalo State Accounts Payable and Travel Services Office at ext. 4117. Thank you.