A. Misuse/Abuse

Please refer to section 8.D “Suspension and Revocation of Card” in this manual for policy regarding misuse and abuse of PCard privileges.

B. Security and Protection

A PCard should always be treated with the same care as personal credit cards, bankcards, cash, and checks. Cardholders should keep their Pcards in an accessible, but secure location. The cardholder is the only individual authorized to use the card so it need only be accessible to the cardholder. Protect the card from use by any person other than the cardholder either on a business or personal basis. If the card is either lost or stolen or used by a person other than the authorized cardholder, immediately report such action by following instructions in section 10.A “Lost or Stolen PCards, Fraudulent and Disputed Transactions” in this manual.

C. Safeguard PCard Account Number Carefully

It is critical to safeguard the card account number! Do not post it in your workspace or record it in your day planner, etc. Do not give the card account number to a vendor for use on a standing or blanket basis. When prompted, do not opt to have vendors save or store card number to help reduce potential fraud if the vendors systems are breached or compromised. Remember that the account number can be used just like the card itself. If the card is either stolen or misused resulting in unidentifiable transactions, which are reported on periodic printed or web based statements, immediately report such action by following instructions in section 10.A “Lost or stolen PCards, Fraudulent and Disputed Transactions.” in this manual.

D. Lending or Sharing PCard is Strictly Prohibited

The only person entitled to use a PCard is the person whose name appears on the face of the card. Do not lend your card to another person for any reason. Card assignment to a single named employee of SDSU or SDSURF ensures proper internal controls. If the cardholder is going to be absent from the office for an extended period, the PI/PD or Department Director may request a new card be issued and another person trained as backup. During an absence of the cardholder, a department can use alternative procurement methods (i.e., purchase requisition) for procurement of goods or services.