Overview

OVERVIEW

The Purchasing Card Program, supported by CT General Statute 4-98(c), is co-sponsored by the Department of Administrative Services Procurement Services and the Office of the State Comptroller. It is designed and intended to more effectively meet agency purchasing and travel needs. It streamlines and simplifies the purchasing and accounts payable functions by eliminating waste and low value activities, ultimately reducing transaction costs and improving vendor relations. The Purchasing Card (P-Card) is a tool that facilitates the timely acquisition of materials, automates data transactions for accounting purposes, supports travel services, and offers flexible controls to help ensure proper usage. 

HOW IT WORKS 

The P-Card is a MasterCard issued by JPMorgan Chase Bank. It works like a personal credit card however, as a commercial card it has custom designed features, with pre-set controls built in to meet the specific needs of the cardholder and the agency. 

The P-Card simplifies the procurement and disbursement process by facilitating point-of-demand purchasing. Purchasing authority is delegated to the ordering departments enabling the authorized cardholders to place orders directly with suppliers. 

Benefits to the Cardholder

• Obtain goods and services quickly and efficiently 
• Reduces workload related to the purchase of and payment for goods 
• Allows the Cardholder to be more efficient and to focus on value-added aspects of their job 
• Reduces clerical processing time and time associated with the approval process 
• Provides end users with greater autonomy