Can a service member refuse to accept responsibility as a GPC cardholder?

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:18:39 -0400

Just curious if an SM has any choice in the matter or not.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 9:34 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:34:57 -0400

No.
DoDI 5154.31-V4, October 16, 2015
3. POLICY. It is DoD policy that:
a. Eligible members of the Military Services and DoD civilian employees must be issued a GTCC individually billed account (IBA) pursuant to Public Law 105-264 and section 5701 Note of Title 5, United States Code (References (g) and (i)).

If you are wondering why...
It's because servicemembers are generally too slow on submitting vouchers when the travel is centrally billed, which means those on centrally billed accounts (also citibank visas) often go in to delinquency, requiring reissue of new cards for centrally billed accounts.
The DoD policy puts the responsibility on the servicemembers for timely payment of just their one card each, alleviating the strain on the centrally billed accounts, which are now only used for those who do not qualify for a GTCC.

if you are concerned, simply submit complete, correct vouchers within 5 days of travel.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Sep 20 at 2021 9:48 AM

SSgt Christophe Murphy — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 09:48:52 -0400

It's required. I heard the argument "I will get one if I need one" alot but it isn't feasible. The whole point of getting it is to have it if you end up getting launched on last minute travel orders. Waiting until you get orders to jump through hoops causes a lot of issues. If there is a legitimate fear or need to disallow the individual to have a card that is a different process.

Response by SGM Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 20 at 2021 10:48 AM

SGM Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 20 Sep 2021 10:48:50 -0400

And now I have to apologize, as I see that you said GPC, not GTC.
Purchase card is part of the job for certain jobs.
Someone has to be the cardholder and someone has to be the APC.
Refusing to be the purchase card holder is sort of like the unit supply NCO refusing to be the unit hand receipt custodian.
Why would someone want to refuse to accept responsibility for the GPC, and who else is available to do that job for them?