Can I use a travel card for DLA expenses during a PCS?

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:26:23 -0400

Ive been told different things... doing a full PPM from Ft Sam to Hood; thanks in advance!

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 3:29 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 15:29:27 -0400

Travel card is intended to cover PCS expenses, as long as it’s related to the move and your not using it at the movies or on leave.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Sep 12 at 2019 6:43 PM

SFC Ralph E Kelley — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 18:43:59 -0400

Is it a credit card or some kind of credit voucher? Credit Vouchers have a stated limit or a stated usage (such as a bus from point A to B) where as a Credit Card works differently with you paying any overage when you're done with it's use.
Here's my experience:
The US Army issued me as E-6 a Diner's Club Credit Card in the early 80s and I received one when I was travelling from Panama to Europe's West Germany. I was told if I "went over" then the card would not pay for whatever expenses I had over drawn it. They didn't give me the limit.
I paid for planes, trains and automobiles. I paid for hotels, motels and cabins. I paid for steaks, soups and hot dogs. All over a 30 day enroute leave. When I finally reported in I presented the card for audit.
The finance clerk asked me if I had gotten a room yet and I replied NO.
He, after a call to the the local housing office, then stated that since there were not any rooms available I should go down to the local town and rent a room at a Gasthaus.
I lived there and when my family arrived (paid by a different Diner's Club card in her name) I used the card given to me to take a train to Rhein Main AFB. Picked her up in a rental car and drove back to Bavaria where 2nd ACR was stationed.
I used that card for 8 months until family housing came open to pay rent, food and other expenses. During that time I didn't get BAH or any of the other expected pay outs to my LES. My wife's card had been turned in after she arrived at the replacement detachment in Frankfurt. Once I was slated to move into housing I had to turn the card again for audit.
After the audit, finance paid out cash to me of $1100 in German Marks (about 3900 and change if I remember correctly) as I wouldn't occupy my own post quarters till the end of the month. I owed nothing as DA had paid the bill directly to Diner's club each month as I used it.
The other time I was given a Diner's Club card was when I was on Courier Duty. Same type of deal except my wife (and now two daughters) were safely cocooned with her family in Texas.
That's my experience, which is a lit' bit dated being in the 1980s. My advice is to use it where you need it and then not when you don't,
I hope this helps.

Response by SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 7:35 PM

SSG(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 19:35:15 -0400

I've been told a lot too but I think it depends on how much of a headache it is for someone else to fix if it's done wrong. So not only your problem but also theirs.

I believe the card is used to cover expenses in travel and meals that are service related. Still have to upload receipts if they dont automatically move in DTS. For sure do not use on stuff you don't need. Like a motorcycle. Or lots of beers. Or stuff like that. Use to cover gas and meals and there shouldn't be issues. File receipts in a timely manner and it's no headache at all! Best of luck SGT Private RallyPoint Member !

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 12 at 2019 9:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 12 Sep 2019 21:09:14 -0400

Not to be a curmudgeon here, but Sam to Hood is like, 2 1/2 hours tops? How much stuff do you have to move?