Department of Defense (DoD) travel cardholders now have the ability to add their Government Travel Charge Card (GTCC) to their smartphone Mobile Wallet to make purchases at contactless terminals. You may add your Travel Card to multiple devices, both personal and government furnished. You just need to be careful that you do not use your Travel Card for personal purchases if it is included in a Mobile Wallet on your personal device.
What Mobile Wallet app do I choose?
Smart devices come with the most common apps preloaded. If you have an iPhone, for example, your phone will likely have Apple Pay already installed. Two other popular Mobile Wallet app options that will work with the GTCC are Google Pay and Samsung Pay.
The setup is simple: launch the app, take a photo of your travel card or enter the applicable information, and follow the step-by-step instructions.
Why is adding your GTCC to a Mobile Wallet useful when you travel?
It’s convenient and safer! Mobile Wallets are quickly accessible and convenient, making it easier for travelers to make payments for in-store purchases, while in an airport, or even after a morning run. It usually takes the payment terminal only a second before you are alerted that the payment has been submitted.
With your Mobile Wallet, every transaction is encrypted, which means your GTCC account number is never shared with the merchant. To complete a transaction, you might be required to provide a passcode or authenticate through fingerprint or facial recognition, which adds an additional layer of security.
How do Mobile Wallets work?
Many of you may already be using a Mobile Wallet for personal use and if so, you’ll use it for your GTCC the same way. At checkout, if you see the contactless symbol on a vendor’s payment reader, all you will have to do is open the Mobile Wallet app on your smartphone, select your travel card, and then hold the device a few inches above the payment reader until confirmation is received. There may be a sound indicating confirmation as well.
If you have personal credit cards and your GTCC in your Mobile Wallet, be sure to only use your GTCC for official/authorized travel expenses while in a temporary duty (TDY) or Permanent Change of Station (PCS) status if your Component allows.
Enjoy using this new GTCC feature!