Are personal purchases allowed on a government card?

The guidance regarding the use of government-issued cards is clear that personal purchases are not permitted. The rationale behind this restriction is to maintain accountability and integrity in government spending. Government funds are allocated for official purposes only, ensuring that taxpayer dollars are used appropriately and effectively.

Permitting personal purchases, even within reasonable limits or under specific conditions like reimbursement, could lead to misuse of government resources, create complications in tracking expenditures, and potentially open the door to fraudulent activities. Therefore, strict adherence to using the government card solely for official government business is essential to uphold fiscal responsibility and transparency.

By reinforcing that government cards should only be used for official functions, the rules seek to eliminate any ambiguity about what is considered an acceptable purchase and to preserve the integrity of government financial management practices.