American Express

Reference: Department of General Services Management Memo 05-06

American Express State of California Government Card

The American Express (AMEX) State of California Government card issued to an employee is maintained on an individual billing and payment basis. This places the responsibility for reviewing statements and making payment on the employee, not the department. Business travel expenses charged appear on the monthly billing statement sent directly to the employee. The employee submits a travel expense claim for reimbursement and pays American Express the total amount due.

Frequent travelers may apply for this card to pay for travel expenses. American Express defines a frequent traveler as someone who travels on state business at least five (5) times or charges at least $5,000 per year.

To apply for an AMEX State Government Card, click here for the application. For more information, contact the Division of Accounting's Travel Policy Section.

Use of the AMEX State of California Government Card supports the State's efforts for negotiating the best rates possible through reporting of vendor usage. The use of this card is an effective and efficient means of managing business travel expenses resulting in a reduction in administrative costs, increased control over travel expenses, and an extended float on travel funds. Key benefits include:

24 hour Worldwide Customer Assistance Center.
$350,000 door to door Business Travel Accident Insurance.
1,700 Travel Service Offices worldwide for travel assistance.
Captures the State of California's purchasing power for vendor negotiations of airfare, lodging, and car rental.
Exemption of hotel transient occupancy tax in participating cities and counties.
Identifies the state traveler on official state business for airline, lodging and car rental discounts.
Over 4 million establishments accepting the card worldwide.

American Express Business Travel Accounts

American Express provides Caltrans with centrally billed accounts for airline, rail, and car rental charges via the Business Travel Account (BTA) program. When reservations are made through Caltrans' travel agency, CalTravelStore. All charges for airfare, rail, and contract rental cars are billed to Caltrans directly through a BTA.

Failure to make reservations using CalTravelStore, may result in employees securing rates in excess of the State contract amounts and for which reimbursement may not be obtained.

For details on making reservations, see Under Construction

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This page last updated: 21 April, 2011 1:45 PM