The Express Card is the preferred method for buying many types of goods and services under $4,999. This quick reference provides basic guidelines and helpful information about your card. Select a link below to learn more:

Cardholder responsibilities Types of purchases Inventorial equipment Restrictions, exemptions, and exclusions State and federal grants Disputes

Returns Lost and stolen cards Making purchases Declined cards Shipping purchases Contact information

Topic	Description	Need more information?
Cardholder responsibilities	Cardholders given the authority to use the Express Card agree to comply with these procedures: Keep your card safe and secure. Obtain documentation on every purchase and forward it to your Express Card Department Administrator (ECDA). Know University policies and procedures regarding departmental purchasing authority. Know policies regarding the application of California Use Tax.	See cardholder responsibilities.
Types of purchases	You can use your Express Card for most goods and services under $4,999, including but not limited to: Advertisements Books, subscriptions and dues Cell phones, pagers, and other monthly fees Computer supplies and peripherals Electrical supplies Equipment maintenance and repair Lab supplies Miscellaneous expenses Office supplies Publications Rentals Services	See common purchases and restrictions.
Purchasing inventorial equipment	Inventorial equipment cannot be purchased with the Express Card. At UCSD, inventorial equipment refers to items that: Are non-expendable Stand alone Have a normal useful life of one year or more Qualify as tangible personal property (can be appraised for value) with an acquisition cost of $5,000 or more If you need to purchase equipment, contact a professional buyer to assist you with the purchase.	See equipment management basics.
Restricted purchases	These goods and services cannot be charged to the Express Card: Alcohol ATM/Cash withdrawals and money orders Catering Controlled substances and radioactive materials Cylinder gases Employee incentive awards Equipment Flowers Gasoline or diesel fuel General purchases greater than $4,999 Gifts or gift certificates Independent contractor or consultant services Meeting refreshments Moving expenses Personal expenses Postage Purchases that require the signing of contractual documents, including maintenance or license agreements and leases Registration fees Split purchases Temporary staffing services Travel and entertainment	See restricted items (includes alternative payment methods).
State and federal grants	The Express Card cannot be used to purchase goods and services that are not allowable under the terms of your fund, including state and federal contracts and grants.	See your ECDA if you have questions about departmental funds.
Disputes	Cardholders are responsible for following up with a vendor regarding any erroneous charges, disputed items, or credits that should appear on their statements. All disputed transactions must be submitted within 60 days of the transaction date.	See How to File a Dispute.
Returns	If you return an item to a vendor, the vendor should credit your Express Card. Forward all documentation regarding the credit to your ECDA.	See How to Exchange or Return an Item.
Lost or stolen cards	Report your lost or stolen card immediately.	See How to Report a Lost or Stolen Card.
Making a purchase	You can use your Express Card to purchase low-dollar supplies in person or by phone, fax, or mail. You can also purchase items through a secure Web site.	See How to Make a Purchase with an Express Card.
Declined cards	A card may be declined if the vendor does not have the correct billing address. Be sure to provide this address: University of California, San Diego 9500 Gilman Drive, Mail Code _____* La Jolla, CA 92093-_____* *Insert your Mail Code Your card may also be declined if the: Purchase amount exceeds the maximum Supplier is restricted Card is inactive Account number is transposed during the sales transaction If you need assistance with a declined card, contact U.S. Bank Customer Service at (800) 344-5696.	See Reasons Your Express Card May Be Declined.
Shipping purchases	If your purchase is being shipped to Receiving, request that the vendor use this shipping address: University of California, San Diego Attn: Cardholder's full name, phone #, building, and room # 7835 Trade Street San Diego, CA 92121-2460	See How to Make a Purchase with an Express Card.
Contacts	If you need assistance, contact an appropriate staff member or the bank: Program Administrator: Susan Maciel, (858) 534-6535 Express Card Hotline: (858) 534-1970 Express Card E-mail U.S. Bank Customer Service: (800) 344-5696.