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Find answers to common questions about the UCSD Travel Card.
Essentials:
Cash for authorized travel expenses:
Billing and statements:
Q: Is the new Travel Card like other credit cards?
A: The UCSD Travel Card is a charge card, not a card with a revolving line of credit. The balance is payable in full before the next billing cycle, and payment is due within 30 days.
Q: Will my UCSD Travel Card affect my personal credit rating?
A: There is no routine reporting to credit bureaus because the card is only for reimbursable UCSD travel and entertainment expenses, not personal charges. However, if any portion of your account balance is 90 days or more past due, the delinquency could be reported to a credit bureau. Do not reference this card as a credit liability.
Q: Is there a limit on the amount I can charge monthly for travel?
A: You can make unlimited charges for authorized business travel expenses on your UCSD Travel Card. This includes air, hotel, car rental, restaurants, taxis, parking, and telephone charges. In addition, there's a limited allowance for additional expenses for necessary purchases that fall outside of the Travel categories.
Q: Is my account ready to use when I receive my card?
A: No. You will need to activate the card by calling Customer Service, (800) 344-5696.
Q: What happens if my card is lost or stolen?
A: Immediately call (800) 344-5696 to report it. The card will be closed and a new card with a new number will be issued and sent to you, overnight if requested. Check your monthly statement thoroughly to be sure all charges are valid, and report any unauthorized activity.
Q: What if I have a question concerning my account?
A: Contact Customer Service, (800) 344-5696, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
Q: How do I change my PIN?
A: Call Customer Service, (800) 344-5696, and follow the prompts:
Q: How do I change my address?
A: To change your statement address, e-mail UCSD Travel from your @ucsd address with the subject line “Travel Card Statement Address,” and include your new statement address and current contact information.
Q: Why is my Travel Card not accepted at certain retail establishments?
A: Certain merchants are not classified as travel (or entertainment) related so an attempted charge will automatically be declined.
Q: Can I get cash through my UCSD Travel Card?
A: You can get cash for authorized travel expenses at more than 330,000 ATMs and 471,500 member banks worldwide. You will be charged a 2.5% transaction fee (minimum $2, maximum $10). ATM fees can be charged to your department when submitted for reimbursement with your travel and entertainment expenses. Most UCSD cards have a $500 cash limit.
Q: I need to use my card for cash but have not yet received my PIN. How do I get cash?
A: Go to a bank and present your UCSD Travel Card along with your photo ID to request cash for authorized travel expenses.
Q: How do I find the location of a bank or ATM?
A: For the nearest US location, call (800) THE-PLUS or (800) VISA-911. When traveling internationally, call the Assistance Center collect, (410) 581-9994.
Q: Whose responsibility is it to pay the bill?
A: It is your responsibility, as the cardholder, to ensure the bill is paid in full prior to the next billing cycle. The cycle date is the 24th of each month. You can request UCSD Travel to issue payment via MyTravel, a Travel Expense Voucher (TEV), or Entertainment form; however, this is done as a courtesy. It is ultimately your responsibility to ensure timely payment.
Q: Why must the employee’s manager approve the Travel Card application and what is the manager’s responsibility?
A: The manager signature indicates that the employee requires the card to conduct official UCSD business. The manager is required to ensure the employee's account remains current and if notified by the UCSD Travel Card Team the manager must dedicate immediate resources to resolve any past due balance. Past due accounts affect the entire UC Card Program and failure to assist with this process could impact all Travel Cards in the department.
Q: Why is a default index required on a Travel Card application and what is the index authority’s responsibility?
A: An index is required on applications because of the Travel Card strip bill feature. Charges that were not preauthorized with a UCSD Event Number or not reconciled within 21 days might be charged to the default index. The index authority is required to assist the Travel Card Team in ensuring travel is preauthorized and resolving past due balances.Q: On what date does my statement generate?
A: On the 24th of each month, a statement is produced. Your statement will be sent by U.S. Mail. Please allow 7 business days for receipt.
Q: Do I wait for the bill to submit my expense report?
A: No. Please submit your expense report as soon as you complete your travel or entertainment event. Timely submission helps ensure prompt reimbursement.
Q: Can I check my account online?
A: Yes. You can access your account online to view account activity and billing statements. The first time you access your account, you will need to register.
Q: What is UCSD's short name?
A: Enter UofCA for company short name.
Q: Can I make a payment to my Travel Card account online?
A: Yes. First go to AccessOnline. Select Account Information and click Cardholder Account Statement to review your charges and account balance. Then choose Pay Electronically. A new window will open to allow you to complete your payment. For additional instructions, see Web-based training.
Q: Is training required to use the US Bank Access Online site?
A: No, but card members can use the US Bank web-based training. Use to following password to gain access to the lessons: lumbini
Q: Is it important to reconcile my statement each month?
A: Yes. As a cardholder, you are responsible to reconcile your account each month and make payments when due. This will help ensure that your account always remains in proper balance. If you have not received your statement, contact Customer Service, (800) 344-5696.
Q: Why are there late fees on my Travel Card account?
A: Late fees are assessed when your account is past due. It is each cardholder's responsibility to keep the account current and personally pay any late fees incurred.
Q: What if I don't recognize a charge or need more information about a charge on my statement?
A: Refer to the back of your statement for billing inquiries, problems, or questions. You must respond no later than 60 days from the original statement date for a charge that you question. Be sure to keep records of all discussions, including the name of the customer service representative. If you have any questions or need further clarification, contact Customer Service, (800) 344-5696. To dispute a charge using US Bank's Access Online site, follow the step-by-step instructions (PDF).
Q: What happens once I dispute a charge?
A: After you have filed for dispute of a charge, the amount of that charge will be suspended. During the investigation, you do not need to pay the amount of the specific charge in dispute; however, you must pay the entire balance of charges that are not in question.
Notice: UCSD travel policy, as published in Blink, is decisive. It has been adapted to UCSD's organization, delegation of authority, terminology, chart of accounts, and processing applications. The source for UCSD travel policy is UC Travel Policy and Regulations.