AMERICAN EXPRESS
Travel & Entertainment Corporate Card
POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
January 2008
TABLE OF CONTENTS
I. Travel & Entertainment (T&E) Corporate Card
A. Program Overview
B. Statement of Benefits
C. Eligibility for the Card Program
II. Procedures for the T&E Corporate Card Program
A. Card Request Procedures
B. Spending Limits
C. Card Activation and Authorized Cardholder Usage
D. General Terms and Conditions for Use
E. Dispute Procedures
F. Change of Name or Billing Address
G. Lost or Stolen Cards
H. Card Renewal
III. Roles & Responsibilities
A. Cardholder Responsibilities
B. Business Manager/Department Head Responsibilities
IV. Expense Reimbursements Procedures Overview
V. Appendices
A. Sample Cardholder Agreement
Form
B . Appropriate Spend Categories
C . Key Contacts
D . Do and Don’t Tips
E . E-TERV Amex Card Tips
F . Travel Receipt and Documentation
Requirements
I. Travel & Entertainment (T&E) Corporate Card
A. Program Overview
The American Express (Amex) Travel & Entertainment (T&E) Card is a University
sponsored charge card offered only to eligible employees of Saint Louis University.
The Card is used exclusively for approved business travel expenses or business
entertainment expenses. The Amex T&E Corporate Card program is designed
to reduce the necessity for employees to incur business related charges on a
personal credit card, and eliminate the processing time and waiting period for
a reimbursement check to cover charges for business related expenses.
The University will remit payment directly to American Express for all approved
reimbursable business expenses placed on the cards issued to our employees.
In return, employees entrusted with carrying a University sponsored Amex T&E
Corporate Card are responsible to ensure all expenses are cleared each month.
All reimbursable business related expenses must be cleared by submitting an
expense report. Cardholders are responsible to pay all non-reimbursable charges
directly to American Express.
Note: Participation in the University sponsored Amex T&E Corporate Card
program is optional.
Use of the Amex T&E Corporate Card will eventually replace virtually all
other travel advances, and prepayments related to travel. It is therefore important
to note, these payment options are being phased out and will not be available
regardless of whether one selects the Amex T&E Corporate Card.
B. Statement of Benefits
Overall advantages
• The University pays American Express directly for all approved business
related expenses on the Card
• Can be used anywhere that accepts American Express, providing flexibility
to the user
• Consolidated Spend data to enhance vendor negotiations
• Payment processing time reduced
Advantages to the cardholder
• No need to incur charges on your personal credit card or advance money
out of pocket for business travel & entertainment expenses
• Cardholder can view account activity (charges & payments) online
at any time
C. Eligibility for the Card Program
In general, participation in the Amex T&E Corporate Card program
is optional and designed for employees who travel on University business, and/or
entertain on behalf of the University. Approval from your Department Head is
required to obtain a University sponsored Amex T&E Corporate Card.
Specifically, those individuals or department administrators who spend a minimum
of $1,000.00 per fiscal year in either (or both) of the Travel & Entertainment
Expense categories, and who typically submit expense reimbursement statements
at least twice per fiscal year are encouraged to participate in the program.
II. Procedures for the T&E Corporate Card Program
A. Card Request Procedures
Requests for Amex T&E Corporate Cards are made by Business Managers or Department
Heads on behalf of an employee based on the employees’ business need for
the card.
1) Initial University-wide Implementation
During initial implementation, cards will be rolled out by unit and issued to
all individuals identified with a business need for the card within the department/division.
The Business Managers will:
• Send an email to the Program Administrator (PA) with the employees'
names, e-mail addresses and limit information (if different from the SLU defaults
of $3,000 monthly with $1,000 retail).
• The PA will send an e-mail to the employees with instructions on how
to apply online. The PA will conduct one group distribution meeting for the
group. Future cards will be distributed by the Business Manager.
2) Post Implementation and New Hires/Additions
Business Managers or Department Heads should e-mail a request to the PA with
the employees name, e-mail address and limit information.
B. Spending Limits
The standard pre-set spending limit will be $3,000.00 per month. This
amount includes a $1,000.00 retail limit for purchases while in travel status.
(The retail limit is set at this higher limit because some conference fees are
processed as a retail charge.)
Some Cardholders may require a higher or lower limit than the standard due
to their business need. Department managers may request a higher limit on behalf
of Cardholders with a justified need.
C. Card Activation and Authorized Cardholder
Usage
1) The Amex T&E Corporate Card is solely intended for use by Saint
Louis University employees who have travel and/or entertainment business expenses.
The Amex T&E Corporate Card is issued in the name of the authorized employee.
The Amex T&E Corporate Card may only be signed by and carried by the employee
identified on the card. The Cardholder may not release or authorize the use
of their card by any other individual.
2) For security reasons, the Amex T&E Corporate Card is issued inactive.
Affixed on the card will be a label with card activation procedures. Only the
employee whose name appears on the Card is authorized to activate it. By activating
and signing the card, the employee agrees to participate in the Amex T&E
Corporate Card program and assumes responsibility in accordance with program
guidelines. Failure to abide by these terms may be viewed as grounds for disciplinary
action up to and including dismissal.
D. General Terms and Conditions for Use
1) Amex T&E Corporate Cardholder accounts may be subject to periodic
internal control reviews and audits designed to protect the interests of the
University. By accepting the Amex T&E Corporate Card, the cardholder agrees
to comply with these reviews and audits.
2) Policies and procedures related to the Amex T&E Corporate Card program
may be updated or changed at any time. The cardholder agrees to and will be
responsible for the execution of any program changes.
3) The Cardholder agrees to surrender and cease use of the Amex T&E Corporate
Card upon termination of employment whether for retirement, voluntary separation,
resignation or dismissal. If the employee ceases to travel, or incur business
entertainment expenses frequently, the Amex T&E Corporate Card PA may request
that the card be returned and cancelled. The cardholder may also be asked to
surrender the Amex T&E Corporate Card at any time deemed necessary by University
management.
4) Misuse or fraudulent use of the card may result in card suspension, card
revocation, disciplinary action, employment termination and/or legal action.
5) Delinquency fees are not reimbursable and will not be paid by the University.
6) The Cardholder is responsible to remit payment directly to American Express
for any unapproved or non-reimbursable expenses placed on the Card.
7) University Policy does not allow the use of the Amex T&E Corporate Card
for personal use. Exceptions may apply in instances such as non-reimbursable
hotel incidentals, which cannot be split from the original hotel bill. However,
the Cardholder should not submit the personal expense item(s) through the University
for payment.
E. Dispute Procedures
While reviewing the activity statement, the cardholder may identify
purchases that appear to be billed in error. It is the responsibility of the
cardholder to resolve any discrepancies on the activity statement.
The cardholder should contact American Express Customer Service at 1 (800)
528-2122 to report the dispute. All disputes must be submitted to American Express
within 60 days of the activity statement date. American Express Customer Service
will resolve the dispute within the next 90 days. American Express Customer
Service will place any item in dispute in suspense and issue a temporary credit
on the cardholder’s activity statement. An item in suspense is not subject
to any delinquency charge and is excluded from the total payment due amount
until the dispute is resolved.
F. Change of Name or Billing Address
The cardholder can contact American Express directly at 1-800-528-2122
or register their card on-line to view statements and make updates via the American
Express web site.
G. Lost or Stolen Cards
In the event of a lost, stolen or compromised card, the cardholder
must immediately contact American Express Customer Service at 1 (800)
528-2122. The cardholder's account will immediately be closed and a
replacement card will be delivered within 24 hours.
Use of a personal credit card during this replacement period will be accepted.
In addition to contacting American Express Customer Service, the cardholder
is responsible for notifying the Amex T&E Corporate Card PA. Failure to
promptly notify American Express or the University Corporate Card PA, within
48 hours of the Cardholder being aware of a lost, stolen or compromised Card
may result in the employee being responsible for charges to the card.
H. Card Renewal
The Amex T&E Corporate Card has an expiration date four years from date
of issuance. The Cardholder will be issued a new card prior to that expiration.
III. Roles and Responsibilities
A. Employee/Cardholder Roles and Responsibilities
include, but are not limited to:
• The Cardholder will use the Amex T&E Corporate Card for business
travel and entertainment expenditures only. Non T&E related charges may
be denied or significantly delay reimbursement.
• The Cardholder will use the Card within the policies and procedures
outlined herein and within the University Travel and Entertainment Policy
• The Amex T&E Corporate Card will be issued in the name of the employee
but is the property of the University.
• By accepting the Card, the employee assumes responsibility for the Card
and will be accountable for all charges made with the Card.
• The Cardholder will not transfer the Card to anyone else. The Card may
not be used by anyone other than the cardholder.
• The Cardholder must maintain the Amex T&E Corporate Card with the
highest level of security. If the card is lost or stolen, or if the cardholder
suspects the card or account number has been compromised, the Cardholder agrees
to immediately notify American Express Customer Service hotline at 800-528-2122
and the Corporate Card PA.
• The Cardholder will submit timely expense reports. Expense reports must
be filed and submitted to the cardholder’s approver in sufficient time
for the approver to submit the report to the appropriate commitment office (Financial
Services or Medical Center Finance Office) within seven days after the trip
is completed or by the 7th day of the month in which they are due.
• The Cardholder will prepare an expense report to clear all reimbursable
card charges paid by the University, as well as to request reimbursement for
out of pocket expenses from the University.
• The Cardholder should not remit payment directly to American Express
for approved and reimbursable business related T&E expenses. These are paid
directly to Amex by the University.
B. Department Head/Business Manager’s
Roles and Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
• Understanding the T&E Corporate Card policy and procedures
• Enrolling employees with a business need in the program
• Ensuring the Cardholders are using the Card within policies and procedures
outlined herein and within the University Travel and Entertainment Policy
• Determining the spending limit for the Cardholder based on their business
need
• Establishing and communicating any necessary departmental guidelines
or procedures
• Collecting and destroying cards from employees separated from the University/department,
and notifying American Express and the PA.
IV. Expense Reimbursement Procedures Overview
On a monthly basis, the cardholder will receive a statement listing
all activity associated with the
Card. This activity will include purchases and credits made during the reporting
period. Cardholder
Reconciliation procedures include:
• Review all transactions listed on the activity statement and identify
and highlight any discrepancies. Contact American Express directly to resolve
discrepancies (see Section II E- Dispute Procedures).
• Submit an expense report at the end of each trip (within 7 days after
the trip is completed) and at least monthly for Business & Entertainment
expenses (by the 7th day of the month due).
• All reimbursable T&E charges appearing on the activity statement
must be submitted for approval to the appropriate commitment office (Financial
Services Medical Center Finance Office) by the 7th day of the month after your
billing cycle.
• Include in your expense reports both T&E card charges to be remitted
to Amex by the University, as well as any out of pocket T&E items for which
you are due reimbursement.
_____________________________________________________________________
Appendix A
Agreement for Use of Saint Louis University
American Express Corporate Travel & Entertainment Card
The undersigned Employee (the “Employee”) of Saint Louis University
has requested an American Express Corporate Card. By signing below, the Employee
acknowledges that he/she has read and fully agrees to the following terms governing
use of the American Express Corporate Travel & Entertainment (T&E) Card:
1. All charges incurred (including any delinquency or late charges) are the
responsibility of the Employee. The Employee is responsible for submitting all
business charges for settlement each month or end of business trip whichever
occurs first. The University will be responsible for making payment to American
Express for all "approved" business expenses charged on the Corporate
Card and will reimburse Employee for any remaining "approved" business
expenses for out-of pocket payments. In addition, the Employee agrees that if
the University pays any amounts owed by the Employee to American Express, the
Employee will immediately reimburse the University for any such amounts. Employee
hereby authorizes the University to make deductions from the Employee's paycheck
or paychecks to recover such amounts determined by the University to be unapproved
business expenses. This provision shall survive termination of this agreement
and the Employees employment with the University. Employee agrees to pay any
and all costs (including court costs and attorney fees) incurred by the University
to collect any sums due to American Express.
2. Employees should use the American Express Corporate T&E Card for all
approved travel and entertainment business expenses (including hotel, car, conference
fees, meals, ground transportation, and other approved business expenses where
possible).
3. The Employee understands and agrees that the American Express Corporate
Card must be used solely for business purposes. The card may not
be used to make personal purchases. The Employee further agrees
that he or she will pay any outstanding balance on his or her account to the
extent such expenditures are deemed unallowable in accordance with the University
Travel Policy. If at any time the Employee no longer requires the use of the
card for corporate travel purposes, the Employee shall immediately return the
card to his or her manager for cancellation.
4. The Employee understands and agrees that American Express may conduct a
credit check prior to issuing a card in the Employee's name, and that credit
may be denied the Employee or the credit available to the Employee may be limited
based upon the Employee's credit history.
5. The Employee will immediately report a lost or stolen card to American Express
and to the Saint Louis University PA.
6. The Employee acknowledges that American Express will provide payment history
and charge statements to the University. The Employee agrees that statements
of the Employee's account may be disclosed to and reviewed by the Employee's
manager and other management personnel as deemed necessary and appropriate by
the University, and the Employee waives and releases the University from any
claims related to such disclosure and review, including without limitation claims
for invasion of privacy.
7. The Employee understands that noncompliance with any of the foregoing or
the University’s travel policies may result in the cancellation of the
Employee’s American Express Corporate Card, and may subject the Employee
to other disciplinary action. Such disciplinary action shall be governed by
the terms of the Faculty Manual (if faculty), the Staff Handbook (if staff),
or other University policies promulgated from time to time.
8. If the Employee leaves his or her employment for any reason, the
Employee agrees to cut the card in half and to immediately return it to his
or her manager prior to departure. The Employee further agrees that he or she
will submit a final expense report and pay, prior to Employee's departure, any
outstanding balance on his or her account for any expenditures deemed unallowable
in accordance with the University Travel Policy prior to Employee departure.
_____________________________
I have read, understand and agree to the above terms and conditions for the
use of the University-sponsored American Express Corporate Card. Please complete
and sign the following.
Employee Name: ______________________Employee ID: ____________________
Employee Signature:____________________ Date: __________________________
Department Name:_____________________ Department Number: ______________
_____________________________________________________________________
Appendix B
| Appropriate Spend Categories - Corporate
T&E Card |
|
| Cost Item or Spend Category* |
Can the T&E Card or Pcard be used for this item? |
Typical items in travel status including:
Lodging
Conference related materials such as books, tapes and videos
Personal meals including groceries
Business Meals for employees and non-employees
Incidental business expenses, incurred while in travel status, such as copies,
faxes, business phone calls and postage
Rental Vehicle and related gas
Ground transportation costs such as train, taxi or shuttle |
|
| Airfare |
No - All charges will be on the BTA |
| American Express Agency Service fees for AXO Interactive & Traditional
Travel Services |
No - All charges will be on the BTA |
| Conference/Registration Fee |
Amex T&E card |
Business meeting expenses such as equipment rental and meeting room charges
Contracts must be submitted to Business Services
prior to signing |
Amex T&E card |
Non-reimbursable personal hotel costs such as movie charges,
personal phone calls and safe fees Although
these items are allowable charges on the card, since they are not reimbursable,
the cardholder must remit payment directly to American Express for these
items. See Terms and Conditions section IID for details
|
Amex T&E card |
| Non-reimbursable expenses such as movies or other personal
entertainment or activities not part of the hotel bill or conference charge |
No |
| Approved Gifts associated with a Saint Louis University Client, Alumni,
Business Associate or Donor |
No- The Pcard should be used except for minor gifts purchased while in
travel status |
| Sporting or Entertainment Events to include: Parking, admission fees,
souvenirs, programs and refreshments |
Amex T&E card |
| Meals catered in from a restaurant to an on-campus location
for a meeting or event |
No - The Pcard should be used |
| Groceries purchased locally for a meeting or event |
No - The Pcard should be used |
| Trip expenses on behalf of student athletes, students, residents or guests
of the University: Conference registration fees or hotel pre-payments |
Amex T&E card |
*Cost Reimbursement allocated to Sponsored Programs
is subject to sponsor guidelines. Please contact Sponsored Programs
for any questions concerning travel cost reimbursement on sponsored programs.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix C- Key Contacts
American Express Customer Service - 800-528-2122
(24 hours, 7 days a week)
• Card lost, stolen or compromised
• Questions about the posting of charges to your account
• To dispute a charge
• Foreign exchange currency questions
Corporate Card Program Administrator - Lori Myers - 977-3708 lmyers7@slu.edu
• Card lost or stolen or compromised
• Questions about the card policy
• Assistance with vendors and card acceptance problems
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix D
Do and Don’t Tips for the
Amex T&E Corporate Card Program
Do
• Activate and sign the back of your card.
• Add the card to your AXO profile and check the hotel and car rental
boxes.
• Retain actual receipts for all meals not charged to your Amex T&E
Card.
• Submit request for reimbursement of T&E business expenses after
each trip.
• Pay American Express directly for non-reimbursable unapproved charges
on your statement.
• Reconcile your statement to your expense reports each month.
• Submit a copy of your statement or print out of recent activity with
your expense report.
• Submit your expense report complete along with all required receipts
and documentation to your approver.
• Submit your expense report timely to your approver. Expense reports
are due to the applicable commitment office (Financial Services or Medical Center
Finance Office) within seven days after the trip is completed. Check with your
approver for the deadline to submit your report each month.
• Submit a Business & Entertainment expense report at least monthly
by the 7th of the month when your Amex payment is due.
Don't
• Allow others to carry or use your card.
• Use your card to pay for another employees’ expenses.
• Check the airline box when adding your card in AXO. The Business Travel
Account (BTA) will continue to be the method of payment for all airline and
agency fee charges.
• Use your card for personal charges.
• Pay American Express directly for approved charges on your statement.
• Use your card for supplies, shipping/postage, groceries, gifts, conference
materials or business communication expenses in the local area. These expenses
are allowed on the T&E card only when in travel status.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Appendix E
E-TERV Amex Card Tips
• Complete the Amex E-TERV within seven days after the trip is completed.
• Complete one E-TERV for each trip.
• Complete a Business & Entertainment Expense Voucher at least monthly
for business meals (both local and in travel status), and for local business
expenses.
• Submit all reimbursable T&E charges appearing on the Amex activity
statement for approval to the appropriate Commitment Office (Financial Services
or Medical Center Finance) by the 7th day of the month. (This is approximately
one week after the billing cycle ends.)
• Refer to the E-TERV checklist for required documentation, including
required explanations for certain expenditures.
• Retrieve a current list of Amex card transactions (see instructions)
and attach to the E-TERV and/or BEEV.
• Include any prepayments by the Travel Office for hotel, conference registration,
cash advances, etc., in the Prepaid/Deductions column.
• Enter the reimbursable amount for Amex card transactions in the column
labeled “Amex Card Charges”.
Note: Make payment directly to American Express for any non-reimbursable
card amounts.
• Ensure that card transactions are not duplicated on Amex reports or
omitted from expense reports.
_____________________________________________________________________
Appendix F
| Travel Receipt
and Documentation Requirements |
|
| Expense Type |
Required Receipt and Documentation** |
| All Expense Reports with American Express Charges |
Current American Express Corporate Card Statement |
| Ground Transportation (taxi, shuttle, car service) |
Original receipt for charges of $10 or more per day, Amex Card
is valid receipt |
| Mileage |
Transportation Calculator showing the most cost effective means of transportation |
| Automobile Rental* |
1) Original Receipt and
2) American Express Invoice Detail and
3a) Cost justification vs. taxi/shuttle for rentals in destination city
3b) Transportation Calculator for rentals in home city. Amex Card
Statement is not valid receipt
|
| Parking/Tolls/Gas |
-Parking at St. Louis airport*: original receipt only,
maximum reimbursement $9.30/day, effective 1/1/08.Amex Card Statement
is not valid receipt
-All other parking: original receipt only, Amex
Card Statement is not valid receipt
-Gas*: original receipt only, Amex Card Statement
is not valid receipt |
| Lodging* |
1) Itemized hotel receipt and
2a) American Express Invoice Detail or
2b) Conference detail showing published conference rate
Amex Card Statement is not valid receipt |
| Registration Fees* |
1) Original receipt and
2) Conference detail showing published conference rate.
Amex Card Statement is not valid receipt |
| Business Communications* |
Original receipt (most cases on hotel receipt).
Amex Card Statement is not valid receipt |
| Business Purchase* |
Original receipt and justification.
Amex Card Statement is not valid receipt |
| Personal Meals |
Original receipt for all items. Maximum reimbursement government government
daily meal per diem for locality (see travel policy for additional per diem
information).
Amex Card Statement is valid receipt |
| Tips/Incidentals |
- Tips - maximum reimbursement to porters, average of
$3 per travel day.
- Incidentals - original receipt.
Amex Card Statement is not valid receipt |
| Business Meals |
1) Original receipt for all items.
2) List of attendees and their relationship to SLU.
Amex Card Statement is valid receipt |
* The Amex Card Statement is not a valid receipt for
those expense types that require additional itemization for review of policy
compliance
** Applicable documents and receipts should be submitted in the order above.
The first item behind the expense report should always be the statement, then
the Invoice Detail, followed by documentation and receipts for each expense
type in the order above.
Policy content owned by: Travel Department
Revised: Wednesday, 13 Feb 2008Return to IndexPrinter Friendly Format