The School of Government offers several credit cards to support the business needs of its faculty and staff. Each card has a specific purpose, limitations and restrictions, and reconciliation processes.
Types of Credit Cards Offered at the School of Government
For a summary of allowable purchases for each card, see 
Credit Cards at the School of Government
University P-card
- When to use: P-cards can be used for most administrative and programmatic expenses, regardless of the funding source. This includes catering, business meals, supplies, printing, shipping, and other related expenses.
- Eligibility: Any full-time, permanent UNC employee is eligible with supervisor approval
- Spending Limits: Monthly spending limits range from $2,500 to $25,000, depending on the business needs of the cardholder, with most cardholders issued a $5,000 monthly limit. Single transaction limits are typically $2,500, and in some cases higher, but do not exceed $5,000.
- Tax exempt: Yes
- Restrictions: do not use a P-Card for the following purchases:
- Alcohol
- Travel
- Purchases above $5,000
- Purchases that require a signed contract
- Payments to independent contractors
- Reconciliation:
- Reconcile all P-Card transactions using the Bank of America Works system. All charges should be reconciled by the 15th of the month.
- Include an itemized receipt, business justification, and any additional documentation (for example, participant list & agenda for meeting or course-related expenses)
- Resources:
- Purchasing Card Handbook
- P-Card Frequently Asked Questions
- P-Card Tips and Tricks
- Bank of America Works login
- P-card vs. T&E card
- Payment card services
- Who to contact: Anitra Jones, ajones@sog.unc.edu, or the UNC P-Card office pcard@unc.edu.
University T&E Card
- When to use: T&E cards can only be used for UNC employee travel expenses (only those associated with the cardholder) as well as for business meals (including alcohol).
- Eligibility: Any full-time, permanent UNC employee who travels at least once per year is eligible, provided they obtain supervisor approval.
- Spending Limits: Each T&E Card has individual per-transaction and monthly spending limits. Spending limits are established according to the cardholder's business needs. Most cardholders are issued a monthly limit of $5,000. Single transaction limits are typically $2,500, and in some cases higher, but do not exceed $5,000.
- Tax exempt: Yes
- Restrictions: T&E cards should only be used for travel for the cardholder and business meals. They should not be used for:
- General or administrative expenses, such as supplies, printing, and shipping.
- Travel for other employees, students, and guests.
- Purchases above $5,000
- Reconciliation:
- Reconcile all T&E card transactions using the Concur travel system. All charges should be reconciled within 30 days.
- Include an itemized receipt, business justification, and any additional documentation (for example, participant list and agenda for a meeting or course-related expenses)
- Resources:
- Concur Travel Login
- T&E Card Handbook
- T&E Card Training
- When to use your T&E Card versus the P-Card
- Paying for Traveler Expenses by Traveler Type
- Who to contact: Hector Rodriguez harodri@sog.unc.edu or the UNC Travel Card Office travelcard@unc.edu
School of Government Services Ramp Card
- When to use: School of Government Services Ramp cards can be used for any purchase related to School of Government Services, including course expenses and general administrative purchases for the School of Government.
- Eligibility: Any full-time, permanent School of Government Services employee is eligible, subject to supervisor approval. Additionally, UNC employees making purchases on behalf of the School of Government Services (such as those working in School of Government operations divisions) are eligible, provided they obtain supervisor approval.
- Spending Limits: Each School of Government Services Ramp card has individual per-transaction and monthly spending limits. Spending limits are established according to the cardholder's business needs. Most cardholders are issued a monthly limit of $2,500. Single transaction limits are typically $2,500, and in some cases higher, but do not exceed $5,000. Spending limits can be adjusted on a one-time basis for transactions that exceed limits, with approval from the Assistant Dean for Business and Finance.
- Tax exempt: No
- Restrictions: Ramp cards should only be used for School of Government Services business. It should not be used for:
- Purchases whose funding source is not associated with School of Government Services (for example, gifts and grants to UNC)
- Personal expenses of the cardholder
- Reconciliation:
- Reconcile all Ramp card transactions using Ramp online, in the Ramp App, or by emailing receipts@ramp.com. All charges should be reconciled within 10 days.
- Include an itemized receipt, business justification (memo), and any additional documentation (for example, participant list & agenda for meeting or course-related expenses)
- Resources:
- Who to contact: Amie Stewart at astewart@sog.unc.edu
Purchasing Requirements by SOG Business.pdf
School of Government Foundation Ramp Card
- When to use: School of Government Foundation Ramp cards can be used for any purchase related to the School of Government Foundation, including fundraising expenses and events supported by the Foundation.
- Eligibility: Members of the School of Government Leadership Team and the School of Government Advancement Team.
- Spending Limits: Each School of Government Foundation Ramp card has individual per-transaction and monthly spending limits. Spending limits are established according to the cardholder's business needs. Most cardholders are issued a $2,500 monthly limit. Single transaction limits are typically $2,500, and in some cases higher, but do not exceed $5,000. Spending limits can be adjusted on a one-time basis for transactions that exceed limits, with approval from the Assistant Dean for Business and Finance.
- Tax exempt: No
- Restrictions: Ramp cards should only be used for SOG Foundation business. It should not be used for:
- Purchases whose funding source is not associated with the SOG Foundation
- Personal expenses of the cardholder
- Reconciliation:
- Reconcile all Ramp card transactions using Ramp online, in the Ramp App, or by emailing receipts@ramp.com. All charges should be reconciled within 10 days.
- Include an itemized receipt, business justification (memo), and any additional documentation (for example, participant list & agenda for meeting or course-related expenses)
- Resources:
- Who to contact: Amie Stewart at astewart@sog.unc.edu
Credit Card FAQ
How do I get a credit card?
If you do not have a credit card but believe you have a business need, contact a Business Office staff member to request a card. In most cases, supervisor approval is required.
P-Card requests are reviewed and issued by the University P-Card office. Credit cards for School of Government Services and School of Government Foundation are reviewed and issued by the assistant dean for business and finance.
How do I know what credit card to use?
We recognize that it can sometimes be confusing to decipher which kind of credit card to use for various purposes. For a detailed list of what is allowable on each kind of card, please see Credit Cards at SOG.
In some cases, the funding source will determine the type of card you can use. For courses, you can reference the Event Master List to check the business associated with each program, and use the corresponding credit card. If you’re unsure which card to use, contact the Business Office, and we will help you make an informed decision.
What if there is a fraudulent charge on my credit card, or my credit card is lost or stolen?
P-cards: Call Bank of America at 888.449.2273 immediately, and then notify the P-Card Office at pcard@unc.edu.
T&E cards: Call Bank of America Global Card Services at 888.449.2273 (available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year). For further information, see T&E card handbook section 5.5.
Ramp Cards: Notify the assistant dean for business and finance immediately, so they can cancel the card and issue a new one.
I accidentally made a personal purchase with my credit card. What should I do?
Work with the vendor to refund the charge immediately and notify the Business Office as soon as possible. You will be asked to complete a form and/or write a letter explaining the misuse and provide other documentation, depending on the card used.
What if a vendor refuses to remove sales tax from my purchase when I use a University P-card?
Although we request that all vendors remove sales tax from purchases made with a P-Card, we recognize that some vendors are unable to do so. You may still make the purchase; the University will work with those vendors after the fact to refund the sales tax charges.
What should I do if my purchase will exceed the single transaction or monthly limit?
Reach out to the Business Office as soon as you are aware that a purchase will exceed your limit. We may be able to offer an alternative purchasing method for one-time purchases, or work with you to adjust your card limit if an ongoing need persists.
Can I purchase supplies with my credit card?
Generally, we ask that you make every effort to find items at the lowest available price. In most cases, this can be achieved by purchasing through the University’s negotiated contract with major vendors such as Staples and Amazon, and not by using your credit card. If possible, please request supplies through our online request form. However, if you are unable to request supplies in advance (due to an urgent need or other special circumstances), you may use a credit card to purchase supplies. Be sure to ask the vendor to remove the sales tax if you are using a University P-card.