Q: Who is eligible to apply for the GE Capital MasterCard?
A: Regular faculty and staff on the MSU payroll are eligible. However, because the corporate travel card is intended for business travel and retail purchases made while in travel status, employees who do not incur business travel expenses should not obtain a card.
Q: Why is it important to use the GE Capital MasterCard when I travel?
A: GE Capital MasterCard offers Michigan State University travelers some benefits that their own credit cards may not. The following highlight the most important of those.
ACCEPTANCE-MasterCard has greater acceptance world-wide.
ATM CASH ADVANCE - The GE Capital Master Card offers cash withdrawals at over 285,000 ATMS worldwide.
ENHANCED TRAVEL INSURANCE - Primary collision and loss damage insurance on car rentals and increased travel accident insurance coverage are included with use of the GE Capital MasterCard.
TECHNOLOGY-GE Capital MasterCard has state-of-the-art payment systems and reporting capabilities. Individual accounts can be managed on line and payments may be made via ACH payments. In addition, cardholders have access to account information 24/7 through genetservice.com.
Q: Is there an annual fee for the corporate travel card?
A: There is no annual fee associated with the card.
Q: Are there spending limits of any kind?
A: The maximum credit limit on each card is $15,000. Retail purchases, which are limited to those made while in MSU business travel status, has a spending limit of $500 per billing cycle. Card holders may also obtain up to $200 per billing cycle in ATM cash advances.
Q: Why is the retail limit only $500?
A: Because the GE corporate travel card is meant to be used for business travel and entertainment, it is unlikely that travelers should have to make retail (non travel-related) purchases totaling more than $500 per billing cycle. In addition, this serves to protect the cardholder in the event that the card is stolen.
Q: What if I need to exceed the retail or credit limit on my card?
A: Your MSU program administrator has the capability, where warranted, to change authorized limits on your application. Requests for authorization should be made in advance of the trip, whenever possible. Note: This will not be routinely done. Provision of a compelling rationale will be necessary to increase a limit.
Q: May I use my GE MasterCard for personal purchases?
A: The GE MasterCard is an employee benefit designed to ease the travel burden for employees, eliminate travel advances and, from report driven spending information, enable MSU to negotiate favorable contracts with other travel vendors. Accordingly, it is to be used for MSU business travel or MSU business entertainment. The GE MasterCard may not be used for personal travel or personal retail expenditures.
Q: May I use my card if my travel is MSU business-related but not entirely reimbursed by MSU or includes some personal travel?
A: Yes.
Q: Why does Michigan State University appear on the front of the card?
A: Michigan State University chose to have its name on the card to provide name recognition and emphasize that the card is to be used for all business related travel. In addition, the MSU presence on the card will help with employee identification to enhance the ability to obtain travel related discounts negotiated by MSU and the Big 10.
Q: Is the GE Capital MasterCard program in any way associated with MSU's procurement card program?
A: MSU's procurement card and the GE Capital MasterCard are two separate and unique products and programs. The procurement card is designed for purchase of products and non-travel related services and is billed directly to Michigan State University. The GE Capital MasterCard is designed for MSU business travel expenses and the cardholder is billed monthly.
Q: Am I allowed to retain my corporate card after I leave MSU employment?
A: No. It is your responsibility to cut up and return your card to GE Capital or to your MSU program administrator before you terminate employment. An exception to this policy may be granted to employees who have been given official emeritus.
Q: What are some of the cardholder benefits?
A: Michigan State University cardholder benefits include: 24-hour emergency card replacement, automatic travel accident coverage, excess baggage insurance, full value primary auto collision/loss damage insurance and personal effects coverage, access to cash at ATM machines worldwide, 24-hour roadside assistance, and travel medical protection. For further information, please refer to the GE Capital brochure that will be mailed with your corporate MasterCard.
Q: Does the GE Capital MasterCard provide car rental insurance coverage?
A: MasterCard's MasterRental Insurance Coverage provides Michigan State University cardholders with primary Collision and Loss Damage Insurance when renting a car for 31 days or less. For details on benefits, refer to the MasterCard Corporate Travel Card Guide mailed to each cardholder with their MasterCard. Note: MSU also has primary collision and loss damage insurance with its National car rental agreement for most domestic rentals and some foreign rentals. If it should be necessary to rent for business reasons from a non-contract vendor, payment with your GE MasterCard is recommended, as it will negate the need to purchase collision and loss damage insurance.
Q: What if I wish to buy my airline tickets well in advance of travel and don't want to charge the purchase to my GE MasterCard?
A: Michigan State University reimbursed business travelers may contact one of the three Cluster Travel Agencies up to 120 days in advance of their departure date and direct bill airfare. The cost of the ticket will be charged directly to your MSU account number(s), not to you corporate card.
Q: Is there travel accident insurance coverage?
A: MasterCard cardholders are insured automatically against accidental death and dismemberment that result from transportation on common carriers purchased with your credit card. Your coverage is automatic when your airfare on a common carrier is charged to your card.
Q: Can I designate a beneficiary for the travel accident insurance?
A: No. Benefits are paid to the first surviving of your spouse, children, parents, siblings or to your estate.
Q: Does the card provide lost or damaged luggage protection?
A: GE Capital provides $5,000 lost/damaged secondary coverage when your airfare on a common carrier is charged to your GE Capital MasterCard.
Q: Will GE MasterCard offer a "Membership Miles" program?
A: No. Michigan State University has elected not to participate in the membership miles program. The Annual Fee GE charges for membership miles programs could not be waived.
Q: How does the new card affect my membership in car rental clubs such as National's Emerald Club or existing direct bill profiles with travel agencies?
A: You will need to update your records with those entities so their files indicate your GE Corporate Travel Card number as your payment mechanism. Your membership numbers and privileges will not be affected.
Q: Can I access cash through my GE Capital MasterCard?
A: The GE Capital MasterCard offers cash withdrawals at over 450,000 ATMs worldwide. The GE Capital MasterCard is accepted by Cirrus and Maestro ATM systems in addition to PLUS ATMs. All ATMs owned by regional banks that issue bankcards accept the corporate travel card. Cash advances may also be obtained through banks, participating hotels, travel agencies, and MasterCard offices.
Q: Is there a limit to the frequency with which I can obtain cash?
A: Michigan State University cardholders may obtain up to $200 per billing cycle. ATM access is limited to a total of $200 during a one-month period starting and ending on the 25th of each month. Cash may also be obtained from a MasterCard member bank.
Q: How do I obtain a cash advance through an ATM?
A: GE Capital MasterCard holders will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to use an ATM. These numbers are issued by the GE Corporate Card Center. To set up your personalized PIN, call for assistance at 1-800-359-9227.
Q: How do I find the location of a bank or ATM?
A: For the nearest U.S. location, please call 1-800-4-Cirrus. This number is listed on the back of your card. You can also call the GE Corporate Card Center at 1-800-359-9227 for assistance.
Q: What if I need more cash than the monthly limit?
A: Because of the worldwide merchant acceptance of MasterCard, the need for cash advances is greatly reduced. However, your program administrator has the capability, where warranted, to temporarily increase the limit on a card. Requests for authorization should be made in advance of the trip, whenever possible. Note: This will not be routinely done. Provision of a compelling rationale will be necessary to increase a limit.
Q: What are the charges relating to the access of cash?
A: For ATM cash advances, GE charges 2.5% and then each bank may charge an additional fee above the GE fee. The charge will appear on the cardholder statement. To minimize the fees associated with cash advances, employees should only withdraw the anticipated cash needed for a business trip. Your GE Corporate Travel Card should be used whenever possible for business charges.
Q: Who is responsible for paying my GE Capital MasterCard bill?
A: All expenses incurred by the employee on his or her GE Capital MasterCard are the responsibility of the employee. Michigan State University accepts no responsibility or liability for payment or collection of those charges.
Q: How can I pay my monthly bill?
A: GE Capital accepts checks, wire transfers, and ACH payments. Via telephone or genetservice.com, cardholders can have their checking accounts debited for payment amounts due.
Q: What is the closing date on my statement?
A: Your account cycles on the 25th of each month at which time a statement is produced. The day may vary slightly if it falls on a weekend or holiday. You may view charges to your account any time via the Internet at GE NetService.
Q: Should I wait for the GE Capital bill to submit my travel expense report?
A: No. Per Michigan State University policy, travel reimbursement requests are due within 30 days of the return date of your business trip. It is important that timely expense reports are submitted to ensure prompt reimbursement. Please Note: Your GE MasterCard statement is not acceptable documentation for reimbursable claims.
Q: Is it important to reconcile my statement each month?
A: Yes. Even though you may have been reimbursed for your business expenses, you should review your statement for accuracy. This will ensure that your account always remains in proper balance. If you have not received your statement, please contact GE Capital Customer Service at 800-MC-ASSIST.
Q: What late fees and penalties will be assessed?
A: Payment in full is due upon receipt of the billing. Accounts are considered past due 30 days after the statement date. GE Capital expects payment in full within 30 days of the billing cycle’s closing date. After 60 days past due, late fees are assessed at the rate of 2.5% of the balance plus $10 and charging privileges on your GE Capital MasterCard are suspended. Your account is irrevocably closed after 90 days past due.
Q: Are delinquency fees and penalties reimbursable?
A: It is the cardholder's responsibility to pay their monthly corporate travel card statement promptly. Late fees and penalties incurred by the cardholder are to be paid by the cardholder. If incurred, they are not the responsibility of nor are they reimbursable by Michigan State University.
Q: Will my GE Capital MasterCard affect my personal credit rating?
A: Non-payment of your account with GE MasterCard can be reported and affect your personal credit rating. In addition, individual account delinquency will directly impact Michigan State University’s overall program. Employees are strongly encouraged to maintain timely payment status.
Q: What if I do not 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. GE Capital must hear from you no later than 60 days from the original statement date on which the charge in question appeared. 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, please contact GE Capital Customer Service.
Q: How are exchange rates/currency conversion fees determined for international travel?
A: Currency exchanges are generally made using a government-mandated rate in effect the day the transaction is posted or wholesale market rate in effect the day before the transaction is processed. The Bank of Montreal daily provides GE Capital with an international money exchange blended rate which is then used by GE Capital to update exchange rates. The exchange rate is increased by 1% and that fee is included in the currency conversion.
Q: What happens once I have notified GE Capital of a dispute?
A: After GE Capital has received notification, GE Capital will "suspend" the amount in question. While GE Capital is conducting an investigation, you do not need to pay the amount of the charge which is in dispute; however, you are obligated to pay the entire balance of charges that are not in question.
Q: What if my GE Capital MasterCard is lost or stolen?
A: Immediately call GE Capital Customer Service at 1-800-359-9227, and a new account will be opened. No matter where you are, the Corporate Card Center will make sure travelers receive a temporary replacement card. A report will be filed and a new card with a new account number will be issued in approximately 7-10 days.
If a critical need exists, MasterCard’s Emergency Card Replacement Service guarantees cardholders a temporary card within 24 hours domestically and 48 hours internationally. Call MasterCard Global Service in the U.S. at 1-800-627-8372. From a country that doesn’t have a toll free telephone number; call collect to the U.S. at 1-314-542-7111. Travelers can either pick up their temporary card at an overseas office of Thomas Cook Travel Offices or contact the Customer Service Center for assistance. Travelers will then receive a permanent replacement card in 7 to 10 days.
Q: Will a charge ever be rejected by a merchant and what should I do if that occurs?
A: A charge may be rejected by a merchant for any number of reasons. Some of the most common reasons are: Purchase exceeds the retail limit of $500/billing cycle; the merchant, which is actually a hotel, is classified by their bank as a retail merchant.
If your charge is rejected by a merchant, call GE Capital at 1-800-359-9227 domestically or call collect internationally to 1-801-464-3232. You can also call Michigan State University’s Program Administrator at 355-0343.
Q:What if I have a business need for a higher limit?
A: Limits can be increased on a card-by-card basis by your program administrator with proper justification.