GTCC Use During TDY

Start Here If You Are New to GTCC for TDY

The GTCC is the DoD-mandated payment instrument for official TDY travel expenses per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4. Use the GTCC for transportation (City Pair air, rental car at the Government rate), lodging at the per diem cap, meals during travel, and TDY-related ground transport (taxi, shuttle, rideshare). Personal expenses are prohibited. ATM cash advances are limited to the daily cash advance cap and are reserved for travel where merchant card use is impractical. Travelers who do not have an IBA may use a unit-issued Centrally Billed Account (CBA). The GTCC is integrated with DTS for booking, voucher submission, and split disbursement. Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C, and JTR Chapters 2-4.

This page walks you through GTCC use during TDY from your seat as a General Marine. By the end you will know.

• Authorized TDY uses (transportation, lodging, meals, ground transport)
• Prohibited TDY uses (personal expenses, non-TDY)
• IBA vs CBA on TDY
• DTS integration (City Pair, rental car, lodging)
• Cash advance use rules
• Receipt requirements for TDY GTCC charges
• The relationship between GTCC charges and the travel voucher

Every fact on this page comes from DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C, JTR Chapters 2-4, and the DTMO TDY Travel Reference Library.

What Counts as TDY for GTCC Use

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, TDY is temporary duty travel away from the Marine's PDS. The GTCC is authorized for.

• Standard TDY orders (per JTR Chapter 4).
• Long-term TDY (per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501).
• TDY en route to a PCS (covered by the PCS with TDY En Route page).
• Mission-Critical TDY where the AO has placed the account in MC status.

GTCC use begins when official TDY travel begins (typically the day the Marine departs the PDS) and ends when the TDY concludes (typically the day the Marine returns to the PDS or starts the next leg).

Authorized TDY Uses

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4 and JTR Chapter 4, the following TDY expenses are authorized for GTCC use.

Transportation

• Commercial airfare booked through DTS or a CTO under the City Pair Program.
• Rental car at the DoD Rental Car Program rate (Government rate).
• Commercial rail or bus.
• Ground transportation between airport and TDY site (taxi, shuttle, rideshare).
• Local TDY-site transportation (taxi, rideshare, public transit).
• Tolls and parking at TDY locations.
• POV fuel during TDY travel days (when POV use is authorized).

Lodging

• Commercial lodging at the GSA per diem cap.
• Approved Authorized Excess Allowance (AEA) lodging when standard lodging exceeds the cap.
• Long-term lodging (extended-stay properties for TDY over 30 days).

Meals

• Meals during TDY travel days.
• M&IE-style meal expenses (no itemized receipts required).

TDY-Related Incidentals

• Tips for porters, hotel staff, and baggage handlers.
• Telephone calls (within reason).
• Laundry on long TDY (over 7 days).
• Authorized miscellaneous reimbursable expenses per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040601.

Conference and Training Fees

• Conference registration fees for required TDY events.
• Training course fees when authorized in the orders.

Prohibited TDY Uses

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4 and MCO 4600.40CMCO 4600.40C.

Personal Expenses

• Souvenirs, gifts, or personal shopping.
• Personal entertainment (movies, sporting events, theme parks).
• Personal beverages or alcohol.
• Personal supplies unrelated to TDY.

Non-TDY Charges

• Charges incurred outside the TDY date range.
• Charges at the PDS (use personal funds).
• Family or dependent expenses (not authorized as TDY expenses).

Off-Limits Categories

• Cash advances exceeding the limit.
• Charges at prohibited merchants (gambling, adult entertainment).
• Charges in support of unauthorized activities.

PTAD or Leave Use

• GTCC use during Permissive TAD or leave is prohibited per the broader DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4 framework and reinforced for ELT cardholders by MARADMIN 478/24MARADMIN 478/24 paragraph 3.E.4.

IBA vs CBA on TDY

IBA (Most Common)

The Marine uses the personal IBA. The Marine pays the bill (typically through split disbursement) and is reimbursed through DTS.

CBA (Travelers Without an IBA)

When the Marine does not have an IBA (e.g., new Marine awaiting card issuance), the unit's CBA covers reservations.

Common CBA Use Cases

• Airfare booked by the unit DTA on behalf of the Marine.
• Lodging reserved by the unit for group travel.
• Rental car reserved through the DoD Rental Car Program.

CBA Limits

CBA is typically limited to reservation-only payment. Out-of-pocket expenses (meals, ground transport) are paid by the Marine and reimbursed.

CBA Coordination

The unit DTA or APC manages CBA usage. The Marine works with the DTA to coordinate CBA reservations.

DTS Integration

The GTCC is integrated with DTS for streamlined TDY actions.

City Pair Program

DTS automatically identifies City Pair fares for TDY airfare. The GTCC charges the City Pair fare directly.

DoD Rental Car Program

DTS books rental cars at the DoD rate. The GTCC charges the rental car directly.

Lodging at GSA Per Diem Rates

DTS books lodging at the GSA per diem rate or below. The GTCC charges the lodging directly.

Pre-Travel Verification

Before departing on TDY, the Marine verifies.

• The DTS profile reflects the current GTCC information.
• Reservations are linked to the correct GTCC.
• The GTCC has sufficient available credit for anticipated charges.

Cash Advance Use Rules

Per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, cash advances on the GTCC are limited.

Daily Cash Advance Limit

• Standard IBA. $250 per billing cycle (or per day depending on Citi configuration).
• Restricted IBA. $250 per billing cycle.

Authorized Cash Advance Use

• ATM withdrawals at the TDY location when card use is impractical.
• Cash for tolls, gratuities, and incidentals where merchants do not accept cards.
• Specific JTR-authorized expense categories.

Cash Advance Fees

Approximately 3 percent of the advance amount. The fee is itemized on the CitiManager statement.

Cash Advance Documentation

The Marine retains receipts for purchases made with cash advances. Receipts support the travel voucher reconciliation.

Receipt Requirements for TDY GTCC Charges

Per JTR Chapter 4.

Required Receipts

• All lodging receipts (regardless of amount).
• Air, rail, or bus transportation receipts.
• Rental car receipts.
• Receipts for any single expense over $75.
• Receipts for conference or training fees.

Optional Receipts (M&IE)

• Meal expenses charged to the GTCC during TDY are reimbursed via the M&IE-style allowance without itemized receipts.
• Tips, taxis, and incidentals under $75 generally do not require receipts.

Receipt Retention

Marines retain receipts for at least one year after the TDY for audit and reconciliation purposes.

Travel Voucher Submission

Per JTR Chapter 4.

Standard Timeline

Within 5 working days of return from TDY.

Voucher Components

• Itemized expenses linked to GTCC charges.
• Manual entries for cash-paid expenses.
• Lodging receipts attached.
• Transportation receipts attached.
• Split disbursement amount confirmed.

AO Approval

The AO reviews the voucher for compliance with JTR and approves for DFAS processing.

DFAS Processing and Split Disbursement

DFAS processes the voucher. Split disbursement covers the GTCC bill. The Marine receives any remaining reimbursement via EFT.

Long-Term TDY Considerations

For TDY at one location for over 30 days.

Reduced Per Diem May Apply

Per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501, reduced per diem (typically 75 percent of standard) may apply. The GTCC charges adjust to the reduced rate.

Apartment-Style Lodging

Marines may shift to extended-stay or apartment-style lodging. The GTCC is used for the lodging payment.

Local Limit Raise

The APC may raise the credit limit temporarily for long-term TDY. The Standard vs Restricted IBAs leaf covers Mission Critical limit raises.

Common Questions Marines Ask

What expenses can I charge to my GTCC during TDY?

Transportation (City Pair airfare, rental car at DoD rate, taxi, rideshare), lodging at per diem cap, meals during travel, TDY-related ground transport, conference or training fees, and authorized incidentals.

What expenses are prohibited?

Personal expenses (souvenirs, entertainment, alcohol), non-TDY charges, charges outside the TDY date range, family expenses, and use during Permissive TAD or leave.

How does DTS book my TDY travel through the GTCC?

The DTS profile contains your GTCC information. When you book airfare, rental car, or lodging in DTS, the system charges the GTCC directly. Verify the profile is current before booking.

What if I do not have an IBA yet?

Use the unit's Centrally Billed Account (CBA) for reservations. Coordinate with the unit DTA or APC. CBA covers airfare, rental car, and lodging reservations.

How much cash can I withdraw from an ATM?

Up to your daily cash advance limit (typically $250 per billing cycle). A 3 percent fee applies. Use cash advances only for travel where card use is impractical.

Do I need receipts for meals?

No. Meals are reimbursed via M&IE without itemized receipts. Lodging requires receipts regardless of amount. Single expenses over $75 require receipts.

What if my TDY is over 30 days?

Reduced per diem (typically 75 percent) may apply per JTR Chapter 4 paragraph 040501. The Long-Term TDY page covers the framework. Coordinate with the APC for any temporary credit limit raise.

Can I extend a TDY by adding personal leave at the end?

Yes, but per DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4, GTCC use ends when TDY ends. Use personal funds for any personal leave extension. Document the TDY end date for the travel voucher.

What if I incur a personal expense by accident on the GTCC?

Reimburse the GTCC immediately through CitiManager. Document the error. Do NOT claim the personal expense on the travel voucher.

Where to Go for Help

Routing by Issue

• DTS booking issues. Through the unit DTA or DTMO guides.
• City Pair flight booking. Through DTS at https://dtsproweb.defensetravel.osd.mil/.
• DoD Rental Car Program. Through DTS or the DTMO Rental Car Program reference.
• Receipt requirements clarification. JTR Chapter 4 or the local travel help desk.
• Cash advance questions. Citi customer service at 1-800-200-7056.
• CBA coordination. The unit DTA or APC.
• DFAS Marine Corps Pay direct contact. Phone 1-888-332-7411 (DSN 312-571-9450 from overseas).

Where to Go Next on This Site

• GTCC landing page lists all GTCC topics.
• GTCC Overview and Authorities covers the program framework.
• Apply for a GTCC covers the application process.
• Standard vs Restricted IBAs covers credit limits and Mission Critical raises.
• Manage Your GTCC Account covers CitiManager and account oversight.
• GTCC Split Disbursement covers the mandatory payment framework.
• GTCC Misuse, Suspension, and Cancellation covers consequences of misuse.
• TDY/TAD Overview and Orders covers the foundational TDY framework.
• TDY Per Diem covers M&IE and lodging rate framework.
• TDY Lodging covers lodging rules and ILP.
• TDY Transportation covers transportation modes including City Pair and rental car.
• Long-Term TDY covers reduced per diem at 30+ days.
• Travel Vouchers and Reimbursement covers DTS voucher submission within 5 working days.

Related Roles

• Leaders coach Marines on authorized vs prohibited TDY uses and the no-PTAD-no-leave rule.
• Admin at S-1 supports DTS profile updates and CBA coordination.
• Commanders endorse Mission Critical credit limit raises for long-term or short-notice TDY.

GTCC use during TDY is mandated by DoDI 5154.31DoDI 5154.31 Vol 4. Authorized for transportation, lodging, meals, and TDY-related incidentals. Prohibited for personal expenses, non-TDY, PTAD, and leave. IBA covers individual travelers. CBA covers travelers without an IBA. DTS integration handles bookings and split disbursement. Cash advance use is limited and reserved for impractical card use. Receipts required for lodging and any single expense over $75. Voucher submission within 5 working days.