Requesting the Purchasing Card

Purchasing… made easier.

When you have to purchase something and need it done quickly, one of the preferred methods is to use a university purchasing card, or “PCard”. A PCard is a credit card that can be used by faculty, staff and GA’s to purchase non-OSP project requests from any vendor that accepts credit cards as payment methods.

Why use a PCard instead of reimbursement:

When requesting reimbursement, the individual takes the financial burden and risk of the transaction. For example: if you are planning to travel, an expensive hotel or registration can be a strain. It is important to remember that reimbursement happens after the trip occurs, which is why we suggest having the university cover the cost. Additionally, the individual takes the risk that the reimbursement request will not be accepted due to OSU policy restrictions.

How to request the PCard:

To request the card, enter in your eRequest (or eTravel) as normal and select the “PCard Preferred” radial button in the Buy Something section or write somewhere that you’d like to use it. Once approved, the Service Center will review for policy compliance and then contact you to let you know you can pick up the card. Melissa Savage is the department’s PCard manager, and is located in 149 Arps Hall. She will also go over how to use the card when you pick it up and answer any questions you have about using it.

A Pcard can also be used when you have an approved T number for travel to pay for registration, or reserve a hotel which will also require a credit card authorization form from the hotel.

What if I am too busy to bother with the PCard:

Good news--you can request the Service Center make an online purchase on your behalf, as long as a username/password is not needed for purchasing.

Want some hands-on help with eRequest and how to submit a request? Contact Melissa Savage (savage.151@osu.edu) in 149 Arps Hall to set up a meeting to help show you how.