The University of Michigan Purchasing Card (U-M P-Card) is issued to eligible university employees and may be used solely for purchases related to official U-M business.  The U-M P-Card may not be used for personal purchases, unauthorized transactions, or shared with any other individual.  All items purchased with university funds are the property of the University of Michigan.

Purpose of the P-Card

The P-Card may be approved for frequent business travel (e.g., 2 or 3 trips or more per year) and/or business travel of an extended duration.  Temporary access to ATM cash withdrawal will be granted on a limited basis if the cardholder travels internationally where MasterCard is not widely accepted.

The P-Card may also be used for business hosting, and university development and recruitment activities.

Small dollar items may be purchased with the P-Card if the following two conditions exist: (1) the item is not available from a U-M strategic contract or internal service provider; and (2) the purchase is necessary to the mission of the unit and a more appropriate purchasing method is not available.

The U-M P-Card may not be used for personal purchases, unauthorized transactions or shared with any other individual.

Who is Eligible for a P-Card?

• Faculty and staff who conduct frequent business travel or business travel of an extended duration
• Faculty and staff engaged in business hosting, recruitement and development activities
• Faculty and staff who frequently need to buy small dollar, supply-type items that are not available from a U-M strategic contract or internal service provider, and when there is no other appropriate purchasing method available.

Unit Responsibilities

Units determine who among their faculty and staff are eligible to apply for a P-Card.  Factors to consider in the decision include the business need(s) for the card, the risks associated with having a P-Card, and the rapid reimbursement of out of pocket business expenses through the Concur Travel and Expense System.

Note: If  P-Card is needed only infrequently, Procurement Services can assist the unit in identifying other options available in lieu of issuing a P-Card.  Contact the Travel and Expense Team at (734) 764-8212 option 2 or travelexpense@umich.edu.

Units should monitor their cardholders' P-Card use to ensure credit limits are appropriate and in line with spending patterns.  The Business Objects report FN06 Procurement Travel & Expense P-Card Holder & Limits by DeptID, Dept Grp or EmplID is a recommended management tool.