Revised: 3/2008
C-1
CASH MANAGEMENT POLICIES AND PROCEDURES HANDBOOK
APPENDIX C. THE USE OF PLASTIC ("INDIVIDUAL ACCOUNT") CARDS FOR
COLLECTIONS
Section 1.0 General
The Department of the Treasury (Treasury) Plastic Card services are provided to agencies
under a "Master Agreement" (MA) with select banks/financial institutions (FI). This MA
provides that Treasury (rather than individual agencies) will cover the cost of standard plastic
card services, which will be discussed in this document. Refer to Treasury Financial Manual
(TFM), Volume I, Part 5, Chapter 4700, titled "Plastic Card Collection Network" for additional
details on the plastic card program.
The TFM established the policy regarding Government cash management practices. Chapter
4700 (Vol. 1 - Part 5) prescribes procedures for agencies to establish and maintain accounts in
the Plastic Card Collection Network (PCCN) as well as for processing bureau Plastic Card
Receipts.
TFM Section 4710 (Authority) stipulates that all funds are to be collected by Electronic Funds
Transfer (EFT), when cost-effective, practicable, and consistent with current statutory
authority. This appendix provides policy and procedural guidance to Bureaus and Operating
Units requesting plastic card depositary services.
Section 2.0 Background
Treasury's Financial Management Service (FMS) established the Government-wide PCCN to
enable agencies to accept MasterCard and Visa when collecting receipts due the Federal
Government. The PCCN comprises a network of FIs that process individual account card
collections over-the-counter, by mail, and by telephone. See Exhibit C-1 of this appendix for
the listing of FIs that currently comprises PCCN.
Section 3.0 Policy
Use of Plastic Cards for collection is encouraged for activities involving the sale of goods and
services to the public. Cash flows involving sales, services, fees, fines, and debt repayment are
to be reviewed for compliance with the basic criteria for debit and credit card ("Plas