The commercial card services contract is a multistate competitive procurement. It’s led by Washington state on behalf of and in collaboration with states participating in NASPO ValuePoint. This contract was awarded to US Bank effective Jan. 1, 2021. Purchase cards, commonly called p-cards, may be used anytime your agency needs to buy goods and services. Using p-cards improves efficiency, flexibility, and reduces costs in the procurement process.

Learn more about US Bank’s purchase card services.

Annual purchase card forum

The annual Washington State Purchase Card Virtual Forum was held on Oct. 24, 2024. This event was a great source of up-to-date P-Card information, industry news, and U.S. Bank enhancements and resources.

Featured topics from the forum include:

• WA-State Purchase Card Program Performance Overview – U.S. Bank

• Effective Audit Strategies for Purchase Card Management – SAO

• Fraud or Dispute: When, Why, Best Practices – U.S. Bank

Read the presentation slide deck from the event.

Presentation recording

Benefits of using a purchase card

A purchase card makes buying goods and services easier for your agency. Using a purchase card also allows your agency to:

• Start earning rebates based on how much your agency spends quarterly and annually.
• Provide a layer of risk protection against fraudulent purchases.
• Track spending trends with relative ease for better budget analysis.
• Lower its administrative costs by streamlining the procure-to-pay process.
• Monitor transactions in real time online instead of waiting for monthly invoices.
• Make quicker payments to suppliers.

Earn rebates and incentives with your purchase card

Purchase card users earn rebates based on how much they spend with their purchase card. Rebates are paid back to participating agencies quarterly and annually.

• Read the complete details of US Bank’s formula for purchase card rebates.

July 2023 update

US Bank changes rebates for Amazon purchases.

See how much other agencies have earned in rebates

Contract 00719: Commercial Card Services:

Effective Jan. 1, 2021.

• 2024 Q2 rebates
• 2024 Q1 rebates
• 2023 rebates
• 2022 rebates
• 2021 rebates

Professional association membership

The Institute of Commercial Payments (IOCP), formerly the NAPCP, a professional association for the commercial card and payment industry, offers a reduced membership rate for our customers. Use code H0NQ9GVA2028 (expires October 2025) to pay an annual Associate Membership rate of $149.00 (normally $595).

If you have issues with the discount code,email the IOCP Administrative Manager Heidi Kaliher at heidi.kaliher@iocpnow.com for assistance.

Start a purchase card program

1. Verify that your organization has signed a statewide contract usage agreement, or sign a new agreement.
2. Send the following documents to Purchase Card Program Manager Michael Lix and US Bank representative Monica Lockett:
   • Request to participate
   • Card user agreement
   • Customer identification questionnaire
   • W9 form
   • Three years of audited financials.
   • Note: the term “local government entity” in this contract applies to state agencies, political subdivisions, and government entities.
3. US Bank will confirm the receipt of your application within three business days. It will review the documents and financial information within 30 days.
4. Once you are approved, the US Bank implementation manager will set up meeting to:
   • Make an introduction and train users for online access.
   • Learn about your agency or organization’s requirements for online access.
   • Set up usernames and passwords for your organization.
5. Your organization must develop internal policies, procedures, and training for the use of p-cards. Let the US Bank implementation manager if your agency needs additional training in this area.
6. You will receive the online access, a card setup quick reference guide, and the physical cards from US Bank within 10 business days after sending any additional documentation.
7. Activate your new purchase cards before using them and submit any additional online account requests.
8. Sign up for our Commercial Card Newsletter to stay informed on p-card best practices and updates.