Office of Procurement Services

Obtain a P-Card

To obtain a Purchasing Card (P-Card) at VCU, you must complete a multi-step process involving training, formal agreements and departmental approvals.  The card is specifically intended for staff and faculty, who have a recurring need to make small business purchases.

Eligibility

Eligibility to apply for a P-card is contingent on  an employee and their designated reviewer:

  • demonstrating adequate knowledge of VCU Procurement policies;
  • Completing P-card training (in Canvas)
  • Passing the P-card training test with a minimum score of 90

Once training is complete, the employee may apply for the P-card.

Application process

Once training is complete, you must submit formal documentation to Corporate Card Services. 

  1. Corporate purchasing card agreement: Complete and sign the Employee Agreement eForm.
  2. Required signatures: The agreement must be signed by the applicant, their supervisor, and an Authorized Approver.

Submission: Send the finished form to Corporate Card Services for processing. 

Receiving and activating your card

  • Timeline: It typically takes 7 to 14 calendar days to receive a new card.
  • Delivery: The card is mailed directly to your departmental box number.
  • Activation: You must call the number on the back of the card to activate it. You will need your 16-digit card number and a verification code consisting of "236" followed by your six-digit date of birth (e.g., 236MMDDYY). 

Standard limits

The standard default limits for a new VCU P-Card are generally a $10,000 per transaction limit and a $15,000 monthly credit limit, though these can vary based on departmental needs.