University of Hawai`i Purchasing Card

Usage Guidelines

General Purchasing Guidelines (back to top)

Can be used at any MasterCard merchant.
Each card will have a transaction spending limit and a monthly spending limit.
Each card will be blocked from Merchant Categories that are deemed inappropriate for PCard use.
Use is for University business only. Personal purchases are prohibited.
PCard purchases must be made in accordance with University PCard policies and procedures as stated in Administrative Procedure A8.266. In addition, federally funded purchases must be made in accordance with OMB Circular A21, Section J.
Cardholders are accountable for appropriate use and security of PCards.
Cardholders are personally responsible for inappropriate charges.
Pcards are not transferrable between individuals and departments.
Report lost or stolen cards immediately. Your Department will be responsible for charges made on your PCard until it is reported lost or stolen to First Hawaiian Bank.

Unallowable Purchases (back to top)

The PCard may NOT typically be used for purchasing the following items/services:

Animals and related purchases (Contact Lab Animal Service at 808-956-8745)
Any purchase over $2,500 (P-Card limit by BOR Policy)
Automotive gas (Available from UHM Transportation Services or via SPO gas card)
Biological commodities, radioactive and hazardous materials (Contact Environmental Health and Safety at 808-956-8660)
Cash advances
Construction and renovation (Contact respective facilities offices)
Contractual services and non-procurement agreements
Contributions and donations
Fines and penalties
Firearms, ammunition and explosives
Personal purchases (See AP A8.225)
Insurance (Contact OPRPRM 808-956-8687)
Narcotics and all drugs
Payments to individuals (Due to tax reporting requirements)
Rental/lease of real estate (Contact OPRPRM 808-956-8687)
Specific services, e.g., consulting, financial, professional, temporary
Towing charges
Travel and entertainment expenses, e.g., hotels, meals and beverages, auto rentals, tips, etc.
Any purchase prohibited by UH policy or not business-related
Restricted items per OMB Circular A21, Sec J or sponsored award or grant (Contact ORS at 808-956-7470)

Purchases Requiring Authorization (back to top)

The PCard MAY be used for purchasing the following items/services only with advance authorization:

Meals and Refreshments (non travel-related only) – obtain authorization from FO
Rental of Vehicles (non travel-related only) – obtain authorization from FO
Business Cards – obtain approval from VP, Chancellor, Dean, Director or Provost
Telecommunications Equipment and Services – obtain authorization from UH Campus Telecommunications Coordinator or DAGS

Note: ONLY Fiscal Officer PCards may be used for purchasing Airline Tickets and Organizational Membership