Generally, the P-Card is reserved for emergency or one-off situations. But did you know there are certain types of purchases where the P-Card is actually the preferred method of payment? Read on to learn more about situations where Purchasing recommends using the P-Card.
Hospitality
Score! You’re throwing a pizza party. Now how do you pay for it? Hospitality purchases like these and others which fall under the $4,999 threshold and do not require a contract should be made using the P-Card. This allows your supplier to bypass the BUY.IU supplier registration process and saves you the hassle of complex itemized invoices. Just enjoy the pizza 😊
Subscriptions and Memberships
These days, many subscriptions and memberships can be purchased online using a credit card. If credit cards are accepted, use the P-Card to purchase subscriptions and memberships for your department and staff. This is the easiest, most convenient way to make these purchases.
If the supplier does not accept payment via credit card, the Subscriptions/Memberships check request form can be used to cut a physical check.
Amazon for Business
Have you joined IU’s Amazon Business account for your department? Save your P-Card information to your profile for easy checkout. Members of IU’s Amazon Business accounts automatically receive IU’s government status, resulting in IU’s sales tax exemption being applied when appropriate.
Looking to join IU’s Amazon Business account? Review SOP-PCARD-07: IU Amazon for Business Account to learn more.
Flowers
Ultimately, flowers must be covered by IU Foundation funds. However, if the florist you’re working with does not accept purchase orders or is not established in BUY.IU, the P-Card can be used to make the purchase. Don’t forget to reimburse the IU account with IU Foundation funds after the purchase has cleared.
Do you have additional questions about appropriate P-Card use? Contact the P-Card team by submitting a Support Form.