Statement regarding recent reporting about the GSA SmartPay® program

February 21, 2025

Over the past few days, media outlets have reported on the GSA SmartPay® charge card program. These reports include numerous quotes from anonymous sources and need additional context. For the record:

GSA took quick action for our agency and asked 15 other agency leaders to reduce their agency charge card limits, and the number and usage of cards.

GSA set a $1 limit on all cardholder accounts. This action is a commonly used risk mitigation best practice.

GSA has implemented a review and approval process to ensure that purchases that directly support mission-critical activities can still be made in a timely manner.

It is disappointing that some federal employees characterize proper and sensible oversight as burdensome. Under this administration, GSA is committed to saving every single dollar and helping federal agency partners prevent all fraud, waste, and abuse.

In addition, GSA is working to enhance the GSA SmartPay® program by reducing administration costs, streamlining processes, and improving oversight by looking into instances of fraud and abuse.

Every GSA employee who is authorized to use a GSA SmartPay® charge card goes through training and understands that misuse can result in disciplinary action, including termination.

We look forward to working with DOGE to find additional savings and mitigate risk across government agencies that use the GSA SmartPay® charge card program.

Media outlets should reach out to GSA directly at press@gsa.gov to ensure they have the most accurate information and proper context.

About GSA: GSA provides centralized procurement and shared services for the federal government. GSA manages a nationwide real estate portfolio of over 360 million rentable square feet, oversees more than $110 billion in products and services via federal contracts, and delivers technology services that serve millions of people across dozens of federal agencies. GSA’s mission is to deliver the best customer experience and value in real estate, acquisition, and technology services to the government and the American people. For more information, visit GSA.gov and follow us at @USGSA.