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                             October 10, 1996
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                             GSBCA 13682-TRAV

                   In the Matter of DANIEL J. GRANSTROM

     Daniel J. Granstrom, Tucson, AZ, Claimant.

     Lt. Col. Charles L. Thomas, Accounting Chief, Financial, Plans
and Programs, Langley AFB, VA, appearing for Department of the Air
Force.

PARKER, Board Judge.

     Daniel J. Granstrom requested that the U.S. General Accounting
Office review the Department of the Air Force's denial of his claim
for reimbursement of the $2.00 automated teller machine (ATM)
transaction fee which Mr. Granstrom incurred while obtaining cash
during a business trip to Bedford, Massachusetts.  Mr. Granstrom
used his personal credit card to obtain the cash at the ATM.

     The Air Force correctly denied the claim.  Paragraph D.2. of
section C1100 of the Joint Travel Regulations, and paragraph b. of
section 13-13 of Air Force Regulation 177-103, provide that ATM
fees are reimbursable only when incurred using a Government
contractor-issued charge card.  Mr. Granstrom was given the
opportunity to apply for a Government charge card but chose not to
participate in the program.

     ATM fees are reimbursable only when Government-issued cards
are used because the Government wishes to encourage travelers to
use them.  In return for allowing the credit card to be the
"official" card for Government travel, the Government receives
rebates from the company based upon usage.  Federal employees going
on temporary duty who need cash but who cannot, or do not, wish to
use the Government-issued card may apply for cash advances directly
from the Government.  Mr. Granstrom chose not to use either
approved method.  His claim for reimbursement of the ATM fee
incurred when using his personal credit card is thus denied.




                                   __________________
                                   ROBERT W. PARKER
                                   Board Judge