Purchase Card: for low-dollar-value purchases of goods and services

The Purchase Card (P-Card) program is designed to streamline purchasing processes while ensuring proper oversight and adherence to corporate policy. 

P-Cards are suitable for low-dollar-value purchases for government. The P-card does not replace standard procurement practices and financial controls. 

When to use a P-Card  

• You want to make a low-dollar-value purchase  

Why use a P-Card? 

• Provides a simple way to purchase from small businesses and local suppliers 
• Can increase the efficiency and cost effectiveness of government purchases by combining multiple purchases into one payment 
• Can use it to purchase from a corporate supply arrangement (CSA), standing arrangement, or in conjunction with other low-dollar-value procurement tools such as the non-binding request for quote (NRQ) 

Things to consider  

• Does not replace standard procurement practices 
• If a CSA, multi-use list or standing arrangement is available and meets your business needs, you must use it  
• If there is no arrangement that meets your needs, you must attempt to get at least three quotes to ensure value for money 
• You are required to obtain pre-approval from an expense authority (preferably in writing) before purchasing items, document as appropriate, and keep a record of all paperwork, including receipts, packing slips, correspondence and approvals   
• Purchases cannot exceed the maximum approved transaction limit and monthly limit of the card 
• It is not acceptable to split a purchase into multiple purchases where the total price would exceed the transaction limit on the card or where this would avoid procurement obligations 
• Only the designated cardholder can make purchases on behalf of the Province and they cannot delegate authority to anyone else 
• Cardholders must receive adequate training as required by their ministry 

Next steps 

• See the Purchase Card Manual for more information 
• Contact your ministry card coordinator (XLS, 85KB) or branch administrator to get more information on how to access a P-Card