The Plastic Card Network (PCN) was established in 1987 and is one of the collection mechanisms FMS manages for Federal departments and agencies. Through the PCN, the Government collects obligations via a plastic card, either credit or debit. The objective of the network is to increase collections received by the Government, and in a more timely manner.
Federal agencies using the PCN accept plastic cards in exchange for goods and services sold to the public and other departments and agencies. Payments also include assessed fees, fines, and other monies due the Federal Government. PCN services are provided at both domestic and international locations.
There are currently two acquiring banks for the PCN: Bank of America (formerly NationsBank) and Mellon Bank. These banks are the Department of the Treasury's financial agents and acquire and deposit funds for the Government. An agency may choose either bank to perform its services. Once the funds are collected, an agency's Agency Location Code (ALC) is credited through CA$H-LINK the third day after the transaction takes place. The Government currently accepts the following cards from the public:
