Government use of the payment card system: issuance, acceptance, and regulation

The U.S. General Services Administration’s SmartPay program is the world’s largest commercial card portfolio. Nearly every state uses payment cards to electronically distribute unemployment insurance, child support, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, or other funds. Federal, state, and local governments, as well as universities and other public-sector organizations, accept payments made with debit, credit, and prepaid cards. Recognizing the significant use of the payment card system by state and federal agencies, the Payment Cards Center hosted a conference on July 11 and 12, 2011 to explore the reasons why the public sector has adopted payment card options, the benefits that have resulted, and the challenges that must be managed.