About GPC
The GPC programme, now available to almost all organisations in the public sector, is delivered in partnership with Visa and six Visa issuing banks. 
GPC provides substantial benefits for users by providing a streamlined process for low value, ad hoc purchases. Improved management information allows users to monitor and evaluate purchasing activity and to collaborate with others to secure improved terms with suppliers.
There are no card charges and the need for time-consuming authorisation is removed. The National Audit Office (NAO) says that, on average, £28 is saved on each transaction when compared with traditional paper-based systems. The opportunity to greatly reduce paperwork is not only environmentally friendly but also provides the potential for enormous cost savings for both public sector organisations and their suppliers, who also benefit from prompt payment.
Benefits
There are a wide range of important benefits to be enjoyed by using the Government Procurement Card, for users and suppliers alike.
In summary GPC programmes:
- Are free, simple to introduce and operate
- Have been created as a result of a rigorous EU-compliant procurement process
- Replace inefficient and outdated manual systems with a streamlined electronic process
- Greatly reduce admin time and the cost of processing invoices and orders
- Eliminate the potential for manual keying errors
- Protect the environment by greatly reducing the use of paper
- Generate invaluable management information about individual procurement activity and purchasing patterns
- Promote financial transparency and accountability
- Offer a range of protection for purchaser and supplier
- Enable organisations to redeploy staff to more valuable tasks
- Empower employees, giving them responsibility and authority
- Make an important contribution to a range of Government policies on efficiency, modernisation, sustainability, e-commerce and eAuctions
- Ensure rapid payment to suppliers promoting enhanced relationships and improved performance
- Utilise the vast Visa network of merchants and support system
- Are fully endorsed by the Treasury and the National Audit Office