There are three main purchasing methods: PAWs, P-Card, and D-Card. When unsure, please contact your departmental administrative staff or SABSC before moving forward. SABSC is here to help determine the most appropriate and compliant purchasing option.
What are the differences between PAWs, P-Card, and D-Card?
- PAWs is used for formal procurement purchases that may require a purchase order, contract, invoice, purchases over $5,000, or approval routing through Procurement. It is commonly used when a purchase cannot be handled directly by card or when a supplier needs to be paid by check or ACH.
- P-Card is a university purchasing card used by approved cardholders for allowable business purchases. It is generally used for smaller, direct purchases such as supplies, registrations, and other approved expenses under $5,000. P-Card purchases require monthly reconciliation, proper receipts, and supporting documentation.
- D-Card is a departmental campus card used mainly for dining, food, and other approved campus card vendors. It is commonly used at places such as UMBC dining locations (including True Grits and Skylight), approved off-campus food vendors, and the UMBC Bookstore for purchases under $1,000. D-Card purchases require itemized receipts and attendee lists when applicable and must follow dining and documentation rules.