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Getting a Card

Northwestern Corporate Card Application and Agreement Form

To obtain a card, simply fill out the Northwestern Corporate Card Application and Agreement Form. The application will first route to your supervisor and then your school or central administration representative for approval.

Prospective cardholders must meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • A United States resident
  • A permanent employee of Northwestern University

Transaction Limit Options

When requesting a card, one of the following transaction limit and monthly credit limit options need to be selected:

Per transaction and monthly credit limit amounts
Per Transaction Limit Monthly Limit Notes
$2,500 $5,000 Preferred standard limit
$4,999 $10,000 School Authorized Leadership or High Value Purchasing

Preferred Limit: $2,500 per transaction / $5,000 monthly limit is recommended for most cardholders and should be selected unless there is a specific documented business need for an alternative limit.

Cardholders may also request that the Travel and Entertainment (T&E) merchant category groups be enabled if their responsibilities require travel, meal, or hospitality-related expenses.

If purchasing requirements exceed the standard options, alternative limits may be requested to accommodate special circumstances. Such requests must include a business justification and require additional approval. See Requesting Changes to a Card for additional information.

Training

Approved applicants are required to complete the Corporate Card online training course within Northwestern's MyHR Learn to be guided through the various features, policies, and procedures associated with the card. Applications will not be processed by the Corporate Card Office until the online training is complete.

Proxies should also take the online training course, if they prepare expense reports on behalf of a cardholder.

Policies and Guides to Review

All cardholders should review the Cardholder Guide, as they are responsible for understanding and adhering to all enclosed policies and procedures. Cardholders should also review the Travel and Entertainment Policy and the Purchasing and Payment Policy.

Corporate Card Pick Up

Cards are issued once the cardholder successfully completes the training. Cards can be sent to the cardholder's office through campus mail, whether it is on the Evanston or Chicago campuses. Please inform the Corporate Card office with the campus mailing address.

Cards can also be picked up from one of the following locations:

  • Evanston: the Corporate Card office
    • 1800 Sherman Avenue, Suite 6-600
    • Hours: Mondays and Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. by appointment
  • Chicago: the Depository Services office
    • 345 E. Superior - Mezzanine Level
    • Hours: Tuesdays from 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.
    • Once an email notification is received, no appointment is necessary for pick up

Please note that a photo identification is required (University Wildcard or driver's license) for pick up, and cards are only provided to the cardholder.