Pcard and Travel Card Holders - Important Update from Bank of America: New Security Step for Online PCard Purchases

In an effort to reduce fraud, Bank of America is enhancing security for online (card-not-present) purchases made with Commercial and Corporate Cards, including University-issued Payment Cards (PCards).

Beginning in the first quarter of 2026, eligible eCommerce transactions in North America will require step-up authentication using a One-Time Passcode (OTP).

What Is Changing?

When making certain online purchases, cardholders may be prompted, to verify the transaction by entering a one-time passcode sent to their mobile phone or email address on file with Bank of America.

Why This Matters

This added layer of protection will:

• Allow cardholders to approve or decline transactions in real time
• Reduce unnecessary transaction declines
• Strengthen protection against fraud and unauthorized use

What Cardholders Need to Do Now

To ensure uninterrupted use of your University PCard for online purchases, please verify that your contact information is up to date.

University-issued email addresses are already on file with Bank of America for all cardholders. However, adding or confirming a mobile phone number is strongly encouraged for convenience and timely delivery of One-Time Passcodes (OTP).

Accurate contact details are critical—without a valid phone number or email address on file, you may be unable to complete online purchases that require OTP verification.

How to Update Your Information

Cardholders can update their mobile phone number and email address by:

• Logging into Global Card Access (GCA) (instructions can be found at https://www.ohio.edu/finance/pcard/gca), or
• If you have issues logging into GCA, please contact financecustomercare@ohio.edu

Need More Information?

Additional details about step-up authentication and One-Time Passcodes are available in Bank of America’s Frequently Asked Questions.

If you have questions about this change or need help updating your information, please reach out to financecustomercare@ohio.edu .