Purchasing

Deciding on the Purchasing Method

There are three methods when making a purchase: Purchasing Card (P-Card), Purchase Order, and Non-PO Invoice. Please use the Decision Matrix tool to assist you in deciding on the correct method of payment.

Purchasing Card

The Penn State Purchasing Card is a Visa charge card that enables authorized Penn State employees to purchase certain goods and services and travel expenses directly from a supplier. It eliminates the need for additional paperwork (such as purchase orders and invoices)—and it can be used for transactions up to a predetermined limit, which varies by employee. Lion Marketplace should be used in lieu of the Purchasing Card whenever possible. For more information, please click here.

Please note that the Purchasing Card has specific exclusions/inclusions of goods and services which may be purchased using the P-card. For specific restrictions, please see Special Restrictions of Goods and Services (BS14exc).