What You Can Buy on Amazon with a Government Purchase Card

Government Purchase Card rules have gotten complicated with all the compliance requirements and changing thresholds flying around. As someone who’s worked with GPC programs and seen cardholders make both good decisions and costly mistakes, I learned everything there is to know about using Amazon Business for government purchases. Today, I will share it all with you.

The GPC Basics

Probably should have led with this section, honestly. A Government Purchase Card is essentially a government credit card for small purchases—currently up to $10,000 for most micro-purchases. It simplifies buying without going through formal contracting.

You’re personally accountable for proper use. Misuse can result in losing card privileges, repayment obligations, or disciplinary action. Take it seriously.

Amazon Business for Government

That’s what makes Amazon Business endearing to us government purchasers—it combines familiar Amazon convenience with compliance features.

The GSA contract with Amazon provides:

• GSA-approved pricing on many items
• TAA-compliance filters (Trade Agreements Act)
• Detailed purchase reporting for audits
• Multi-user agency accounts

Contact your GPC program coordinator to get access set up. Don’t just use your personal Amazon account—you need the Business account for compliance tracking.

What You Can Generally Buy

Usually Approved Categories

Office supplies: Paper, pens, printer supplies, desk organizers, staplers, whiteboards. The boring stuff that keeps offices running.

Computer peripherals: Mice, keyboards, webcams, monitors under your threshold. Check IT approval requirements—some agencies need them involved.

Safety equipment: First aid kits, PPE, ergonomic accessories. Workplace safety items generally have easier approval.

Training materials: Books, manuals, educational supplies directly related to mission requirements.

What You Cannot Buy

• Personal items: Anything for personal use, even if it seems work-related
• Food and beverages: Except for specific authorized events
• Gift cards: Universally prohibited—huge red flag
• Weapons and ammunition: Even for security purposes—specialized procurement channels exist
• Non-TAA compliant items: Products manufactured in prohibited countries

The TAA Compliance Issue

Trade Agreements Act compliance trips up a lot of cardholders. Many Amazon products are manufactured in countries not covered by trade agreements—meaning you can’t buy them with government funds regardless of price.

Amazon Business has TAA filters. Use them. When in doubt, check country of origin before purchasing.

How to Stay Out of Trouble

• Document the business purpose for every purchase
• Keep purchases within your single-purchase limit
• Don’t split purchases to avoid thresholds (this is a violation)
• Use TAA compliance filters on Amazon Business
• When uncertain, ask your program coordinator before buying

Your GPC is a privilege that speeds up legitimate purchases. Treat it like what it is—government money with audit trails. The convenience isn’t worth the consequences of misuse.