What Can You Buy on Amazon with a Government Purchase Card? Complete 2025 Guide

The Government Purchase Card (GPC) is a powerful procurement tool that allows federal employees to make official purchases quickly. With the GSA’s contract with Amazon Business, cardholders can now access millions of products through Amazon’s familiar interface—but strict rules govern what you can and cannot buy.

This complete guide explains exactly what’s allowed when using your GPC on Amazon, the approval process, and how to avoid common compliance mistakes that could put your card privileges at risk.

What is a Government Purchase Card (GPC)?

The Government Purchase Card is a commercial credit card issued to authorized federal employees for making small-dollar purchases on behalf of the government. Key features include:

• Micro-purchase threshold: Up to $10,000 for most purchases (2025 threshold)
• Simplified acquisition: No formal contracting process required
• Direct payment: Transactions are paid directly by the agency
• Accountability: Cardholder is responsible for proper use

Amazon Business for Government

Amazon has a specific contract with the General Services Administration (GSA) that enables government agencies to purchase through Amazon Business. Benefits include:

• Access to GSA-approved pricing
• Ability to filter for TAA-compliant products
• Integration with agency procurement systems
• Multi-user account management
• Detailed reporting for compliance

Setting Up Your Amazon Business Account

1. Contact your agency’s GPC program coordinator
2. Request access to the agency Amazon Business account
3. Complete required training on Amazon Business purchasing
4. Link your GPC card to your Amazon Business profile

What You CAN Buy on Amazon with a GPC

Generally Approved Categories

Most agencies allow GPC purchases in these categories:

Office Supplies

• Paper, pens, notebooks, folders
• Printer ink and toner cartridges
• Desk organizers and storage
• Staplers, tape, scissors
• Whiteboards and markers

IT Accessories and Peripherals

• Keyboards, mice, webcams
• USB cables and adapters
• Laptop bags and cases
• Monitor stands and mounts
• Headsets for telework

Furniture and Ergonomics

• Office chairs (within price limits)
• Standing desk converters
• Monitor arms
• Ergonomic accessories
• Desk lamps

Safety and Health Items

• First aid supplies
• Safety equipment
• Hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies
• PPE (Personal Protective Equipment)

Training and Reference Materials

• Books and publications
• Technical manuals
• Professional development materials

What You CANNOT Buy on Amazon with a GPC

Strict regulations prohibit certain purchases regardless of whether they’re available on Amazon:

Absolutely Prohibited

• Personal items: Nothing for personal use, ever
• Cash advances: No gift cards, cash equivalent items
• Entertainment: Streaming services, games, recreational items
• Food and beverages: With limited exceptions for official events
• Travel expenses: Use your Government Travel Card instead
• Fuel: Fleet cards are designated for this purpose
• Professional services: Consulting, legal, accounting
• Construction materials: Requires formal contracting

Restricted Categories (Require Special Approval)

• IT equipment: Computers, tablets, phones often require IT approval
• Furniture over $500: May require additional authorization
• Hazardous materials: Requires proper handling procedures
• Software licenses: Must go through IT procurement
• Weapons and ammunition: Strictly controlled channels only

Items That Seem Okay But Aren’t

• Coffee makers for the office: Generally prohibited as morale/recreation
• Decorations: Considered personal preference, not mission-essential
• Bottled water: Usually prohibited except in emergencies
• Space heaters/fans: Often prohibited due to facilities concerns

Critical Compliance Requirements

Buy American Act and TAA Compliance

Federal law requires most government purchases to be made in America or from Trade Agreements Act (TAA) designated countries. On Amazon:

1. Use the TAA filter in Amazon Business
2. Verify country of origin before purchasing
3. Document compliance in your purchase records

Mandatory Sources

Before using Amazon, you must check mandatory sources:

1. AbilityOne: Products made by people who are blind or have significant disabilities
2. Federal Prison Industries: FPI/UNICOR products
3. GSA Advantage: GSA contract items

Only if the item isn’t available from mandatory sources can you proceed with Amazon.

Record Keeping Requirements

Maintain documentation for every purchase:

• Screenshot of product showing price and TAA compliance
• Proof mandatory sources were checked
• Justification for the purchase
• Supervisor approval (if required)
• Receipt and shipping confirmation

Step-by-Step Amazon GPC Purchase Process

1. Verify need: Confirm the item is mission-essential
2. Check mandatory sources: Search AbilityOne and FPI first
3. Log into Amazon Business: Use your agency account
4. Apply filters: Select TAA Compliant, Prime eligible (for shipping)
5. Compare prices: Ensure best value
6. Verify country of origin: Check product details
7. Get approval: If required by your agency
8. Complete purchase: Using your linked GPC
9. Save documentation: Screenshot confirmation
10. Reconcile: Match receipt to monthly statement

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

GPC Purchase Limits and Thresholds (2025)

Note: Your specific limits may differ based on your cardholder agreement and agency policy.

Reporting and Reconciliation

Cardholders must reconcile purchases monthly:

1. Review all transactions in your bank’s portal
2. Match each transaction to documentation
3. Certify charges are valid government purchases
4. Report any unauthorized transactions immediately
5. Submit to Approving Official by deadline

What Happens if You Misuse Your GPC?

GPC misuse has serious consequences:

• Administrative: Card suspension, additional training, written counseling
• Financial: Personal liability for improper purchases
• Career: Performance action, loss of position
• Criminal: Federal charges for intentional misuse

Summary

Using your Government Purchase Card on Amazon can streamline procurement when done correctly. The key is understanding what’s allowed, following proper procedures, and maintaining meticulous documentation.

When in doubt:

• Ask your Agency Program Coordinator
• Check mandatory sources first
• Use TAA filters on Amazon Business
• Document everything
• Never use the card for personal purchases

Proper GPC use protects taxpayer dollars and keeps your purchasing privileges intact.