I'm not sure if this info will help or not, but our PTO has a Staples charge card with our organizations name on it. We have two, one the Treasurer holds, the other the Pres. holds and they get "signed" out to whoever needs to purchase an office-type supply (usually it's other officers or chairpeople).
We also have in-store accounts set up. For example, our local florist and gift shop will put items "on account" for any one of the five board members and bill the PTO once a month. Its the Treasurer's responsibility every Sept. to update those stores with a list of authorized people (signatures).
We've never had any problem with it and having those conveniences in place really makes our jobs easier. In the end it comes down to a leap of faith. You just have to trust that (most) people will do the right thing and not abuse it.
I haven't actually done this, but I think the card has the organization's name on it (or maybe whomever you designate). The program was set up to allow an account holder to give a "credit card" as a gift card - your lucky recipient could use the card anywhere, not just at a specific store. Since it's a physical card, there isn't a control over who is authorized to use it - whoever has it, can use it I think. And, the teller told me it would be possible for the recipient go the branch and ask to convert the card balance to cash - not exactly what you'd have in mind if it is to be used for PTO business. But in some specific cases, it might be just the right tool.
Does the debit credit card have the organization's name on it...or the treasurer's name? If it's the organization's name, how would they know who is authorized to use the card?
I agree with MyKids. Our bank offers a pre-paid card that works a bit like a credit card. You "load" it with any amount you want, debited from the PTO's bank account. They tell me you can use it just like a Master Card, so you can make online purchases or direct purchases, up to the amount that was pre-loaded. It's not tied to a specific store like a gift card. I think it's more secure than a credit card since there's a maximum limit, though anyone who gets a hold of the card could spend it down. I don't know if it's covered from fraudulant use like a credit card is.
If we knew we had a specific need for a direct PTO purchase (as opposed to a purchase where we reimburse the member who fronted the money) that would best be handled this way, then I would suggest we get a card. But in our particular case, we haven't been in that situation.
Our PTO gained a credit card through our school but so many banks now offer debit cards that maybe somethign to think about. No intrest to work about and I'm thinking it would be easier to change a cardholders name at a bank versus the credit card...
