The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on X that its audit of government credit cards has expanded to 55 agencies, resulting in the deactivation of about 610,000 cards out of 4.6 million active accounts.
According to the Government Executive, DOGE began a sweeping audit of government-issued credit cards in response to growing concerns over potential waste, misuse, and insufficient oversight within federal agencies. Prior reviews by the Government Accountability Office had identified significant lapses in monitoring and accountability, which DOGE aimed to address through agency-wide action. By extending the audit to 55 agencies, DOGE seeks to establish new standards for card management and ensure government resources are better protected against fraud and misallocation.
As reported by Federal News Network, the audit began with approximately 4.6 million active government credit card accounts across federal agencies, which included both purchasing and travel cards. Over a 14-week period, DOGE identified about 610,000 cards as unused or unneeded and ordered their deactivation. This large-scale reduction in active cards is expected to generate millions in administrative savings and further reduce the risk of card misuse or unauthorized spending.
According to Bloomberg Government, the audit initially started with 32 agencies and was quickly expanded to 55 after preliminary results revealed widespread dormant accounts and significant cost-saving potential. The phased approach allowed DOGE to monitor compliance rates and rapidly implement best practices for identifying inactive cards. Agency officials have confirmed that additional rounds of auditing and monitoring are planned to ensure only essential cards remain in use and promote a sustained culture of accountability.
DOGE is a federal agency focused on optimizing government spending, reducing waste, and ensuring accountability in contract management, according to X. By reviewing expenditures and canceling non-essential contracts, DOGE aims to improve fiscal responsibility and enhance the effectiveness of public resource allocation.
