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American Express Travelers Cheques Review: Is it safe? How does it work? What are the rates?

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Traveling or spending money overseas? Discover American Express Travelers Cheques for a safe and secure way to get currency to spend abroad. You'll learn how to save money and how to get the best rate for your next holidays abroad.

American Express Travelers Cheques - All you need to know

American Express (AMEX) Travelers Cheques were first issued more than a hundred years ago, in 1891. Although the traditional travelers cheque has been overtaken by more modern currency exchange options, they’re still used by some as a safe and secure way to spend money overseas. We’ll explore how American Express Travelers Cheques work, what they offer, the fees you’ll need to pay and various other aspects of their services.

*We’re using the same spelling for travelers cheques as AMEX uses on their website, which means no apostrophe and “cheque” instead of “check” — just so you know.

Where to buy AMEX Travelers Cheques

Travelers cheques are available from AMEX service centers, some AAA locations, certain banks and some currency exchange shops. Options to buy travelers cheques outside of major cities like New York, London, Toronto or other big metropolitan areas are limited. Places you may be able to purchase travelers cheques in the US include PNC bank branches and Travelex.

You should contact the location before you visit to check fees, limits, payment methods, restrictions, exchange rates and availability. AMEX recommends you keep your original purchase receipt as proof of purchase.

Where to redeem AMEX Travelers Checks

You can redeem, or “cash” your travelers cheques at thousands of locations around the world. Several currency exchange services, bureaux de change and banks will accept and redeem travelers cheques. Some merchants may even accept travelers cheques directly as payment for goods and services. If you want to make payment, redeem or cash in your travelers cheques, confirm this with the relevant business ahead of time. 

When you redeem your travelers cheques, the person you are redeeming them with will need to watch you countersign the cheques, and you may need to present photographic ID and have your original purchase receipt. 

In some circumstances, AMEX will allow you to redeem travelers cheques directly with them. They say, “Redemption of your Travelers Cheques directly with American Express may take longer than 30 days, depending on the circumstances of the request. There may be restrictions on the currency and method of redemption and the value of Travelers Cheques that can be directly redeemed.”

Travelers cheques do not expire, so you can either choose to redeem unused ones, or save them for future trips.

Safety and security of AMEX Travelers Cheques

If you’ve purchased travelers cheques, and they’re lost or stolen, AMEX will refund the cheques to you. Travelers cheques are not linked to your bank account either, which means you’re less likely to suffer from identity theft if the cheques are stolen from you. 

What Monito Likes About AMEX Travelers Cheques

• A safe and secure way to get currency to spend abroad
• Backed by American Express, a trusted brand and financial services provider
• Refunds available if travelers cheques are lost or stolen

What Monito Dislikes About AMEX Travelers Cheques

• Can be difficult to find locations to buy travelers cheques
• Can be difficult to find locations to redeem or cash in travelers cheques
• Not as widely accepted as they once were
• High commission fees and poor exchange rates can make travelers cheques expensive to use

Alternatives to American Express Travelers Cheques

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How American Express Travelers Cheques works

1. Buy your travelers cheques from certain banks, currency exchange services and various other locations

2. Travelers cheques are available in a variety of denominations, depending on the currency

3. When you buy the travelers cheques, you will normally need to present your ID and sign the travelers cheques in the top left-hand corner

4. Write down the serial numbers of your travelers cheques as you may need these if they are lost or stolen

5. Once you have purchased your travelers cheques, you can travel to a foreign country and redeem them when you need to

6. Take your travelers cheques to a location that will cash them, sign in the bottom left-hand corner and present your identification

7. The place where you are exchanging your travelers cheques will provide local currency at their prevailing exchange rate

8. You can then spend the local currency as normal

AMEX Travelers Cheques fees & exchange rate

The fees and exchange rates for using travelers cheques can vary widely.

American Express Travelers Cheques fees

AMEX, banks and other issuers may charge a fee when issuing travelers cheques in the first place. This fee is typically between one and three percent of the total value of travelers cheques that you’re buying. AMEX will waive this fee if you’re an American Express cardholder. 

Some currency exchange services, banks and other merchants may also charge a commission when you buy or redeem your cheques. You should contact them ahead of time to check what those fees are likely to be. 

American Express Travelers Cheques exchange rates

The amount of foreign currency that you receive when redeeming travelers cheques depends on the exchange rates offered by the currency exchange service you’re using. Local bureaux de change and currency exchange services typically have fairly poor exchange rates, so you’ll end up paying more in hidden exchange rate fees. 

For example, as we explain in our guide to exchanging currency in London , “this bureau de change is around 2.8 percent more expensive than the base exchange rate for exchanging between dollars and pounds. The base exchange rate was £0.81 for every dollar, but this currency exchange offers £0.79 for each dollar.”

Customer support

If your amex travelers cheques are lost or stolen.

You should safeguard your cheques as you would cash, but if they are lost or stolen, here’s what you need to do:

• Identify the serial numbers of any cheques that have been lost or stolen
• Call American Express as soon as possible to report the missing or stolen cheques and make a claim
• You will need to provide identification and proof of purchase
• AMEX will review your claim, and issue a refund if the claim is valid

When to consider using AMEX Travelers Cheques

Although they’re no longer widely issued or accepted, it does make sense to use travelers cheques in some circumstances:

• If you don’t have a credit or debit card, travelers cheques can be a good alternative
• If you’re concerned about money being lost or stolen, travelers cheques can provide extra security and are not linked to your bank accounts
• If you want to avoid foreign transactions fees (typically up to three percent) when you spend on your credit or debit card overseas, although commission or exchange rate fees on cheques may make this irrelevant

When to think about options besides American Express Travelers Cheques

One of the reasons for the decline of travelers cheques is that you have many more options when it comes to spending money abroad:

• You can use a prepaid travel money card that you top up with currency before you travel and use like a regular debit card
• You can use a credit or debit card that doesn’t charge a foreign transaction fee, like the TransferWise Borderless Account card
• You can compare all your different options for travel money, including fees and exchange rates, with our easy-to-use tool

You might also like these AMEX alternatives

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• Foreign exchange
• Chequing accounts
• Savings accounts
• Ways to Bank - Personal Banking
• Quick cash solutions
• We've upgraded our credit card services.
• Go paperless for the planet

American Express Travellers Cheques

AMEX Travellers Cheques will no longer be available for sale in Canada as of August 31st, 2018.

American Express has decided to stop supplying Travellers Cheques for sale in Canada as of August 31st, 2018. We do not accept GBP or EURO American Express travelers cheques to be deposited. Please consider other financial products or services such as Visa , Vancity Member cards , or foreign cash to meet your travel needs. To find out more, please visit the American Express Travellers Cheque Service Centre , or call American Express toll free in Canada at (1) 866 296 5198.

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Traveler’s Checks When Traveling Abroad — Useful or Outdated?

Christy Rodriguez

Travel & Finance Content Contributor

87 Published Articles

Countries Visited: 36 U.S. States Visited: 31

Keri Stooksbury

Editor-in-Chief

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Countries Visited: 45 U.S. States Visited: 28

What Are Traveler’s Checks?

Where to buy traveler’s checks, how to use traveler’s checks, what to do if traveler’s checks are stolen, 1. no access to credit or debit card, 2. limited access to atms, 3. access good exchange rates , 4. avoid common credit or debit fees, 5. as an added safety measure, 1. limited availability for use, 2. not all banks offer them, 3. potential for additional fees, 4. bulky paperwork, credit card, prepaid card, do your research, tell your bank you are traveling, don’t keep all of your money in 1 place, final thoughts.

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When traveling abroad, you might wonder how to pay for things once you arrive. Should you bring currency on your trip? Which currency should you bring? Can you get money once you arrive? How much cash should you carry at once?

Many of these questions can be answered by using traveler’s checks. Traveler’s checks might seem like an outdated choice, but they can still be useful in certain situations.

In this article, we’ll explain what traveler’s checks are, how they work, and when they might be worth the hassle. We’ll also explore other more common alternatives and give tips for obtaining foreign currency.

Traveler’s checks are documents that can be used like standard paper checks and cash. Travelers purchase them before they leave home to exchange for cash in the local currency when they arrive at their destination.

These checks are printed in varying denominations, and each check is uniquely numbered so that it can be replaced quickly if lost or stolen.

Banks, hotels, and merchants were once very used to accepting traveler’s checks. These places liked traveler’s checks because of the safeguards that were put in place. Basically, as long as the original signature matched the signature made at the time of the purchase, payment is guaranteed — eliminating any “bounced checks.”

Now, with the increased use of credit and debit cards (especially those with no foreign transaction fees ), prepaid cards, and ATMs on every corner, traveler’s checks have become less popular.

You may find it difficult to find banks or hotels that accept them , and if you do, you might be at the mercy of their business hours to cash them in.

How To Buy and Use Traveler’s Checks

You can still buy and use traveler’s checks in the U.S. and other countries.

You can find traveler’s checks offered by companies like American Express and Visa . You can also go to your local AAA office to purchase them.

The best place to purchase traveler’s checks is from your own bank, but unfortunately, many banks no longer offer traveler’s checks, including Chase, Wells Fargo, and Bank of America.

If you’re not sure if your bank offers traveler’s checks, it’s worth contacting them to confirm. If you are a customer, banks typically waive any fees to obtain them and this can add up because other companies can add on a 1% to 3% fee on top of the base currency amount that you request.

In order to obtain a traveler’s check, you will need to:

• Either go in person to an eligible bank or visit the website of the traveler’s check issuer.
• Select the total amount of currency to purchase.
• Submit payment, including any fees.

Once you have the traveler’s checks, you need to know how to use them. Traveler’s checks work a bit differently than other forms of currency. Here are the steps you’ll need to take:

• Sign the checks immediately. Follow the issuer’s instructions to find out where to sign (and only sign once).
• Leave evidence of your traveler’s check purchase somewhere safe. If checks get lost or stolen, you’ll need to provide proof of purchase along with check numbers to get a refund. Leave those details with a friend or save them online for easy remote access.
• Complete the payee and date fields. Once you have confirmed that the payee or bank will accept traveler’s checks, fill out the payee and date fields.
• Sign the check again. You must complete this portion in-person to ensure that the signature matches the original. You may also need to show some sort of identification as well. This is key to keeping traveler’s checks secure.
• If checks get lost or stolen, contact the issuer immediately. You may be able to get replacement checks locally, and the issuer needs to know which checks to cancel.

Traveler’s checks don’t expire , so if you don’t use them you can either keep them for future use or deposit them into your bank account once you’re home.

If all of your cash is stolen while you’re traveling abroad, you’ll have next to no chance of getting it back.

However, if this happens with your traveler’s checks, you’ll likely get them replaced as long as you’ve complied with your check issuer’s purchase agreement . This is the primary benefit of traveling with traveler’s checks.

Bottom Line: Treat your traveler’s checks like cash. If you lose your checks, you may not get replacements if your check issuer has reason to believe you didn’t safeguard them appropriately.

Here’s what to do if your traveler’s checks are lost or stolen:

• Call the customer service phone number provided by your issuer or find it by accessing their website.
• Provide proof that the check is yours by submitting the check number, proof of purchase, and your identification. It’s important to have easy access to this information for this reason.
• If required by your issuer, provide evidence that you have reported your stolen check to the police.
• Be sure to return any other refund paperwork requested.

If you don’t comply, you could experience delays or even have your claim denied. After you’ve reported your missing check, your provider will void it and issue you a new check.

Some issuers even pledge to get replacement checks out to you within 24 hours !

Best Ways To Use Traveler’s Checks

The following are situations when you might consider using traveler’s checks:

If you don’t have a credit card or a debit card tied to your bank account, a traveler’s check could be a safe alternative to simply carrying lots of cash abroad.

This tip also applies if your particular credit or debit card isn’t accepted abroad. This is more likely to happen if your card is something other than a Visa or Mastercard , as those credit cards claim the widest global network.

In many places, you can easily get cash in the local currency at an ATM once you arrive. This wouldn’t be a problem in Europe, for example, but ATMs are rare in some parts of the world. In addition, ATMs can malfunction, networks can be down, and machines might even run out of cash.

Traveler’s checks allow you to get local currency at participating banks, hotels, and other foreign locations without regard for these potential problems.

Buying traveler’s checks can help you avoid bad exchange rates. If you decide to exchange currency once you arrive, you might not get the best conversion rates by doing this at the airport.

By purchasing traveler’s checks before you leave, you can lock in a set amount at the current exchange rate.

Read our guide for the best places to exchange currency .

If your credit or debit card charges a foreign transaction fee , you can be charged a fee every time you make a purchase with your card in a foreign country. If your card also charges ATM fees, these fees can add up quickly.

To avoid these fees, it might make sense to use traveler’s checks. Although there may be a fee involved when you purchase or cash a traveler’s check, it might still be less than other fees your credit or debit card may charge.

Hot Tip: If your card charges a foreign transaction fee, it will typically be 3% of each purchase you make.

If you’re traveling to a potentially unsafe region, traveler’s checks keep your money secure. Even if you’re in a relatively safe place, anyone who enters your room or has access to your bags could search for your money.

The main benefit of traveler’s checks is that they reduce your risk of theft or loss. Since they can’t be cashed without your signature and often require a photo ID, they are less appealing to thieves or pickpockets. They can also be easily replaced if you provide the issuer with the proper information.

Cons of Using Traveler’s Checks

Here are some reasons that might discourage you from using traveler’s checks:

In much of Europe and Asia, traveler’s checks are no longer widely accepted and cannot be easily cashed — even at the banks that issued them.

This means that cashing in traveler’s checks might require hunting down a bank branch or hotel that accepts them during business hours.

Bottom Line: Those relying solely on traveler’s checks may find that they are unable to cash them in many remote or rural locations.

Certain major banks, such as Bank of America, no longer offer traveler’s checks at all. This might mean ordering traveler’s checks online well in advance of your travel plans or having to find a new bank that offers them.

If a company does offer traveler’s checks, it typically charges fees for both buying and cashing in a traveler’s check. While some banks offer them for free if you are a customer, others charge between 1% to 3% of the total purchase amount.

Check the math for your own situation, but using traveler’s checks could actually cost more than using an ATM or credit card abroad.

Not only are traveler’s checks a hassle to carry, but most companies also require that you keep proof of purchase for the checks to verify the check numbers if they are lost or stolen.

Both of these just add up to keeping track of additional paperwork.

Other Alternatives

Obviously, traveler’s checks aren’t your only option when it comes to obtaining foreign currency. Here are some other options you should consider.

Cash is convenient and relatively easy to exchange. You can bring money from home into a foreign bank or currency exchange location almost anywhere in the world. It can be easily exchanged without the worry of multiple bank fees or ATM fees adding up.

Hot Tip: Be aware: if you exchange your money in tourist areas, you might be hit with a bad exchange rate.

On the downside, carrying paper money is a risk since it can’t be replaced if stolen.

A debit card can be used at an ATM to collect cash. While not all ATM machines (especially in more rural places) accept foreign debit cards, you will find that most do.

Depending on your bank, you might even have to pay both an out-of-network ATM and an international ATM fee for this convenience.

Hot Tip: An out-of-network ATM fee is typically between $2 to $3.50 per transaction in 2021 and a typical international ATM fee can range from $2 to $7 per transaction (plus a 3% conversion fee), depending on your bank and card.

Most restaurants and stores accept foreign debit cards, but carrying a form of backup currency is always wise . Additionally, foreign transaction fees can add up quickly if you are using your debit card frequently.

Like debit cards, credit cards are small and easy to carry. Mastercard, Visa, and more recently, American Express , are widely accepted in other countries, so you can rest easy knowing you will be able to complete your purchases. You can also limit fees by getting a credit card with no foreign transaction fees .

A credit card also comes with fraud protection. You can dispute fraudulent charges and get them removed from your account if reported timely.

Hot Tip: While you can use a credit card for ATM transactions, you will be hit with a cash advance fee . It’s best to avoid doing this, if possible.

If you have difficulty getting approved for a credit card , a prepaid card could be a good alternative. You simply load the card with money from your bank account and use it as a debit card at an ATM or as a credit card at merchants and hotels.

While prepaid cards are locked with a PIN number, they can sometimes be difficult to use at ATM machines. Additionally, fees for foreign currency transactions can be as high as 7% , depending on the card.

Hot Tip: Booking hotels, airfare, or activities online will require either a credit card, debit card, or prepaid card.

Money Tips for Traveling Abroad

Know which types of currency are accepted at your destination and how much of each type (if any) you should bring. Especially be aware of any cash you might need on arrival (to obtain a visa , exchange upon arrival, etc.) in case you can’t immediately locate an ATM or a currency exchange office.

Carry a mix of cash, cards, and maybe even traveler’s checks. Ideally, the cards you bring with you shouldn’t have foreign transaction fees or ATM fees . Having some variety also helps if one of your cards isn’t accepted or your cash is lost or stolen. 

Always be sure to let your bank and credit card issuers know where you’re going and when so that your card isn’t declined when you try to make a purchase due to unusual activity.

If you exchange money at your bank, you will likely also get a better exchange rate.

Keep some of your currency or an extra card locked in your hotel room’s safe or in a money belt . In the terrible instance that you lose your purse or wallet, you would still have immediate access to additional money.

We’ve shown that traveler’s checks aren’t necessarily the most convenient way to take currency abroad, but depending on if you have limited access to debit or credit cards or they aren’t accepted where you are traveling, it might be worth it to bring some along.

Overall, if you’ve decided that traveler’s checks can be of use to you, taking some, along with some cash and a debit, credit, or prepaid card, may just be the smartest way to travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you still buy traveler's checks.

While many larger banks are no longer offering traveler’s checks, they are still available at American Express and other smaller banks and credit unions. It is worth asking if your bank offers them and at what cost.

How much does it cost to buy traveler's checks?

While some banks offer them for free if you are a customer, others charge between 1% and 3% of the purchase amount.

What is the purpose of a traveler's check?

A traveler’s check offers a safer option than carrying around money. There are multiple safeguards in place to prevent fraud and if the checks are lost or stolen, they can be easily replaced.

Can you cash old traveler's checks?

Traveler’s checks do not expire. You can cash them in at any time — typically even at banks that don’t offer them for sale. This means you can go to your own bank and redeem your traveler’s checks.

To do this, date them, fill out the “Pay To” field (to your bank), and countersign in the presence of the cashier . Any unused value will be returned to you in cash.

Can I buy traveler's checks online?

American Express is the only large bank that offers traveler’s checks online. Its website offers a step-by-step process to order them.

You should check with your local bank or credit union to see if they might also offer this benefit.

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About Christy Rodriguez

After having “non-rev” privileges with Southwest Airlines, Christy dove into the world of points and miles so she could continue traveling for free. Her other passion is personal finance, and is a certified CPA.

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American Express® Travelers Cheques

Travelers cheques are backed by american express.

For more than a century our Travelers Cheques have helped travellers protect their money. Travelers Cheques may be refunded if lost or stolen. Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Identification and proof of purchase required..

Travelers Cheques never expire

Unused Travelers Cheques can be used for future trips or redeemed.

Redeeming your Travelers Cheques

1. Redeem your Travelers Cheques with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc (1)

You can redeem your Travelers Cheques online (2). Click the button below to find out more or to register a claim.

If you have questions about online redemption, please refer to our FAQ page for more information. Alternatively, you can also call American Express customer service at 1 800 688 022  to register a redemption claim. You can find additional contact numbers  based on your location

2. Deposit your Travelers Cheques with your bank

Some banks allow account holders to deposit Travelers Cheques - including foreign currency Travelers Cheques - to their bank account. Please check with your bank if they allow deposit of Travelers Cheques (clearing fees may apply).

3. Exchange your Travelers Cheques for local currency

Travelers Cheques are welcomed at thousands of locations worldwide. Exchange fees may apply. Click below to find locations near you (3) .

(1) We usually process claims & initiate payments within 5 business days. However, when documents are required to process the claim, it can take up to 30 days, from when the documents are received, for a claim to be processed & a payment initiated. Travelers Cheque Encashment service is provided by American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

(2) There may be restrictions on the currency, method of redemption and the value of Travelers Cheques that can be redeemed online.

(3) It is highly recommended that you call the location prior to your visit and verify fees, limits, restrictions, exchange rates and availability.

May be refunded if lost or stolen*

24/7 customer support

Accepted at thousands of locations worldwide

Never expire

Travelers Cheques Service Centre

Get help with your Travelers Cheques and find answers to common questions

How to use Travelers Cheques

As soon as possible, sign your name on the upper signature line to help protect yourself in case of loss or theft. 

Write down your serial numbers and keep them with you when you travel, separated from your Travelers Cheques. 

Safeguard your Travelers Cheques as you would cash. 

To redeem, sign your Travelers Cheque on the lower signature line in front of the person accepting your Cheques.

Lost or Stolen Travelers Cheques

American Express Travelers Cheques are safe and secure. If they are ever lost or stolen, the funds may be refunded.*

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR CHEQUES ARE LOST OR STOLEN

1. Locate serial numbers

Have the serial numbers for your lost or stolen Cheques on hand when you call.

Call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Centre on 1 800 688 022  or find the  contact number for your current location as soon as possible to report the loss and open a claim. Service Centres handle claims 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Receiving your refund

If your claim is approved we will help determine the best way for you to obtain a refund.

* Terms, conditions and restrictions apply. Identification and proof of purchase required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Travelers Cheques safe and secure?

Travelers Cheques are safe and secure because if they are ever lost or stolen, they may be refunded.

Where do I sign my Travelers Cheques?

Travelers Cheques should be signed on the upper signature line as soon as possible after purchase.

USING TRAVELERS CHEQUES

Where are Travelers Cheques accepted?

There are thousands of foreign exchange partners in countries around the world where you can exchange your American Express Travelers Cheques for local currency. You can find places to redeem your Travelers Cheques using the ' Find Exchange Locations '. It may also be possible to redeem your Travelers Cheques directly for goods and services. Check first though with the merchant.

Can I redeem my Travelers Cheques directly with American Express? If you are unable to find or visit a nearby location to redeem your Travelers Cheques, please call Customer Service at  1 800 688 022  or find the contact number for your current location. We will usually process your claim and initiate the payment within 5 business days from the date all required documentation and information needed to verify the redemption claim is received. We may have to contact you with questions regarding your claim or to request additional information.

How do I cash Travelers Cheques?

Simply present the Cheque at the exchange or merchant location. Make sure the acceptor watches while you countersign the Cheque on the lower signature line. Photo identification may be required. We strongly recommended you retain and carry your original purchase receipt with you when you travel. Commission charges may apply and can vary by country or exchange partner. Exchange limits may apply due to local regulations and exchange policies.

What happens if I sign my Travelers Cheques in the wrong place, or if my signatures don't match?

Acceptance of Travelers Cheques is based on the acceptor watching the customer sign the Cheque on the lower signature line, and then comparing that signature with the original signature on the upper signature line. The acceptor must observe the customer signing the Cheque. If the signatures are a reasonable match, the Cheque should be accepted. Photo identification may be required at the discretion of the Acceptor. As always, if the acceptor is unsure, they should call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Centre.

Is there a fee to cash Travelers Cheques?

Commission charges may apply and can vary by country and/or exchange partner. Before you travel we recommend that you find the most convenient Travelers Cheque exchange locations using the ' Find Exchange Locations ', along with any information about fees that they have shared with us.

Do Travelers Cheques expire?

Travelers Cheques do not expire. Unused Travelers Cheques can be used for future trips.

What should be done with a deceased person's unused Travelers Cheques?

A refund can be arranged for the unused Travelers Cheque to the next of kin or beneficiary. Please call Customer Services at  1 800 688 022  or find the contact number for your current location.  What happens if my Cheques are lost or stolen?

Lost or stolen Travelers Cheques may be refunded.* Please call Customer Services at  1 800 688 022  or find the contact number for your current location.

For other questions regarding Travelers Cheques, please call Customer Services at  1 800 688 022  or find the contact number for your current location. 

Terms and Conditions

Following are the terms and conditions for obtaining a refund for lost or stolen Travelers Cheques.

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Read this Agreement carefully. By either buying, signing, accepting or using these American Express® Travelers Cheques (“Cheques”), you agree to everything written here: You agree (a) To sign your Cheques immediately in the upper left corner, (b) Not to resell, consign, or take any similar action to transfer your Cheques to any other individual, company or entity for resale or reuse.

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“American Express”) will refund the amount shown on any lost or stolen Cheque in accordance with applicable laws and only if you meet all of the requirements below:

BEFORE LOSS

• You have signed the Travelers Cheque in the upper left-hand corner in permanent ink.
• You have not signed the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner.
• You have not given the Cheque to another person or company to hold or keep, or as part of a confidence game.
• You have not used the Cheque in violation of any law, including as part of an illegal bet, game of chance or other prohibited action.
• Your Cheque has not been taken by court order or by government action.
• You have safeguarded the Cheque as a prudent person would safeguard a like amount of cash.
• You promptly notify American Express of the loss or theft of the Cheque.
• You promptly report all facts of the loss or theft to American Express and also to the police if American Express asks you to.
• You promptly inform American Express of the serial number of the lost or stolen Cheque and the place and date of its purchase.
• You promptly complete American Express's refund forms and provide American Express with acceptable proof of your identity.
• You give American Express all reasonable information and help requested to make a complete investigation of the loss or theft. American Express reserves the right to investigate the loss or theft and to verify compliance with this Purchase Agreement and shall not be responsible for any delays resulting from such an investigation.
• Please note that for quality assurance purposes your telephone call to American Express may be monitored or recorded and that you consent to such monitoring and recording.

NO STOP PAYMENT

American Express cannot stop payment on any Cheque.

Sign your Cheques immediately in the upper left hand corner.

For other questions regarding Travelers Cheques, please call Customer Services at  1 800 688 022  or find the contact number for your current location

Still need help?

You can call customer services on 1 800 688 022 . Alternatively, you can find additional contact numbers below based on your location.

American Express stopped issuing Travelers Cheques, so they’re no longer available for purchase.

Support is available by phone and the American Express website for customers to redeem valid Travelers Cheques.

Travelers Cheques remain backed by American Express and have no expiration date.

Travellers Cheques

Everything you need to know about travellers cheques and their alternatives., they’re easy to use, they’re safe, they’re accepted worldwide, they don’t expire, so why aren’t people using travellers cheques as much anymore, travel money card, travel insurance, travelex info, join the conversation, customer support.

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A Guide to Travellers Cheques

Once a foreign currency staple, this form of prepaid funds has existed for hundreds of years, designed as a way to allow payment from one person to another across currencies. As the financial services sector continues to shift to online solutions , we look at how, where and why travellers cheques are used, as we discuss the relevance of this form of currency.

What are travellers cheques?

The history of the travellers cheque spans as far back as 1772 when the first of its kind was issued by the London Credit Exchange Company, in the UK. Over the coming centuries the concept became popularised on a global scale, with major banks and financial institutions adopting this form of travel money in the 20th century. American Express became the largest issuer of travellers cheques and continues to offer these services to customers to this day.

A safe and convenient method of payment for anyone travelling to foreign territories, these pre-printed cheques hold a fixed amount which can be used worldwide across a range of currencies. Designed to facilitate payments from one person to another, using different currencies, travellers cheques were initially seen as a more practical way for individuals to carry their spending money.

Travellers cheques had their heyday in the late 20th century, reaching peak popularity in the mid-90s, before alternatives such as credit and debit cards became more widely available and easier to manage financial transactions. It was reported in 2018 that a mere 1.5% of Britons use travellers cheques, a rapid decrease over the course of two decades.

How do you use travellers cheques?

When you first receive your travellers cheques, you will be required to sign each one before use, as a way of verifying your signature. Each cheque will have a fixed value (usually $20, $50, $100, $500 etc.) as well as a unique serial number which can typically be found in the top right corner.

It is important to take note of these serial numbers as they will be referenced in any case of lost or stolen cheques. Unlike cash, if anything happens to your travellers cheques, the original vendor will be able to issue a refund for the exact same value. This added level of security is why this payment method was seen as revolutionary when first introduced.

As well as signing upon receipt, you will also need to sign each travellers cheque when used by a retailer or exchanged for cash. The act of signing your name as a form of security is somewhat outdated, given the modern technologies in place nowadays.

When accepted by retailers, a travellers cheque will be treated like local currency, which means you should receive any change in the standard, local currency.

Where can I get travellers cheques?

Due to dwindling demand, travellers cheques are not as readily available as they once were. However, they can still be acquired from some banks and financial institutions, post offices and currency exchange offices, like Travelex.

One thing to note is you may be required to settle the handling, commission or cash-in fees that often accompany travellers cheques, and these can be expensive, amounting to 2 - 3% in some cases. This cost is another reason they are no longer as frequently used.

Where can I use travellers cheques?

Generally, travellers cheques are still accepted all over the world, albeit harder to find vendors selling them and retailers accepting them as legal tender. Consider your destination before deciding on this form of travel money: if you are travelling to major cities there is more chance of you finding somewhere to cash your cheques or use them for in-store purchases. However, more remote destinations may not be equipped or able to accept this type of funds.

How safe are travellers cheques?

The original blueprint for travellers cheques was a paper payment method which could be used as foreign currency but was more secure than handling cash. At the height of its popularity, travellers cheques were generally considered much safer than cash due to the added security of their unique serial numbers, meaning customers could cancel and replace cheques if need be. These numerical codes were a money-back guarantee for anyone whose cheques were misplaced, destroyed or stolen. Another added benefit, if your travellers cheques are intercepted, you will not be vulnerable to bank fraud, as they are in no way connected to your bank account, unlike credit or debit cards.

Financial security measures have evolved greatly since the inception of travellers cheques, however, with the introduction of PIN codes, two-factor authentication, fingerprint touch ID and facial recognition, to name a few forms of fintech security commonly available now. With this in mind, the concept of a travellers cheque no longer measures up in terms of fraud protection and data encryption.

Travellers cheque vs. Cashiers cheque: What is the difference?

In terms of appearance, a travellers cheque looks nearly identical to a standard issue cashier's cheque: but are they similar in any other ways?

A cashiers cheque is issued by a bank or financial institution and is designed to be processed quickly, by the individual whose name is printed on the cheque. Conversely, a travellers cheque is for use overseas, is loaded with prepaid foreign currency - usually USD or GBP - and does not have a name or account number printed on it, although it does require a signature. Because travellers cheques do not have any bank details printed on them, they are deemed safer than cashiers cheques in terms of potential for fraudulent use. In addition to this, they are paid for when printed, meaning it is not possible for a travellers cheque to bounce.

What are the alternatives?

Credit or debit cards.

If you are worried about travellers cheques not being widely accepted where you are going, then this form of travel money will offer more flexibility. Using your regular bank cards overseas provides a record of spending and offers maximum convenience, but there are also some frequently flagged concerns. Primarily these concerns focus on the sky-high fees and below-average exchange rates related to using your debit or credit card abroad. This isn’t always the case, however, as many banks and financial institutions offer travel credit cards, tailored to suit the needs of frequent flyers.

Travel money cards

Prepaid travel money cards are the modern equivalent to travellers cheques and have become very popular. This is largely due to the fact that they are totally separate from your regular bank account, allowing users to spend their balance freely without the worry of potential fraud or overspending. Preloaded with funds, travel money cards often help limit additional currency exchange charges. In addition to this, in spite of fluctuating currency rates, these cards let customers lock-in a favourable exchange rate ahead of time.

International bank accounts

If you are headed overseas for a sustained period of time, it could be more convenient and cost-effective to open a bank account in your destination country. You would be subject to the relevant security and eligibility checks but this decision pays off if you are making regular international money transfers or being paid in a different currency by foreign clients . Find out more about this option by reading our guide: How to Open a Bank Account Overseas.

Due to the growing alternative digital payment methods available nowadays, it seems this age-old travel money no longer measures up in terms of accessibility, cost and convenience. When travellers cheques were originally launched, ATM withdrawals were not commonplace for travellers, and digital point of sale systems had not been invented. Nowadays, it is easy to access local currency using an assortment of different payment methods such as debit or credit cards, travel money cards or money transfer apps .

The best option for anyone who is reluctant to use their debit or credit card overseas, would be to use a prepaid travel money card. Prepaid travel money cards are a safer and more widely used alternative to travellers cheques, and customers do not need to seek out a bank to use them, are not required to sign for each transaction and security measures in place are far more advanced. This method enables customers to secure multiple foreign currencies, locking in the optimum exchange rate for your currency pairing ahead of your trip abroad. Use our comparison tool to ensure you receive the most competitive exchange rates for your international money needs.

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