Why are Travelers Cheques considered the World’s Safest Currency?
Travelers Cheques are considered the World’s Safest Currency because if they are ever lost or stolen, they can be replaced quickly and easily, almost anywhere in the world, usually within 24 hours. Travelers Cheques are simply safer than cash, and provide peace of mind while you travel. They also allow you to budget, track and control your travel expenses easily. In addition, American Express Travelers Cheques are the most widely used and recognized travel currency in the world.
When should I travel with Cheques for Two?
Cheques for Two are perfect for traveling couples and families. They offer all the convenience of Travelers Cheques, but with a unique dual signature feature that allows either of you to purchase them and either of you to use them.
What types of Foreign Currency Travelers Cheques are available?
Foreign Currency Travelers Cheques are available in the following currencies and can be used wherever these currencies are accepted: Australian Dollar, Canadian Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen and Pound Sterling. You can also purchase Foreign Currency through American Express. By purchasing Foreign Currency Travelers Cheques and foreign currency before your trip, you can take advantage of competitive exchange rates.
Where are Travelers Cheques accepted?
American Express Travelers Cheques are recognized worldwide. In the U.S. they can be used like cash at retail locations, hotels and restaurants. Outside the U.S. they can be used like cash at many locations, or exchanged for local currency at banks, currency exchanges, and American Express Travel Service locations.
Can I accept Travelers Cheques from another person?
Yes, you can accept Travelers Cheques from another person. However, you must watch the person countersign the Cheque in the lower left corner and make sure it matches the signature in the upper left corner. If the Cheque has already been signed in both the upper and lower left, please call American Express at the number below before accepting the Cheque. After accepting a valid Cheque, you can only deposit it into your own bank account. If you have questions about accepting a Cheque, just call American Express at 1-800-525-7641 (from inside the U.S). Outside the U.S., call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center. For details, click the first letter of the country in which you need assistance: A-CD-KL-RS-Z
Do Travelers Cheques ever expire?
No. Cheques do not expire. Unused Travelers Cheques can be used for a future trip, or like cash at locations in your area.
What should be done with a deceased person's unused Travelers Cheques?
The estate beneficiary or executor should take the Travelers Cheques along with the death certificate and any other estate papers designating the beneficiary, to their (or the estate's) bank, and instruct the bank to contact American Express at 1-800-525-7641 (from inside the U.S). Outside the U.S., they can contact an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center. For details, click the first letter of the country in which you need assistance: A-CD-KL-RS-Z.
Where do I sign my Travelers Cheques?
Travelers Cheques must be signed in the upper left-hand corner in order to be reimbursable if they're lost or stolen. Cheques for Two are designed for two travelers and must be signed by both of them in the upper left-hand corner. All Travelers Cheques should be signed as soon as possible after purchase.
How do I cash Travelers Cheques?
To cash a Travelers Cheque, date it in the upper right-hand corner (just like a personal check), and fill out the "pay to the order" line (or have the cashier do it). Then countersign the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner. Make sure the cashier watches as you sign so your signature can be verified. If you encounter difficulties in cashing a Cheque in the U.S., encourage the cashier or merchant to call American Express for instructions at 1-800-525-7641. Outside the U.S., the merchant can call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center. For details, click the first letter of the country in which you need assistance: A-CD-KL-RS-Z.
What happens if I sign my Travelers Cheques in the wrong place, or if my signatures don't match?
Before accepting your Travelers Cheque, a cashier must watch you countersign it in the lower left-hand corner, and compare that signature with the original signature in the upper left-hand corner. If the signatures are a reasonable match, the Cheque should be accepted. If the merchant is unsure, he or she should call American Express with any concerns or questions at 1-800-535-7641 (inside the U.S.). Merchants outside the U.S. can call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center. For details, click on the first letter of the country in which you need assistance: A-CD-KL-RS-Z.
Is there a fee to cash Travelers Cheques?
Normally there are no fees to cash Travelers Cheques at merchants. However, some banks and business, primarily outside the U.S., may charge a fee.
Is there a fee to purchase Travelers Cheques or foreign currency?
When purchasing Travelers Cheques or foreign currency online, there is a $15 fee per order, plus shipping and handling. When purchasing by phone, the fee is waived for American Express Gold Card and Platinum Card members. However, the shipping and handling charges still apply. When purchasing in person, the fee will vary, depending on the establishment. Some establishments offer Travelers Cheques products fee-free to their customers. Platinum Card members can purchase them fee-free at any American Express Travel Service location.
How do I pay for Travelers Cheques and foreign currency online?
You can purchase all Travelers Cheques and foreign currency online using the American Express Card® , Visa® or MasterCard® . When purchasing by phone, you can use the American Express Card to pay with a cash advance, or an Express Cash transaction, or a checking account debit. Some institutions that sell Travelers Cheques may allow them to be charged to credit cards.
What happens if my Cheques are lost or stolen?
Lost or stolen Travelers Cheques can be replaced quickly and easily, almost anywhere in the world, usually within 24 hours. Instructions for replacing lost or stolen Travelers Cheques are provided when you purchase your Cheques. Foreign currency purchased through American Express is not refundable if lost or stolen.
Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance
What is Passport Replacement Assistance?
Passport Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travelers Cheques, whether or not you've lost a Cheque. In the event that you
lose your passport, you should phone an American Express Travelers Cheque Service Center as soon as possible. Our representatives will provide you with the
phone numbers for the nearest consulate or embassy and transfer your call. They can also provide assistance with obtaining the procedures, documents and passport requirements
needed to have your passport replaced and re-issued. In certain countries, you may have access to a passport-expediting agency to speed the re-issue process along. Terms and conditions apply.
What is Credit Card Replacement Assistance?
Credit Card Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travelers Cheques, whether or not you've lost a Cheque. In the event that you lose your major credit cards, you should phone an American Express Travelers Cheque Service Center as soon as possible. Our representatives will provide you with the phone numbers for most financial institutions that issue major credit cards. If the issuing bank phone number is not available, the appropriate issuing card association can be contacted for further assistance. If needed, a Customer Service Representative can transfer your call to one or more financial institutions to start the cancellation/replacement process. Terms and conditions apply.
What happens if I lose my passport and/or major credit cards, but not my Travelers Cheques?
Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travelers Cheques whether or not you've lost a Cheque. In the event that you lose your passport or credit cards, you should phone an American Express Travelers Cheque Service Center as soon as possible. You will be asked to provide the serial numbers of your Cheques. Keep a record of the serial numbers separate from your Cheques, passport and major credit cards.
How much do Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance cost?
As a valued American Express Travelers Cheques customer, there is no additional charge for Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance provided by American Express. However, any fees associated with passport or major credit card replacement (i.e., passport replacement fees, government fees, expediting agency fees, etc) are your responsibility.
Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance Services are available to American Express Travelers Cheque purchasers and holders. Proof of Travelers Cheque purchase may be required before assistance services are provided. Credit Card Replacement Assistance applies only to major bank issued credit cards. Store, gasoline, calling cards and frequent flier cards are not available for assistance service. Services involve obtaining necessary telephone contact numbers for passport and/or credit card replacement, transferring a customer's call to such contact numbers, and providing other information to assist customers in the replacement process. Any fees associated with passport or credit card replacement, i.e. passport replacement fees, government fees, expediting agency fees, etc. are the sole responsibility of the customer.
* Not all services are available at all locations, and are subject to local laws and cash availability.
For other questions regarding Travelers Cheques and foreign currency available from American Express, please contact a customer service representative at
1-888-269-6669.
All Gift Cheques, are safer than cash, because they can be replaced in
the U.S. and Canada usually within 24 hours.*
REPLACING CHEQUES
If your Gift Cheques are lost or stolen, you should phone an American
Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center as soon as possible.
Service Centers handle claims for lost or stolen Cheques 24 hours a
day, 7 days a week. Telephone numbers to call and complete
instructions on what you need to do if you lose your Gift Cheques are
included with your purchase. For worldwide Service Center telephone
numbers, click the first letter of the country in which you need
assistance:
A-C
D-K
L-R
S-Z
Replacement Gift Cheques and refunds are available at American Express
and partner locations. Refunds must first be pre-authorized by an
American Express Travelers Cheque Service Center. Service Center
personnel will assist customers in determining the best way to obtain
a refund.
KEEP A RECORD OF YOUR AMERICAN EXPRESS GIFT CHEQUES
If you need to contact American Express regarding lost or stolen Gift
Cheques, you will be asked to provide the serial numbers of the
Cheques in question. You should keep a record of the serial numbers
separate from your Cheques.
*All refunds are subject to compliance with terms and conditions. Not
all services are available at all locations, and are subject to local
laws and cash availability.
