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American Express® Travellers Cheques

Everything you need to know about your Cheques

Get help with your Travellers Cheques and find answers to common questions about them. Choose a tab below.

  • Where you can use them
    From Australia to Zambia, your Cheques are welcomed at thousands of locations worldwide.

Lose yourself, not your money.

The street markets of Bangkok are a treasure for the senses. With American Express Travellers Cheques in your pocket, you can lose yourself in the exotic sights, smells, textures and tastes.That’s because if your Cheques are lost or stolen, they can be refunded usually within 24 hours.

You can also look forward to many more benefits in thousands of locations worldwide.

Travel with confidence… And remain in budget.

Travellers Cheques aren’t just safer than cash. They enable you to budget, track and control your travel expenses easily. Commission charges may apply and vary by country and exchange partner.

You can buy Cheques in six major currencies: US Dollars, Euros, Canadian Dollars, Australian Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Japanese Yen. And because the rate is fixed once you buy the Cheques, you’re protected from fluctuating exchange rates.

Find out more

Enjoy a richer travel experience.

Travelling to the States? Why worry about rollercoaster exchange rates when you can watch San Francisco’s cable cars go up and down instead? Simply buy Cheques in American Dollars* and you can enjoy a fixed rate for the rest of your holiday.**

Six major currencies mean a world of choice.

Here are the currencies and denominations you can choose from:

  • US Dollar
    50, 100, 500
  • Canadian Dollar
    20, 50, 100, 500
  • Euro
    50, 100, 200
  • Japanese Yen
    10'000, 20'000, 50'000
  • British Pound
    50, 100, 200
  • Australian Dollar
    20, 50, 100, 200
     

* While you can get dollar for dollar exchanges with no charges in the US, merchants in other countries may not change your Cheques for cash in the same currency without charging a fee.

** Please remember to ask the merchant if they do accept Travellers Cheques as American Express cannot guarantee that all merchants in the USA accept Travellers Cheques as a form of payment.

Relax. You’re on holiday, remember?

You’ve just reached the top of Sugarloaf mountain and your Cheques are gone. Don’t worry. Simply call us, day or night, and we can refund the value of your Cheques usually within 24 hours. So you can enjoy the mountain and leave the molehill to us.

Cheques lost or stolen? Here’s what to do.

1. Have your serial numbers at hand
You’ll need to have the serial numbers of your Travellers Cheques when you call us. We always recommend that you keep your original purchase receipt recording your serial numbers with you when you travel. But remember to keep it separate from your Cheques at all times.

2. Call us
You’ll need to notify American Express about the loss or theft of your Travellers Cheques as soon as possible. To find the correct number to call from where you are, simply use the search tool on the right. The phone number to call from the UK is 0800 587 6023. We’re here to help 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

3. Collect your refund
You can pick up your refund at any American Express Travel Services Office and thousands of partner locations worldwide. Just tell us what suits you.

4. Or fax us
If you like, you can fax your refund claim to 0808 234 1447 or simply download the form here. Your refund, once approved, will be sent in the form of a company cheque to your home. Please allow approximately 3 weeks for the Cheque to arrive. All refunds are subject to compliance with terms and conditions.

Quick Help

Find Service Centre Phone Numbers

Call us as soon as possible if your Cheques are lost or stolen. Where are you now?



The most valuable thing is your adventure.

Follow rhinos across Kruger National Park or hunt for your passport back at the hotel? There’s no choice with American Express Travellers Cheques. They come with built-in replacement assistance for your passport and credit cards*. If either goes missing, we’ll help you get them replaced.

One call is all it takes.

If your passport or credit cards go missing, simply call our Customer Service Centre, day or night, 7 days a week. We’ll help you get your passport and credit cards** replaced as soon as possible by giving you the advice you need, providing you with any necessary forms or even arranging an interview with the consulate.

For the correct number to call from wherever you are in the world, click here.

* Replacement Assistance Service available to American Express Travellers Cheque purchasers. Proof of purchase may be required before services are provided. Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service applies to American Express Cards and major bank-issued credit/debit cards only. Other types of cards such as retail store, petrol , loyalty cards and frequent flier cards are not eligible for the cancellation service. Replacement of credit/debit cards is at the discretion of the financial institution and most credit/debit card issuers will send replacement cards only to the billing address.

** Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service and Passport Replacement Assistance services include: Providing to the customers the necessary telephone contact numbers for passport and/or credit/debit card cancellation when requested, transferring the customer's call to such contact numbers, when requested, and providing other available information to assist customers in the replacement process. Any fees associated with Passport Replacement Assistance and/or Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service (such as passport replacement fees, government fees, expediting agency fees, etc.) are the sole responsibility of the customer.

Everything you need to know about
American Express Travellers Cheques.

Why should I take Travellers Cheques on my next trip?

American Express Travellers Cheques are recognised around the world. They are safer than cash, and if lost or stolen can be replaced worldwide, usually within 24 hours. Travellers Cheques also enable you to budget, track and control your travel expenses easily.

What types of Travellers Cheques are available?

American Express offers Pound Sterling and a variety of foreign currency Travellers Cheques to help with your travel needs.

How do I purchase Travellers Cheques?

Travellers Cheques can be purchased at distributing banks, building societies, travel agents, foreign exchange bureaux, and at any American Express Travel Service location.

Is there a fee to purchase Travellers Cheques?

Fees vary from establishment to establishment. Some may charge a nominal fee, while others offer Travellers Cheques fee free as a service to their customers.

Where can I use my American Express Card to purchase Travellers Cheques?

At this time, it is not possible to purchase Travellers Cheques with your American Express Card.

Do Travellers Cheques expire?

Travellers Cheques do not expire. Unused Cheques can be kept as a safe reserve or saved for future trips.

Can I accept Travellers Cheques from another person?

Yes, you can accept Cheques from another individual. You must watch the person countersign the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner and compare it with the original signature. If the Travellers Cheque has already been signed in both the upper and lower corners, or if you have any questions about the validity of a Cheque, call an American Express Travellers Cheque Customer Service Centre. After accepting a Travellers Cheque from another individual, you may only deposit it in your own bank account.

Using Travellers Cheques

How do I cash Travellers Cheques?

Simply present the Cheque at the exchange or merchant location. Make sure the acceptor watches while you countersign the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner. 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.

Where can I use Travellers Cheques?

American Express Travellers Cheques are recognized around the world. There are thousands of banks and foreign exchange locations in countries around the world where you can exchange your Travellers Cheques. They can be exchanged for local currency at banks, currency exchanges, and American Express Travel Service locations. You can use your Travellers Cheques like cash to pay directly for products and services at accepting retailers, restaurants and hotels.

For more information on using your Cheques, including exchange locations, please visit Where to Use Your Cheques.

Where do I sign Travellers Cheques?

Upon purchase, Travellers Cheques must be signed in the upper left-hand corner in order to be refundable if lost or stolen. When the Cheques are cashed, make sure the acceptor watches while you countersign the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner.

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

Acceptance of Travellers Cheques is based on the acceptor watching the customer sign the Cheque in the lower left-hand corner, and then comparing that signature with the original signature in the upper left-hand corner (the lower left signature on a Cheques for Two must match one of the two signatures in the upper left). The acceptor must observe the customer signing the Cheque. If the signatures are a reasonable match, the Cheque should be accepted. As always, if the acceptor is unsure, they should call an American Express Travellers Cheque Customer Service Centre.

When do I fill out the date on my Travellers Cheque?

The date, in the upper right-hand corner, should be filled out upon use, just like a personal cheque.

Is there a fee to exchange Travellers Cheques?

Commission fees and charges may apply and vary by country or exchange partner. For information on where to use your Travellers Cheques, visit americanexpress.com/useTC. For more information on using your Cheques, including exchange locations, please visit Where to Use Your Cheques.

When paying for goods or services at accepting retailers and if I don't use the full face value of the Travellers Cheque, will I get change back?

Yes, you will get change back, just like cash.

What happens if my Travellers Cheques are lost or stolen?

If your Travellers Cheques are lost or stolen, contact an American Express Travellers Cheque Customer Service Centre immediately. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions for replacing your Cheques.

Remember to keep a record of all the Travellers Cheques serial numbers in a safe location separate from your Cheques.

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

The estate executor should take the Travellers Cheques, and the estate papers to the bank where the estate account is located, for deposit to the account.

The next of kin or beneficiary should take the Travellers Cheques and the death certificate to their bank and instruct the bank to call an American Express Travellers Cheque Customer Service Centre for further instructions. The beneficiary can call the Customer Service Centre for advice.

As another option, the Cheques (marked void) may be sent to American Express along with a copy of the Death Certificate, Estate Papers or other applicable legal papers. Processing fees may apply.
Send to:

American Express
4315 S. 2700 W.
Salt Lake City, UT 84184-0407
USA
Attn: Redemption Dept

Please keep copies of all correspondence and the Cheque numbers for your records.

How do I contact an American Express Travellers Cheques Customer Service Centre?

For your convenience, American Express Travellers Cheques Customer Service Centres are available around the world. To find a Customer Service Centre, visit our Customer Service Centre listing.

Passport and credit/debit card replacement assistance

What is Passport Replacement Assistance?

Passport Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travellers Cheques, whether or not you've lost your Travellers Cheques. In the event that you lose your passport, you should phone an American Express Travellers Cheque Service Centre as soon as possible. Our representatives will provide you with the phone numbers for the nearest consulate or embassy. They can also arrange an appointment for you, where possible, provide advice on procedures or provide 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/Debit Card Cancellation Assistance?

Credit Card Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travellers Cheques, whether or not you've lost a Cheque and whether or not the card is American Express. In the event that you lose your credit or debit cards, you should phone an American Express Travellers Cheque Service Centre as soon as possible. Our representatives will provide you with the phone numbers for most financial institutions that issue major credit/debit cards - we will even stay on the phone with you to guide you through the process if you wish. 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 Travellers Cheques?

Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance is available to you when carrying American Express Travellers 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 Travellers Cheque Service Centre 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/debit cards.

How much do Passport and Credit Card Replacement Assistance cost?

As a valued American Express Travellers 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/debit card replacement (i.e., passport replacement fees, government fees, expediting agency fees, etc) are your responsibility.

How to Use Travellers Cheques

  • 1. Sign Sign your name in the upper left corner immediately upon purchase.
  • 2. Record Make a note of each Cheque's serial number. Take them with you – but keep them separate from your Cheques.
  • 3. Protect Safeguard your Travellers Cheques at all times.
  • 4. Use To pay for anything or exchange your Cheques, sign in the lower left-hand corner in front of the cashier.

* Replacement Assistance Service available to American Express Travellers Cheque purchasers. Proof of purchase may be required before services are provided. Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service applies to American Express Cards and major bank-issued credit/debit cards only. Other types of cards such as retail store, petrol , loyalty cards and frequent flier cards are not eligible for the cancellation service. Replacement of credit/debit cards is at the discretion of the financial institution and most credit/debit card issuers will send replacement cards only to the billing address.

** Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service and Passport Replacement Assistance services include: Providing to the customers the necessary telephone contact numbers for passport and/or credit/debit card cancellation when requested, transferring the customer's call to such contact numbers, when requested, and providing other available information to assist customers in the replacement process. Any fees associated with Passport Replacement Assistance and/or Credit/Debit Card Cancellation Service (such as passport replacement fees, government fees, expediting agency fees, etc.) are the sole responsibility of the customer.

Terms and Conditions

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

Purchase Agreement

Important

Read this Agreement carefully. By either buying, signing, accepting or using these American Express Travellers 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.

Refund

American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. (“Amexco”) will replace or 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 Travellers 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.

After loss

  • You promptly notify Amexco of the loss or theft of the Cheque.
  • You promptly report all facts of the loss or theft to Amexco and also to the police if Amexco asks you to.
  • You promptly inform Amexco of the serial number of the lost or stolen Cheque and the place and date of its purchase.
  • You promptly complete Amexco's refund forms and provide Amexco with acceptable proof of your identity.
  • You give Amexco all reasonable information and help requested to make a complete investigation of the loss or theft. Amexco 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 Amexco may be monitored or recorded and that you consent to such monitoring and recording.

No stop payment

Amexco cannot stop payment on any Cheque.

Sign your Cheques immediately in the upper left hand corner.

For other questions regarding Travellers Cheques, please contact a customer service representative. If you’re in the UK on 0800 587 6023, the rest-of-the-world on 1-800-221-7282.