Lost or Stolen Gift Cheques

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

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR GIFT CHEQUES ARE LOST OR STOLEN

If your Gift Cheques are lost or stolen, you should phone the American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service Center at (1-800-221-7282) as soon as possible.  If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact number based on your  location. The American Express Gift Cheque Service Center handles claims for lost or stolen Gift Cheques 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The telephone numbers to call and the complete instructions on what you need to do if you lose your Gift Cheques are included with your purchase

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 Gift Cheques in question. You should keep a record of the serial numbers separate from your Gift Cheques.

GIFT CHEQUES ARE REFUNDABLE

Gift Cheque refunds are available through American Express. Refunds must first be pre-authorized by an American Express Gift Cheque Service Center. Service Center personnel will assist customers in determining the best way to obtain a refund.

*All refunds are subject to compliance with terms and conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are Gift Cheques safe and secure?

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

Do I need to sign Gift Cheque before giving it to a recipient?

No. Only the recipient should sign the Gift Cheque. Each Gift Cheque should be signed by the recipient in the upper left corner immediately upon receipt. When the recipient uses the Gift Cheque, the acceptor should watch the recipient countersign the Gift Cheque in the lower left corner.

When should the date field be completed?

Just like a personal check, when using the Gift Cheque, the recipient should fill in the date field in the upper right corner. 

Where are American Express Gift Cheques accepted?

In the U.S., American Express Gift Cheques can be used like cash at most retail locations, hotels, and restaurants. Check first with the merchant to confirm they accept American Express Gift Cheques. You can find locations where you can redeem your Gift Cheques using the Find Exchange Locations.

How are Gift Cheques cashed?

When the recipient first receives Gift Cheques, the recipient should immediately sign the Gift Cheques in the upper left corner.  When cashing a Gift Cheque, the recipient should fill out the pay to the order line and countersign the Gift Cheque in the lower left corner with the acceptor watching. 

If you encounter difficulties in cashing an American Express Gift Cheque in the United States, please encourage the merchant to call American Express for instructions at (1-800-221-7282) If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers to provide the merchant based on your location.

Is there a fee to cash Gift Cheques?

Normally, there are no fees to cash Gift Cheques. However, some banks and merchants may charge a fee.

Will the recipient get cash back if they don't use the full face value of the Cheque?

Yes, the recipient will get cash back if they do not use the full face value of the Gift Cheque.

Can I accept a Gift Cheque from another individual?

Yes, you can accept a Gift Cheque from another individual. You must watch the person countersign the Gift Cheque in the lower left corner and ensure that the signature matches the signature in the upper left corner. If the Gift Cheque has already been signed in both the upper and lower left, please call American Express at the number below before accepting the Gift Cheque. After accepting a Gift Cheque from another individual, you may only deposit it in your own bank account. If you have questions about the validity of the Gift Cheque, you should call American Express at (1-800-221-7282) in the U.S. If you are located outside of the U.S, you can find additional contact numbers based on your location. 

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

The estate beneficiary or executor should take the Gift Cheques, the death certificate, and any other estate papers designating the beneficiary to their, or the estates, bank, and instruct the bank to call American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service at (1-800-221-7282). If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers based on your location.

Do Gift Cheques ever expire?

No, they will never expire.

Can I redeem my Gift Cheques directly with American Express?
If you are unable to find or visit a nearby location to redeem your Gift Cheques, please call American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service at (1-800-221-7282). If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers based on your location. Redemption of your Gift Cheques directly with American Express may take longer than 30 days, depending on the circumstances of the request. There also may be restrictions on the currency and method of redemption and the value of Gift Cheques that can be directly redeemed.

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

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

What happens if my Cheques are lost or stolen?

Lost or stolen Gift Cheques may be refunded.* Please call American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service at (1-800-221-7282). If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers based on your location.

For other questions regarding Gift Cheques, please call American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service at 1-800-221-7282). If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers based on your location.

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

View Money Services Business Disclosure for information about addressing complaints regarding our money services business, lists of our money services business licenses and other disclosures.

Terms and Conditions

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

Following are the terms and conditions for obtaining a refund for lost or stolen Gift Cheques if you are the purchaser. If you have any questions, please call (1-800-221-7282).

Important

Read this Agreement carefully. By buying this American Express® Gift Cheque ("Cheques"), you agree with American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. ("Amexco") to everything written here. You agree not to resell, consign, or take any similar action to transfer your Cheques to any other individual, company, or entity for resale or any illegal use. This product is for gift-giving only and is not intended for any other use.

Amexco will refund the amount shown on any lost or stolen Gift Cheque in accordance with applicable laws and only if you meet all of the requirements below.

Before Loss

• The Recipient has not received the Cheque.
• You have not given the Cheque to another person or company to hold or keep, or as part of a fraudulent scheme.
• 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 immediately 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.
• 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 Gift Cheque.

Safeguard The Gift Cheque As You Would Cash.

Following are the terms and conditions for obtaining a refund for lost or stolen Gift Cheques if you are the recipient.

Important

Read this Agreement carefully. By either buying, signing, accepting, or using these American Express® Gift Cheques ("Cheques"), you agree to everything written here: You agree (a) to sign your Cheques immediately in the upper left corner and (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 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 Gift Cheque.

Sign your Gift Cheques immediately in the upper left-hand corner.

For other questions regarding Gift Cheques, please call American Express Gift Cheque Customer Service at (1-800-221-7282). If you are located outside of the U.S., you can find additional contact numbers based on your location.