American Express® Travelers 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.

2. Call

Call an American Express Travelers Cheque Customer Service Center at (1-800-221-7282) or find the contact number for your current location soon as possible to report the loss and open a claim. Service Centers 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 (1-800-221-7282) 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/ 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 Center.

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 (1-800-221-7282) 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 (1-800-221-7282) or find the contact number for your current location.

For other questions regarding Travelers Cheques, please call Customer Services at (1-800-221-7282) or find the contact number for your current location.

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

Read more information about addressing complaints regarding our money services business, lists of our money services business licenses and other disclosures.

Terms and Conditions

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

PURCHASE AGREEMENT

IMPORTANT

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.

REFUND

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.

AFTER LOSS

• 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 (1-800-221-7282) or find the contact number for your location.