Traveler’s checks, explained

Wondering how to use traveler’s checks? Or even if they are the best option to help you spend in foreign currencies when you’re abroad? You’re in the right place.

This guide has all you need to know about where to get traveler’s checks, how to use them, and where they can be cashed. Because traveler’s checks aren’t universally accepted — and can come with some tricky fees — we’ll also introduce some alternatives, including Wise.

Get a Wise Multi-currency Account for free online, and you can make simple ATM withdrawals as you travel, for a far lower fee than using alternative options. More on that later.

📑 Table of Contents
What are traveler’s checks? Advantages and disadvantages of of using traveler’s checks What should you do if your traveler’s checks get stolen? Alternatives to traveler’s checks Common questions about using traveler’s checks Are traveler’s checks still used? How much do traveler’s checks cost? Is it ok to cash old traveler’s checks?

What are traveler’s checks?

Traveler’s checks used to be a standard way to access cash when you travel. However, these days, they’re less popular due to other modern ways of getting the foreign currency you need to pay while you’re abroad.

Like regular checks, traveler’s checks are physical paper documents with a monetary value. You can buy traveler’s checks in advance, and then exchange them for cash when you arrive in your destination country. In some cases merchants and tourist venues like hotels might also accept traveler’s checks in place of currency.

Traveler’s checks were popular because they’re more secure than carrying around large amounts of cash. If a traveler’s check is lost or stolen it can be replaced — so you’re not stuck overseas and without access to your vacation money.

However, as alternative methods of getting foreign cash have sprung up, traveler’s checks became less common. This can lead to problems with actually cashing them — as well as higher fees compared to alternative options.

When should you use traveler’s checks?

Traveler’s checks aren’t as popular as they used to be, but they can still be a useful resource in some situations:

Traveler’s checks can be a handy alternative so you know you can access funds even if your credit or debit cards are lost or stolen Traveler’s checks can be a good idea if you’re headed somewhere that ATMs aren’t reliable or widespread Buying traveler’s checks in advance means you know the exchange rate you’re getting — useful if you’re traveling to a country where currency fluctuations are common

Where can you get traveler’s checks?

American Express¹ is the most well known issuer of traveler’s checks these days. You may also find that your bank or credit union can issue traveler’s checks — although many major banks have replaced these with alternative services like prepaid cards. We’ll take a look at some alternatives to traveler’s checks in a moment.

Learn more about American Express travelers cheques here

Can you buy traveler’s checks online?

In most cases you’ll need to visit your bank or an American Express office to buy traveler’s checks. However, some rewards credit cards may allow you to convert your points to traveler’s checks — so it’s worth taking a look at whether that’s an option for you.

Where can you cash traveler’s checks?

American Express has a handy locator tool to let you find local merchants, banks and other facilities to exchange your traveler’s checks wherever in the world you’re headed².

If you find you’re unable to cash your checks — or you just end up with some left over after your trip — you can also redeem them with American Express directly.

It’s worth knowing, though, that this might take a few weeks to get sorted. American Express warns that a delay in excess of 30 days may apply depending on the situation.

💡 Know before you go:

Make sure you’ve found locations near your destination where you can cash your checks, so you know they’re useful for your planned trip Research the fees and conversion rates which will apply to your checks before you purchase Sign your checks immediately when you buy them, and record your serial numbers — these are required if your checks are lost or stolen Familiarize yourself with the numbers to call, and the process to follow, if you need replacement checks

Advantages and disadvantages of using traveler’s checks

✅ Pros	❎ Cons
More secure than carrying cash Fix exchange rates in advance Can be replaced if lost or stolen Useful when ATM coverage is unreliable	Not universally accepted — don’t rely on checks as your main source of travel money Fees can be high when you redeem your checks

What should you do if your traveler’s check gets stolen?

Let’s look at the process to get a replacement traveler’s check if you need one. The details below are for American Express checks — however other issuers use similar systems. Make sure you know the process required for replacing your checks before you head off.

When you receive your traveler’s checks, record the serial numbers and keep this separately to the checks themselves If you need to replace a check, get the serial numbers and call American Express — there’s a 24/7 service, but you’ll have to find the right number to call based on your location. Check out the American Express website for full details³ You’ll need to be able to show ID and proof of purchase to receive a refund — the American Express service representative will advise you of your options when you speak

Alternatives to traveler’s checks

We’ve mentioned that traveler’s checks aren’t the most common way to pay when you’re on vacation these days. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular alternatives.

Multi-currency cards

Multi-currency cards are a natural successor to traveler’s checks — you can get an international online account, top up in dollars and then convert to the currency you need in your destination before you even leave home. Like traveler’s checks you’re locking in the exchange rate when you convert — and because you only top up what you need, you can also budget your spending.

Multi-currency cards sit separately to your regular checking account, or your normal credit or debit card. That means that even if your multi-currency card was lost or stolen, there’s no way for criminals to access your primary accounts. Choose a multi-currency card which lets you lock and unlock your card from an app for peace of mind if you can’t find it.

Want a low cost, smart and simple multi-currency card? Meet Wise

If you’re considering a Multi-currency Account, check out Wise and the Wise Multi-currency Account. Open a Wise international account online, top up and convert your money to whichever currency you need using the mid-market exchange rate with no markups. Here’s what you need to know:

Hold 50+ currencies in your account, exchange online or using the Wise app Accounts are free to open, no minimum balance and no monthly fee Wise international debit cards are accepted in 200+ countries Use your linked debit card to spend in any currency you hold for free — including when you shop online with international retailers Make ATM withdrawals when you need cash — at home or abroad

🚀 Create a free Wise account

Cash

One way to avoid traveler’s checks is to carry cash — either in US dollars to exchange on arrival, or in the destination currency. This comes with some inherent risks. Cash is very attractive to thieves, and can’t be replaced if stolen. If you carry US dollars you’ll still have the hassle of exchanging it when you arrive — eating into precious vacation time and possibly losing out if you get hit by high fees or poor exchange rates.

That said, carrying cash in the destination currency does offer convenience — and there are some times you simply can’t get by without some ready money on hand.

It’s not a great way to carry all your travel money, but having some cash on hand can still be a useful tool.

Prepaid cards

Like multi-currency cards, prepaid cards let you buy foreign currency in advance, load it onto a card, and then spend or withdraw it when you arrive at your destination. Many banks and exchange services offer prepaid cards, and they do come with many of the advantages of multi-currency cards, including convenience and enhanced security versus cash or credit cards.

The main downsides of prepaid cards are typically the fees, and the lack of flexibility compared to a multi-currency card. Check whether you can load more than one currency onto your card if you’re choosing prepaid — and look carefully at the costs to add, withdraw, and spend. Some cards also come with monthly service fees, or inactivity fees — check the terms and conditions carefully.

Credit or debit cards

Spending abroad with your regular credit or debit card is a familiar and easy option. You’ll be able to use your card just as you would at home — as long as your network is accepted in your destination country. It’s worth noting that Visa and MasterCard have the biggest global acceptance, with American Express slightly less common, and Discover not often available in some parts of the world.

Credit and debit cards come with a couple of key drawbacks — fees and security. Many cards add a foreign exchange fee which can mean all your purchases overseas are 2-3% more costly than you expect. Cash advance fees also apply on credit card ATM withdrawals, which can be very expensive. Then there’s the risk that your cards are lost, stolen or cloned when you’re away. If thieves get your main account details your funds may be stolen before you even realise your card is missing.

Avoid markups with Wise

Common questions about using traveler’s checks

Let’s look at some common questions — and the answers you need to know.

Are traveler’s checks still used?

Traveler’s checks are still issued and used — but they’re far less common now than in the past. Check whether there are places to cash and redeem your checks near your destination before you buy them.

How much do traveler’s checks cost?

How much it costs to use your traveler's checks can vary based on where you’re cashing or spending them. There is usually a fee to pay — which you’ll want to look at in advance before you travel.

Is it ok to cash old traveler’s checks?

Traveler’s checks usually do not expire, so you can cash or redeem them at any time.

Traveler’s checks are not as common as they used to be, but that doesn’t mean there’s no place for them.

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The most important thing for most travelers is that you have a range of ways to pay, so that there’s a backup if your preferred method is lost, stolen or not accepted. That might mean you travel with some cash, a multi-currency card, and your credit card as a fall back. Or you might choose to hold a few traveler’s checks alongside any of the other methods outlined above to give you flexibility and mean you can enjoy your break no matter what happens.

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💬 Still curious about traveler’s checks? Check these articles out!
Visa traveler’s checks overview Alternatives to Wells Fargo travelers checks Does AAA still offer travelers checks? Does Chase Bank offer traveler’s checks? Bank of America traveler’s checks alternatives

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Sources:

1. American Express - Travelers cheques
2. American Express - Travelers cheques locator
3. American Express - Travelers cheques menu

Sources checked on 09.09.2021