American Express Travellers Cheque Card

[CHRIS F]

When we went to Thomas Cook yesterday they recommended we get some of our dollars on the new travellers cheque card from American Express.rather than all in paper cheques

Anyone used them?

We thought it was a good idea but just wanted to know whether anyone had good or bad views?

Thanks

 

[princess jackson]

We have used it, and i would use it again, it does have the down side, of you not knowing what balance is left, and it costs to withdraw money from the ATM.

I'm so used to counting the money to know how much is left and i think it is that what put me off using it again.

I would use it with cheques and cash.

 

[CHRIS F]

Can you get a balance reading from an ATM?

 

[kkymmy]

i was looking into this but my dad found some extortionate annual charge that im not prepared to pay...im not exactly willing to use a credit card, being a student and all....but i've got one if i need it, and dont want huge costs on a card that im only going to use once

 

[alisonbestford]

You can't get a balance from an ATM but, if you can get online, you get an up to the minute balance

I kept a running 'tab' in the back of my diary and just checked a couple of times that I'd got it right.

I could be imagining things but I'm almost certain that someone posted that you could get a balance reading at Target or Publix

Yes, there are fees to use the card to withdraw cash but I think it's only $2.50.
If you just use the card as a normal cc (no fees) and make a couple of withdrawals it's not going to cost you that much.
The only place we were unable to use it was at the Crazy Golf when we went to the beach

We were lucky enough to get $250 'free' with a $2000 Travellers Cheque card so that made it all well worth the money

There's no annual charge, that I'm aware of, and the card is good for 3 years.
Some places charge to actually purchase the card but most places don't.
We bought from Thomas Cook
I believe Thomson had the 'free' cash offer too.

The 'free' cash deals come and go all over the place.

I'd definitely recommend using one in the US.
We're off to Italy at the end of the month but I'm not going to get a Euro card as I'd imagine that the places that accept American Express would be limited

 

[kristieuk]

We have had one for about a year now, and find it very convenient.

There isn't any annual charge to have it - the only associated costs are when you buy it (if you don't find a free offer, I think it costs £20), and then the ATM withdrawal charge, if you want to withdraw cash. We have only used it like a credit card, and like Alison, took advanatge of a free $ offer a while back, so it's very good value.

You can also phone to get your balance, but I just keep a quick written record, and round up the figures, so we always end up with more than we thought!

I would always take cash as well though, as there are a few places that don't accept Amex, and also, you still need cash for tolls and tips etc.

Good luck!