Travellers cheque card

[Nubbedy]

Hi,
Can anyone explain to me how the new American Express travellers cheque card works? Read on another thread that you can put a bit of money on at a time - is that right? Not going for another 47 weeks, but it pays to plan ahead, right?!

 

[Goofyish]

I think there is a minimum amount you have to put on when you first take out the card (£200??). You can then reload money whenever you like, although the minimum amount is £50.

See below for more details:

AMEX

 

[jen_uk]

I asked about this today at the travel agents, theres usually a £20 fee to get it but its free until 18th Sept, the minimum you have to put on first time is £300, if you put on $700 at the mo they will give you $50 free.

 

[Nubbedy]

What travel agent is that with? I love getting something for nothing!

 

[jen_uk]

Thompson

 

[AnitaCB]

In Thomson/Lunn Poly the minimum was £200 to get it started and then you can load it when you like. I think the minimum load is £50. You complete the paper work in the travel agent, giving them personal information such as your mother's maiden name, and then get a letter from AE about a week later. You then contact AE over the phone and give them a security code and your personal information which activates the card and you choose the PIN number you wish to use at the same time. It works the same as a debit card and has the same security, i.e. 24 hour replacement if lost or stolen. I think it will be more convenient, and more secure, then using individual travellers cheques and it will be handy for using at ATMs.

 

[Firestorm]

I used mine recently over three weeks in Florida with no problems at all.Whether it was for a couple of coffee's or a big meal,no problems.Certainly more convenient than carrying cheques around.

 

[Disney Bint]

i am interested in using this but dont quite get the jist of it. am having a blonde moment,lol. am i right in saying that i can use it as a credit card to pay for things in the park etc and also use the atm's? what atm's can be used?

Many thanks

Disney Bint

 

[AnitaCB]

<am i right in saying that i can use it as a credit card to pay for things in the park etc and also use the atm's? what atm's can be used?>

Hi Disney Bint

I've picked bits out of the guide I got so hope this helps!

You use it like a debit card so everytime you use it that amount is deducted from your card balance. It's slightly different to a credit card because there is no interest and it's not 'invisible money'! It is money you have put on the card before your trip. You can use it at any ATM bearing the Amex logo. You can withdraw £250 (or equivalent) per day, up to £1,750 per week. The funds on the card never expire and the card is valid for three years. You can reload it at a travel agents, on line or over the Amex phone line. You can also check the balance this way as well.

If you need any more info let me know.

 

[jen_uk]

On the American Express website it says that if you order before Sept 30th they will give you a free return flight to Europe.

 

[AnitaCB]

We didn't get offered one!

 

[Disney Bint]

you have to put at least $500 on to qualify for the flights. was a bit peeved myself as i just missed out on this. never mind, am going to the world anyway

Disney Bint

 

[orlando novice]

Just wondering about this myself, are they lots of ATMs that bear the Amex logo, and can you use the card almost everywhere as a debit card.

 

[wilma-bride]

It's worth noting that there IS a $2.50 charge each time you use it to withdraw cash at an ATM.

 

[Nubbedy]

Are there any other hidden charges, if it is used like a credit card etc?

 

[orlando novice]

on Thomas Cooks website if you load over 2000 dollars you get 100 dollars free..

 

[AnitaCB]

I didn't know about the ATM charge - I must read that small print! I believe Amex is accepted as most ATMs. Also Thomson have extended the free set up offer but I don't know for how long.

 

[jen_uk]

The card sounds very convenient but does it work out more expensive on commision, charges etc? If it does I think I will stick to travellers cheques. Also I read that you cant use it when you check in at the hotel and they want to swipe a card for any bills you run up, is that right? That was one of the reasons I was interested, I wanted to have it swiped at ASMO so I can use the room key to buy stuff.

 

[cstraub]

subscribing

 

[paulh]

It's worth noting that there IS a $2.50 charge each time you use it to withdraw cash at an ATM.

Not true we have a nationwide account we withdraw from publix (presto network)atms as with nationwide we are not charged for withdrawing cash out and you get the better bank rate not the tourist rate so if i used it today would get $1.85 to £1 rateher that tourist rate which is acout $1.79 at moment we also use nationwide CC for buying things in shops and resturants ect and the same applys with it and as we use it for our dvc dues so over the year we get probberly an extra $100 to $300 to spend
Paulh