AmEx Traveler's Cheques or New Cheque Card?

[RocketJ]

Has anyone had any experience with the new American Express Traveler's Cheque card? I'm wondering what the pros and cons would be to taking on instead of Traveler's Cheques. Like will the cruise line give you cash from the card? I assume they cash cheques. Can you use them in many places in say Mexico?

 

TIA,

Joanne

[wrp96]

The Travelers Cheque Card can't be used on board ship.

 

USAGE LIMITATIONS

Since Travelers Cheque Cards are prepaid cards, they are not intended for use in certain industries. You are NOT permitted to use the Travelers Cheque Card:

 

• To reserve a rental car, or when picking up a rental car. However, at the end of a car rental, you can use your Card to pay for the rental.
  
• To reserve a hotel/motel room, or when checking into a hotel/motel or other lodging establishment. However, at the end of your stay, you can use your Card to pay for your stay.
  
• To pay for gasoline/petrol "at the pump" through automated terminals. However, you can use your Card to pay for gasoline by presenting the Card in the station or to a service station attendant.
  
• To pay for "person-to-person" internet payment products such as "Paypal" or "YahooDirect."
  
• To pay for telecom charges (including cellular, airplane telephones, payphones, home phone service, etc.)
  
• To pay for recurring billing charges, such as health club memberships or subscriptions.
  
• To make installment payments in the future for goods/services received in the present.
  
• To pay for bail bondsmen.
  
• To pay for detective agencies.
  
• To pay for home repair services such as plumber, electrician, or painter/decorator.
  
• To pay for internet electronic services including electronic mail, internet service provider, internet telecom, etc.
  
• To pay for personal services such as escort agencies, introduction services, or massage parlors.
  
• To pay for wholesale goods.
  
• To pay for on-board cruise charges.
  
• To pay for gambling.
  

[megr1125]

You need to know the exact amount on the card....for example...if it was say $200 to start, and you are spending $300, unless you tell the merchant to put through only 200, it will be declined.

 

It's probably ok for small on shore purchases, but i prefer regular travelers checks.

 

I work in retail, we get these things, and those gift cards with visa logos all the time...it is a PITA to have to call the bank and verify the amount. And of course, there is ALWAYS a line behind the customer who is using one!!

 

Just MHO, but I sould stick with paper travelers checks

[RocketJ]

You need to know the exact amount on the card....for example...if it was say $200 to start, and you are spending $300, unless you tell the merchant to put through only 200, it will be declined.

 

It's probably ok for small on shore purchases, but i prefer regular travelers checks.

 

I work in retail, we get these things, and those gift cards with visa logos all the time...it is a PITA to have to call the bank and verify the amount. And of course, there is ALWAYS a line behind the customer who is using one!!

 

Just MHO, but I sould stick with paper travelers checks

 

Yeah, that's a little weird. Mean's not matter how much you add to the card it's always going to report a max of whatever the first load was. Feh. Sounds like AmEx has some bugs to work out! Luckily the bank down the street from office sells the traveler's cheques so hubby and I can get them before we leave (I just HATE all the signing - LOL).

 

Thanks for the info.

[Elysse]

I work in a bank, and the American Express (AmEx) Travelers Cheque Card can be a nightmare. :( If you come back from your trip and there's still money on your card, you can not cash it out like you can Travelers Cheques. You have to spend it, or pay extra for AmEx to send you a check for the remaining amount. :eek:

As mentioned above, like other prepaid cards, you can't use them at the pump, onboard or to reserve anything (hotel room, rental car, etc.).

Also, the Travelers Cheque Card is so new that many retailers outside of the US don't recognize it. Probably not such a big deal in big tourist ports, but if you're going anywhere else, Travelers Cheques are a better bet. Besides, most banks won't charge their clients for Travelers Cheques, but they do charge a fee to purchase a Travelers Cheque Card. Make sure you don't accidentally get the American Express Gift Card, since it's useless outside of the US.

As a bank teller, we've heard countless reviews about people trying to use different types of cards and checks when traveling. The gift/prepaid cards are often problematic, and the "support" you'll get from the card issuer is often less helpful than the more usual alternatives. Some of our clients have even had trouble using even VISA/MC gift/prepaid cards in Europe. Stick with a VISA/MC check card or credit card, or cash. If you really feel like you need some other method of payment, go with the Travelers Cheques.