The Complete Guide To Safely Obtaining And Using Travelers Checks For Your Next Trip

Despite the rise of digital payments and contactless cards, travelers checks remain a reliable financial tool for international travel. They offer security, widespread acceptance in many countries, and peace of mind when navigating unfamiliar banking systems. While not as commonly used today, they are still issued by select financial institutions and accepted at banks, hotels, and exchange counters across the globe. Understanding how to obtain them securely, use them wisely, and protect yourself against loss is essential for any traveler seeking a low-tech but dependable backup.

Why Travelers Checks Still Matter

In an age dominated by credit cards and mobile wallets, travelers checks might seem outdated. Yet, they serve a unique role in risk management during international trips. Unlike cash, they can be replaced if lost or stolen. Unlike debit cards, they don’t expose your bank account directly. And unlike credit cards, they don’t accrue debt or require internet connectivity to verify funds.

They are particularly valuable in regions with limited card infrastructure or high fraud rates. Countries like Cuba, Myanmar, or rural areas in parts of Africa and South America often rely on physical currency or checks for larger transactions. In such places, having pre-purchased, denomination-specific checks in major currencies (USD, EUR, GBP) can simplify exchanges and reduce dependency on ATMs.

“Travelers checks provide a tangible layer of financial security that digital tools can't always guarantee, especially in remote destinations.” — James Rutherford, International Travel Security Consultant

How to Safely Obtain Travelers Checks

Obtaining travelers checks requires planning and coordination with a financial institution. Not all banks offer them, and availability has decreased over the past decade. However, some major providers—including American Express and certain credit unions—still issue them upon request.

To begin, contact your bank or visit their website to confirm whether they provide travelers checks. If not, consider alternatives like AAA (for members) or Travelex, which partner with financial networks to distribute secure checks.

Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing

1. Contact Your Financial Institution: Call or visit a branch to inquire about availability, fees, and required documentation.
2. Verify Identification Requirements: You’ll typically need government-issued ID and proof of address. Some institutions may require two forms of ID.
3. Select Currency and Denominations: Choose between U.S. dollars, euros, or British pounds. Common denominations include $20, $50, and $100 equivalents.
4. Pay with Secure Funding: Funds must come from a verified source—usually a linked checking or savings account. Cash purchases are rarely allowed due to anti-money laundering regulations.
5. Sign Upon Receipt: Immediately sign each check in the upper left corner after purchase. Leave the lower signature line blank until you’re ready to cash it.
6. Record Serial Numbers: Keep a separate record of all serial numbers, amounts, and denominations. Store this list digitally and physically away from the checks.

Tip: Purchase only what you expect to use. Unused checks may incur reissuance or refund fees later.

Using Travelers Checks Abroad: Best Practices

Once you have your checks, knowing how and where to use them ensures smooth transactions and minimizes risks. Most banks, official exchange bureaus, and upscale hotels will accept major-brand travelers checks, though smaller vendors usually won’t.

When cashing a check, follow these steps:

1. Present valid photo ID (passport or driver’s license).
2. Sign the check in front of the cashier—this matches the original signature.
3. Receive local currency or deposit into a local bank account, depending on policy.
4. Keep the receipt for every transaction in case of disputes.

Avoid breaking large checks unless necessary. Smaller denominations reduce change issues and make it easier to manage daily expenses. Also, never pre-sign checks—doing so eliminates their theft protection.

Do’s	Don’ts
Carry only a few checks at a time	Store all checks in one bag or pocket
Cash checks at banks or authorized agents	Accept offers from strangers to exchange checks
Keep serial number records separate from checks	Leave checks unattended in hotel rooms
Use checks for larger, planned expenses (e.g., tour deposits)	Use checks for street market purchases

Real-World Scenario: A Trip to Rural Guatemala

Sophie, a solo traveler visiting Antigua and Lake Atitlán, relied primarily on her debit card. When her bank temporarily froze her account due to “unusual activity” abroad, she was stranded without access to funds. Fortunately, she had purchased $400 in American Express travelers checks before departure and stored them separately from her wallet.

At a local bank in Panajachel, she presented her passport and signed one $100 check. The teller verified the signature, exchanged it for Guatemalan quetzales, and provided a receipt. Over the next three days, she used additional checks to cover lodging and transport while resolving her card issue. Because she kept the serial numbers in her email and had registered the checks with Amex, she could have requested replacements had they been lost.

This experience underscored the value of redundancy. Digital tools fail; physical backups succeed.

Replacement and Fraud Protection

One of the strongest advantages of travelers checks is their replacement policy. Reputable issuers like American Express offer 24/7 global support for lost or stolen checks. As long as you have your serial numbers and identification, you can receive a replacement within 24 hours—often at a local agent or embassy.

To qualify for replacement:

• You must have signed the checks upon purchase.
• You must report the loss immediately via customer service.
• You must provide proof of purchase and ID matching the original records.

Fees may apply for expedited delivery, but most companies do not charge for the replacement value itself. This stands in stark contrast to cash, which is gone forever once lost.

Tip: Take a photo of your checks and serial list, then upload it to a secure cloud folder. Do not store it on the same device you carry.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are travelers checks still accepted worldwide?

Yes, but selectively. Major banks, hotels, and currency exchange offices in tourist-heavy or less-digitized economies still accept them. However, acceptance is declining in highly digital countries like Sweden or South Korea. Always research destination-specific norms before relying on checks.

Can I get a refund for unused travelers checks?

Most issuers allow refunds, but processing can take weeks. You’ll need to return the checks to the issuing institution, often by mail, along with a completed form and ID verification. Fees may apply, especially for non-customers.

Do travelers checks expire?

No, legitimate travelers checks do not expire. American Express, for example, honors checks indefinitely as long as they are genuine and properly signed. However, older designs may raise suspicion, so consider exchanging them sooner rather than later.

Final Checklist Before You Go

• ✔ Confirm your bank or provider offers travelers checks
• ✔ Order checks at least 2–3 weeks before departure
• ✔ Sign each check in the designated space upon receipt
• ✔ Record all serial numbers and store them separately
• ✔ Pack checks in multiple locations (e.g., money belt, hotel safe)
• ✔ Carry your issuer’s emergency contact number
• ✔ Know where to cash checks at your destination

Conclusion

Travelers checks are not a relic—they are a strategic financial instrument for cautious, well-prepared travelers. While digital options dominate, they aren’t infallible. Power outages, network failures, and account freezes happen. By incorporating travelers checks into your travel budget, you add a resilient layer of financial independence.

Their safety, replaceability, and universal recognition in key markets make them worth considering, especially for longer trips or destinations with unstable banking infrastructure. Take the time to obtain them correctly, use them wisely, and protect your investment. With proper handling, travelers checks can quietly safeguard your journey—one secure transaction at a time.

💬 Have you used travelers checks recently? Share your experience or tips in the comments below—your insight could help fellow travelers stay secure on their next adventure.