Stores That Accept Traveler’s Checks 

Traveler’s Checks are an essential way to purchase goods when you are out of the country. There are several payment methods, credit, debit, atm and one that stands out is the traveler’s check. Traveler’s checks were common in the past. Nowadays, they are not used frequently. Only a few places are still accepting traveler’s checks, even though it is one of the most convenient payment methods for travelers. There are stores in the world that accept traveler’s checks.

One of them is in the US. As the use of credit cards, debit cards, and atm booths are available everywhere, there is not much use for traveler’s checks except for these places: –

• Costco Warehouse Stores: – Only warehouse stores accept traveler’s checks where you need to show some photo ID and membership card to use it.
• Meijer Retailer Store: – You can only use the check for purchases and need to sign your name at the counter. You can purchase only an amount less than $100, in US dollars only.

These retail stores will accept traveler’s checks only if you buy something but not for any other purposes like using the gas station or becoming a member. They are accepted at casinos in Las Vegas.

Apart from these places you can cash or pay with a traveler’s check at banks, where you hold an account. Without an account opened they might not cash your check. If you do not have an account then, you might as well go to Bank America, American Express, AAA, and Visa. You may have to pay a fee when buying checks from these banks. Some branches of Bank America accept traveler’s checks for free and will not charge an extra fee. Another place where you can cash traveler’s checks is from foreign exchange offices with a document, and an American Express Traveler’s Check. 

Which Banks Cash Or Deposit Traveler’s Checks: –

Although there are not many stores that accept Traveler’s checks there are many other options for you to cash or deposit your check. The table below shows all Banks that cash traveler’s checks or deposits: –

  Location                                Cash Traveler’s Checks                        Deposits traveler’s checks

  Amscot                                                  Yes No

Bank of America                                     Yes                                                       Yes

Chase Bank                                               No                                                        Yes

HSBC                                                        Yes                                                        Yes

Navy Federal Credit                                Yes                                                        Yes

Union

PLS                                                               Yes                                                        No

PNC                                                               Yes                                                      Yes

Sun Trust Bank                                            No                                                       Yes

TD Bank                                                        No                                                       Yes

Wells Fargo                                                  Yes                                                      Yes

All Banks will not deposit or cash traveler’s checks so you will have to search yourself. Some cashing locations also will accept travelers’ checks. Besides these banks, foreign exchange offices or booths can cash your checks.

Which Countries Accept Traveler’s Checks?

Traveler’s checks are available in thousands of locations. The currencies that are used are US dollars, Canadian dollars, pounds sterling, Japanese yen, Chinese yuan, and euros. So, whichever currency you want to use in the countries you are visiting, you can shop away. Moreover, if you are looking online American Express gives you access to traveler’s checks when and where you need them. American Express still supports using Traveler’s checks for manifold reasons. Firstly, they are safer than using other checks, they never expire, they can be refunded and there is no chance of theft. VISA also accepts traveler’s checks. The banks that issue these traveler’s checks are: Banco do Brasil, Chase Manhattan, Citicorp, Interpayment Services Ltd, and Sumitomo.

No matter where you cash or deposit your check you will need to pay a fee or show some proper identification to use them. Every bank has a different policy for cashing checks. This is a good reason for using traveler’s checks as they will not work without your signature. 

Conclusion: –

Traveler’s checks have been used in old times (since the 1970s) for traveling and using as money when on vacation or living in foreign countries. It was an alternative to carrying a large amount of cash. As soon as the advent of credit or debit cards came, there has been a fall in their use. Traveler’s checks still are used in many places. American Express, VISA, Bank of America, and other banks still have the practice of accepting traveler’s checks. They are useful in many ways and can be an alternative for travelers when they need to make sudden payments or in emergencies.

FAQs: –

• Are Traveler’s checks safe and secure?

Traveler’s Checks are safe because they cannot be used by anyone without your signature. If you lose them, they can be refunded

• Do all stores accept Traveler’s checks?

Not all stores can accept Traveler’s checks for purchases but a lot of banks can

• Is there an expiry date for using these checks?

No, there are no expiry dates you can use them whenever you want in the future