Travelers' Checks Cost

• Although their use is declining, travelers' checks are still available in a variety of currencies and denominations from $25 to $100. Purchasing travelers' checks for non-bank customers typically costs about 1%-3% of the purchase amount, or about $10-$30 per $1,000, depending on location. Banks typically offer travelers' checks at no charge to their customers, depending on average balance and size of purchase. For example, Bank of America[1] offers their customers American Express Travelers Cheques for a 2% service charge with a minimum order of $100 -$250. Customers with Prima or Premiere accounts receive the travelers' checks without a fee.
• Cashing the checks may also incur another charge of about 1%-3% or $10-$30 per $1,000, at a designated location from a bank, travelers' check kiosk or selected large hotels. Some countries offer better cashing rates and more locations, including China where the exchange rate is regulated by the government. However, in Europe, many locations outside of banks and designated cashing locations[2] no longer accept travelers' checks. "Checks for Two" programs allow either party in a traveling couple may countersign the checks.

• If checks are lost or stolen, they will typically be refunded, excluding selected cases of neglect.

• American Express offers travelers check purchases online for an additional $7.50 in shipping for amounts less than $1,000. Overnight shipping fees may be about $20. Travelers checks by other companies are sold in banks.
• Purchasing the checks in the destination currency means that any currency rate differences are taken care of at the same time. Otherwise, expect to pay surcharge at the cashing location based on the daily rate of exchange.

• Check with current bank for non-fee purchase options, which could save $10-$30 on $1,000 in travelers' checks.
• Travelers checks allow holder to avoid ATM fees, which can cost $3 or more per transaction.

• U.S. companies that sell travelers' checks include American Express, Bank of America (also American Express checks) and Citibank[3] . Not all companies offer online purchases[4] .
• Prior to traveling outside of the United States, check area currency exchange rates[5] to estimate the amount of travel money needed.
• Experts warn against countersigning the checks until use and recommend making a note of serial numbers, storing the list separate from the checks and treat them as cash. Also keep a copy of the purchase agreement form separate from the checks.
• Visit Travelstate.gov[6] prior to an international trip to learn about possible scams in the destination area.
• Travelex[7] provides currency exchange services throughout the U.S. and abroad in major downtown locations and airports throughout the world.

1.  www6.bankofamerica.com/foreigncurrency/index.action
2.  www.aetclocator.com/us/
3.  /online.citibank.com/US/Welcome.c
4.  www.aetclocator.com
5.  www.xe.com/currencyconverter/
6.  travel.state.gov/
7.  www.travelex.com/?gclid=CObD-IHc_LACFSoZQgodSQnAVw

Check Out All Costs for Personal Finance		How Much Does a Traffic Ticket Attorney Cost?		How Much Do Funeral Flowers Cost?		How Much Do Tax Returns Cost?

Today's Featured Cost Articles

April is craft month. We have the cost of scrapbooking and other crafts. Looking for help to take care of your garden? How much does garden service cost. If you want a spring or summer wedding, now is the time to pin down the location. A BBQ grill could be handy to enjoy backyard activities during the summer months. Spring has sprung. Are you thinking about allergy shots?

About CostHelper

CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.

CostHelper Community

Didn't hurt the pocketbook Paid: 43.00 I called my dentist because my tooth had been hurting for a week and a half. I couldn't eat or sleep. It was horrible. They got me in the next day. The dental surgeon and staff took x-rays, verified that it indeed needed to come out... [more] -Anxious in Augusta Tooth Extraction Cost Current cost of skirting job 2022 Paid: 2356.00 Purchased material @ mobile home supply store Front/back top trim & ground track 17 each [email protected]$9= $459. 48 [email protected]$17= $816. [email protected]$40 [email protected] $20 tax $121. Total material $1456. 3 guys total $75 hour labor at 12 hours $900 labor... [more] -Fayard siding Mobile Home Skirting Cost Alatel joy tab2 Paid: 108.00 Cracked screen... [more] -Shawn P Speers Tablet Repair Cost Replace 2baths, laundry, and kitchen to the street Paid: 20000.00 Numerous breaks in 90 year old cast iron and also in the clay pipe. replaced with 4" schedule 40 ABS to the curb and then liner in the clay pipe to the city sewer... [more] -Steve in 2022 Sewer Line Replacement Cost Full mouth -Is this estimate too much? Paid: 16945.00 Extract buttom front teeth, replace with single implant for both teeth. Root canals and crowns needed for 3 molars, fillings needed on 11 teeth. Deep cleaning with 4 spots of Arestin and fluoride treatment. All under IV sedation... [more] -Shanmarspag Dental Work Cost Lockout at front door Paid: 175.00 I was quoted $29 for a service call. The techniciandidn't give me a price but went ahead with the repair. It took about 10 minutes. Then he told me the charge was because the owner of the business gets most of the money I paid... [more] -Carla Axelrod Locksmith Cost