Quick Fact
Visa Travelers Cheques do not expire and can be cashed at banks, currency exchanges, and some merchants, with the primary issuer, American Express, still selling them as of 2026. They're FDIC-insured, which is a pretty big deal if you're worried about security while traveling.
Geographic Context
Cashing a travelers cheque works the same way everywhere, but finding a place to do it is another story. You'll have the best luck at banks or currency exchange spots in major cities and tourist areas across North America, Europe, and parts of Asia. Honestly, most shops and restaurants stopped taking them years ago, thanks to ATMs and digital payments. If you're headed somewhere more remote, your only real option will probably be a local bank that's part of an international network.
Key Details
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Expiration | No expiry date, but must be used within 6 months of being dated. |
| Primary Issuer (2026) | American Express; some smaller banks/credit unions may also offer. |
| FDIC Insurance | Yes, travelers checks are FDIC-insured. |
| Common Redemption Locations | Banks, currency exchange bureaus, American Express travel offices, some hotels & merchants. |
| Alternative for Unused Cheques | Can be deposited into a personal bank account or saved for future travel. |
Interesting Background
American Express basically invented travelers cheques back in the late 1800s, and for a long time, they were the safest way to carry money abroad. Their whole selling point was that you could get them replaced if they were lost or stolen—a huge deal before everything went electronic. The decline started picking up speed in the early 2000s; for example, Travelex quit selling them in 2008. That said, they haven't disappeared completely. Some travelers still like them for trips to places with spotty internet or for getting around daily ATM limits, since they're a physical, insured backup.
Practical Information
Here's how to cash one: first, date it and sign it in the top corner. When you're ready to use it, fill out who it's going to and then countersign it right in front of the cashier. Don't forget your original receipt and a photo ID. In the UK, you can still buy and cash American Express cheques at the Post Office. If you lose one, call the issuer right away (and keep that contact info separate from the cheques themselves, obviously). Since policies change, your best bet for finding a place that'll take them is to check the American Express website or call your bank. Oh, and as of 2026, you generally can't deposit them using your bank's mobile app.
Are my travelers checks still good?
Travelers Cheques do not expire. You can absolutely hang onto unused ones for your next trip. If someone passes away with unused cheques, their next of kin can typically get a refund.
Do you accept travelers checks?
You can use them to pay for stuff at places that still take them. Some stores or restaurants still accept traveler’s checks as a form of payment in their own right. A lot of hotels will also let you use them for your room and other services.
Do American Express travelers checks still exist?
Can you still buy them? While a lot of the big banks got out of the business, they are still available at American Express. You might also find them at smaller banks or credit unions. It doesn't hurt to ask your bank if they offer them and what the fees are.
Can you deposit travelers checks in your bank account?
Since they don't expire, you've got options. You can either keep them for future use or deposit them into your bank account once you’re home.
How long are Travellers Cheques valid?
Travellers’ cheques don’t have an expiry date, but there's a catch—you're supposed to use them within six months of dating them. The good news is they're easy to replace if anything happens, and you can always swap them for local cash.
Can I cash Travellers Cheques at the post office?
In the UK, at least, the answer is yes. You can still buy and redeem American Express travellers cheques at the Post Office. And remember, they never expire.
Are travelers checks FDIC insured?
| PRODUCT FDIC INSURED? | CASHIER’S CHECKS, TRAVELERS CHECKS, MONEY ORDERS, ETC. YES |
|---|
Where can I cash Travellers Cheques?
If you have any left over, you can cash them. Any NM Money or Eurochange branch should be able to help. To find a spot, just use the branch locator for their 190+ UK locations.
Can you mobile deposit a travelers check?
Typically, no. Mobile deposit through banking apps usually doesn't work for traveler’s checks. The same goes for checks made out to someone else that were then signed over to you, or checks payable to you and another person who isn't on your account.
Do checks expire if not cashed?
Personal, business, and payroll checks are good for 6 months (180 days). You'll sometimes see "void after 90 days" printed on them, but most banks will still honor them for the full 180. That language is really just there to encourage people to cash them sooner.
When did Travellers Cheques stop?
Travelex, a major distributor, got out of the game. They stopped selling Travellers Cheques in 2008, so some banks and agencies won't cash them anymore. You do have other options to get them encashed, though.
Can I cash in old American Express Travelers Checks?
Sure. You can usually cash travelers cheques at banks, currency exchange bureaus (bureaux de change in some countries) and at American Express travel service locations. You might even get lucky at some bigger hotels or other businesses that still accept them.
