Travellers Cheque Question

izzitme

Hello. I hope this is posted in the right forum, if not could a mod please move it for me. Thanks.

My partner bought some traveller's cheques today. She was asked to sign them, but she signed on the line where the shop should put their details!

When the cashier noticed, she said to sign them again on the correct line & that there would not be a problem using them.

Is this advice correct, or would we need to change them for cash rather than paying directly with them?
Any advice gratefully received.
Thanks.
Mike
P.S. I am also going to contact American Express to ask them what we should do.

jenniferpa

Yes, this is a problem. Apart from anything else, these cheques are just like currency. Also, if you lost them you would be unable to claim your money back. Go back to the issuer and point out that it's their error (the wrong info, not the signing). Furthermore, many banks will not allow you to cash them (only pay them into an account), so honestly, they're not much use to you.

Jennifer

jenniferpa

Here's the appropriate link http://www10.americanexpress.com/sif/cda/page/0,1641,6774,00.asp

izzitme

I have spoken to Amex about this & they advised me as follows:
"Cross out the signature in the wrong place, then write on the back of the cheque 'NOT USED FOR THE PURPOSE INTENDED' ".
They said that this should be OK but the merchant can ring Amex if they are not sure.

If the issuer has said that this is OK then that's good enough for me (I think).
Thanks for your help jenniferpa.

jenniferpa

Glad you got it sorted out. I imagine that what they tell you must be right - it can't be the first time this has happened. Hopefully you're going to an english speaking country so you can explain what happened.

Jennifer

izzitme

I am going to Orlando. There is an Amex office near to our hotel so if there is a problem hopefully they will sort it out for us.
Thanks again.
Mike