American Express Travellers Cheque Card

ethank

On my last holiday booking, I was told by the Travel Agents (Thomson in Luton)that they were phasing out American Express Travellers Cheques, and that I would need to apply for a Travellers Cheque Card, which works like a debit card. You load on what you want in Dollars, Euros or Pounds.

I got it last November when I went on holiday but used up all my funds. I am off on my hols agin tomorrow, and when my wages came in today, I attempted to charge up my card by paying throught their website with my debit card. I got a message back saying my order was declined, and to try later. I did so 3 times. I called up and spoke to a manager, who told me to try again. Which I did for a fourth time.

Went to the cashpoint at Lunchtime, and the machine told me that I was my available balance was £1250 less than it should have been. I called up my bank, who told me that they had authorised my transaction, and would ringfence these funds until they are acquired by the merchant (I've since found out the Merchant for American Express is Natwest Streamline)

I spoke to American Express Travellers Cheques, and they claim that HSBC rejected my card, and that they faxed Streamline to tell them to release my funds (this is weird cos if HSBC declined, why would they ringfence funds)

I'm supposed to off on holiday tomorrow, I've been on the phone to AMEX on and off for the last 3 hours, and they have just told me , the manager should never have told me to get apply again, as it would have reduced my balance by more.
I've also been told that they know the reason why this has been declined, but they cannot tell me the reason why. In fact they cannot even tell me the reason why, they cannot give me the reason why, other than they will pass this on to a "specialist department" tomorrow. As it is now after 5pm, they cannot do anything till the morning.

My problem is that I am off on holiday tomorrow. I now don't have any spending money to take. My other half has managed to reload her card, but I don't see why I should have to rely on her, when I've paid out my hardearned.

To be honest, I've called about 6 times today, and everytime I call I get a different answer.

Would appreciate any help you could give!