Commission Free Sterling Travellers Cheques!?

bud21

Hi folks,

I just wanted to let people know that I was able to buy my Sterling Travellers Cheques from Lloyds as a non-customer over the phone without being charged commission on them. My own bank, Ulster Bank, also didn't charge for the debit card transaction or any cash handling fees.

All I needed to pay extra was £4.50 for the postage, which was sign for next day delivery.

I hope this helps others in the future.

Regards,

Tony

claire16c

If you had to pay £4.50 just to get them posted to you, surely it would have worked out better to just take cash and credit cards!?

TakeThis

bud21 wrote: »

Hi folks,

I just wanted to let people know that I was able to buy my Sterling Travellers Cheques from Lloyds as a non-customer over the phone without being charged commission on them. My own bank, Ulster Bank, also didn't charge for the debit card transaction or any cash handling fees.

All I needed to pay extra was £4.50 for the postage, which was sign for next day delivery.

I hope this helps others in the future.

Regards,

Tony

Thanks for the update.

Wings_of_Ambition

Hello all,

Just a quick update. Lloyds TSB are still offering commission-free sterling travellers cheques, as are Halifax.

I bank with Santander, who unfortunately charge me 1.5% as a 'cash advance' fee, but if you have a debit card with Lloyds TSB or Halifax, or a bank that doesn't charge you a cash advance fee, then it's completely free. I was offered free home delivery, but opted for collecting in the branch as I'm buying at very short notice, and if I miss the postman, I'd be without any holiday money!

Royal Bank of Scotland currently charge 1% commission on Sterling TC... still better than the standard 1.5-2%.

Re: the discussions regarding sterling being a bad idea to take on holiday, I'm also going to Thailand and the guides I've read online say it's better to change it out there, as the exchange rates are a lot better (there is a website that shows the rates, and they are somewhat better... 44THB in the UK, to 47THB over there). Yes, you're charged a 33THB fee per travellers cheque when exchanging them, but I'm taking large denominations and for the ~70p charge, I get the added peace of mind that they can be replaced if nicked!

Here's to a fun holiday!

Vicki5678

Travelex and Post Office offer really good rates on travellers cheque's online. I'm not sure if they do in branches though or whether the rates aren't as competitive like their travel money.

I've always taken a currency card to Orlando and had no problems using it. comparecurrency . com is pretty good for finding which card has the best rates and low fees. I used the Caxton Fx card last time I went away.

travellerboy

When in Hong Kong recently we found it almost impossible to use TC's, nobody would accept them. Many banks just refused to accept them, they were American Express in US$. In the end we had to go back to the hotel and they reluctantly changed them. ATM are the way to go whether you like it or not.
Traveller's Cheques are old hat just like personal cheques too much hassle.