How to Redeem Unused Traveler's Checks. Though they can be difficult to use in some locations, traveler's checks provide a safe form of money when you travel. If you have traveler's checks left over after a trip, or if you're the executor of an estate that includes traveler's checks, they're relatively easy to redeem for cash.
Realize that traveler's checks don't expire, so if the checks are yours and you're going to travel in the future, you can save your unused traveler's checks for your next trip.
Exchange your travelers checks for cash free of charge if your vendor has a partnership program with banks and other exchange vendors. For example, when you travel abroad with American Express traveler's checks, you can exchange them for the local currency at any American Express Travel Service Office or at any of their partner locals. Check with your vendor to find out if they have a program like this.
Deposit unused traveler's checks in your bank account if they're in your home currency and they're made out to you. Take them to a teller's window to deposit them and receive cash in return. If they're in a foreign currency, you must take them to a bank that can accept that currency. Call your financial institution if you have questions.
Redeem a deceased person's unused traveler's checks if you're the executor of the estate, or if you're named as the beneficiary. To do so, take the traveler's checks, death certificate and papers declaring the executor or beneficiary to the estate's bank. Provide the phone number of the traveler's check vendor so the bank can contact them and make arrangements for the redemption of the checks.