What to Do With Unused Travelers Checks?

Keep your money safe with travelers checks.

Travelers checks can be a real convenience when you travel, but, when you come home, you need a convenient way to turn those travelers checks back into cash. Taking a few minutes to record the details of your travelers checks before you leave for the bank can preserve the protection those special payment devices provide.

Everyday Purchases

You can use your leftover travelers checks just like cash as you did while you were on vacation. Many stores and retail businesses take traveler's checks, so you can use them like cash wherever you go until all the checks are used up. Using your old travelers checks for everyday purchases can reduce your future credit card bills and eliminate the need to get additional cash from your bank ATM.

Cash Them In

You can cash your unused travelers checks in at your local bank or at the bank or credit union where you first purchased them. Ensure you have your identification ready, and wait until you are standing in front of the teller before you countersign the checks. Cash the unused travelers checks either at the place where you originally bought them, or at the bank where you keep your checking or savings account.

Save Them

Chances are you will go on vacation again someday, and you can bring those old travelers checks right out of the drawer and pack them in your suitcase when you do. Keeping your old travelers checks for future use saves you the hassle of cashing them in only to buy them again before your next trip. If you are a frequent traveler, keep your old travelers checks for your next trip. Just stash them in a safe place, record the serial numbers and keep them separate from the checks themselves.

Donate Them

You can use your leftover travelers checks to make a difference in the lives of others by donating them to charity. Just visit the charity you plan to donate them to, and countersign the travelers checks. The charity can then use those travelers checks to further their worthy cause.

References

• USA Today: What to Do With Unused Travelers Checks