I'm thinking about getting the AMEX travel funds card for my trip to Italy and I was wondering if anyone else has used it before and had any problems or found it useful?

I checked into this thinking I might gift one to my nephew who is spending the summer in Europe.

Gosh - the fees! If you want to be able to withdraw cash - be SURE to check the website for ATM locations at your destinations. There are very few in the places I checked.

I don't have such a card, but I honestly don't see what advantage it gives you over a debit, ATM, or credit card. The only sure thing with this card is that you'll surely pay fees to AMEX. AMEX does a great job convincing people that horrible consequences await them if they don't include AMEX products in their travels.

I looked into this card as "backup" to my ATM card. (I had my card eaten in Istanbul and really did not want to have to credit card cash advances again!)

However, the fees were just too high. I got a few traveler's checks for Emergency use. If I don't use them, I will just re-deposit. It was cheaper then either a Visa or AmeEx travel card.

Hi trace,

This card is simply one in which you pay a fee to give AMEX your money so that they can give it back to you.

You are better off opening 2 bank accounts and getting ATM cards that don't have high fees.