I'm considering getting a American Express pre-paid "TravelFunds" card for our trip to Venice. Basically, it's a traveler's check in card form.

Have any of you used it? Is it truly accepted anywhere? It has the AmEx logo on it, but I'm afraid a merchant will decline it since sort of a new product.

It also has quite a few fees associated with it (a 're-loading' fee, etc) so I want to make sure it's worth it....

Thanks!

I'm not familiar with this product, but I'd advise against it. It's hard enough to find an establishment in Europe that will take an Amex card, or a traveler's check, never mind some newfangled combination.

A VISA or Mastercard, plus an ATM debit card, is much more useful than either an Amex card or traveler's checks.

Good morning msut have been lucky have not ever had a problem with an
American Express Card or travlers check
in Eur. Have had trouble with more
than one Visa card in getting cash advances in Eur....Have held and used the card on many trips since 1965 and
"wouldn't leave home without it."
Have not used a prepaid card but did
get a blue card this summer and did not
have trouble using it, along with my
other Amerx Cards.
Richard of LaGrange Park, Il..

I was surprised last Spring that my AmEx card was accepted more than my Diners Club in France (previous trips the Diners card was never a problem). We also carry one Visa and one MC just in case. I like the idea of the "travel fund" card -- assuming it looks and works just like an AmEx
card. But in all honesty, we've never had a problem safeguarding our bank cards or credit cards on any of our trips. And the only time someone got a hold of my DC number and fraudulent charges appeared, it was quickly caught and pretty painlessly solved.

I say, "Why bother?" for one reason: Why spend the extra money, when you can easily use ATMs and credit cards. (Unlike StCirq, I've had very, very few experiences where my Amex card wasn't accepted. Still, I also bring a Visa card.)

I don't spend that much time in cities or even big towns in Europe and am often in very out-of-the-way places. Trust me, it's not that easy to find a merchant who will take Amex in the Cévennes or the Val de Misère. I guess it depends on where you go.

As far as traveler's checks go, I haven't used them for a decade or more and can't imagine why I would ever need to.

Hi AO,

What you are buying is essentially a debit card that can also be used as a charge card up to the limit of the money you put into it.

I checked the AMEX website and found that you are limited as to the number of ATMs where you can use this card.

If you already have a CC and an ATM card, I can't see why you would need this card.

I don't understand why you would want such a card, either, if you already have a CC and ATM card. It doesn't seem to add any capability. If you were going to get one of those, I'd get a VISA Travelmoney (same idea) or something as I imagine those can be used at a lot more ATMs than Amex.

I guess I could see this as a backup card, if you were really worried that your regular ATM card could go bad or be lost or declined. Since you say it has a lot of fees, though, I wouldn't do it. I have been thinking of getting one of the VISA ones as a backup from AAA, because they are free, just to see how they work. I wouldn't pay anything for one, though.

I think these cards are really more useful for younger kids who don't have their own CCs or bank accounts, and their parents buy them and re-load them with funds.

I guess maybe you need to think about why you want one compared to CC/ATM card.

I am considering getting a AAA Travel Money card because my checking account is BofA and they charge I believe 3% for the currency conversion. The representative I spoke with at AAA told me that other than the $2 ATM fee, there are no other charges for withdrawing foreign currency.

I can use my credit card for major purchases, but I thought I would save some money by taking the AAA card rather than my regular ATM card.

We just sent someone a Travelers Card to Japan. The Gift Card is only good when used in the US. The Travelers Card can be re-loaded, I think it is great!
They replace the card and protect the money so that is especially good in place of travelers checks.
Best thing for us is we can give money as a gift for people in other countries!