American Express Travellers Cheque Card not good

This is a new product launched by American Express like the travellers cheques but in a card format.
I have had some major problems with using this card in Canada so just wanted to make sure you guys were aware in case (should of stuck to my virgin credit card)
to cut a long long story short
I tried to use the card in canada, - vancover, edmonton, toronto, calagary not one atm would take it neither any bank , hotel or any other place that accepts normal travellers cheques. I even had AMEX on my mobile as I tried to get money out but to still no evail. After a arguement with them and a very rude amex customer service lady I finally got a transfer of cash through the Western Union so at least I had some money in canada (not what you need)
Now back at home I have been compenstated for £100 and will hopefully have the rest of the funds transfered back to my account.

There is a hell of a lot more to this story (especailly to get £100) but anyway was wondering if anyone else had expereince problems

[preiffer]

Umm...
Is this not because the card is loaded (and only able to accept charges in) US Dollars, perhaps?

You can only select a card in one of three denominations:

* US Dollars
* EURO
* UK Pounds


From what I read of the T's & C's, any foreign currency charges will be rejected - you can only spend the currency that is on the card. Since there would have been no CAD$ available on the card, I'm not suprised it wouldn't work...

I have a US$ one, and spend a LOT of time in Canada - but I don't think I'd bother trying to use it there, unless the retailer/ATM was able to make the charge in US$ as the requested currency.

For reference, this topic can be found several times using the search function - the TCC can be found here on amex.

Originally posted by preiffer
Umm...
Is this not because the card is loaded (and only able to accept charges in) US Dollars, perhaps?

I don't think this is the case, as I have the Sterling version and have taken out $US at ATM's in New York and paid for my Bose QC2's at the Bose store there also - in both cases the exchange rate was calculated and the amount taken off my pre-paid amount. No problem in both cases.

I'm surprised it was rejected, I thought it transacted just like an Amex Charge/Credit card the only difference being it was pre-paid.

David.

[preiffer]

Hmm - I'll have to try it out in Montreal then

Although, at least in your case it was from one of their three currencies to another (UKP - US$). I wonder if it's because they don't have a CAD$ product/easy conversion in their system?

Originally posted by preiffer
Hmm - I'll have to try it out in Montreal then

Although, at least in your case it was from one of their three currencies to another (UKP - US$). I wonder if it's because they don't have a CAD$ product/easy conversion in their system?

I just checked the terms and conditions and I'm sure I wasn't dreaming about buying those QC2's....

'Blame Canada' is now in my head also

David.

From what I read of the T's & C's, any foreign currency charges will be rejected - you can only spend the currency that is on the card. Since there would have been no CAD$ available on the card, I'm not suprised it wouldn't work...

I have a US$ one, and spend a LOT of time in Canada - but I don't think I'd bother trying to use it there, unless the retailer/ATM was able to make the charge in US$ as the requested currency

If this is the case I was therefore mis-sold the card as I made it very clear where I was going. Plus I went to buy travellers cheques and again was sold this card!!! Also much to the annonance of American Express one of there sales agents backed up my story by telling me he had the same problem in Canada - Amex must know there product is not ready hence the compensation fee of £100 !!!

I'm surprised it was rejected, I thought it transacted just like an Amex Charge/Credit card the only difference being it was pre-paid.

Surprised I was a little angry!!!

Im sure its fine in the USA but just beware in Canada or you could be left in the largest shopping mail in the world without any money!!!!