William Lipovsky
Due to their declining usage in favor of ATMs and credit cards, most stores in the U.S. no longer accept traveler’s checks.
After contacting many nationwide and large regional retailers, we were only able to find two stores that accept them.
We compiled this information by checking each store’s payment policies online and confirming the details with customer service representatives.
The List
Costco
- Rules: Must have a photo ID and Costco membership card; note that Costco warehouse stores accept traveler’s checks, but Costco gas stations do not.
- Find a store
Meijer
- Rules: Must use the check to pay for a purchase and sign it at the counter; amount must be $100 or less and in U.S. dollars
- Find a store
In addition to the retailers listed above, note that if you are visiting Las Vegas, most casinos in the city will accept traveler’s checks.
Stores That Do Not Accept Traveler’s Checks
In the course of our research, we found that the following chains generally do not accept traveler’s checks, though individual location policies may vary:
- 7-Eleven
- BP
- CVS
- Giant Food
- JCPenney
- Kroger
- Macy’s
- Publix
- Roche Bros. Supermarkets
- Safeway
- Shell
- Sunoco
- Trader Joe’s
- Target
- Vons
- Walgreens
- Whole Foods Market
Generally, it’s easier to stick to alternative forms of payment like international credit cards, fee-free ATMs, or cash.
As a backup, you can always cash in your traveler’s check at a bank or other check-cashing location. See our list of places that cash them.
Lindsey Desmet