American Express and Thomas Cook today announce a landmark agreement that will see the high-street travel agent offering its customers American Express travel money products for the first time in the company’s 150 year history.  As part of the agreement, Thomas Cook will sell the new American Express Travellers Cheque Card through its high-street branches1, its call centres and via the company’s website.

In addition, from January 2006, Thomas Cook will distribute American Express Travellers Cheques making it one of the largest sellers of American Express Travellers Cheques globally. 

Commenting on the agreement, Melanie Whitehouse, director, Foreign Exchange at Thomas Cook said: “By entering into this partnership we are harnessing the power of two leading brands, renowned for quality and innovation. We are delighted to add these American Express products to our portfolio and feel we can now offer our customers a convenient and flexible choice for their travel money needs.” 

The new Travellers Cheque Card, which combines the convenience of a payment card with the security of Travellers Cheques, is prepaid and reloadable and can be used at millions of shops, restaurants and ATMs, worldwide. The card can be preloaded with US dollars, Euro, and Sterling. Another major advantage to Thomas Cook’s customers will be that if the card is lost or stolen, the balance will be returned, usually within 24 hours. Funds left on the card on the holder’s return can remain on the Card, ready for the next trip abroad. Passport and Credit/Debit card Replacement Assistance is also available to support the cardholder whilst travelling.

“This alliance brings together two of the travel industry’s most prominent players and marks a major development within the travel money market.” said Stefan Happ, vice president, Europe, American Express Prepaid Services. “We are delighted to partner with Thomas Cook and to be able to offer its customers the choice of the traditional paper travellers cheque and the new generation of travel money, American Express pre paid cards”.
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