traveler's check

American  

noun

1. a check issued in any of various denominations by a bank, travel agency, etc., that is signed by the purchaser upon purchase and again, in the presence of the payee, when cashing the check or using it to pay for goods or services.

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Etymology

Origin of traveler's check

First recorded in 1905–10

Example Sentences

After nine years at McKinsey, he was recruited to American Express, where he initially headed travel-related services, including the credit-card and traveler’s check businesses, and later was president of the company.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 29, 2025

In Athens or Rome, it can take half a day to cash a traveler's check at a bank.

From Time Magazine Archive

Ever since it invented the traveler's check in 1891, American Express Co. has been concerned with the problems of U.S. tourists.

From Time Magazine Archive

At this bank Captain Carlson had no trouble in cashing a traveler's check.

From Time Magazine Archive

“But a traveler’s check is perfectly safe,” I said.

From "Black Like Me" by John Howard Griffin