Accepting Visa Travellers Cheques

Check the Visa Travellers Cheque(s) for the following security features:

Paper
Feels like currency. A counterfeit cheque generally does not feel right - it usually feels smoother or thicker.

Watermark
A watermark should be visible on the front side of the cheque when the cheque is lifted to the light. A counterfeit cheque may not have a watermark on the front side or the watermark may appear on the back side of the cheque.

Raised texture
A counterfeit cheque generally does not have this feature.

Holographic thread
The current design contains a silver, metallic, shiny strip with the word 'secure' repeated. A counterfeit cheque may have a dull strip.

If you are in possession of cheques and suspect they may be fraudulent, please call Visa 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for free cheque verification service. Call toll-free on the relevant customer service number listed above or online at www.quickcheque.net. If the Visa Travellers Cheques bear the name of Citicorp please contact the company directly at toll-free 1-800-645-6556 or call collect 1-813-623-1709. Automated cheque verification is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (if you select the English or Spanish option). If you need to speak to a customer service representative you can do so Monday through Friday from 7 am to 3:30 pm EST. Outside these hours calls will be recorded and responded to the next business day. Alternatively, please send an e-mail to visa.webmail@citi.com.

Acceptance and Verification

For your protection, please follow these 5 simple steps when accepting Visa Travellers Cheques.

Step 1. Check the Visa Travellers Cheque(s) for the security features mentioned above.

Step 2. Ensure that the presenter countersigns the cheque in the lower left corner in front of you.

Step 3. Ensure that the signature and counter-signature match.

Step 4. If the cheque is already counter-signed, ask the presenter to sign it again on the reverse side and ask for identification.

Step 5. Ensure the amount presented is consistent with your normal business transactions.

If you have any questions about the above procedures, please contact the Visa GRS (toll-free numbers are listed above) or log-on www.quickcheque.net for on-line verification.

If you require Acceptance Guideline brochures, please send an e-mail to vtc@visa.com.