Damaged Dollars

Mutilated Bills

Stores, ATMs, and banks around the United States will no longer accept paper money that is deemed “mutilated” by the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the Secret Service, and the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence Steering Committee. According to the Federal Reserve, a bank note that is no longer suitable for circulation due to its physical condition is considered mutilated if 50 percent or less of the note remains or if its condition is so poor that the note’s value is questionable. Once a bill reaches this level of damage or deterioration, it will no longer be accepted as currency. Those in possession of these types of notes can file a mutilated currency claim with the BEP for replacement bills.

Ramping Up Security

Speaking of “out with the old,” currency redesigns will be released every two years over the next decade. The new notes will feature state-of-the-art security features to deter counterfeiting. Below is the schedule of upcoming security-enhanced redesigns:

• $10 note: 2026
• $50 note: 2028
• $20 note: 2030
• $5 note: 2032
• $100 note: 2034

According to the BEP, “this sequence addresses risk mitigation and counterfeiting concerns.” To learn more, visit the BEP’s website.