Watch Out for Mutilated Money!

Household spending always balloons during the holiday season. Gifts, parties, travel, and more can really rack up. And although digital payments made up the bulk of spending in 2024, cash is still king for a variety of consumers. So if you’re looking to take some cash to your favorite retailers like Target, Walmart, or Costco this December, make sure your bills fit the bill.

To bolster the security of the U.S. monetary system, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), the Secret Service, and the Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence (ACD) Steering Committee have implemented an initiative to stop U.S. retailers, banks, and ATMs from accepting mutilated bank notes—those with cuts, damaged edges, or discoloration. A handful of stores and supermarkets are implementing this new policy on December 1.

If you have mutliated currency, visit the BEP’s website for the steps you should take to get it redeemed for fresh notes. And don’t delay; the BEP receives more than 22,000 requests per year.