Heads up, West Virginians! New guidelines for U.S. dollar bills are now in effect, and certain damaged bills will no longer be accepted.
As of October 2024, updated rules implemented by major retailers, banks, and ATMs will see stricter standards for the cash they accept. These changes, introduced by the U.S. government, are aimed at improving security and reducing the circulation of counterfeit and severely damaged currency.
While the U.S. currency has undergone security upgrades—such as color-shifting inks, watermarks, and embedded security threads—counterfeit bills continue to circulate, often produced with sophisticated techniques. The U.S. Department of Treasury estimates that $70 million to $200 million in counterfeit money is in circulation at any given time.
Under the new guidelines, businesses like Walmart and Target will no longer accept dollar bills that are significantly torn, have missing corners, or show signs of heavy damage, such as water or burn marks. If you encounter a damaged bill, it can be assessed and replaced by filing a claim with the Bureau of Engraving and Printing.
In addition, future currency redesigns are planned, with new $50 bills set to debut in 2028, followed by updates to the $20, $5, and $100 bills through 2038. Stay aware of these changes to avoid any trouble with your cash.
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