How can I tell if a $100 US Dollar bill is genuine?

For the current 2013+ Series $100 bill: (1) Tilt the bill to observe the blue 3D Security Ribbon; the bells and 100s shift horizontally when tilted vertically, and vertically when tilted horizontally. (2) Check the Bell in the Inkwell: the bell changes from copper to green inside the copper inkwell. (3) Hold the note to light to see the watermark of Benjamin Franklin and the embedded vertical security thread.

Are old paper British Pound (£20 and £50) banknotes still accepted?

The Bank of England withdrew legal tender status for paper £20 and £50 banknotes on September 30, 2022. They can no longer be spent in UK shops. However, authorized forex institutions like Currency Mart or the Bank of England can still exchange genuine withdrawn paper banknotes.

What are the new 2024 Japanese Yen banknote security features?

Issued in July 2024, Japan's new series (¥10,000, ¥5,000, and ¥1,000) features state-of-the-art 3D holographic portraits that appear to rotate in three dimensions when tilted—a world first for paper currency. They also feature high-definition watermarks and upgraded tactile markings.

Global Central Bank Anti-Counterfeit Standards

Free Foreign Banknote Verification & Identification Guide

Inspect security features, 3D ribbons, watermarks, microprinting, and central bank withdrawal rules for USD, EUR, GBP, MXN, JPY, and AUD banknotes.

The 3-Step Verification Method: Feel • Look • Tilt

FEEL the Paper / Polymer Genuine banknotes utilize intaglio (raised) printing on text and portraits, giving a crisp texture impossible on standard commercial copiers.

LOOK through Backlight Hold note up to light to reveal subtle grayscale watermarks and embedded vertical security threads with denomination microprinting.

TILT for Optical Effects Watch for color-shifting ink (copper to green), moving 3D ribbons, or clear polymer windows with holographic motion.

United States Dollar (USD) Security Features

Federal Reserve 2013+ Series $100, $50, $20

Most Exchanged Currency

TILT FEATURE

3D Security Ribbon

Woven directly into the paper (not printed) on the $100 bill is a bright blue ribbon. When tilted back and forth, bells change to 100s. When tilted side to side, they shift vertically.

Test: Watch bells & "100" move in opposite direction of tilt.

TILT FEATURE

Bell in the Inkwell

Located inside the copper inkwell to the right of Franklin's portrait. Tilt the bill to see the bell change color from copper to bright emerald green, appearing and disappearing within the well.

Test: Sharp optical color shift between copper and green.

LOOK FEATURE

Portrait Watermark

Hold the bill to light to reveal a faint image of Benjamin Franklin in the blank space to the right of the portrait. It is visible from both sides of the bill.

Test: Subtle continuous tones, not harsh printed lines.

Pre-2006 vs 2013 Series USD Bills Overseas While all US banknotes remain legal tender in the United States, overseas merchants and exchange bureaus across Asia, Latin America, and Africa frequently reject older pre-2006 series bills due to counterfeit fears. Travelers should obtain crisp, current-series $100 bills (with the blue ribbon) from Currency Mart before departing Canada.

Euro (€ EUR) Security Features

European Central Bank (ECB) Europa Series 2

Europa Series

TILT FEATURE

Emerald Number

The shiny numeral on the bottom left corner displays an effect of light that moves vertically. The numeral changes color from emerald green to deep navy blue.

LOOK FEATURE

Portrait Window

In the silvery stripe on the right side of €20, €50, €100, and €200 notes, there is a transparent window showing a portrait of Europa visible from both sides.

PHASE-OUT ALERT

€500 Note Withdrawal

The ECB permanently stopped issuing €500 notes in 2019. While still legally valid, commercial retailers across the Eurozone refuse €500 and €200 notes.

British Pound Sterling (£ GBP) Polymer Series

Bank of England • King Charles III & Queen Elizabeth II

100% Polymer

TILT FEATURE

Hologram Word Shifting

Below the large clear window, tilt the note to see the holographic word change between 'Twenty' and 'Pounds' on the £20 note.

LOOK FEATURE

See-Through Window

Look at the metallic image over the main window. The foil is gold and blue on the front and silver on the back with detailed architectural outlines.

WITHDRAWN NOTE

Paper £20 & £50 Expired

Old paper £20 and £50 notes expired in September 2022. They cannot be spent in UK shops. Currency Mart can assist with evaluating and exchanging eligible old notes.

Mexican Peso (MXN) Security Features

Banco de México Familia G Series (Polymer & Cotton)

Familia G Series

TILT FEATURE

Dynamic Thread

On cotton paper notes ($200, $500, $1000), tilt the bill to watch the 3D thread change color and show moving snail shapes across the vertical line.

LOOK FEATURE

Polymer Clear Window

Polymer notes ($50 Axolotl and $100 Sor Juana) feature transparent windows with embossed numbers and color-shifting ink around the borders.

UV FEATURE

Blacklight Fluorescence

Under ultraviolet light, specialized luminescent inks glow in bright green and yellow, revealing hidden central bank symbols and denomination markers.

Japanese Yen (¥ JPY) 2024 Redesign Series

Bank of Japan • Issued July 3, 2024

World-First 3D Holograms

TILT FEATURE

3D Rotating Hologram

On the new ¥10,000 and ¥5,000 notes, the portrait appears to rotate in three dimensions when viewed from differing angles—a world first for paper currency.

LOOK FEATURE

High-Definition Watermark

In addition to the traditional portrait watermark, the new notes feature a high-density vertical line watermark pattern in the background.

FEEL FEATURE

Tactile Marks

Deeply textured intaglio patterns placed on both edges allow persons with visual impairments to instantly recognize the denomination by touch.

Australian Dollar (AUD) Next Generation Polymer

Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA)

NGB Series

LOOK FEATURE

Full Top-to-Bottom Window

A clear vertical window spans completely from the top to bottom edge, containing micro-engraved architectural details and multiple holographic elements.

TILT FEATURE

Flying Native Bird

Tilt the bill to see an Australian native bird flap its wings and change color inside the clear window.

FEEL FEATURE

Tactile Bumps

Raised dots on the long edges allow tactile identification ($5 has 1 dot, $10 has 2, $20 has 3, $50 has 4, $100 has 5).

Quick Banknote Self-Test Checklist

Intaglio Raised Printing Rough, textured surface on major lettering and portrait coat.

Backlit Portrait Watermark Delicate portrait visible only when illuminated from behind.

Color-Shifting Ink / 3D Ribbon Vibrant optical shift (copper to green) when tilted at angles.

Sharp Microprinting Clean, legible miniature text without ink smudging or blur.

Need Professional Banknote Authentication or Currency Exchange?

Currency Mart verifies and exchanges over 40+ world currencies at our Winnipeg Downtown branch. We also evaluate withdrawn, mutilated, or older-series foreign banknotes.

Visit Winnipeg Cash Desk

Frequently Asked Questions on Foreign Banknotes

Under Canadian law, any financial institution or money services business that identifies a suspect counterfeit banknote must seize it, issue a receipt to the customer, and forward the note to the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) National Anti-Counterfeiting Bureau for forensic analysis. Counterfeit notes are not reimbursable.

Yes, Currency Mart evaluates eligible withdrawn series such as older UK paper pounds, demonetized Swiss francs, pre-Euro national currencies (Deutsche Marks), and older USD bills. Rates depend on whether the issuing central bank still redeems the series.

There is no legal limit to the amount of currency you can bring into or take out of Canada. However, if you are carrying physical cash, traveler's cheques, or monetary instruments totaling $10,000 CAD or more (or foreign currency equivalent), you are legally required to report it to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) on Form E677. There are no fees or duties for declaring funds.