Using large denomination bills in the U.S.
Sep 14, 2025 | 2:26 pm
#1
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Using large denomination bills in the U.S.
On recent visits to the U.S., I've had merchants refuse, balk or require approval from a manager before being accepting a $100 bill or in one instance a $50 bill. Is this widespread in the U.S.? I'm not using the larger denominations for small purchases but for amounts that are at least over half the face value of the proffered note.
Sep 14, 2025 | 2:35 pm
#2
Join Date: Jun 2015
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Larger chain stores (i.e. Walmart, Target, etc.) typically don't have a problem. Smaller stores may not have the ability to check for counterfeit notes or sufficient change in the cash drawer. Especially with the majority of transactions going on a card.
Sep 14, 2025 | 2:40 pm
#3
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Well, at least the OP didn't try to pass this one:
https://www.moaf.org/exhibits/checks...ln/10,000-bill
https://www.moaf.org/exhibits/checks...ln/10,000-bill
Sep 14, 2025 | 3:11 pm
#4
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On recent visits to the U.S., I've had merchants refuse, balk or require approval from a manager before being accepting a $100 bill or in one instance a $50 bill. Is this widespread in the U.S.? I'm not using the larger denominations for small purchases but for amounts that are at least over half the face value of the proffered note.
1. some stores are electronic payment only.
2. some only except smaller cash because of high counterfeiting rate around $50/$100 bills or they just don’t carry much cash in the register to make change.
i just came back home after being 2+ weeks in the road. I had a bunch of cash on me in terms of $50s. When I used these the price was near $50 this the change was under $5.
i only had issues with 2 purchases. Both didn’t have the register change.
May 1, 2026 | 6:59 pm
#5
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This is actually a more prevalent problem in other countries. On another rubric here on FlyerTalk, I relate how money exchangers in Japan give a higher rate for $100-dollar bills - while others decline them because of the fear of counterfeits.
I also remarked this was my first jaunt to Japan where I returned with more Yen then what I had brought. Japan has caught up with digital payments.
I also remarked this was my first jaunt to Japan where I returned with more Yen then what I had brought. Japan has caught up with digital payments.