Which bills are most commonly counterfeited?

The $20 bill is most commonly counterfeited (about 60% of all counterfeits) because it's valuable but scrutinized less than $50s and $100s. The $100 is second-most counterfeited.

Do counterfeit detector pens really work?

Not reliably. They only detect starch in paper, but sophisticated counterfeits on starch-free paper pass the test. The feel, tilt, and light tests are far more reliable.

What happens if I deposit counterfeit money?

If your bank detects counterfeit bills, they'll confiscate them and report to the Secret Service. You won't receive credit for counterfeit bills, so you lose that money.

Can ATMs detect counterfeit bills?

Modern ATMs have counterfeit detection, but it's not perfect. They reject obvious fakes but may miss sophisticated counterfeits. Banks review deposited cash afterward.

Published: January 6, 2025

Security Guide

How to Spot Fake Money

Learn how to identify counterfeit bills by checking security features.

The 5 Essential Counterfeit Tests

Genuine U.S. currency has multiple security features that are extremely difficult to replicate. By checking these five characteristics, you can quickly identify most counterfeits without any special equipment:

How to check if money is real U.S. Currency Education Program

1. Feel Test

Real currency has a distinctive texture: raised printing you can feel with your fingernail.

2. Tilt Test

Color-shifting ink on $10+ bills changes from copper/gold to green when tilted.

3. Light Test

Hold the bill up. You should see the watermark portrait and security thread.

4. Look Test

Examine fine-line printing details; counterfeits often appear blurry.

5. Compare Test

Compare suspicious bills to known genuine ones of the same denomination.

Security Features by Denomination

Different denominations have different security features. Higher denominations have more security elements because they're targeted more by counterfeiters.

Currency security features explained $100 bill security guide U.S. Currency Education Program

Feature	$1-$5	$10-$20	$50-$100
Color-Shifting Ink	No	Yes ($10+)	Yes
Security Thread	Yes ($5+)	Yes	Yes
Watermark	No	Yes	Yes
3D Security Ribbon	No	No	Yes ($100 only)
Bell in Inkwell	No	No	Yes ($100 only)
Microprinting	Limited	Yes	Extensive
UV Glow Color	None	Orange ($10), Green ($20)	Pink ($50), Pink ($100)

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How to Use the Feel Test

This is your most reliable quick check. Real U.S. currency is printed on cotton-linen blend paper (not wood pulp paper) using intaglio printing that creates a distinctive raised texture.

Bureau of Engraving and Printing

Run Your Fingernail

Drag across the portrait's shoulder area. You should feel distinct ridges.

Check the Collar

The fine lines in the collar should feel textured, not smooth.

Feel the Seal

The Treasury seal should have raised, sharp edges.

Snap Test

Real currency has a crisp snap when pulled taut; counterfeits feel limp.

Paper Weight

Genuine bills feel neither too thin nor too thick compared to known good bills.

Security Thread Locations

Each denomination has a security thread embedded in a specific location. When held to light, you should see a thin strip with text. Under UV light, each glows a specific color.

U.S. Currency Education Program $100 bill identifier

$5 Bill

Right side of Lincoln. Reads 'USA FIVE'. Glows blue under UV.

$10 Bill

Right side of Hamilton. Reads 'USA TEN'. Glows orange under UV.

$20 Bill

Left side of Jackson. Reads 'USA TWENTY'. Glows green under UV.

$50 Bill

Right side of Grant. Reads 'USA 50'. Glows yellow under UV.

$100 Bill

Left side of Franklin. Reads 'USA 100'. Glows pink under UV.

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Why Counterfeit Pens Don't Work

Many businesses rely on counterfeit detector pens, but they're not reliable. Here's why you shouldn't depend on them:

Currency security features

How They Work

Pens detect starch in regular paper by turning dark. Real currency has no starch.

The Problem

Sophisticated counterfeits printed on starch-free paper pass the pen test.

False Positives

Pens can wrongly mark genuine older bills if they've been contaminated.

Better Method

Use the feel, tilt, and light tests instead; they check features pens can't detect.

What To Do With Counterfeit Money

If you suspect you've received counterfeit currency, handle it carefully and report it properly:

U.S. Currency Education Program How to check if money is real

Don't Return It

Never try to pass a suspected counterfeit to someone else. That's illegal.

Limit Handling

Handle the bill as little as possible to preserve fingerprint evidence.

Note Details

Write down where and when you received it and description of the passer.

Contact Authorities

Call your local police or U.S. Secret Service field office.

Place in Envelope

Store the bill in a protective envelope until authorities collect it.

Features

How CashScan Helps With Money Instantly

Security Features

Learn about watermarks, security threads, and color-shifting ink.

Denomination Guide

Know which security features appear on each denomination.

UV Light Tips

Understand how bills react under ultraviolet light.

Feel Test Guide

Learn the distinctive texture of genuine currency paper.

Try CashScan free to scan, identify, and value your bills.

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FAQ

Spot Fake Money Instantly FAQ

Use the 5-point check: Feel for raised printing texture, tilt to see color-shifting ink ($10+), hold to light to see watermark and security thread, examine fine details, and compare to a known genuine bill.