Banks, ATMs and businesses in the United States will not accept $20 bills that do not meet integrity standards. This includes banknotes that are damaged or have stains depicting the historical figure, as well as many older series that no longer meet current security standards.
This measure, announced by the Federal Reserve and the US Treasury, comes as part of an effort to modernize the country's monetary system and improve security in financial transactions.
Older $20 bills, which do not have the more advanced security features found in newer versions, will be phased out. Improved security features on newer banknotes include watermarks, security strips and color changes that make counterfeiting more difficult.
The old notes will reportedly remain valid for transactions, but banks and other payment points will not accept them from the specified date. This will affect consumers who still have banknotes from the previous series in their possession, who will have to exchange them for the new banknotes through banking entities or the Federal Reserve itself.
Although this measure may cause some inconvenience in the short term, authorities say that withdrawing old banknotes is crucial to maintaining the integrity of the monetary system and combating counterfeiting. Banks prepare consumers for change, informing them of the dates and procedures necessary to replace rejected banknotes.
This step toward modernization reflects the United States' commitment to security and efficiency in its financial transactions, while working to adapt its monetary system to current technologies and standards.
The United States will reject damaged or old $20 bills to improve transaction security.
