A new series of redesigned U.S. banknotes is scheduled to roll out gradually over the next decade. The planned timeline currently includes:
$10 bill — expected around 2026
$50 bill — expected around 2028
$20 bill — expected around 2030
$5 bill — expected between 2032 and 2035
$100 bill — expected between 2034 and 2038
This staggered rollout allows banks, retailers, and equipment manufacturers time to update machines and train staff to recognize the new designs.
A Complex Testing Process
Before a new bill reaches circulation, it goes through extensive testing. Each design must be evaluated to ensure it performs reliably in everyday transactions and works with the millions of machines that process cash worldwide.
According to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, there are more than 10 million banknote-processing machines globally that must recognize new designs before they are released.
To prepare for this, sample notes are provided to equipment manufacturers and financial institutions so machines can be calibrated in advance.
New Features Designed for Security and Accessibility
Future U.S. banknotes will include enhanced security elements and may incorporate new technologies that make verification easier while making counterfeiting significantly harder.
Some upcoming designs are also expected to include raised tactile features, allowing visually impaired individuals to identify bills by touch.
These improvements reflect the broader goal of making currency both secure and accessible for everyone who uses it.
Educating the Public Before New Bills Launch
Interestingly, new currency designs are not revealed immediately. The government typically announces them about six to eight months before the bills enter circulation.
This short window helps educate businesses and the public about the new features while preventing counterfeiters from studying the designs too far in advance.
What This Means for Businesses
As new bills enter circulation, businesses will need to familiarize staff with updated security features and ensure their cash-handling processes remain effective.
While currency designs evolve, the fundamentals of verification remain the same:
Check security features
Verify paper authenticity
Use reliable detection tools
Counterfeit detection technology plays an important role in helping businesses quickly authenticate bills at the point of sale.
Cash Is Evolving — But Still Essential
Even as digital payments grow, cash remains one of the most widely used payment methods in the world. By continuously improving banknote design and security, the U.S. government ensures the dollar remains trusted, recognizable, and difficult to counterfeit.
For businesses and consumers alike, staying informed about these changes is an important step in protecting every transaction.
