You’ve probably seen the headlines. People are talking about a "new 100 dollar bill" as if a flashy, redesigned Benjamin Franklin is about to drop into your wallet tomorrow. It’s one of those things that gets people excited—or paranoid—about the cash they’re holding. But honestly, there is a lot of noise out there. Some folks think the old ones are going to be "void" soon, while others are convinced the new design is part of some secret plan to track our spending.
Let's clear the air.
As of early 2026, the $100 bill you’re likely carrying is still the "Series 2013" or the updated "Series 2021" version. If you were expecting a radical makeover this year, you might want to adjust your expectations. While the U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is indeed working on a massive overhaul of American paper money, the new 100 dollar bill isn't scheduled to hit the streets until roughly 2034.
Yeah, you read that right. Almost another decade.
The Redesign Roadmap: Where Does the $100 Fit?
The government doesn't just wake up and decide to change the money because they're bored. It’s basically an arms race against counterfeiters. The "Catalyst" family of banknotes is the official name for this upcoming generation of currency.
It’s a slow rollout.
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The $10 bill is actually the first one on the chopping block, slated for 2026. Then comes the $50 in 2028, followed by the $20 in 2030. The $5 bill is looking at 2032. The $100 bill—the big dog—is the final piece of the puzzle in 2034.
Why the delay? Well, the $100 is the most widely circulated U.S. banknote globally. Most of them aren't even inside the United States. Over half of all $100 bills are held abroad. Changing it requires massive international coordination, updates to every ATM from New York to Tokyo, and making sure everyone from street vendors in Manila to bankers in London knows how to spot a fake.
Security Features You Need to Know Right Now
Even though the "next-next" version is years away, many people still don't know how to authenticate the new 100 dollar bill that's currently in their pocket. If you’re still using a counterfeit pen, stop. They’re kinda useless against "bleached" bills where a $1 is turned into a $100.
Instead, you’ve gotta use your eyes and fingers.
The 3D Security Ribbon
That blue stripe down the middle isn’t just a sticker. It’s actually woven into the paper, not printed on it. If you tilt the bill back and forth, you’ll see the little bells change into the number "100." If you tilt it side to side, they move up and down. It’s trippy, and it’s incredibly hard for scammers to replicate.
The Bell in the Inkwell
There’s a copper-colored inkwell on the front. Inside it is a bell. When you tilt the bill, that bell changes from copper to green. This makes it look like the bell is appearing and disappearing. It’s subtle, but it’s a dead giveaway for a cheap fake.
That Distinctive Feel
Genuine U.S. currency is 75% cotton and 25% linen. It’s not actually paper—it’s fabric. If you run your fingernail across Benjamin Franklin’s shoulder, it should feel rough. That’s "intaglio" printing, a fancy way of saying the ink is raised off the surface. If it feels as smooth as a page from a magazine, it’s probably a fake.
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Why the Redesign Is Happening
Modern scanners and printers are getting scary good. That’s the short version. The BEP is looking at adding things like "Overt, Covert, and Forensic" features.
- Overt features are the ones you can see, like the 3D ribbon.
- Covert features are for machines or bank tellers with UV lights.
- Forensic features are top-secret stuff only the Fed can verify.
There is also a huge push for accessibility. For a long time, the U.S. was one of the few countries that didn't have tactile features for the blind. The new series will finally address this, adding raised bumps or different textures so people can tell a $100 from a $1 by touch alone.
What Happens to Your "Old" Money?
This is where the rumors get wild. You might have heard that "old" bills will be worthless once the new ones come out.
That is 100% false.
All U.S. currency remains legal tender, regardless of when it was issued. You could walk into a grocery store today with a $100 bill from 1950 and, legally, it’s still worth a hundred bucks. In fact, it might be worth more to a collector. The Federal Reserve never "recalls" old designs. They just wait for them to wear out, and when the old ones come back to the bank, they’re shredded and replaced with the newest version.
The average lifespan of a $100 bill is about 23 years. They’re built like tanks compared to $1 bills, which usually only last about 6 or 7 years.
How to Protect Yourself From Scams
When news about a "new" bill starts circulating, scammers come out of the woodwork. They might try to convince you that you need to "exchange" your old cash for the new series.
Don't fall for it.
There is never a requirement to trade in your money. If someone tells you the government is "devaluing" the current series, they’re lying.
Quick Checklist for Authenticity:
- Check the Watermark: Hold it up to a light. You should see a faint image of Ben Franklin in the white space on the right.
- Look for the Thread: There is a vertical security thread that glows pink under a UV light. It says "USA 100" on it.
- Microprinting: If you have a magnifying glass, look at Franklin’s jacket collar. You’ll see "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA" in tiny letters.
Practical Next Steps
If you’re a business owner or someone who handles a lot of cash, don't wait for 2034 to get your act together.
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First, train your team on the "Feel, Tilt, Check" method. It’s faster than any machine and works 99% of the time. Second, if you have an older bill that looks suspicious, take it to a bank. They won't give you a fresh one if it’s fake (you’ll actually lose the money), but it beats accidentally trying to spend it and getting a visit from the Secret Service.
Lastly, keep an eye on the $10 bill redesign coming later this year. It will give us the first real look at the "Catalyst" security features that will eventually make their way onto the new 100 dollar bill. Understanding how the new $10 works will make you an expert by the time the big bills start changing.
The U.S. dollar is the world's reserve currency for a reason. Its design is a balance of history and high-tech defense. While the look of the $100 will change eventually, its value and the tech keeping it safe are always evolving.
Stay skeptical of "immediate" change rumors, and just keep an eye on the inkwell.