We’ve been staring at the same faces on our money for a long time. Honestly, it’s been decades since the "greenback" had a truly radical makeover. But right now, behind the heavy security doors of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP), things are getting weird. In a good way.
The new American currency design isn’t just about making bills look "modern" or pretty. It’s a massive, multi-year technological overhaul that’s going to change how you interact with cash—and no, it’s not just the $20 bill everyone keeps talking about.
The 2026 Milestone: The $10 Bill Leads the Way
Most people assume the $20 bill is the first one on the chopping block because of the Harriet Tubman headlines. Actually, the $10 note is the "Catalyst." That’s the official code name for this new series of currency.
Why the ten? It’s simple. Security. The $10 bill is frequently targeted by counterfeiters, and the government wants to test out its newest tech on a high-volume note before hitting the "big" ones. The BEP has confirmed that the redesigned $10 note is scheduled to enter circulation in 2026.
What’s actually changing?
For the first time in U.S. history, we’re getting Raised Tactile Features (RTF). Basically, if you’re blind or have low vision, you’ll be able to feel exactly what bill you’re holding without needing a specialized reader app. It’s a huge deal for accessibility.
- Tactile dots or bumps: Expect a distinct texture near the edges.
- High-contrast colors: The hues will be more vibrant to help people with limited vision distinguish between denominations.
- Larger numerals: No more squinting to see if that’s a 1 or a 10 in a dark bar.
The $10 will keep Alexander Hamilton on the front (sorry, fans of the musical, he’s not going anywhere yet), but the back is expected to celebrate the 19th Amendment and the women’s suffrage movement.
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The Harriet Tubman $20: What’s the Real Hold Up?
You've heard about the Tubman $20 for years. It’s become a bit of a political football, but the logistical reality is even more complex than the politics.
Designing a banknote isn't like designing a flyer on Canva. It’s an engineering project. The Treasury Department, currently under Secretary Janet Yellen, has reaffirmed that Harriet Tubman will indeed grace the front of the $20 bill. However, you probably won't see it in your ATM until 2030.
The "Catalyst" Timeline
The government releases these in a specific, staggered sequence to give banks and vending machine manufacturers time to update their software. If they dropped all the new bills at once, the global economy would basically glitch out.
- $10 Note: Expected 2026.
- $50 Note: Expected 2028.
- $20 Note: Expected 2030 (The Tubman bill).
- $5 Note: Expected 2032–2035.
- $100 Note: Expected 2034–2038.
The $20 is the workhorse of the American economy. Because there are so many of them in circulation globally, the "testing" phase for its security features—like the 3D security ribbons and color-shifting inks—is incredibly rigorous.
Beyond the Portraits: The Tech You Can’t See
Let’s talk about the "secret sauce" of the new American currency design. Counterfeiters are getting scary good at using AI and high-end inkjet printers. To fight back, the U.S. is moving toward features that are nearly impossible to replicate at home.
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The new bills will likely feature optically variable ink that doesn't just change from green to black, but moves through a whole spectrum. There's also talk of "micro-optics"—tiny lenses embedded in the paper that make images appear to move when you tilt the bill.
No, we aren't going polymer
A lot of people ask if we're switching to plastic (polymer) like the UK, Canada, or Australia. Short answer: No.
The U.S. is sticking with its "linen-cotton" blend. We like the "crinkle." More importantly, the current U.S. printing infrastructure is built for paper. Switching to polymer would cost billions in new machinery, and the Treasury hasn't seen enough of a lifespan boost to justify that cost yet.
The "Star Note" is Dying
If you’re a currency collector, take note. The BEP is moving toward a "non-sequential" printing process.
In the old days, if a sheet of bills was messed up, they’d replace it with a "Star Note" (a bill with a little star at the end of the serial number). The new "Catalyst" equipment is so efficient that it doesn't need to do this anymore. We’re already seeing non-sequential $1 and $20 straps hitting banks. Eventually, the Star Note will be a relic of the past.
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How to Prepare for the Change
The shift to the new American currency design is going to be a slow burn, but it’s going to affect businesses first.
If you own a business with vending machines, self-checkout kiosks, or high-speed bill counters, you’re going to need firmware updates. The BEP is already working with "Banknote Equipment Manufacturers" (BEMs) to make sure their sensors can recognize the new $10 bill when it drops in 2026.
For the rest of us? Just keep an eye on your change. Within the next decade, the "Greenback" is going to be a lot more colorful, a lot more textured, and a lot harder to fake.
Your Action Plan for the Currency Shift:
- Check your equipment: If you handle cash, contact your machine vendors now to ask about "Catalyst Series" compatibility.
- Follow the BEP: The official uscurrency.gov site will release "Public Education" materials about six months before the $10 bill launch.
- Don't hoard the old stuff: Older bills will always be legal tender. There is no "recall," so you don't need to rush to the bank to exchange your current 20s.
- Watch for the 2026 "Unveiling": The final design of the $10 is expected to be shown to the public later this year or early next year.