You’ve probably seen it. That bright blue ribbon, the weirdly copper bell that turns green, and a Benjamin Franklin who looks just a little more "HD" than he used to. People are calling it the 100 dollar new bill, even though it’s been trickling into our wallets for a few years now.
But here’s the thing.
The U.S. Treasury doesn't just change the look of our cash because they’re bored. It’s a literal arms race. On one side, you have the Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP). On the other, you have high-tech counterfeiters using tools that would’ve made 1990s scammers drool.
Honestly, the "new" hundred is a masterpiece of engineering. It’s the most complex piece of paper—well, 75% cotton and 25% linen—that you’ll ever carry.
What’s actually different about this 100 dollar new bill?
If you're still carrying around the "small head" bills from the early 90s, you're basically holding a relic. The newest version, officially the Series 2013 and later, is a different beast entirely.
The first thing you’ll notice is the 3-D Security Ribbon. It’s that blue vertical stripe. Most people think it’s just printed on the paper. Nope. It’s actually woven through the fibers. If you tilt the bill, you’ll see tiny bells that transform into the number 100.
But wait, there's a trick to it.
When you move the bill back and forth, the bells and 100s move up and down. If you tilt it side to side, they move horizontally. It’s a weird optical illusion that is incredibly hard for a standard printer to replicate.
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The Bell in the Inkwell
Just to the right of Ben's shoulder is a copper-colored inkwell. Inside it sits a bell.
When you tilt the 100 dollar new bill, that bell changes from copper to green. This isn't just a "pretty" feature. It’s using color-shifting ink that costs a fortune to produce. The effect is supposed to make the bell appear and disappear inside the inkwell. It’s kinda like magic, but with chemistry.
Why the government is changing the 100 dollar bill again
So, if the 2013 version is so great, why are people talking about a "new" new one?
Because the clock is ticking.
The Advanced Counterfeit Deterrence (ACD) Committee, which is basically a group of experts from the Secret Service, the Treasury, and the Fed, has already set a timeline. Technology moves fast. The scanners and printers available at your local electronics store are getting better every year.
According to the latest government schedules, the next major redesign—the "Catalyst Series"—is already in the works.
- The $10 bill is up first in late 2026.
- The $50 bill follows in 2028.
- The $20 bill (the one everyone is watching for the Harriet Tubman change) hits in 2030.
- The $100 dollar new bill is currently slated for release between 2034 and 2038.
Why wait so long for the hundred? Honestly, it’s because the current one is still doing its job. It’s the most widely circulated U.S. note outside the country, meaning it has to be perfect before they launch a new version.
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How to tell if your 100 dollar new bill is real (The 5-Second Test)
Don't just rely on those yellow counterfeit pens. Those pens only check for starch in the paper. If a scammer bleaches a $5 bill and prints a $100 on top of it, the pen will say it’s real.
You need to do the "Feel, Tilt, Check" method.
Feel the Texture
Run your fingernail along Ben Franklin’s shoulder. You should feel "raised printing." It feels rough and slightly abrasive. If it’s smooth as a magazine page, it’s a fake.
The Light Test
Hold the bill up to a light. To the right of the portrait, you should see a faint "watermark" image of Benjamin Franklin. It should be visible from both sides. If it’s not there, or if it looks like it was drawn on with a marker, get rid of it.
The UV Glow
If you have access to a blacklight, the 100 dollar new bill has a vertical security thread that glows pink. On a $50 it's yellow, and on a $20 it's green. If your hundred glows blue or doesn't glow at all, you've got a problem.
Common Misconceptions
People often think old money is worthless. "Will my old hundreds still work?"
Absolutely.
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The U.S. government has never devalued its currency. Even if you find a $100 bill from 1920 in your attic, it’s still worth $100 at any bank. They just won't put it back into circulation; they'll send it to the Fed to be shredded and replaced with the 100 dollar new bill.
The tech inside the paper
U.S. currency paper isn't really paper. It’s a blend of cotton and linen.
If you look really closely at a genuine bill, you’ll see tiny red and blue security fibers. These aren't printed. They are mixed into the "soup" before the paper is even made. High-end counterfeits often try to print these tiny lines, but they usually look blurry under a magnifying glass.
Speaking of magnifying glasses, look at Ben’s collar.
There is microprinting that says "THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA." It’s so small that most people just think it’s a solid line. If you see a blob of ink instead of actual letters, the bill is a counterfeit.
What to do if you find a fake
This is the part nobody likes. If you realize you’ve been handed a fake 100 dollar new bill, you’re technically out $100.
- Do not try to pass it to someone else. That’s a felony.
- Do try to remember who gave it to you.
- Contact the U.S. Secret Service or local police.
Most banks will confiscate the bill and give you a receipt, but they won't give you a real $100 in exchange. It’s a tough pill to swallow, which is why learning these security features is so important.
Actionable Steps for 2026
If you handle cash for a business or just want to stay sharp, here is what you should do right now:
- Check the Ribbon: Always look for the 3-D movement on the blue stripe first. It is the hardest feature to fake.
- Watch the Series: Keep an eye out for "Series 2013" or "Series 2017A" on the bill. These are the most current and secure versions.
- Download the App: The "Cash Assist" app by the U.S. government is actually pretty decent. It uses your camera to show you exactly where the security features should be on any bill you're holding.
- Prepare for the $10: Since the new $10 is coming later this year (2026), start practicing your "Feel, Tilt, Check" routine now. The security tech on that bill will be even more advanced than what we see on the current hundred.
Cash isn't dying; it's just getting a massive tech upgrade. Whether you're a collector or just someone trying not to get scammed at a yard sale, knowing the guts of the 100 dollar new bill is the only way to stay protected.