Banks will replace torn money if enough of it remains to identify the bill
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing will replace currency that is torn, burned, faded, or otherwise damaged — but only if you can show more than half of the original bill. If less than half remains, the bill has no value and cannot be replaced. Banks do not do this work themselves; they send damaged currency to a regional Federal Reserve bank, which forwards it to the Bureau for examination.
The process is free, but it takes time. You will not get cash back the same day. Most replacements take four to eight weeks, though some cases take longer if the damage makes it hard to verify the bill's denomination or authenticity.
You do not need to be the person who damaged the money. If you find torn currency or inherit it, you can still request replacement. The only requirement is that you possess the bill and can deliver it to a bank.
Key Takeaways
- More than half of the bill must remain visible for the bank to send it for replacement; less than half means the money cannot be replaced.
- Take the damaged bill to any bank branch and ask to submit it for currency replacement — the bank will handle sending it to the Federal Reserve.
- Replacement takes four to eight weeks on average, and you will receive a check or deposit rather than cash.
- The service is free and works for any U.S. currency damaged by fire, water, mold, or physical tearing.
- If the bill is so damaged that its denomination cannot be determined, the Federal Reserve may deny replacement, though they will examine it first.
What counts as damage the bank will replace
The Federal Reserve accepts currency damaged by water, fire, mold, insects, chemicals, or physical tearing. Faded bills, bills stuck together, and bills that have been buried or exposed to the elements all may have access to. You do not need to explain how the damage happened.
Damage from normal wear — a bill that is straightforward old and thin from circulation — usually does not may have access to. The Federal Reserve distinguishes between damage from an event (a flood, a fire, a spill) and damage from age. If a bill is worn but still usable and identifiable, it will not be replaced.
Intentionally defaced bills — written on, drawn on, or deliberately cut — may be rejected. The Federal Reserve's position is that the damage was preventable. However, if you can show the defacement was accidental, some cases are approved.
How to submit damaged money to your bank
Walk into any bank branch with the damaged bill. Tell the teller you want to submit it for currency replacement. The teller will place it in a special envelope, record the denomination and condition, and send it through the bank's internal system to the nearest Federal Reserve bank.
You do not need an account at that bank. You do not need to call ahead. Most banks process these requests the same day you bring them in, though some branches may ask you to come back or may require a short form with your contact information.
If you have multiple damaged bills, bring them all at once. The bank can submit them together, and you will receive one response covering all of them. Keep the receipt or reference number the bank gives you; you will need it to check on the status of your replacement.
The timeline and how you receive your replacement
After the bank submits your bill, it travels to a regional Federal Reserve bank, where it is examined to confirm the denomination and that more than half remains. If it passes, it is forwarded to the Bureau of Engraving and Printing for final verification. This process typically takes four to eight weeks.
Once approved, you will receive a check mailed to the address you provided, or the replacement will be deposited directly into your bank account if you gave the bank that option. You will not receive new currency in exchange; the Federal Reserve issues a check for the face value of the bill.
If your bill is rejected — usually because less than half remains or the denomination cannot be determined — the bank will notify you by mail. Rejected bills are typically destroyed and not returned to you.
What happens if more than half the bill is missing
If less than half of the bill remains, the Federal Reserve will not replace it. There is no appeal process and no exception. The threshold is strict: you must be able to show more than 50 percent of the original bill's surface area.
This rule exists because the Federal Reserve needs enough of the bill visible to confirm its denomination, series, and serial number. Without that evidence, they cannot verify that you are not attempting to replace a bill twice or that the bill was genuine to begin with.
If you are unsure whether your bill meets the threshold, bring it to the bank anyway. The teller can look at it and give you an honest assessment before submitting it. There is no penalty for submitting a bill that will be rejected; the worst outcome is that you receive a letter saying it cannot be replaced.
Damaged money from natural disasters and accidents
If your money was damaged in a flood, fire, or other disaster, the replacement process is the same. The Federal Reserve does not treat disaster-damaged currency differently or prioritize it. Bring it to any bank and submit it through the normal channel.
If a large amount of currency was damaged — for example, a business lost a safe in a fire — you can contact the Federal Reserve bank in your region directly to ask about bulk submission. They may have a different process for large quantities, though the replacement timeline and rules remain the same.
Insurance does not typically cover currency damage, so replacement through the Federal Reserve is usually your only option. Keep the receipt from your bank submission in case you need to document the loss for tax purposes or for a disaster relief claim.
When the bank cannot help and what to do instead
If a bank branch refuses to submit your damaged bill, contact the Federal Reserve bank that serves your region directly. You can mail the bill to them with a letter explaining the damage and your contact information. The Federal Reserve's website lists the address for each regional bank.
Some very old or rare bills may be rejected by the Federal Reserve but accepted by a currency dealer or collector. If your bill is from the 1800s or earlier, or if it has historical value, consider having it appraised before submitting it for replacement. Once the Federal Reserve rejects it, you cannot get it back.
If you believe your bill was rejected in error, you can write to the Federal Reserve bank that handled it and request a review. Include photographs of the bill and explain why you think it meets the replacement criteria. Response times for appeals vary, but most are resolved within a few weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace a bill that is only slightly torn?
Yes. The Federal Reserve will replace any bill where more than half remains, regardless of how minor the damage is. A small tear does not disqualify it. Bring it to your bank and submit it through the normal process.
What if I have a bill that is half and half, split right down the middle?
If exactly 50 percent remains, it will likely be rejected because the rule requires more than half. However, if the two halves are still connected or if one half is slightly larger, it may be accepted. Submit it and let the Federal Reserve make the information.
Do I have to go to my own bank, or can I use any bank?
You can use any bank. You do not need an account there. Walk in, ask to submit damaged currency, and the teller will process it. Some banks may ask for your name and address for their records.
How do I check on the status of my replacement?
Contact the bank where you submitted the bill and provide the reference number they gave you. The bank can check with the Federal Reserve on your behalf. You can also contact the Federal Reserve bank in your region directly if the bank cannot help.
What if the check gets lost in the mail?
Contact the Federal Reserve bank that issued the replacement. Provide your reference number and the date you submitted the bill. They can issue a replacement check or stop payment on the original and reissue it.