As a Bank Teller, Here Are 9 Compelling Reasons to Skip Requesting $2 Bills
Two-dollar bills—grandparents love giving them, and kids love receiving them. But according to bank teller Rachael P., they can be more than just a quirky gift; they can be quite annoying.
Rachael, who has been a bank teller for a long time, says that nothing slows down her day more than a customer asking for a $2 bill. “You really don’t want to be that person,” she advises.
Here are the reasons why you should avoid asking for a $2 bill from the bank:
**They’re Rarely Available**
Most people don’t even know $2 bills exist, so banks don’t keep many on hand. When someone asks for them, they usually have to special order them, which is a hassle.
**No Room in the Cash Drawer**
Cash drawers are organized for the bills used every day—ones, fives, tens, twenties. There’s no designated spot for $2 bills, so they end up being placed wherever they fit, disrupting the system and making it harder to balance the drawer at the end of the day.
**They Disrupt the Flow**
Counting cash requires a certain rhythm, and $2 bills throw off that rhythm. It’s like hitting a speed bump, slowing down the process.
**They Confuse New Tellers**
New tellers often haven’t seen a $2 bill before and may think it’s fake or a misprint. This confusion can slow down the line as someone more experienced has to step in to clarify.
**People Think They’re Fake**
Due to their rarity, many places don’t accept $2 bills. Their systems aren’t set up for them, and employees might not know how to handle them, making them hard to use.
**They’re More Likely to Be Saved Than Spent**
When people get a $2 bill, they often keep it as a novelty or good luck charm, meaning these bills don’t circulate much and just gather dust in collections.
**Businesses Don’t Want Them**
If a business ends up with a lot of $2 bills, they often bring them back to the bank, creating a surplus that’s hard to get back into circulation.
**They Slow Down Transactions**
Using $2 bills to pay can slow things down, especially in busy places like Target. The novelty wears off quickly when people are waiting in line behind you.
**They’re Just Not Practical**
At the end of the day, $2 bills aren’t practical for most people. They’re not widely used, and the chance of getting one that’s worth a lot of money is very slim. While they might be cute and quirky, it’s better to stick with the bills that everyone wants.