A Bank Teller’s Advice: 3 Scenarios to Avoid Requesting $50 Bills
In banking, some currency denominations are more popular than others. Most people are familiar with $1, $5, $10, and $20 bills, but the $50 bill often gets overlooked. However, in 2022, the U.S. government printed a record 756 million $50 bills. This surge was due to Americans hoarding larger denominations during the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the $50 bill’s historical unpopularity and some superstitions attached to it.
Even with this increase, bank tellers say the $50 bill is still less popular than other denominations. Rachael P., an experienced bank teller, has encountered many unusual requests, and asking for $50 bills is one of them, making her day a bit more complicated.
When the bank is busy, asking for a $50 bill can be a major inconvenience. Rachael explains that mornings and lunch rushes are particularly hectic, with lines out the door. She suggests saving such requests for quieter times, like mid-morning or mid-afternoon, so she can take the time to find the bills without causing delays.
Sometimes, tellers have too many of certain bills, like $20s, and asking for $50s isn’t ideal. Banks aim to maintain a balanced distribution of currency, and having too many of one type can cause logistical issues. Rachael hopes customers understand that balancing cash inventory is essential to meet everyone’s needs.
Another bad time to ask for a $50 bill is when the bank is running low on cash. While banks try to stay fully stocked, they don’t carry as many $50s. Tracking down fresh $50s can be a hassle, often requiring calls to other branches or trips to the main vault.
On a lighter note, Rachael shares a fun fact: some people believe the $50 bill is cursed because President Ulysses S. Grant is on it, and they think he brings bad luck. While Rachael doesn’t necessarily believe in the curse, she finds it interesting and one of the quirky aspects of working at a bank.
Rachael’s advice is to be considerate of the bank’s operations and the tellers’ workload. She loves her job and helping customers, but asking for $50 bills during busy times isn’t ideal. However, if you plan ahead and visit during slower periods, she’ll be happy to help and might even share a story about the so-called curse of President Grant!