Yes, you can order $2 bills from most banks, but you'll need to request them in advance
Banks keep $2 bills in circulation, but they don't stock them on the counter like $1 or $5 bills. You have to ask for them specifically, and most banks will order them for you within a few business days. Some banks charge a small fee for the service; others do it free. The process is straightforward: call your branch, speak to a teller or manager, and request a specific quantity.
The reason $2 bills are hard to find is not that they're rare or out of print. The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing still produces them. The problem is that most people and businesses don't use them, so banks don't order them regularly. When you want them, you're asking the bank to special-order from its regional Federal Reserve branch, which takes time.
Key Takeaways
- Call your bank's local branch and ask to order $2 bills; most banks will do this for you within three to seven business days.
- You may need to have an account at that bank, though some banks will order them for non-customers.
- A small fee (typically $2 to $5) may apply, but many banks waive it for account holders.
- $2 bills are legal tender and produced by the U.S. government, but they're uncommon in everyday use, which is why they're not readily available.
How to order $2 bills from your bank
Visit or call the branch where you hold your account. Ask to speak with a teller or a manager and tell them you want to order $2 bills. Be specific about how many you need—say "$100 in $2 bills" or "fifty $2 bills," for example. The bank will place an order with its Federal Reserve district bank.
Turnaround time is usually three to seven business days, though it can be faster or slower depending on the bank's relationship with the Federal Reserve and current demand. Some banks can order them same-day if you call early in the morning, but don't count on it. Ask when the bills will be ready and whether you need to pick them up in person or if they can be deposited into your account.
Bring your ID when you pick up the order. If the bank deposits them into your account, you can withdraw them at the teller window or an ATM (though ATMs rarely dispense $2 bills, so you'll likely need to go to a teller).
Fees and account requirements
Most banks charge a fee for ordering $2 bills because they're special-ordering from the Federal Reserve, which costs the bank money. The fee is usually $2 to $5 per order, regardless of how many bills you request. Some banks waive the fee for customers with checking or savings accounts, particularly if you maintain a minimum balance or have direct deposit set up.
You may be able to order $2 bills even if you don't have an account at the bank, but the fee will likely be higher, and the bank may require you to pay in advance. Call ahead and ask about the bank's policy for non-customers. Credit unions often have similar policies, so if you're a member, that's another place to try.
Why $2 bills are hard to find
The $2 bill has been printed since 1862, with a brief gap from 1966 to 1976. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing still produces them in small quantities—roughly 1% to 2% of all bills printed. But because so few people use them, they stay out of circulation. Businesses don't order them, customers don't ask for them, and banks don't stock them.
This creates a self-reinforcing cycle: people think $2 bills are rare or discontinued (they're not), so they don't ask for them. Banks see no demand, so they don't order them. The bills sit in Federal Reserve vaults. If you want them, you have to break the cycle by requesting them directly.
What to do if your bank won't order them
Most banks will order $2 bills for you, but a few smaller branches or banks with limited Federal Reserve access may decline. If your bank refuses, try a different branch of the same bank, or contact a larger bank in your area. Credit unions are often more flexible about special orders.
You can also contact your regional Federal Reserve bank directly, though they typically only work with banks and financial institutions, not individuals. The Federal Reserve's website lists the 12 regional banks by location; you can call and ask which banks in your area they work with most closely.
Using $2 bills after you get them
Once you have $2 bills, you can spend them anywhere in the United States. Retailers, vending machines, and banks all accept them as legal tender. Some cashiers or customers may be surprised to see them because they're uncommon, but there's nothing unusual or illegal about using them.
Many people collect $2 bills or use them for specific purposes—tipping, gifts, or teaching children about currency. Some people keep them as novelties. There's no rule against any of this. The bills are worth exactly $2, no more or less, regardless of their rarity in circulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are $2 bills worth more than $2?
No. A $2 bill is worth $2 in spending power. Older or rare $2 bills may have collector value, but standard circulating $2 bills are worth their face value only. If you're ordering from a bank, you're getting standard bills, not collectibles.
Can I get $2 bills from an ATM?
Most ATMs do not dispense $2 bills because they're not stocked in the machines. You'll need to go to a teller window at your bank to withdraw them after they've been ordered and deposited into your account.
How long does it take to get $2 bills?
Usually three to seven business days from the time you place the order. Some banks may be faster or slower depending on their Federal Reserve connection and current demand. Call your branch to ask for a specific timeline.
Do I need a bank account to order $2 bills?
Most banks prefer that you have an account, and they may waive the ordering fee if you do. Non-customers can usually order them, but expect to pay a higher fee and possibly provide payment upfront.
Why would I want $2 bills if they're so hard to get?
People order them for collecting, teaching children about currency, novelty tipping, or simply because they're uncommon and interesting. There's no practical advantage to using them over other bills—it's usually a matter of preference or curiosity.