“How to Tell if a $100 Dollar Bill is Fake“. With the advancement of printing technology, counterfeit money has become more convincing than ever—especially high-value denominations like the $100 bill. Whether you’re a business owner, a cashier, or an individual handling cash, knowing how to spot a fake $100 bill is essential.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the most effective and easy ways to tell if a $100 dollar bill is fake using security features built into authentic U.S. currency.
1. Check the Security Ribbon
The blue 3D security ribbon on the new $100 bill is one of the most difficult features to replicate.
How to test:
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Tilt the bill back and forth.
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You should see blue bells change into 100s and move side to side.
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The ribbon is woven into the bill, not printed on top.
If it looks like the ribbon is just printed or doesn’t move as described, it could be a fake.
2. Look for the Watermark
Hold the bill up to a light source. A faint image of Benjamin Franklin should appear on the right side of the bill (from the front).
What to check:
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The watermark is part of the paper itself.
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It should be visible from both sides of the bill.
No watermark or a blurry one is a clear red flag.
3. Feel the Paper Texture
Genuine U.S. currency is printed on a unique blend of cotton and linen, giving it a very distinct feel.
Test this by:
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Rubbing the paper between your fingers.
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Real bills feel slightly rough, not smooth like standard paper.
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The raised ink on Franklin’s shoulder should feel textured.
If it feels too smooth or thin, it’s likely fake.
4. Use the Color-Shifting Ink
In the bottom right-hand corner, the number 100 is printed in color-shifting ink.
What to do:
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Tilt the bill back and forth.
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The number should shift from copper to green.
Counterfeiters often overlook this feature or fail to replicate the correct ink.
5. Inspect the Microprinting
Microprinting is tiny text that is difficult to reproduce without advanced equipment.
Where to look:
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Around Franklin’s jacket collar (“The United States of America”).
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On the security threads and borders.
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“USA 100” near the quill and “ONE HUNDRED USA” along the golden quill.
If you need a magnifying glass to see it—that’s normal. If the text is blurry or missing, it’s a fake.
6. Check the Security Thread
There’s a thin, embedded security thread running vertically to the left of Franklin’s portrait.
How to verify:
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Hold the bill to the light.
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You should see “USA 100” printed repeatedly on the strip.
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It should glow pink under UV light.
No thread, or the wrong glow under blacklight, means it’s counterfeit.
7. Examine the Serial Numbers
The serial numbers are printed in matching green ink and should line up perfectly.
Warning signs:
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Uneven spacing or misalignment.
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Different font or smudging.
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The same serial number on two different bills.
Always compare a suspicious bill to a genuine one side-by-side if possible.
8. Use a Counterfeit Detector Pen (Optional)
A counterfeit pen reacts with the starch in regular paper.
How it works:
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Mark the bill with the pen.
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A dark mark means the paper is not genuine.
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A light or clear mark means it’s real.
While not foolproof, it’s a quick first step.
Conclusion: Trust Your Senses and Use Multiple Methods
No single test is 100% reliable, so it’s best to combine several of these techniques. The more familiar you are with real bills, the easier it becomes to spot a fake.
Bonus Tip:
Always trust your instinct—if it feels off, check it out.
Whether you’re running a business or receiving cash from someone, a quick inspection could save you from unknowingly accepting counterfeit money.
