How to Order $2 Bills

There is a right way to ask for $2 bills at the bank — or, at least, this is the way I do it.

I bank with Capital One. I can't say that all banks are the same, or that every branch follows the exact same process. This is my experience.

Do not do this

Do not go to the bank and jump straight to asking for twos. Do not walk in and immediately ask, “Do you have any $2 bills?” And don't try to exchange cash for cash.

Instead, make a normal withdrawal.

Do this

First say:

“I would like to make a withdrawal, please.”

Amount:

$220

Then they verify you. Cool.

Eventually, they will ask you something like:

“How would you like your bills?”

And you say:

“All $2 notes.”

They may say anything. Maybe they have some. Maybe they do not have enough. Maybe they have none in the drawer. That's fine.

Ask:

“May I place an order for a band of $2 notes?”

They should be able to tell you whether they can place the order.

Technically, the Federal Reserve calls 100 notes a strap; the paper wrapper around it is the band. A strap of 100 $2 notes is $200. In normal conversation, though, asking for a “band of $2 notes” gets the point across.

Then say:

“I would like to withdraw $20 today.”

Ask for as many $2s as they have in the drawer. And the rest in pennies.

Yes, pennies.

Do not leave without a pickup date

This part matters. Ask:

“What day should I come back to pick them up?”

At my branch, that timing lines up with the armored truck bringing orders and handling pickups. Your bank or branch may work differently, so ask them for the actual date.

Then, maybe the day before your pickup, check in.

Just roll with it. It's not a big deal.

The short version

1. Don't walk in and jump straight to asking for twos.
2. Don't try to exchange cash for cash.
3. Say: “I would like to make a withdrawal, please.”
4. Withdraw $220.
5. When asked, say: “All $2 notes.”
6. If needed, ask: “May I place an order for a band of $2 notes?”
7. The requested $2 order is $200.
8. Withdraw $20 today.
9. Ask for available $2s and the rest in pennies.
10. Do not leave without a pickup date.
11. Check in around the day before pickup.
12. Go back and get your twos.

Just roll with it. It's not a big deal.

Where to buy uncut currency sheets

If you want sheets rather than circulating notes, use the official U.S. Mint catalog. The Bureau of Engraving and Printing (BEP) says its public currency products are sold through the Mint's store. Availability changes, so check the current listing before you buy.

Those are official sales and reference pages, not a guarantee that a particular $2 sheet is in stock.