I have been searching through several thousand dollars of notes this week and I notice that about 15% were in such bad shape I wouldn’t give them back in change. I would say about 65% were heavily worn and the rest were in what I would call circulated condition. I didn’t see a single bill that looked new. I asked several banks if this was normal and every one said the notes they get back from the feds have been terrible. I was wondering if it’s always been like this or am I just noticing it because I’m stack searching?
I think since your looking through notes and examining them very closley You are noticing the condition which you stated isnt that great, Next time When you go to the bank ask for new bills they usually have some on hand In stacks
I ask for new notes but the tellers say they only get new notes at Christmas, some of them actually laugh. I live in Montana so I was curious if it’s like this everywhere? Also I usually exchange about $1,600.00 at a time. I go from five to tens to ones do you think I might be exchanging too much at a time?
I would say about half the bills I get from the bank have holes or tears. I tape them up and spend them. I think the fed removes the ones with tape or markings. I don't strap search so all of my data is based just on casual usage. I live in a city with a FRB and I rarely see a nasty $1 bill. Larger denominations it's hit or miss.
I have been rotating to several banks, but the main bank is 1st Interstate. I also found out that they supply many smaller banks with their notes.
Not sure what is around you but if you had a Wells Fargo, Bank of America, Citi Bank I know they could accomadate your request, The smaller banks not so much as They have a much smaller volume of money flowing in and out!!
You might also try a large grocery store. Do they have any large chains in Montana? LOL! Ask at the service desk if they have any packs of new bills. Chris
