Overview

• With the peso’s prolonged slide, many households continue to keep savings in U.S. cash outside banks despite recent rate increases on fixed-term deposits.
• Experts advise a cool, dry environment using an airtight safe or container with silica gel and recommend non‑PVC sleeves to protect paper and ink.
• Handling should be minimized to avoid oils, dirt and tears, and bills should not be folded or bound with rubber bands that degrade and stick over time.
• Common hiding places to avoid include drawers, bathrooms, shoeboxes, clothing, under mattresses, refrigerators or freezers, damp basements and planters or gardens.
• Under Federal Reserve standards, cut notes, bills with missing corners, moisture or heat wear and pronounced discoloration or markings can be rejected by U.S. banks, ATMs and retailers, which can also reduce the rate offered when exchanging cash.