The short answer: yes, but with conditions
You can order a $500 bill from most banks, but it will take time and the bank may ask why you want it. The $500 bill stopped printing in 1969, so any bill you receive will be a collector's item from decades ago, not fresh currency. The bank will charge you a premium over face value—sometimes significantly—because these bills are rare and have numismatic (collector) value. If you straightforward need $500 in spending money, you'll get it faster and cheaper by withdrawing five $100 bills instead.
The process varies by bank and by how much notice you give. Some banks keep a few high-denomination bills on hand for customers who specifically request them. Others will need to order from a currency dealer, which can take weeks. A few banks decline the request altogether because the logistics don't make sense for their operation.
Key Takeaways
- $500 bills have not been printed since 1969, so you are buying a used collector's bill, not new currency.
- Your bank will charge you more than $500 for a $500 bill—the markup covers the rarity and the cost of sourcing it.
- You need to call your bank's main branch or currency desk in advance; you cannot walk in and expect to leave with one the same day.
- If you need $500 in cash to spend, withdrawing five $100 bills is when ready and costs nothing extra.
Why $500 bills are not regular currency anymore
The U.S. Bureau of Engraving and Printing stopped making $500 bills in 1969. The Federal Reserve pulled them from circulation over the following decades because they were rarely used in everyday transactions and were sometimes exploited for money laundering. Today, any $500 bill in existence is between 50 and 100+ years old.
The bills that do exist are still legal tender—you can spend one at face value if you wanted to—but almost nobody does. A $500 bill from the 1950s or 1960s is worth far more to a collector than its $500 face value. Condition, series, and signature combinations affect the price. A well-preserved bill might sell for $700 to $1,500 or more at auction, depending on its rarity.
How to order one from your bank
Start by calling your bank's main branch or asking to speak with someone in the currency department. Not every employee will know how to handle this request, so be specific: you want to order a $500 bill and you understand it will take time and cost more than face value.
The bank will likely ask you to come in person to discuss the details. They need to know your account history with them, confirm you have the funds to cover the purchase, and sometimes verify your reason for wanting the bill. Some banks treat this as a special order and will contact a currency dealer on your behalf. Others will tell you they cannot source one and suggest you contact a rare currency dealer directly.
Expect to wait one to four weeks, depending on the bank's supplier and how quickly they can locate a bill that meets your specifications. You will pay the bank's cost plus a handling fee, which typically ranges from $50 to $200 over face value, though it can be higher for particularly rare series or signatures.
What to expect when you pick it up
When the bill arrives, the bank will hold it for you to collect. You'll pay the agreed-upon price in full—usually by check or bank transfer rather than cash, since the amount will be several hundred dollars above face value. The bank will give you the bill in a protective sleeve or holder, because handling a rare bill with bare hands can damage it and reduce its collector value.
The bill will come with documentation showing its series, signature combination, and condition grade if the bank or dealer assessed it. Keep this paperwork if you plan to sell the bill later; it proves authenticity and condition to future buyers.
Why going to a rare currency dealer might be faster
If your bank cannot source a $500 bill or the timeline is too long, you can contact a rare currency dealer directly. Dealers like PCGS Currency, PMG (Paper Money Guaranty), or independent numismatic shops often have $500 bills in stock and can ship them to you within days.
Buying from a dealer means you pay their retail price, which is typically higher than what a bank would charge, but you avoid the waiting period. You also get more choice: dealers can show you multiple bills with different signatures, series, and condition grades so you can pick the one that matches what you want. Prices at dealers usually range from $600 to $2,000 depending on the bill's age and condition.
The cost breakdown
Here's what you actually pay for a $500 bill:
| Component | Cost |
|---|---|
| Face value of the bill | $500 |
| Bank sourcing fee or dealer markup | $50–$200+ (bank) or $100–$1,500+ (dealer) |
| Shipping (if ordered from dealer) | $10–$30 |
| Insurance (optional but recommended) | $15–$50 |
| Total out of pocket | $575–$2,080+ |
The wide range reflects the huge variation in what $500 bills cost depending on their age, condition, and rarity. A common bill from the 1960s in average condition might cost $600 to $800 total. A rare signature combination or a bill in near-perfect condition can cost $1,500 to $2,000 or more.
When a $500 bill makes sense to get
Most people who order $500 bills are collectors, not people who need cash. If you're a numismatist building a collection of high-denomination currency, or you want a specific bill for its historical or signature value, the cost and wait time are worth it.
If you need $500 in cash for a transaction, a purchase, or a withdrawal, do not order a $500 bill. You will spend more money, wait longer, and end up with something you cannot easily use. Withdraw five $100 bills instead, which takes minutes and costs nothing.
The only other reason to get a $500 bill is as a gift or novelty item for someone interested in currency history. In that case, be prepared to spend $600 to $1,000 and explain to the recipient that it's a collector's piece, not spending money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a $500 bill real money I can spend?
Yes, it is legal tender and you can spend it at face value anywhere in the United States. In practice, almost no one does because the bill is worth far more to collectors than $500. A store clerk might not recognize it or might refuse it out of unfamiliarity, but the bill itself is genuine and valid.
Why did the government stop printing $500 bills?
The Federal Reserve stopped production in 1969 because high-denomination bills were rarely used in everyday commerce and were sometimes used to hide large sums of money illegally. Modern banking and electronic transfers made physical large bills unnecessary for legitimate transactions.
How much will my bank charge me for a $500 bill?
Banks typically charge $50 to $200 above face value as a sourcing or handling fee, though some charge more. The exact amount depends on the bank's supplier, how rare the specific bill is, and how quickly they can locate one. Ask your bank for a quote before you commit to ordering.
Can I buy a $500 bill online?
Yes, rare currency dealers sell $500 bills through their websites. You can browse inventory, see photos and condition grades, and order for shipment. Prices are usually higher than what a bank would charge, but you get faster delivery and more selection. Make sure the dealer is reputable and offers authenticity guarantees.
What if I want to sell a $500 bill I own?
Contact a rare currency dealer or auction house that specializes in paper money. They will assess the bill's condition, series, and signature, then make you an offer or list it for auction. The price you receive depends on rarity and condition—expect to get less than what you paid for it unless the bill has become more valuable since you bought it.