11 Brilliant Uses for $2 Bills

Yes, $2 bills are real U.S. currency, but it may be harder to remember the last time you saw one compared to a $1 bill.

You can use them to buy things just as you would any other denomination, but there is something fun about giving them away or spending them on novel items.

Consider requesting $2 bills from your checking account the next time you go to the bank and try these unique ways to spend them.

1. Tips

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When you go to dinner, you should consider tipping wait staff in cash instead of a credit card as it can get to the waiter instantly, rather than waiting for your card to clear.

Paying with $2 bills is a way to not only pay in cash for a tip but also have a little fun along the way.

2. Tooth Fairy money

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It can be special for kids to lose a tooth and put it under their pillow for the Tooth Fairy to collect and leave money behind.

Make it even more magical by leaving a rare $2 bill under their pillow instead of change or dollar bills. It’s something they’ll remember.

3. Special holidays

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You may have special holidays that include giving money to kids for things like Easter, Christmas, Hanukkah, or other holidays.

Add some flair to your cash gifts with $2 bills for friends and family rather than just giving a few dollars for kids and adults.

4. Birthdays

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Another special holiday to celebrate is birthdays. You can add some pizzazz to a cash gift if you include $2 bills in an envelope with a card.

Remember to be careful when sending cash through the mail, as it’s a good target for thieves. Instead, consider cash in birthday cards if you plan to see the giftee in person.

5. Good luck

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You may have heard of the superstition that $2 bills are good luck, so why not believe it?

Think about adding a $2 bill to your wallet the next time you get one, and hold on to it for a while before giving it away when you pay for something in cash to make someone else lucky.

6. Collector’s item

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Most $2 bills are worth their face value, but some $2 bills can get you a pretty penny.

Check your $2 to see if it has any special markings or extra features that could boost the value of your $2 bill.

7. Deposit them

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You may like to find $2 bills to hold on to them or perhaps you have someone like a grandparent who likes to give them to you.

If they’re just sitting around at home, it’s a good idea to deposit them in a high-yield savings account or other bank account to help you earn interest.

8. Crafty gifts

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Seeing a $2 bill itself is a unique and fun gift, but take it up a notch by using your crafting skills.

Let your imagination help you create something whimsical with the bills when you gift them. For example, you can fold it using origami to make it a decorative gift or add it to a hollow glass tree ornament for a festive Christmas present.

9. Special giveaways

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You may have special incentives for your small company for a job well done or perhaps you’re holding a local raffle to raise money.

Giveaway the cash in $2 bills to make it a fun way to win something.

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10. Gift exchange

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Another way you can use them at your office is for a gift exchange or a Secret Santa present for a coworker.

It can be a fun cash surprise in a box while still being unusual and special for the giftee.

11. Spending cash

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Your $2 is legal tender so it’s perfectly fine to spend it when you go out and need to purchase items with cash.

You may get some strange looks, and some cashiers might question if it’s real, but you can assure them that it’s legal.

Bottom line

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Grab some $2 bills the next time you go to the bank. Have fun spreading them around when you’re out to eat or trying to think of a unique gift.

Receiving extra cash is always more fun for the recipient rather than a boring check.

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