6 Ways to Spot If Canadian Money Is Real [+ Tips!] [2024 ]

Ever found yourself holding a Canadian bill and wondered if it was the real deal? We’ve all been there, my friend.

Good news! We’re here to help you become a cash sleuth and know your loonies from your toonies. Ready to break out that magnifying glass and become an expert in spotting authentic Canadian money?

So, buckle up, buttercup, and read on, as today we’re revealing our top ways to check if Canadian money is real. Trust us, you’ll be feeling like Sherlock in no time!

How to check if Canadian money is real?

You can check if your Canadian money is real first by feeling the bill—it should have raised ink on the large number and the portrait. Next, check out the holographic strip and make sure the images are extra crisp.

See that large digit? It should change colour when you tilt the note.And if you have a UV light handy, the bill’s security thread should glow a specific colour.

These and more will be discussed in the next part. But, above all, trust your instincts—if something feels off, it probably is.

Feel the unique and raised texture

First things first, when you’re holding Canadian banknotes, it’s a strangely satisfying experience. You know why?

The banknotes often have a distinct and raised texture, making the bills feel different from any other currency. The raised texture on the Canadian dollars is no oversight; it’s a part of the security features.

Try running your fingers over the note, and you should feel bumps, especially around the large numbers and the portrait. This raised ink makes it pretty difficult for counterfeiters to replicate.

Local Tip: Most Canadians have a little fun by making a game out of it. They blindfold each other and try to identify the note’s denomination by just feeling the raised texture.

Check for the hidden number inside the maple leaf

For something definitely more ‘James Bond-ish’, try looking for the hidden number inside the maple leaf. It seems like something from a spy movie, eh?

But yes, it’s true! There is a small, transparent maple leaf on every Canadian polymer note.

When you look closely at it, you’ll notice there’s a tiny number tucked inside, which should match the note’s denomination.

Local Tip: Canadians, when explaining this feature to kids, often tell them it’s a friendly money ghost hiding in the leaf, always watching over their savings.

Spot that metallic portrait—it should be colour-shifting

Now, let’s get to what’s arguably the most artsy part of Canadian money: the colour-shifting metallic portrait. This is another anti-fake feature that typical printers at home can’t reproduce.

If you tilt the banknote back and forth, the shiny metallic portrait and building image will shift their colours. It’s like your very own pocket-sized art forged into money.

Local Tip: The locals find this feature pretty handy for quick checks, especially in dimly lit places like bars or concert venues.

Look closely at the small numbers

Now, let’s get on with the hidden number. Yes, you read right—they are smaller hidden numbers scattered in some areas on the bill, especially around the metallic portrait and building image.

They’re so tiny and delicate that only the most sophisticated printers can produce them. This is meant to stymie those nasties who want to counterfeit the money.

So, counterfeiters? No chance! Next time you’ve got Canadian cash in hand, go in for a closer look—like, really close.

It might take some squinting and angling the note just right, but once you spot them, you’ll always know where to look.

Local Tip: Canadians often try to find the most hidden number quickly when waiting in line; it’s their version of a “supermarket queue pastime.”

The frosted maple leaf window must be transparent

Now, let’s talk about the frosty, transparent maple leaf window on those polymer notes. The Canadians couldn’t resist adding their national symbol to their money, eh?

Well, this maple leaf isn’t just a pretty decoration; it’s another way to confirm if the money is real. You should be able to see through this frosted maple leaf window with no issues.

Counterfeiters often fail to replicate this nifty trick, making transparency your best friend when scrutinising a bill.

Local Tip: Canadians often put their note up to the sun or any light source to make sure it’s as clear as day (or night)!

The bill should glow blue and red under UV light

Now, it’s time to break out your UV light or perhaps catch some rays from the sun. Canadian banknotes boast a whole new level of security with a very special party trick: they glow blue and red under ultraviolet light.

To reveal this hidden spectacle, place the bank note under UV light and watch as red and blue fibres pop up and glow. This feature makes it super tricky for those pesky counterfeiters to replicate, saving you from getting caught with funny money.

Local Tip: Folks in the region often carry small UV keychain lights when shopping at local markets. It’s fun, and let’s admit it, it looks cool too!