• Banks in Belarus accept any series of U.S. dollar that remains legal tender — which means virtually every note issued by the U.S. Federal Reserve since 1928. But the terms of acceptance differ from series to series.
• Notes from the 2006 series and newer (large portrait, enhanced security, colour accents) are accepted without question.
• Notes from the 1996 and 2003 series (also large portrait, but older security) are accepted, sometimes with an extra check.
• Notes from the pre-1996 series (small portrait, minimal security) are accepted with caveats: often at a discounted rate, sometimes only with full ID verification and an extra check on a detector.
• The widget below shows the standard rate — it applies to "modern" notes. For old series, the bank will quote a specific rate at the counter.

Below is a practical breakdown of the series, how to tell them apart visually, and what to do if you're holding an old note.

What counts as an "old dollar"

In everyday usage, "old dollars" are the small-portrait bills — the ones the U.S. Federal Reserve issued before 1996. They have a compact, centred portrait, minimal security (a handful of simple elements), no large watermark and no colour accents.

After 1996, the Fed began a gradual switch to a "new" series — large portrait, watermark, security thread, microprinting. In 2003, extra colour elements were added. From 2006, an extended series came in with additional security features and shifting colours.

In Belarus, banks and exchange offices routinely work with the "fresh" series. Older series are accepted, but on different terms.

Series by year and their status at Belarusian counters

This is the typical picture at most banks in Minsk and Brest, but each bank sets its own specific terms — so it's worth a phone call before you visit with an old note.

How to spot the series visually

On any U.S. dollar note, the series year is printed on the lower part of the front, under the portrait and above the serial number. For example, "Series 2006", "Series 2013", "Series 2017".

Other visual cues:

• Large portrait. If the portrait is big and offset to the left — that's a 1996 series or newer.
• Small portrait. If the portrait is compact, centred and without colour accents — that's a pre-1996 series.
• Colour accents. Notes from 2003 onwards have thin colour elements. Older notes are just white paper with the basic green-black palette.
• Watermark. The 1996 and newer series have a watermark — a copy of the portrait on the side. Older notes have none.

If in doubt, look at the series year under the portrait. That's the most accurate test.

What "accepted with caveats" means

A few typical scenarios:

• Reduced rate. The bank applies its own rate for the old note — slightly worse than the board. For example, if the board says USD buys at 3.20 BYN, an old series might go for 3.15 BYN or less.
• Extra check. The teller runs the note through an authenticity detector, sometimes for several minutes. If it passes, the note is accepted (often at the standard rate).
• Collection processing. The bank doesn't accept the note on the spot but sends it off for "collection processing" — meaning you receive BYN not immediately, but several days later. This is the standard procedure for very old or doubtful banknotes.
• Refusal. Rare. If the note is severely damaged or genuinely doubtful, the bank may refuse it. Your options then: try another bank (a flagship branch of a major bank usually accepts more), or try to submit it for collection processing.

Compare rates right now

The rate in the widget is the "board rate", applied to "modern" notes without caveats. For old series, the bank will quote a specific rate at the counter. The gap is sometimes 0.02–0.05 BYN per dollar, sometimes more — particularly for very old notes.

What to do if you have old notes

1. Identify the series. Check the year on the note.
2. If 2006 or newer — take it to any bank or exchange office, the leader in the widget. You'll be fine.
3. If 1996 or 2003 — same destinations, but be ready for a slightly longer check.
4. If pre-1996 — call a major bank in advance and ask whether they accept it. An exchange office may turn the note down.
5. If the note is also damaged — that's a separate story, see the guide to damaged dollars.

Comparison table: your note, where to go

What you definitely shouldn't do

• Change an old note at a station-area exchange office. The rate there is almost guaranteed to be worse, and the risk of refusal is higher.
• Try to swap the note with a private individual. Any off-the-books exchange is illegal — and you get zero protection against counterfeits.
• Walk in with a very old note without checking the terms first. Better to make a phone call and avoid a wasted trip.

FAQ

Do banks in Belarus accept dollars from the 1990s?

Yes, but with caveats. The 1996 and 2003 series are usually accepted at the standard rate with a possible check. Older notes — at a reduced rate or via collection processing.

Why does the bank check old notes for longer?

Older series have minimal security, so historically they've been easier to counterfeit. The bank protects itself with a detector check and sometimes with collection processing.

Can I change a pre-1980s note in Belarus?

It's possible, but almost always through collection processing at a major bank. On-the-spot at the counter, these notes are usually not accepted. You receive BYN several days later after processing.

Does the posted rate change for old series?

Sometimes yes — the bank sets a "special" rate for problem notes. The widget shows the "standard" rate, which applies to standard series. The actual number for an old note can be lower.

What's better: exchange an old note in Minsk, or try it at home?

In Minsk the banking infrastructure is well developed, and the major banks accept a wider range of notes. If your home country actively swaps old notes for new ones, it makes sense to do it there.

Can I change a 1995 note at an exchange office?

Some exchange offices will, some won't. It's safer to go to a major bank, especially if the note also looks worn.

Where can I see the USD rate in Minsk?

In the widget at the top of this article and in the guide to dollars in Minsk.