Buy fake currency

Buy fake currency easily online and find options that are perfect for film production or novelty projects.

First published: Oct 17, 2026
4 min read

filmmaker examining realistic prop money bills — Exploring the best sources for realistic prop money.

Navigate What You Get with Legal Prop Money · How to Get Legal Prop Money: 5 Steps from Order to Use · Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees · Good to know · Sources and further reading

What You Get with Legal Prop Money

Compliant Size and Design

Prop money is either 75% smaller or 150% larger than real currency and printed on one side only to meet U.S. legal standards [1].

Destroyed Production Materials

All plates, digital files, and tools used to create prop money must be destroyed after use to avoid legal issues [1].

Clear Disclaimers

Notes often include labels like 'Motion Picture Use Only' or 'Copy' to distinguish them from real currency [4].

Legal Use in Film and Media

Prop money adheres to U.S. Secret Service guidelines for motion picture notes, ensuring it remains non-counterfeit [5].

International Compliance

For UK and EU projects, prop money meets size and printing rules set by the Bank of England and ECB [2][3].

How to Get Legal Prop Money: 5 Steps from Order to Use

Check legal size and printing rules
In the U.S., prop money must be 75% smaller or 150% larger than real bills and printed on one side only (1). In the UK, it must be at least 25% smaller or larger and one-sided (2). The ECB requires euro reproductions to be ≤75% or ≥125% of genuine notes (3).
Verify materials and disclaimers
Use non-currency-like materials unless additional conditions are met (2). Include disclaimers such as 'Motion Picture Use Only' or 'Copy' (4). Avoid security features like holograms or windows (6).
Destroy production files after use
All plates, digital files, or tools used to create prop money must be destroyed to comply with U.S. law (1). Failure to do so can result in seizures (7).
Order from a compliant supplier
Choose vendors that explicitly state their prop money meets U.S., UK, or ECB legal requirements. Avoid suppliers with a history of non-compliance (8).
Inspect before use
Ensure the prop money matches legal size, printing, and material rules. Look for misspellings or unauthorized security features (6). Non-compliant prop money can lead to fines or imprisonment (9) (10) (11).

Risks, Limitations, and Guarantees

Purchasing prop money comes with several risks and limitations. Legal compliance is crucial. In the U.S., prop money must be either 75% smaller or 150% larger than real currency and printed on one side only (1). Failing to adhere to these rules can classify the money as counterfeit, leading to severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment for up to 20 years (10) (11).

In the UK, prop money must meet similar size restrictions and be one-sided (2). The Bank of England enforces strict guidelines, and violating these can result in criminal charges under the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981 (9). The European Central Bank also mandates that euro reproductions follow specific size requirements (3).

Before making a purchase, verify that the supplier complies with regional laws. Check for disclaimers like "Motion Picture Use Only" and ensure the money lacks security features that mimic real currency (4) (6).

If you need to return or cancel an order, review the supplier's policy carefully. Many vendors may not accept returns once the prop money has been opened or used.

Understanding these risks and limitations helps ensure a legal and safe purchase of prop money.

Good to know

Is it legal to buy fake money?

Yes, but only if it meets strict legal requirements. In the U.S., prop money must be 75% smaller or 150% larger than real currency, one-sided, and all production materials destroyed after use (1). In the UK and EU, similar size and printing rules apply (2) (3). Non-compliant fake money is counterfeit and illegal.

Where can I buy realistic prop money?

Order from suppliers that explicitly state their prop money complies with U.S., UK, or ECB legal standards. Check for disclaimers like 'Motion Picture Use Only' and verify the size, printing, and material requirements (1) (2) (3) (4). Avoid vendors with a history of non-compliance (8).

How to tell if prop money is high quality?

High-quality prop money adheres to legal size and printing rules, uses non-currency-like materials, and includes clear disclaimers (1) (4). Avoid notes with security features like holograms or windows, as these are often illegal (6). Misspellings or unauthorized designs are red flags.

What is the best prop money for movies?

The best prop money for movies is compliant with U.S. Secret Service guidelines: 75% smaller or 150% larger than real bills, one-sided, and with destroyed production files (1) (5). It should include disclaimers and lack security features to avoid legal issues (4) (6).

Can I use prop money in real life?

No. Using prop money in real life, even if labeled, is illegal if it mimics real currency in size, design, or material (9) (10) (11). Legal prop money is strictly for film, novelty, or training purposes and must meet specific reproduction rules (1) (2) (3).

How much does a set of prop money cost?

Prices vary by supplier, quantity, and quality. Legal prop money sets typically range from $20 to $200, depending on the denomination mix and compliance features. Always confirm the supplier meets regional legal standards before purchasing.