The Last Cent: US Treasury Ending Penny Production
While pennies will remain in circulation, this change will alter how everyday cash transactions are handled in the future. Existing pennies will still be accepted and will not lose value. This change impacts financial institutions, businesses, and all cash-based transactions across the United States. As we head toward 2026, here’s what you need to know – and how your business can prepare.
Why This Is Happening
With increasing expenses, it was determined the production of pennies is no longer sustainable. It simply costs more to make a penny than it’s worth. With more businesses adopting digital and cashless payments, the use of pennies in transactions has hit a steady declined. Although pennies will still be accepted, over time the supply will diminish – so it’s best to plan ahead. This change impacts all financial institutions and will be felt most by businesses handling cash transactions involving coin.
Get A Step Ahead
As penny production ends, it’s important to take proactive steps for day-to-day operations. Preparing now can give your business the flexibility to adjust before the penny supply tightens.
- Consider adjusting cash handling processes or pricing strategies
- Keep an open mind about the possibility of rounding cash transactions
- Communicate your plan to adapt to customers
- Prepare to minimize penny usage as supply depletes
We’re Here to Help
If you’re a business who orders coin, here’s what you need to know. We’re committed to helping you navigate. To help ease this transition, business customers may request up to two boxes of pennies per week while supplies last. VeraBank is no longer able to offer penny ordering services. This means express orders for pennies can no longer be placed through the Federal Reserve system. We encourage business clients to monitor usage and adapt accordingly.
We understand even small changes can have major impacts on businesses and we’re here to help every step of the way.
Have questions? Reach out to a business banking specialist for answers or visit the U.S. Treasury website.