Travelling with cash is legal, but it’s not always simple. Whether it’s for a business trip, personal use or just-in-case emergencies, carrying cash comes with its own set of rules and risks.
From security checks to international limits, knowing what to expect can save you a lot of stress at the airport.
👇 Read this guide to learn more about flying with cash and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible 👇
Carrying cash on a flight, whether you're hopping between states or heading overseas, is legal. But there are rules to follow, and not knowing them could lead to serious trouble, including fines or losing your money altogether.
There's no legal limit to how much cash you can carry on domestic flights in the US. The TSA doesn't set a cash cap, but large sums can raise red flags. If a TSA agent suspects the money might be tied to criminal activity, they can refer you to law enforcement. In some cases, your cash could be seized under civil asset forfeiture, even without charges being filed.
If you're travelling into or out of the US with more than $10,000 (including for groups or families), you must declare it to US Customs using FinCEN Form 105. Skip the form, and you might risk losing your money, getting fined or facing legal action.
It's not illegal to carry large amounts of cash, but not following the rules can be. When flying internationally, always check the declaration thresholds for the country you're visiting. For example, the UK and EU both require you to declare €10,000/£10,000 or more.
When you’re flying, especially across borders, it’s important to know what counts as 'cash' in the eyes of customs. Getting it right can save you from fines, delays or even having your money seized.
For US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and similar international authorities, 'cash' isn’t just paper bills. It includes:
Some valuables don’t count as cash for customs purposes, including:
They might still need to be declared, depending on local rules.
💡Top tip: The $10,000 limit applies to your whole travel group - not just you. Better to be safe and declare than risk having it taken away.
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is responsible for airport security across the United States. Their main focus is spotting threats like weapons or explosives. Cash, by itself, isn't a threat, and there are no federal limits on how much you can carry when flying domestically. You also don't have to declare it at the airport.
However, here's where things can get tricky. If TSA agents see a large amount of cash during screening, either in your carry-on or checked baggage, it could raise red flags. While TSA won't seize your money, they might call in law enforcement if they suspect it's tied to illegal activity like money laundering or drug trafficking.
Police or federal agencies (like the DEA or FBI) can investigate further if needed. If they believe there is probable cause, they can take your cash under civil asset forfeiture laws, even if you haven't been charged with a crime.
Carrying cash when flying internationally? If you're entering or leaving the US with more than $10,000 in currency or monetary instruments, you’ll need to declare it using FinCEN Form 105.
This rule applies whether you're carrying the money yourself, mailing it or receiving it from abroad. It covers not just cash, but also things like traveller’s cheques, money orders and even unsigned cheques made out to no one. The goal is to help prevent money laundering and other financial crimes.
Skip the form, and you risk more than just losing the money. Penalties can include seizure, fines or even jail time.
Other countries have their own rules:
If you're flying internationally with cash, the rules change depending on where you're headed. Some countries have strict thresholds, while others focus on how the cash is declared. Here's what you need to know for a few popular destinations:
If you're flying with cash, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s how to carry it safely, follow the rules and avoid hassle at the airport.
Staying safe with your money means less stress at 30,000 feet. Plan ahead and travel smarter.
There are a few ways to get your hands on foreign currency, and some might save you money. The most cost-effective option is usually to exchange your cash before you fly. This helps you avoid airport rates and makes sure you’re prepared as soon as you land.
That said, most airports (both at departure and arrival) do offer currency exchange. While convenient, airport rates tend to be less favourable. For certain destinations, though, you might not have a choice.
Some countries have what’s known as a closed currency. That means you can only get their currency once you’ve arrived, and you’ll need to exchange any leftovers before you leave. It’s illegal to take closed currency out of the country. Trying to get around this can result in your money being confiscated. Current closed currency countries include:
This list is accurate as of 2025, but is subject to change, so always check the latest rules before you travel.
You can also use a debit or credit card abroad, but not everywhere accepts them, especially in rural areas. Check with your bank about international fees and let them know you're travelling to avoid any card blocks or surprise charges.
Carrying large amounts of cash isn’t illegal, but it can raise red flags. In both the UK and the US, authorities have the power to seize money if they suspect it’s linked to criminal activity, even without charging you with a crime.
Remember - just because you’re carrying cash doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. But knowing the rules and your rights can make all the difference if questions arise.
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You can fly with as much cash as you like, but if you're carrying a large amount, there are rules you’ll need to follow.
⚠️Heads up: 'Cash' includes physical money, traveller’s cheques, money orders and more. And yes, customs can ask where it came from and what it’s for.
You can fly with as much money as you like, but there are rules to follow.
'Money' includes not just cash, but also travellers’ cheques, money orders, gold and prepaid cards. Not declaring can lead to your funds being seized, hefty fines or even legal trouble.
If you're travelling with a large amount, declare early, carry documentation, and be honest. Or, consider safer alternatives like travel cards or bank transfers.
Yes, you can, but there are a few things to keep in mind.
If you're flying within your own country, like in the US or the UK, there’s no legal limit to how much cash you can carry. But airport security might raise an eyebrow if you’ve got a lot of it on you.
If you're carrying over $10,000 (or the equivalent), be ready to answer some questions. It’s not illegal, just unusual - so keep things above board with receipts or a reason why you're travelling with it.
For international flights, it gets a bit stricter. You must declare cash over a certain amount:
If you don’t declare it, you risk fines, delays, or even losing the money.
Flying with cash is doable, but for your safety and peace of mind:
Honesty is always the best policy. Declare when needed and stay calm if questioned. For big sums, consider safer options like prepaid cards or wire transfers.
Yes, you can fly with large amounts of cash, but there are important rules to follow.
If you're entering or leaving Great Britain with £10,000 or more (or the equivalent in another currency), you must declare it to UK customs. For Northern Ireland, the threshold is €10,000 when travelling to or from non-EU countries or Great Britain.
In the US, the same applies - if you're carrying over $10,000 when flying in or out, you’ll need to declare it to US Customs and Border Protection.
You can declare online before you fly, or speak to a customs officer at the airport. Failing to declare could lead to your cash being seized and a fine.
💡A few tips: Keep your cash in hand luggage, stay discreet and be ready to explain where it came from. For peace of mind, consider safer options like bank transfers or prepaid travel cards.
No, TSA doesn’t set a limit on how much cash you can carry. If you’re flying within the US, you can legally carry any amount. But if you’re holding a large sum (over $10,000), you might get a few extra questions at security. TSA can’t take your money, but they can call in law enforcement if they suspect something shady.
If you're flying internationally, you must declare if you’re carrying more than $10,000 in cash or similar instruments. This includes when entering or leaving the US, and yes, the rule applies to families and groups too.
Skip the stress by carrying proof of where your money came from, packing cash in your carry-on and checking local rules before you travel.
There’s no legal limit on how much cash you can take abroad, but if you're carrying a large amount, you’ll likely need to declare it.
In the UK, you must declare £10,000 or more (or the equivalent) when entering or leaving Great Britain. Different rules apply for Northern Ireland, especially when travelling to or from non-EU countries. In the US, declare any amount over $10,000 when entering or leaving the country.
Cash includes more than just notes and coins - it covers things like traveller’s cheques, money orders and prepaid cards.
Always declare if required. Not doing so can lead to fines, confiscation, or even legal trouble. If you don’t need the cash physically with you, consider using travel cards or wire transfers. It's safer and saves the stress.
There’s no limit to how much cash a family can bring into or out of the US, but if the combined total exceeds $10,000, it must be declared to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This $10,000 threshold applies to the family as a group, not per person.
To declare, you’ll need to complete CBP Form 6059B and FinCEN Form 105. If each family member is carrying under $10,000 and travelling separately, no declaration is required.
Failing to declare over $10,000 can lead to serious consequences, including the money being seized, fines up to $500,000 or even prison time.
The rule applies to all currency types and monetary instruments like traveller’s cheques, money orders, and more. It’s also smart to have documents that show where the money came from, just in case you’re asked.
Yes, you can legally carry any amount of cash on a domestic flight within the USA. There’s no law or TSA rule that limits it. But if you’re travelling with a large sum, be aware it might raise eyebrows at security.
TSA agents focus on safety, not cash. Still, if they spot a large amount, they might call in law enforcement. Officers could ask questions and, in some cases, even seize the money if they suspect it’s tied to illegal activity, even without charging you.
💡To stay on the safe side:
It’s all about being prepared so your travel plans stay on track.
You can legally carry any amount of cash on a domestic flight in the US - there’s no limit, and you don’t have to declare it. But if you’re carrying over $10,000, be aware it may raise red flags with the TSA. While TSA agents can’t seize your cash, they can involve law enforcement if they suspect it’s tied to illegal activity.
To avoid issues, keep the money in your carry-on and have documentation showing where it came from and what it’s for. If questioned, stay calm and answer honestly. You’re not required to explain, but refusing to talk might cause delays.
If your cash is taken, ask for a receipt and speak to a lawyer familiar with civil asset forfeiture.
There’s no limit to how much money you can take on a plane internationally as a US citizen, but if you’re carrying more than $10,000 USD (or its equivalent), you must declare it to US Customs and Border Protection (CBP). This includes cash, traveller's cheques, money orders, foreign currency and other monetary instruments.
You’ll need to fill out FinCEN Form 105 and submit it to a CBP officer when entering or leaving the US. If you don’t, your money could be seized and you could face fines or legal trouble.
The rule also applies to group travel. If a family carries over $10,000 combined, they must declare it.
To avoid issues, travel with proof of where the money came from and what it’s for. Or, better yet, consider safer alternatives like prepaid cards or international transfers.
You can legally travel with large sums of cash in the UK and the US, but it’s not without risk.
If you're carrying £10,000 or more in the UK or over $10,000 in the US, you must declare it at customs. If you don’t, your money could be seized. Even declared funds can be taken by authorities if they suspect illegal activity, with or without a conviction.
There’s also the obvious security concern - cash is easy to lose and a target for theft. Plus, many places now prefer card or digital payments, and exchanging cash can come with poor rates and high fees.
If you must carry large amounts, declare it, store it securely and carry proof of where it came from. Alternatively, you could consider using cards, digital wallets, or prepaid travel cards instead. It’s safer, simpler and gives you more freedom while you travel.
Yes - if you're carrying large amounts of cash, you may need to declare it at customs.
'Cash' includes coins, banknotes, travellers' cheques, money orders and even prepaid cards. Failing to declare can lead to seizure of the funds, fines, or legal action, so it’s worth getting it right. You can usually declare online, with a form, or by speaking to a customs officer on arrival.
If you're travelling to or from the US with more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments, you must declare it to US Customs and Border Protection.
There’s no limit on how much you can carry, but not declaring it can lead to serious consequences, like having the money seized, facing heavy fines or even criminal charges.
You’ll need to fill out FinCEN Form 105 and note it on your customs declaration. Be ready to show proof of where the money came from and what it’s for. This rule applies per person or per family, so a group carrying a combined amount over $10,000 must still declare it.
CBP may inspect the money, but you won’t be taxed or charged a fee just for carrying it. Be honest, carry documents and never try to dodge the rules by splitting the money between people - CBP sees right through that.
If you're travelling into or out of the US with more than $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments and don’t declare it, you could face some serious consequences.
This isn’t just about physical US dollars - the limit also includes foreign currency, traveller’s cheques, money orders, cashier’s cheques, bearer bonds and even signed but incomplete financial documents.
By law, you're required to report this using FinCEN Form 105 before or upon arrival or departure. Not declaring it can lead to:
A common myth is that each person in a group can carry $10,000 - not true. The limit applies to the group’s total. Another myth? That declaration means you’ll be taxed. It doesn’t. Declaring is purely for reporting.
If you forget to declare, it’s best to speak to a customs law expert and come forward quickly. Carrying cash is legal, but failing to declare it can cause a whole lot of trouble.
You must declare over $10,000 in cash or monetary instruments when entering or leaving the US because it’s the law, and it's there to protect against financial crimes like money laundering, terrorist funding and tax evasion.
It also helps maintain transparency and prevents people from dodging the rules by splitting money between travellers.
If you’re carrying more than the limit, you’ll need to complete FinCEN Form 105 and declare it to US Customs.
