After 232 years in existence the U.S. penny (1 cent) is no longer being produced as of November 2025. However, existing pennies are still legal tender and will continue to be in circulation for the foreseeable future. Below we share some facts to help you manage expectations and your wallet.

Why did this happen?

Producing one penny costs more than its value. Members using digital wallet options and debit cards have also reduced the relevance of the penny.

How does this change impact our members?

Economists say that there won’t be much of a difference with some cash transactions at the register rounding up and some rounding down. Digital transactions will not be impacted.

• Cash transactions ending in $0.03 or $0.04 will round up (for ex: $5.03 → $5.05).
• Cash transactions ending in $0.02 or $0.01 will round down (for ex: $5.02 → $5.00)

How does this change impact businesses?

Businesses that typically order rolls of pennies for their cash drawers will be impacted. On the other hand, there is an estimated number of 250 billion pennies that are believed to be in circulation at this time.

How does this change impact UFCU?

We are no longer receiving deliveries of pennies from our providers, and our ability to provide pennies to members will depend on our existing inventory and what is in circulation at any given time.

Have questions or comments?

Please feel free to call us (877) 968-7828, or chat with one of our live agents during normal business hours right here through our website.