$20 Bill Name: Who’s on It and Why It Matters

When you pull out a $20 bill, the most commonly used U.S. paper currency after the $1 bill. Also known as a twenty-dollar note, it’s the one you hand over for coffee, groceries, or a movie ticket—yet most people never stop to ask who’s staring back at them. That face belongs to Andrew Jackson, the seventh president of the United States and a polarizing figure in American history. He’s been on the $20 since 1928, replacing Daniel Webster, but his presence has sparked debate for decades—especially since he owned slaves and led forced relocations of Native American tribes.

Why keep him there? It’s not just tradition. The U.S. Treasury chooses faces based on historical impact, not popularity. Jackson led the U.S. through the War of 1812, helped found the Democratic Party, and was the first president elected by popular vote. But his legacy is messy. That’s why there’s been talk—since 2016—of replacing him with Harriet Tubman, the abolitionist and Underground Railroad leader. The plan was approved, then delayed, then delayed again. So for now, Jackson stays. The $20 bill name isn’t just a label—it’s a conversation about who we honor, and why.

And it’s not just Jackson. The whole system of U.S. currency is packed with hidden stories. The $1 bill has George Washington, the $5 has Abraham Lincoln, the $10 has Alexander Hamilton. Each one ties to a different era, a different value. Even the symbols on the back—the eagle, the pyramid, the eye—all carry meaning. The $20 bill might seem simple, but it’s part of a larger system designed to reflect national identity. You’re holding history every time you use it.

Some people collect old $20 bills. Others worry about counterfeits. A few even use the bill’s design to teach kids about money, government, and history. Whether you’re paying for something, saving up, or just curious, knowing the $20 bill name gives you more than trivia—it gives you context. And that’s why you’ll find posts here about everything from how to spot fake bills to why certain figures ended up on money, and how everyday items like towels, shelves, and pans connect to the same homes where these bills change hands every day.