Recently, the newest 1000 peso bill released by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) created a buzz on the internet. Instead of the usual paper material, the latest banknote made of polymer drew attention after some reports of the bill being rejected for a transaction after it’s been folded.

The BSP had already announced the guidelines on proper handling of the new polymer bill on their social media. While it was confirmed that businesses should still approve transactions even when your bills are folded or stapled, it’s still highly discouraged as it will significantly damage the new 1K banknote. For your banknote to have a long lifespan, it’s essential to take caution when handling it.

If you’re one of the people who will receive the new PHP 1,000 bill in your hands, how will you keep one so that it won’t crease and fold before you can even use it to buy something? Here are a few hacks to keep that new banknote crisp and clean until the next counter transaction.

1. Prepare a wider and longer wallet

This is a sign for you to check out that wallet you’ve been eyeing online (or have someone do it for you if you’re superstitious). Longer and broader wallets are needed to accommodate the new banknote’s size and prevent it from developing a crease. BSP suggested the same option to keep the bills in good condition, albeit a little annoying when you need to use smaller bags.

The problem with large wallets is that they lack versatility, and you can’t stuff them into smaller bags or bags with unique cuts and shapes. Another option is to go bigger with hard pouches in case you need to go on an occasion but your wallet won’t fit in a smaller bag. Carry the pouch with your 1K banknotes inside and still have some space for other small on-the-go items.

2. Between a book and a hard place

If you weren’t that prepared and you don’t have a longer wallet to store the money, another trusted and proven hack is to use your books. You can use your medium-sized notebooks, a school book, huge hardbound books, or even regular-sized printed novels, as long as they have enough thickness to press the bill inside and prevent it from tearing.

Just be careful not to forget that you kept your money in your book. You don’t want to lose it by carelessly flipping through the book’s pages in public. The 1K bill may slide out accidentally, so make sure not to let it stay there for a long time. Transfer the bill once you reach home or when you finally have the time to organize your money.

3. Get changed

You don’t have a wallet or a book; all you have is your 1K bill, which might develop permanent crease lines when you stuff it in your purse or bag. If this is the case, then the next thing you can do is to get it changed. If the bank gave you the new polymer bills, you could request to have them changed into smaller bills so you don’t have to worry when putting them in your bag later on.

4. Inside your devices

This might sound funny, but it’s familiar. Some students fold their bills and stuff them inside their cases at the back of their phones. Well, you can also do this with your 1K polymer bills, but with bigger devices this time. If you have an iPad or an Android tablet, you can place the bill at the back of the cover case to keep it from folding. These devices are bigger than phones and are hard enough to press the bill. Just ensure that you don’t have a clear white case, or it will be evident to other people.

Another possible candidate is your laptop or netbook. This might sound weird, but it can work. Place the bill inside a closed laptop, letting it stay between the screen and the keyboard. While it won’t press the bill entirely, it can act as a temporary hard case to keep other things from crumpling it.

Being resourceful is a great trait to develop. You might be shocked by the number of items you can repurpose inside your bags. Even fans can use their photocard albums to store this new polymer bill. If you have one of those clipboards, you can clip that banknote between your stack of papers to keep it safe. Simply rummaging in your bag will surely help you arrive at some kind of solution.

If you can’t find any possible means to keep your bills from folding, then you can just give in and fold the bill. It won’t affect your transactions as long as it’s not damaged or severely crumpled. Fold it neatly and place it in your bag, wallet, or jeans pocket. As long as you follow the guidelines BSP set on how to take care of your bills, you don’t have to stress over this 1K bank note.