The Currency and Foreign Transactions Reporting Act of 1970 – usually just called the Bank Secrecy Act – sets the guidelines for banks to report large currency transactions. The goal of the act is to prevent tax evasion and money laundering by criminals using cash deposits to disguise the illegal source of their funds.

Looking at the Numbers

Banks must notify the government any time they receive more than $10,000 in a single deposit. They must also report withdrawals of that size, or anyone using that much cash to buy a negotiable instrument such as a cashier's check or a bank draft.

This rule applies to American dollars and to foreign currency worth more than $10,000. It also kicks in if the bank receives multiple payments from the same agent or individual over the course of a year adding up to more than $10,000. Banks don't have to report personal checks, regardless of the amount.

Suspicious Activity Reporting

The federal government requires banks to report smaller transactions that may be a sign of suspicious activity. Federal guidelines say suspicious activity could include a deposit or withdrawal of $5,000 or more by a customer who doesn't normally make transactions that big. Banks may also report transaction that fall just under the BSA's $10,000 limit or that have no "apparent lawful purpose," just to be on the safe side of the law. Critics of the law say the standards for suspicious activity are far too vague to be effective.

The Bank Secrecy Act

The Bank Secrecy Act affects any business that deal with a transaction or series of transactions for more than $10,000. If a customer buys an item such as a $12,000 boat or a $15,000 antique with cash, the dealer has to report the sale. Businesses do not have to report the transaction if the customer uses a negotiable instrument – a cashier's check or traveler's check for example – with a face value greater than $10,000. If a buyer pays with a $2,000 traveler's check and $8,000 in cash, they need to report the sale to the government.

Exploring Reporting Requirements