The functions of banknote design are identification of the denominations and incorporation of the security elements which allow the user to recognize authentic and correct banknotes while at the same time preventing and complicating counterfeiting. This paper describes the security features of the Croatian kuna, euro, British pound, US dollar and Swiss frank banknotes. The aforesaid currencies were selected due to new banknote series in which modern protection was implemented. Security features on banknotes are divided into four levels: for the general public, for financial institutions, for cash centers and for laboratories of central banks. Features well-known to public and financial institutions can be checked in four steps: FEEL – LOOK − TILT − ADDITIONAL FEATURES. For the purpose of this work research was made on how persons from the trade and catering sector, who in their work with money are not using aids (possibly a felt pen to check the banknote paper), but rely on their own experience and knowledge, recognize security features on the banknotes. The research was conducted through an interview with the attached banknotes of 200 HRK (issue 2012.) and EUR 50 (issue 2017.). It was discovered which security elements the examinees check when they receive cash, which security elements they can identify on the banknotes of 200 HRK and which security elements they can indentify on the banknotes of 50 EUR.