This subject came up awhile back but I didn't see many alternatives to carrying cash. I have a 1000 in cash to donate and while it is not illegal an over zealous Barney Fife TSA agent can question you about it. I want to avoid using my bank ATM since it would show up on my statements.  Any ideas?

1. Tell them it's none of their business, because it's not.
2. Tell them you're on a small vacation and like bringing cash to budget your spending better.

1000 dollars really isn't that much money. At least not for law agencies that deal with fraud and money laundering, so I wouldn't worry about it too much. I have personally carried 700 through with no issues. If they do ask, just say that you are on vacation, and wanted to make sure you didn't run out of cash.  

so I would not say that.  You have to be especially nice to these people and smile a lot or you'll have trouble.

This happened to me about two years ago, and I explained it away by saying that I buy antiques and cash is king, so that's why I brought it.  The guy seemed satisfied and let me go on unmolested, but you never know.

Now, I don't bring my cash on the road with me.

I know it is also risky, but I've taken to sending the cash to the gal ahead of time by check or Green Dot.  Yes, I might get burned, so I'll only do it with someone I've met and feel comfortable with, but I'd rather that then the TSA interrogations about it.

The other option is to get cash from ATM machines, but some of these are now charging $5 for each use, and only give out $200 at a time.  That's 2 1/2% to get my money and I'm not going to waste my time and money that way if I can avoid it.

I routinely carry several thousand in cash whenever I travel.  

so be aware of that.

You should list a different address like your office so your SO doesn't see it.

Ack, yea I forgot about tax documents. I don't have an SO to hide from so I am not the best advice here. I can't remember exactly... do they send a tax document for non-Interest bearing checking accounts?

...I never thought I would agree with ChgoCPA, but his answer is spot on.  

It has happened a few times now...let's not make a habit of this or someone will think there's something wrong with the universe  

I routinely travel with several thousand.  I keep it in my briefcase and put it thought the system. The only time I was questioned I was carrying about 6g on my way to Vegas. When asked what I was doing with so much cash I showed my ticket and said going to Vegas. He looked at me and said good luck.

CPA can be quite lucid when he wants to be..he is actually very intelligent and resembles a large lovable teddy bear..all the girls actually want to be with him until he spoils it by giving them shit..

You really have nothing to worry about.  That's ten $100 bills in your wallet.  The TSA is not going to go through your wallet.

Haven't had an issue with any gal I've wanted to see....even those that I've given some shit too  LOL

Tucked in a pocket of my carry on. No issue. Now if it was 10k or more, it might draw attention. 1k is not a lot to carry these days.

The Government asks if you are carrying more than $10,000.00 in US currency with you when traveling outside the USA. They actually like to track anything over $5,000.00. I travel outside the US several times per month and I carry different larger sums of money in both US and EURO currency with me.  I have never been stopped and never been given a second glass. I normally travel business class and am well dressed. Bottom-line know the law, don't bring any unnecessary attention to yourself and by all means when in doubt keep calm and take a deep breath.

I think having a plausible cover story is a great idea...  to have it ready & even rehearsed if need be.  "Like to buy antiques" works for me.  No, they're not going to let you walk out of there with it & leave them with a check!!  And sometimes you can wangle better deals by laying cash on the counter...

...for beginning my day with a chuckle.  Great banter; thank you.

and to get the C notes, I have to stand in line at the bank, which is a drag.

I had my grand in my pants pocket and the TSA guy noticed the bulge just before I went into the scanning machine, so he asked me to take it out of my pocket.

When he saw the wad of bills, that's when he brought me over to another TSA guy who started peppering me with questions.

It's just very scary to have this happen.

Sometimes, when I travel I have a second 'wallet' so I don't have everything in my primary...  I use a leather cover that I used to carry my checks in.  I would not let a TSA agent 'find' them.  I'd probably send them through with my briefcase (on business) or inside zipper pocket in my carry on (vaca trip).  I will be raising Holy Hell if some TSA Agent starts going through my wallet!    

And it has NEVER been an issue.

I once came back from Vegas shortly after 9-11 with fifty grand in my shaving kit, security was especially tight back then and the TSA did inspect my bags thoroughly and saw the cash in my bag while looking for scissors in my shaving kit. He never said a word.

Now I would never carry that much cash on an international flight, but I routinely (as recently as three days ago) carry several thousand, but below the ten thousand dollar threshold, dollars in cash on me whenever I travel. Hey,a man has to be certain he has enough drinking, gambling, and whore mongering money, doesn't he?

Life is full of little things that we don't like dealing with.  I can't get enough out of my ATM in one shot for a two hour appointment anyway so I deal with the drive up window (haven't been inside a bank in years).  I'm always at the bank depositing checks anyway so I simply ask for cash back in hundreds and keep a hobby "slush fund" at my place.  Most of the time I pay escorts and strippers in hundreds and fifties.  Never had anyone complain but if they wanted me to break one of the larger bills I would certainly be happy to do so.  

Hate the TSA with a passion and the idiots in Boston are worse than most. If I have to choose between a wad of 20's that cause a bulge or 100's that can fit in my wallet the 100's win every time.

Make sure you sign the money orders so if lost, no one else can cash them and you can get a refund  in 30 days with the receipt. This used to worry me a lot, and I simply did not like having that much cash on me...was not so much the explaining it. Too many things can happen, so I started purchasing the Western Union money orders (up to 1000) on each, signing them, and either mailing them off to pay bills or taking them home.  

Never has it been a issue and some of these accounts routinely have six digits worth of cash in them.

I reall don't understand why so many of you allow people who are trying to  attract your business interrogate you like you are a common criminal.

And no, there is no reason for a tax statement on a non interest bearing account.

Honestly, it's no surprise that many of you guys get pushed around by hookers, you guys need to grow a spine and quit letting people push you around

There are many places that just won't accept C notes, so the gals end up having to deposit them, rather than spend them.

Depositing them creates paper trail issues that they would rather avoid.

I hate lumpy pockets so I tend to use C-notes.  Except once, a long time ago, I was never asked to empty anything, count things out or account for why I'm carrying cash.  

Mail your cash to me before you depart and I'll meet you in the parking lot at your destination after you've cleared all the TSA and other crap and left the terminal. I'll be sitting in a silver Toyota

This scenario in your head isn't going to happen.  If you live in some super corrupt place where it still does. 1K is not a lot of money. Only when you carry over 10K do you have the risk of being robbed by the authorities.

There is not limit for travel in the US. Overseas there is so $1000 is chump change and nothing to worry about.