The embodiment of the invention discloses a banknote discrimination method and device. The method includes the following steps: obtaining infrared reflection images of printing ink difference characteristic regions of a banknote to be discriminated; identifying joint edge characteristics of the at least two difference printing ink regions; and determining whether the banknote to be discriminated is real or fake on the basis of the identified joint edge characteristics. Through the above technical scheme, the problem of banknote discrimination failures caused by banknote discrimination characteristic instability is solved, and banknotes can be discriminated quickly and accurately.