The Bank of Spain published a clarification that it has not ordered the withdrawal of any banknotes, despite reports in some digital media outlets, and that all euro banknotes can continue to be used normally and will not lose their value. It reiterated that, as part of the Eurosystem cash cycle, it routinely checks the authenticity and fitness of banknotes returned by banks and removes from circulation those that are unfit, destroying and replacing stained or damaged notes while recirculating genuine notes in good condition. These quality checks apply across all denominations from EUR 5 to EUR 200, and even damaged banknotes can be exchanged for face value if more than half of the original note is presented or if it can be proven the missing part has been destroyed.
Bank of Spain 2025-04-07
Bank of Spain refutes reports of euro banknote withdrawals and confirms all denominations remain valid
The Bank of Spain clarified that it has not ordered the withdrawal of any euro banknotes, countering reports from some digital media. All euro banknotes remain valid and usable, with routine checks ensuring the authenticity and fitness of notes in circulation. Damaged notes can be exchanged for face value if more than half is presented or if the missing part is proven destroyed.