A guide to damaged banknotes: What we can and cannot accept
Currency Buyback helps customers exchange leftover foreign notes and coins for a payout. We see banknotes in many conditions, and some of them cannot be processed.
This guide explains what a damaged banknote is, how we assess condition, and which notes we cannot buy.
What is considered a damaged banknote?
A damaged banknote has been torn, holed, stained, marked, defaced, or worn so badly that it is no longer complete and easy to check. Banks and cash handlers reject notes that are not genuine, complete, and fit to deposit. We apply the same standard.
These are the kinds of damage we cannot accept:
Tears and missing pieces
Light creases from normal use can still be acceptable. A note with a large rip, a piece torn away, or more than 25% of its surface missing cannot be exchanged. The note must stay recognisable as a complete banknote.
Holes
We do not accept notes with punched holes, drilled holes, or other missing sections. A hole can remove part of the design or a security feature. Notes that have been deprived of their value in this way are not exchangeable.
Heavy wear
Circulation leaves soft edges and light folds. That is normal. A note is unfit when the design has faded away, the paper is limp or worn through, or the printed details can no longer be checked.
Ink, dye, and stains
Heavy stains from ink, water, oil, food, or other substances can hide security features. We do not accept them.
Ink or dye from a security device, such as an anti-theft dye pack, can mean the note was marked during a theft. We do not accept dye-stained notes.
Writing, stamps, and other markings
Pen marks, written messages, stamps, and other defacement can hide details we need to check. We do not accept specimen notes, stamped notes, shredded notes, or notes that have been deliberately defaced.
Water, heat, and lamination
Notes that have been soaked, washed, burnt, melted, or stuck together cannot be processed. We may also refuse laminated notes, because lamination changes the note and makes security features harder to check.
Security features and serial numbers
Every note must still show its security features, including the watermark, security thread, optically variable ink, and raised intaglio printing where that issue has them. At least one serial number must be completely visible and readable.
Can I exchange damaged banknotes with Currency Buyback?
No. Currency Buyback does not buy damaged banknotes.
We only accept notes that are in suitable condition for processing. If you are not sure, email support@currencybuyback.com before you send anything.
What counts as good condition for banknotes?
A banknote is in acceptable condition when it is:
- Clean, complete, and easy to identify. It still looks like a normal note.
- Free of major damage. No holes, large tears, missing pieces, heavy stains, writing, stamps, tape, or lamination.
- Intact where it matters. Printed details and security features are easy to check, and at least one serial number is fully readable.
- Mostly present. No more than 25% of the surface is missing.
- Only lightly used. Everyday folds are fine. A note that is badly worn, altered, or incomplete is not.
Before you place an order
Check your notes before you add them to an order. At checkout you confirm that you are not asking us to buy damaged coins or banknotes. Notes that do not meet these conditions are not paid.
Read the guide to damaged coins if you are also sending coins, and see the condition rules in our Terms and Conditions.