Spain to scrap old €50 notes « Euro Weekly News

If you’re someone who still likes using cash, now’s a good time to check your wallet. Spain’s central bank has announced plans to start withdrawing old and damaged €50 notes from circulation, likely beginning in July 2025.

Worn €50 notes to disappear from circulation this summer

The purpose of this decision is to improve the security of cash payments and reduce the chance of fraud — especially during the busy summer season when tourists flood the country.

The bank wants to phase out notes that are too crumpled, faded or torn to be accepted by machines or cashiers. These bills, often mistaken for counterfeits, are being targeted in a larger effort to ensure that cash remains a reliable payment option in a digital world.

How to swap your damaged €50 notes safely and easily

Got a note that’s seen better days? No need to worry. You can still exchange it at any branch of the Bank of Spain or at selected partner banks. Just bring a valid ID. If you want the value transferred to your account, you’ll need to share your banking details too.

Keep in mind, though, that the note must be authentic and the damage unintentional. If you’re exchanging more than 100 notes stained by anti-theft ink, a fee of 10 cents per bill might apply — unless you have proof, like a police report, showing the damage was due to theft or another exceptional situation.

The initiative is also a reminder to stay alert for counterfeits. Real notes have a distinct feel, raised ink in certain areas, and watermarks that match the printed design when held to the light. If you suspect a note is fake, don’t try to spend it — take it to a bank and have it checked.

With this change just around the corner, it’s worth giving your notes a second look. Because even in a digital age, keeping your cash clean matters.

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