Banknotes and coins

What should I do if I detect a counterfeit banknote?

The first thing that needs to be said is that, if a banknote or a coin is counterfeit, it cannot be exchanged and the owner loses its value.

People that suspect that they may be in possession of a counterfeit banknote or coin may visit a credit institution or any branch of the Banco de España, where they will be informed, normally immediately, of the authenticity or otherwise of the banknote or coin.

If there are doubts and a more detailed analysis is required, the banknote or coin will be retained and the owners will be informed by post of the result of the expert analysis within a maximum of three weeks.

If the expert analysis carried out at the National Analysis Centre shows the banknote or coin to be genuine, the amount will be credited as soon as possible to a current account.

You can obtain more detailed information on the steps to be followed at: 

• Procedimientos para la comprobación de billetes y monedas presuntamente falsos