The Banco de España has not ordered the withdrawal of any banknotes, despite recent reports in some digital media outlets. All euro banknotes can continue to be used as normal and will not lose their value.
As part of its day-to-day and ongoing activities, the Banco de España, like other Eurosystem national central banks, ensures that all the banknotes and coins in circulation are of the highest quality. As a standard step in the cash cycle, the Banco de España checks the authenticity and fitness of all banknotes returned by banks, removing from circulation those that are not fit for purpose. Genuine banknotes and coins in good condition are put back into circulation, while stained or damaged notes are destroyed and replaced with others in good condition.
This routine process does not involve one banknote denomination only. The Banco de España applies the same criteria to maintain quality standards across all banknotes, from the €5 to the €200 ones.
It is also important to highlight that even if a banknote is damaged, its value is not lost. It can always be exchanged for its face value if more than half of the original banknote is brought to the Banco de España or if it can be proven that the missing part has been destroyed. So, there is no need for the public to worry about banknotes potentially losing their value.
One reason for trying to keep banknotes in good shape is to make it easier to check their security features. Although banknotes are made to last, they usually show signs of wear and tear over time from regular use.
You can read more about the cash cycle
and what to do with damaged banknotes in the Banknotes and coins section of our website.