Redeeming Damaged Banknotes
Before submitting a damaged banknotes claim you should familiarise yourself with the claim requirements.
Redeeming process
The Reserve Bank recommends that people take damaged banknotes to their bank or another authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI). These institutions are encouraged by the Reserve Bank to accept all claims. Incomplete banknotes may be assessed on the spot using grids provided by the Reserve Bank to calculate the value. Badly damaged and contaminated banknotes need to be forwarded to the Reserve Bank's National Banknote Site (NBS) for assessment. All ADIs will ensure the claim is securely delivered to the NBS on behalf of the claimant.
Incomplete, badly damaged or contaminated banknotes may also be presented at the Reserve Bank's Sydney head office (65 Martin Place) or Canberra branch (20-22 London Circuit) for secure delivery to the NBS.
A form must be completed for all claims. Claims for contaminated banknotes must be sealed in a bag and the bag clearly marked with details of the contamination. Where no other option is available, individuals may choose to send their claim by mail to:
Operations Manager
National Banknote Site
Reserve Bank of Australia
PO Box 2100
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
The Reserve Bank accepts no responsibility for any claims sent by mail or for any claims until they are delivered to the NBS.
Banks and other ADIs should not send claims by mail under any circumstances.
Identification requirements
The Reserve Bank verifies the identity of customers involved in claims of $1,000 or more presented to it. As a result, such claims must be accompanied by an Identification Reference Form, unless a form has been completed previously.
- Incomplete/Badly damaged/Contaminated Australian Banknote(s) Claim Form – Financial Institutions 114KB
- Incomplete/Badly damaged/Contaminated Australian Banknote(s) Claim Form – Individuals 134KB
- Grids for Assessing Value of Australian Polymer Notes with Pieces Missing 82KB
- Identification Reference – Individual 94KB
- Identification Reference – Australian Company, Association or Co-operative 47KB
- Identification Reference – Government Body 43KB