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Bank Notes - FAQ

Polymer Bank Notes

  • 1. What are polymer bank notes?
  • Canada’s new bank notes are printed on polymer—a smooth, durable film. Secure, durable and innovative, these bills mark a shift away from paper bank notes and are a first for Canadian currency.
  • 2. Why is the Bank of Canada switching from cotton to polymer bank notes?
  • Polymer notes will help to keep us ahead of counterfeiting. They have innovative security features specifically designed for the polymer material. These notes are also more durable and will last at least 2.5 times longer than their paper counterparts, thereby reducing the impact on the environment.
  • 3. Are polymer notes easy to handle?
  • Yes. Polymer notes feel different from paper notes but they can be handled just as easily. For more information, watch the handling video.
  • 4. Why do my new notes sometimes feel slippery?
  • Brand new polymer notes may feel slippery at first, but as the notes circulate and are handled by Canadians, this tendency will disappear. For more information, watch the handling video.
  • 5. Are new polymer notes difficult to count? Why do they seem to stick together?
  • Brand new bank notes - whether they are paper or polymer - may stick together at first. As the notes circulate and are handled by Canadians, this tendency will disappear. Here are some handling tips: before counting a stack of new notes, separate them by fanning, tapping, shuffling or snapping. For more information, watch the handling video.
  • 6. Will polymer notes work in ABMs and machines that accept cash payments?

  • The Bank of Canada has been working with the manufacturers of cash-processing machines to facilitate a smooth transition to polymer notes.

    Machine manufacturers, owners and renters are ultimately responsible for deciding how and when their equipment will be adapted to accept and process polymer notes.

  • 7. Will the polymer notes be recycled?
  • Yes. Polymer bank notes will be recycled when they become too damaged or worn for public use.
  • 8. How does the environmental impact of polymer notes compare to that of paper notes?
  • Polymer notes will last at least 2.5 times longer than the current cotton paper notes. This will reduce the environmental impact of manufacturing and transporting polymer bank notes over the life of the series, compared with the impact of notes printed on cotton paper.
  • 9. How long do polymer notes last compared to paper?
  • Polymer notes last at least 2.5 times longer than paper notes. They are the most durable bank notes ever issued by the Bank of Canada. Though polymer notes are very durable, they are not indestructible and should be handled appropriately. For more information, watch the Made to Last durability video
  • 10. Can I fold or crease my bills?
  • All notes, paper or polymer, fare better when they are kept flat, not folded. To help polymer notes last longer, avoid creasing, crumpling or stapling them. If you come across crumpled or creased notes, flatten them by applying pressure or by curling them in your hand. For more information, watch the Made to Last durability video
  • 11. Can my notes be cleaned?
  • You can remove dirt or spills from your notes by wiping them clean with a damp cloth.
  • 12. What should I do if my polymer note gets a tear in it?
  • While polymer notes are very durable and it is hard to start a tear in them, they can tear quickly if they are nicked. Torn notes can be mended with tape and used again. They will be removed from circulation when they are returned to the Bank of Canada. For more information, watch the Made to Last durability video

Checking Your Notes

  • 1. Why should I check my money?
  • Checking your bank notes is an easy, inexpensive and reliable way to protect yourself from counterfeit money.
  • 2. Is it easy to check notes myself?
  • Yes. The new $100, $50, $20, $10 and $5 polymer bills have the same innovative security features that can be seen from both sides of the notes.

Counterfeiting

  • 1. What do I do if I think I have received a fake bill?
  • If you think you have a fake bill, take it to the local police. It’s illegal to knowingly use or keep a counterfeit bill.
  • 2. Is counterfeiting a big deal?
  • Yes. Proceeds from fake cash may fund other crimes in your community. However, the dedication of police agencies, retailers, banks and the Bank of Canada to this issue has brought counterfeiting rates down over the past several years.
  • 3. Which bill is counterfeited the most?
  • This changes from year to year. It’s better to assume that counterfeiters can target notes of any denomination so that you check everything. The RCMP compiles yearly statistics on counterfeiting levels in Canada.
  • 4. Why won’t the Bank reimburse me if someone gives me fake cash?
  • To deter counterfeiting, the Bank of Canada, like other central banks, does not exchange fake bills for real ones. The best defence against counterfeiting is to check your notes.
  • 5. Can a business refuse to accept a bill from me even if it’s real?
  • Yes. Sellers and buyers must agree to the method of payment for each transaction. Although some businesses think they are protecting themselves from fake money by rejecting large-value notes, they may not realize that fraudsters target all notes. Checking every note is your best defence.
  • 6. How does the Bank of Canada fight counterfeiting?
  • The Bank fights counterfeiting by:
    • researching, developing, and issuing new bank notes with more advanced security features
    • offering free training to people who use cash regularly (like retailers and tellers) so they can identify and report fake bills before they enter the cash supply
    • supporting law-enforcement agencies in their efforts to investigate and prosecute this crime
    • ensuring that notes in circulation are of good quality

Notes from Past Series

  • 1. Are my paper bank notes still legal tender?
  • All notes issued by the Bank of Canada since 1935 have legal tender status and retain their full value. If you don’t know how to check notes from past series, exchange them for newer ones at your local bank.

Contaminated and Mutilated Bank Notes

  • 1. Can I exchange my worn notes for newer ones?
  • Yes. Simply take your worn bills to a bank and ask for other notes in exchange.
  • 2. What should I do with contaminated or mutilated (significantly damaged) notes?
  • Contaminated and mutilated (significantly damaged) bank notes should be sent to the Bank of Canada for examination. Depending on their condition, you may be able to redeem the notes at full or partial value.

Bank Note Design

  • 1. How do you choose the theme of a new series?
  • The themes on our notes are carefully selected after consultations with a broad range of Canadians. We try to ensure that all notes offer perspectives of Canada that are familiar to everyone.
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