The Bank of Canada issued its first notes in 1935, and they included $25 and $500 notes. Before that, notes were issued by governments, banks (like the Molsons Bank, operated by the same family as the brewery), and even some businesses.
Canada’s new bank note series will be 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. I only see the new $100 and $50 notes online. Will other notes get printed on polymer too?
Yes. All of the other denominations will be printed on polymer by the end of 2013, starting with the $20 note and followed by the $10 and $5 notes.
4. Are polymer notes easy to handle?
Yes. They feel different from paper bills, but are easy to use in your daily transactions. You’ll get used to them in no time.
5. Why do my new notes sometimes feel slippery?
Like new paper notes, new polymer bills may feel slippery at first, but that feeling should wear off as the bills are used.
6. Will polymer notes work in ATMs and machines that accept cash payments?
We have been working with the manufacturers of cash-processing machines to facilitate a smooth transition to 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.
10. Can I fold my bills?
All notes, paper or polymer, fare better when they are kept flat, not folded.
11. Can my notes be cleaned?
You can remove dirt or spills from your notes by wiping them clean with a damp cloth.
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
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.
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.
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.
