Notes on Exchange of Damaged Cash after the Issuance of the New Series of Bank of Japan Notes
The Bank of Japan exchanges Bank of Japan notes that are not suitable for use due to contamination, damage, or other reasons.
The Bank does NOT:
- (1) provide money exchange services,
- (2) simply replace circulating banknotes with the new series of Bank of Japan notes,
- (3) pay out banknotes in order according to their serial number, or provide banknotes with a particular preferred serial number.
In cases where Bank of Japan notes and coins are deliberately contaminated or damaged, the Bank may not be able to exchange them, depending on the circumstances, and deliberate contamination or damage of notes and coins is punishable by law.
When you plan to bring in damaged cash, please make an appointment online or by contacting the Bank in advance. If you arrive without an appointment, the Bank may not be able to serve you on the date of your visit.
The new series of Bank of Japan notes are paid out from the Bank of Japan to financial institutions. Financial institutions that have completed the necessary preparations distribute the notes over their counters or through automated teller machines (ATMs).
The existing series of Bank of Japan notes remain valid after the issuance of the new series, so you do not need to exchange any old notes you have from the existing series for notes from the new series. Please be cautious of false information claiming that the "existing series are no longer or will no longer be valid" or of related fraudulent activities.
- Appointment Booking Website for Exchange of Damaged Cash (Link to an external website)