How a Swiss banknote’s life comes to an end
Despite the rise of cashless payments, millions of banknotes keep circulating daily worldwide. But who decides when a note has to retire, and what happens next?
The Swiss love their cash, but the more a banknote travels, the shorter its lifespan. The size of tears, stains and other imperfections determine whether a note can still be used for payments or if it’s time for it to go on its last journey. A banknote’s second life depends on the currency: different countries get rid of old banknotes with different end goals.
In Switzerland, damaged banknotes can be exchangedExternal link at the counters of the Swiss National Bank.
External Content
Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again.
Almost finished… We need to confirm your email address. To complete the subscription process, please click the link in the email we just sent you.
More
Wealth is not all: how gentrification in Zurich has led to housing shortage
More
Switzerland jostles to attract mobile millionaires
More
The CHF1,000 dance of death and other unforgettable Swiss banknotes
More
The Week in Switzerland
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.