Damaged banknotes in Canada
Torn, burned, washed, or missing a piece, what it is still worth.
Is a damaged note still worth its face value?
Usually yes. A damaged banknote is not automatically worthless. Bank of Canada assesses damaged notes individually rather than applying a fixed surviving-area rule. Free.
Where to take it
| Condition | Where to go |
|---|---|
| Lightly damaged | A financial institution will usually exchange a note that is only lightly damaged. |
| Badly damaged or incomplete | Bank of Canada |
How it works
Mutilated notes, damaged by fire or water, missing pieces, or otherwise deteriorated, are assessed individually by Bank of Canada experts under its Policy on the Redemption of Contaminated or Mutilated Canadian Bank Notes. There is no fixed surviving-area threshold.
Worth knowing
Handle fragments as little as possible; further damage can reduce what is recoverable.
Practical advice
- Do not tape, clean, flatten or otherwise "repair" a damaged note, handling it can destroy evidence the examiner needs.
- Keep every fragment, however small, and store them exactly as found.
- If a note is contaminated or came out of a fire, say so when you submit it; there are handling procedures for that.
- Never assume a damaged note is worthless and throw it away.
Cash declaration rules for Canada →
Sources: as of 22 September 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice; the issuing authority decides each case.
- Redeeming damaged bank notes: Bank of Canada · retrieved 22 September 2026
- I Declare: Canada Border Services Agency · retrieved 22 September 2026