Damaged banknotes in Singapore
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. In Singapore you are reimbursed at full face value if at least 67% of the note survives. Below that it is assessed individually rather than refused outright. Free.
Where to take it
| Condition | Where to go |
|---|---|
| More than 67% of the note survives | A note that is merely worn will normally be accepted by any bank. |
| 67% or less survives, or badly damaged | Monetary Authority of Singapore |
How much you get back
Singapore uses graduated bands rather than a single pass-or-fail threshold, so a badly damaged note may still be worth something, just not its full value.
| How much of the note remains | Refund |
|---|---|
| At least 2/3 of the note remains | full face value |
| More than 1/3 but less than 2/3 remains | half face value |
| 1/3 or less of the note remains | no value |
How it works
Assessment runs in two stages. First the note must be validated as genuine with no evidence of wilful damage; any explanation you provide is weighed for reasonableness. Only then is refund value set by how much of the note remains.
Worth knowing
Under the Currency Act mutilated notes command no value as of right, and merchants may refuse them. MAS awards value out of goodwill and at its absolute discretion. Deliberately mutilating currency is an offence in Singapore.
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 Singapore →
Sources: as of 22 September 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice; the issuing authority decides each case.
- Mutilated Currency - Monetary Authority of Singapore · retrieved 22 September 2026
- Taking Cash In and Out of Singapore, ICA · retrieved 22 September 2026