Damaged banknotes in United States
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 the United States you are reimbursed at full face value if at least 50% 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 50% of the note survives | If clearly more than half the note survives, any commercial bank should exchange it. |
| 50% or less survives, or badly damaged | Bureau of Engraving and Printing, Mutilated Currency Division |
How it works
Currency is treated as mutilated when one-half or less of the original note remains, or when its condition makes the value questionable. Those notes are submitted to the BEP for examination rather than exchanged at a bank.
Worth knowing
The BEP examines more than 22,000 submissions a year, worth over $35 million.
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 United States →
Sources: as of 22 September 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice; the issuing authority decides each case.
- Money / Currency - U.S. Customs and Border Protection · retrieved 22 September 2026
- Mutilated Currency Redemption (Bureau of Engraving and Printing) · retrieved 22 September 2026