Bank Notes

What is a mutilated bank note?

A bank note is mutilated when its condition requires special examination to determine its value. The most common causes of mutilation are fire, floods, chemicals, and explosives, deterioration by burial, animal, insect or rodent damage.

Bank notes may also become "contaminated", meaning that they may pose a health or safety hazard. Learn more about contaminated notes.

The financial institutions refer to mutilated bank notes as "Unfit Value Unknown."

How does the Bank of Canada help?

The Bank of Canada offers a free "mutilated-note redemption" service, which includes careful examination of damaged notes by an experienced team at a specially equipped laboratory in Ottawa.

The time needed to assess damaged notes varies with complexity and workload. Settlement, if any, is issued to the client following a formal evaluation of each case.

How do I send mutilated notes to the Bank of Canada?

When submitting mutilated bank notes, include the following information:

• your name and address, and
• a letter explaining how the notes became mutilated and an estimate of their value.

Mutilated notes should be carefully packaged to prevent further damage during transportation.
See: How to Prepare Mutilated Notes for Shipping

Mutilated notes can be forwarded by registered mail to the Bank of Canada location listed below or can be submitted through any financial institution. The Bank of Canada is not responsible for notes lost in transit.

Personal deliveries are accepted between the hours of 09:00 and 15:00, ET, Monday through Friday, except holidays.

Contact information