Damage to banknotes is a fairly common phenomenon, which is due to the fact that despite all modern banknote production technologies, paper still remains sensitive to frequent use, high humidity, contact with ultraviolet radiation, and aggressive compounds.
Small defects on banknotes remain almost invisible. However, serious damage requires special attention. In some cases, using culture will not work. And you will have to exchange it for a new one. Click on the link, you can familiarize yourself with all the conditions for exchanging old dollars, euros and other currencies.
The main reasons for damage to banknotes
The first and most common reason for damage to banknotes is their natural wear and tear. After a certain time, the paper begins to lose density and integrity. Especially if the bill is often passed from hand to hand, is stored incorrectly, is often bent, or comes into contact with other banknotes or objects.
In addition to natural wear and tear, there are also other reasons for currency damage:
- Water ingress. May lead to destruction of the banknote or, for example, the formation of mold on it.
- Interaction with open flame. Burnt banknotes are not accepted by ATMs and point-of-sale terminals and are not suitable for exchanging and paying for goods.
- Contamination of currency with paint, ink, etc.
What to do with worn-out currency
If you find damaged, worn dollars or euros in your wallet or other places where you store currency, you should first assess the degree of deformation of the bill. Minor abrasions may not affect the turnover in any way. Such banknotes still remain relevant for paying for goods or services, as well as for exchange at special points. Moreover, small, barely noticeable stains are even accepted by vending machines and terminals.
If the degree of wear is quite noticeable, the bill may be refused for payment or exchange. In this case, it is worth contacting special companies engaged in exchanging old currencies. How do they work? Everything is as simple as possible:
- Contact a representative of the company whose terms of cooperation suit you. Study the size of the commission, the duration of the analysis of the banknote.
- Agree with the company representative about the date and time of the meeting with the expert to evaluate the worn currency. The specialist must make sure that 50% or more of the banknote can be identified. Otherwise, the exchange is not carried out, and the banknote is considered invalid.
If the damaged currency meets the requirement described above, already at the first meeting with company representatives, dollars or euros are exchanged for completely intact and new banknotes. You receive the entire amount in your hands, except perhaps withholding a small commission, which ranges from 3% and depends on the degree of wear and the total amount of the currency.
