Sometimes, ATMs dispense torn, badly crumpled, or damaged currency notes, which can confuse customers. It’s essential to recognize that you cannot return a damaged note to a shopkeeper after receiving it from an ATM as if it were a new note.
Generally, no one will accept torn or damaged notes in the market. Therefore, obtaining such notes from an ATM can cause customers concern.
However, if you encounter this situation, there is a straightforward way to exchange damaged notes for new ones.
Guidelines for Exchanging Damaged Notes
According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) guidelines, you can exchange notes torn into pieces or missing significant parts.
Critical components of a currency note include the name of the issuing authority, the guarantee and promise clauses, the signature, the Ashoka Pillar symbol, Mahatma Gandhi’s picture, and the watermark. You can exchange it even if your note lacks some of these critical features.
You can exchange the notes at any public sector bank, private sector bank, currency chest branch, or RBI issue office counter without filling out a form. However, the refund value of these notes will be determined according to the RBI Note Refund Rules.
What Are Soiled Notes?
The Reserve Bank of India defines soiled notes as those that have become dirty or have lost some parts. Even if a note has serial numbers on both sides and is in two pieces, it is still considered a soiled note. Only notes valued at Rs. 10 or more can be exchanged.
It is important to note that the serial number should be kept on the notes you wish to exchange. The note must display the serial number to be eligible for exchange at any bank.
How to Exchange Damaged Notes at a Bank
If you receive a torn or damaged currency note from an ATM, follow these steps to exchange it:
- Go to the bank branch associated with the ATM from which you withdrew the damaged note.
- Write down the relevant details on paper, including the ATM location, date, time, and transaction details.
- Attach the transaction slip related to your withdrawal. If you do not have a slip, you can provide the transaction details received using your registered mobile number.
- Per the rules, the bank staff will collect your damaged notes and return the equivalent value in good condition.
You can exchange the damaged notes at any bank branch, regardless of the ATM from which you received them.