Exchange of ink-stained banknotes

Ink-stained banknotes are banknotes that are damaged due to the activation of anti-theft devices equipped with ink-staining systems in ATMs or security cases. Ink-stained banknotes are unfit for circulation. ATMs that have had this system installed shall display an identifying sticker informing the public of its existence.

When confronted with a situation in which you are presented with an ink-stained banknote, you should not accept it, given the strong likelihood that the ink-staining process is associated with the practice of an illicit act.

If, inadvertently, you find yourself in the possession of an ink-stained banknote, you should immediately address the criminal police (Polícia Judiciária), Banco de Portugal or a credit institution.

Credit institutions must receive the ink-stained banknotes submitted to them by the public, and subsequently send them to Banco de Portugal for valuation purposes.


Credit institutions shall only accept these banknotes when the applicant fills in the form attached to Instruction No 3/2010. In addition, the applicant submitting it shall provide the following:

• Identification: name, address, contacts, identification document details and IBAN for crediting possible proceeds from the valuation process; 
• Written explanation with as much detail as possible regarding the relevant circumstances and facts leading to possession of such banknotes (place, date and origin).

The credit institutions exchanging the banknotes shall not apply fees, commissions or other charges of any nature.

Banco de Portugal may also receive from the public, at its cash offices, requests for the exchange of ink-stained banknotes. For this purpose, the applicant is requested to provide information on his/her identification and on the circumstances leading to possession of such banknotes, with as much detail as possible. When, after the internal valuation procedure, the Bank is informed of or has justified suspicions that the banknotes are associated with an illicit act, it will send the ink-stained banknotes to the competent authorities.