Banknotes

There are two series of banknotes. The first series comprises seven different denominations: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200 and €500. The second series, or Europa series, consists of six denominations and was completed with the issuance of the €100 and €200 on 28 May 2019. The €500 banknote was not included in the Europa series and as of 27 April 2019 is no longer being issued. The first series of notes, originally issued in 2002, is gradually being replaced by the Europa series. All the notes are legal tender throughout the euro area.

€500 banknotes are no longer issued

On 27 January 2019, 17 of the 19 national central banks in the euro area stopped issuing €500 banknotes. In order to ensure a smooth transition and for logistical reasons, the Deutsche Bundesbank and the Oesterreichische Nationalbank stopped issuing the notes on 27 April 2019.

Existing €500 banknotes continue to be legal tender, so you can still use them as a means of payment and store of value (i.e. spend and save them). Similarly, banks, bureaux de change and other commercial parties can keep recirculating the existing €500 notes.

Like all denominations of euro banknotes, the €500 note will always retain its value and can be exchanged at a national central bank of the euro area at any time.

Tell us what you think about the banknotes you use every day

Your feedback is essential to making sure that the euro banknotes in circulation are of the best possible quality. Participate in a short online survey and tell us what you think about the banknotes that you handle every day.