Bank of Spain warning as some €50 notes to become invalid in April

CASH holders are being urged to check their €50 notes after the Bank of Spain announced it would be eliminating some from the system.

The bank said certain 50-euro bills will be completely withdrawn if they have been stained or damaged by security devices used in money transport systems.

When money is stolen from some institutions or during transit, a defensive ink is sprayed to purposefully mark the cash.

This makes it identifiable to the authorities later on and is designed to deter criminals from stealing such moneys in the first place.

The Bank of Spain is now making any 50-euro bill marked by such ink invalid, even though they may be genuine.

It will be withdrawing affected bills from the system throughout April.

Residents have been advised to be cautious when accepting 50s from unknown sources.

How do I know if my €50 bill is invalid?

If your note has strange marks, stains or is very damaged, it could be classed as invalid.

If you are handed such a note, you are advised to not accept it, be that in a store or from a trader.

If you are unsure, go to your nearest bank and ask them to check your notes and ask to exchange them if necessary.