Claiming Damaged Banknotes
The Reserve Bank recommends that claimants take their incomplete, badly damaged or contaminated banknotes to their bank or another authorised deposit-taking institution (ADI). These institutions are encouraged by the Reserve Bank to accept all claims. Incomplete banknotes may be assessed on the spot using grids provided by the Reserve Bank to calculate the value. Badly damaged and contaminated banknotes need to be forwarded to the Reserve Bank's National Note Processing and Distribution Centre (NNPDC) for assessment. All ADIs will ensure the claim is securely delivered to the NNPDC on behalf of the claimant.
Incomplete, badly damaged or contaminated banknotes may also be presented at the Reserve Bank's Sydney head office (65 Martin Place) or Canberra branch (20-22 London Circuit) for secure delivery to the NNPDC.
An Incomplete/Badly Damaged/Contaminated Australian Banknote(s) Claim Form must be completed for all claims. The Reserve Bank provides different forms depending on how the claim is submitted – one for ADIs where the claim is lodged through a bank, credit union or building society and one for individuals where the claim is lodged directly with the Reserve Bank. Claims for contaminated banknotes must be sealed in a bag and the bag clearly marked with details of the contamination.
Where no other option is available, individuals may choose to send their claim by mail to:
The Manager, Processing
National Note Processing and Distribution Centre
Note Printing Australia Ltd
PO Box 2100
CRAIGIEBURN VIC 3064
The Reserve Bank accepts no responsibility for any claims sent by mail or for any claims until they are delivered to the NNPDC or the Reserve Bank. Banks and other ADIs should not send claims by mail under any circumstances.
If an individual has difficulty lodging a claim, the Reserve Bank provides a toll free number (1800 633 220) for assistance.
Identification requirements
Under the Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing Act 2006, there is a requirement that the Reserve Bank verify the identity of customers involved in certain transactions. As a result, claims of $1,000 or more presented to the Reserve Bank must be accompanied by an Identification Reference Form, unless a form has been completed previously.
