The European Central Bank (ECB) has confirmed that the first series of €100 and €200 banknotes will cease to be legal tender on May 6, 2026. This follows the gradual phase-out of the "Europa series" banknotes, which feature enhanced security elements and were introduced starting in 2013.
The old notes, often referred to as the "first series" or pre-Europa series, can still be exchanged indefinitely at national central banks within the Eurosystem. The ECB and national banks have been running public awareness campaigns to encourage people to check their cash and deposit or exchange any old notes.
The €500 note was already withdrawn from circulation in 2019. The newer Europa series notes for all other denominations (€5 to €200) will remain in use and are unaffected by this expiry. The move is part of ongoing efforts to combat counterfeiting and improve banknote security.
Financial institutions will stop recirculating the old €100 and €200 notes after the May deadline. The ECB advises the public to use the remaining time to spend or deposit these notes at commercial banks, which will accept them until the cut-off date.
