Can a damaged, torn, or burned banknote still be worth something? Many people are unaware that Bank Al-Maghrib offers a reimbursement service for Moroccan banknotes that have been mutilated or deteriorated. However, this process is governed by strict rules that determine whether a note can be exchanged and at what value.
Not all damaged banknotes are eligible for reimbursement. First and foremost, the note must be genuine. Additionally, it must be presented either as a whole piece or in two fragments that share the same serial number. If a note is too deteriorated or missing a significant portion, it may be deemed worthless.
There are other restrictions as well. Bank Al-Maghrib will not reimburse notes that are stained or contaminated with suspicious substances, a precautionary measure aimed at preventing counterfeiting and fraud.
The amount refunded depends on the condition of the banknote and how much of its original surface remains intact. Bank Al-Maghrib follows a straightforward rule:
Full reimbursement is granted if at least two-thirds of the note is still intact, meaning its full face value is refunded.
Partial reimbursement applies if the remaining surface is between two-fifths and two-thirds of the original size, in which case only half of the face value is returned.
No reimbursement is provided if less than two-fifths of the note remains, as it is considered void.
If a note is presented in two separate pieces, its total surface area will determine the refund amount.
Some banknotes undergo closer scrutiny. Those showing signs of forgery or potentially linked to fraudulent activities are subjected to a detailed examination by Bank Al-Maghrib. The goal is clear: to uphold the integrity of the Moroccan dirham and prevent counterfeiting.
To avoid any issues, it’s best to store banknotes carefully and avoid any intentional damage. If there’s any doubt about whether a note can be reimbursed, the safest option is to visit a Bank Al-Maghrib branch for an official assessment—and possibly recover part or all of its value.
