Damaged or mutilated Canadian bank note: request reimbursement
Preserve the fragments, explain what happened and submit the note under the Bank of Canada process.
Do not unnecessarily handle a note exposed to chemicals, mould, drugs, blood or other contaminants. Isolate it safely and follow the Bank’s instructions before shipping.
Do not repair or clean it
Keep every fragment in the condition found. Avoid tape, washing, cutting or reconstruction attempts that could destroy features needed for examination.
Try a financial institution first
A slightly damaged note may sometimes be exchanged by a financial institution at its discretion. For a severely mutilated or contaminated note, or a disputed value, use the Bank of Canada process.
Prepare the claim
Provide your contact information, claimed value, number of notes and an honest account of the circumstances. Package fragments to prevent loss and use the current form and shipping instructions.
Understand the examination
The Bank assesses authenticity, the portion remaining, ownership and circumstances. Reimbursement is not automatic and may be refused where there is doubt, fraud, theft or deliberate destruction. Keep photographs and proof of shipping.
Bank note reimbursement — Bank of Canada