Originally Posted by
SkyTeam777
I have a 100 Euro note with a small corner torn off, like 2 centimeters. Will it be turned away when I try to use it? I find that often banks require you to have one of their cards to enter some branches via an automated door. Can I exchange it at an airport?
Nobody will care about a torn €5 or €10 but some people would refuse a €100 note with a part missing.
The chances of it being refused increase as the amount you are spending decreases. If you are spending several hundred euros then it is more likely to be accepted than spending ten euros and wanting €90 change. The country where you propose to spend the damaged note also makes a difference.
Yes, sometimes you need a bank card in order to enter a bank branch when it is closed, in order to use the self-service facilities. Not sure how this is relevant to your problem though.
Generally you won't be able to swap a damaged note for an undamaged note at an airport currency exchange, unless it is an actual bank. If you are exchanging it to another currency, then it might be accepted. If you are attempting this outside the eurozone then the likelihood approaches zero.
If you are unable to get a retailer or commercial bank to accept your damaged note, then you can always go to one of the eurozone central banks, where there will be no problem exchanging a single damaged note for a brand new one. Some of them require ID in order to make the exchange and opening hours may be limited. Queues may be longer in big cities unless you turn up when it opens.