Some Ukrainians may face problems when making cash payments. The National Bank of Ukraine continues to update monetary circulation and gradually withdraws certain types of banknotes from use.
The NBU reports on what money has lost its status and what to do with it.
Which banknotes are no longer a means of payment?
З March 2 2026 year paper banknotes in denominations 1, 2, 5 and 10 hryvnias, 2003–2007 officially lost the status of a means of payment.
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What does this mean: Public transport drivers, conductors, cashiers, and vendors have every right to refuse to accept such bills.
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What is the replacement: For these denominations, only the corresponding coins remain legal tender.
Which banknotes are being phased out?
In parallel, the process of withdrawing banknotes in denominations continues. 50 and 200 hryvnia old models.
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Formally they still remain valid, and they can be paid.
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However, banks no longer return such banknotes to circulation, but instead withdraw them and hand them over to the NBU for further disposal. As a result, difficulties with them can increasingly arise in everyday life.
Why do they do this? > The regulator's main goal is to increase the protection of the hryvnia against counterfeiting (the new banknotes have significantly more security features) and improve the quality of cash in circulation. In addition, small-denomination metal coins are much more durable than their paper counterparts.
What to do with old money and where to exchange it?
Ukrainians are advised to check their wallets and savings. If you find banknotes that are being withdrawn or have already been withdrawn from circulation, they can be exchange for free for new money or coins.
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Where to exchange: In branches of authorized banks (in particular, in PrivatBank, Oschadbank and Ukreximbank).
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Dates for 1, 2, 5 and 10 UAH (2003–2007 models): The possibility of free exchange will be maintained at least by the end of 2026.
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Terms for 50 and 200 UAH: The final date for the withdrawal of these banknotes has not yet been determined, but financial experts recommend not postponing their exchange.
