January 19, 2026

Athens News

News in English from Greece

Where 500 euros are taken and what traps are waiting for the owners


500 euros They are not officially printed, but remain a legal payment tool. They should accept everywhere, however, banks put filters: limits, commissions, work distrusts.

What happens with bills of 500 euros: where they accept and what traps are waiting for the owners of these banknotes

Purple “monster” At 500 euros has not been printed for a long time, but remains a legal means of payment in the euro zone. No one is going to remove it from the circulation: retail outlets are required to accept the bill, and banks will exchange it at any time and without a limitation period.

Why the release was stopped

The European Central Bank decided in 2016 to stop the seal of 500-European banknotes. Argument: too convenient for shadow operations and transportation of cash. In the new series of Europe, the nominal nominal has limited – now it is a maximum of 100 and 200 euros.

Underwater stones when using

  • Atm: Most ATMs do not accept bills of 500 euros. We will have to go to the cashier.
  • Minimum amount: Many banks do not accept a single 500 euros if the total amount is less than 2000.
  • Exchange: If you try to exchange for small bills for entering through an ATM, the bank can take a commission (about 0.15%).
  • Large sums: Over 5000 euros, as a rule, are accepted without problems, but can request documents and additional identification.

What is worth remembering

  • Be sure to take the receipt of money.
  • Do not abuse cash: large amounts attract the attention of services to combat money laundering.

Conclusion: 500 euros are still in use, but it has become more difficult to treat them. Legally – it does not mean convenient. Banks look at these bills as suspicious, which means that the holder will have to put up with restrictions.



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