The Danish National Bank is conducting a campaign to remind citizens of the impending deadline for submitting older banknotes, including the 1,000-kroner notes, which will no longer be valid after May 31, 2025.
Deadline for Older Banknotes Approaches
The Danish National Bank is urging individuals to take note of May 31, 2025, as the crucial deadline for turning in any older banknotes, particularly the 1,000-kroner notes, which will become invalid after this date. This announcement comes as part of a campaign aimed at ensuring that citizens are aware of the need to exchange these notes before they lose their value altogether.
The National Bank of Denmark has launched this campaign in response to the significant amounts of older banknotes still circulating within the economy. According to their press release, there are still around 4.6 billion kroner worth of older banknotes, including the 1,000-kroner notes, that need to be accounted for before the deadline approaches. On their website, it is possible to see which banknotes will no longer be legal tender as of May 31, 2025.
Camilla Penn, head of Secretariat, Communication, and Strategy at the National Bank, emphasized that, “Many people are aware that the 1,000-kroner bills and older notes will become invalid. However, it is more challenging for them to remember exactly when that will happen. This campaign focuses on the expiration date and brings attention to how quickly time is running out.”
Background on the Phase-Out of Older Notes
The phase-out of the 1,000-kroner notes and the older series of banknotes—specifically those issued in 1944, 1952, 1972, and 1997—was first announced nearly a year and a half ago. Since then, Danish citizens have returned an impressive total of 20.6 billion kroner in nearly obsolete banknotes, showcasing both awareness and proactive behavior from the public.
The National Bank initially began its outreach in the fall of last year, reminding citizens of their obligation to turn in these banknotes through various communication channels, including both digital and physical correspondence sent to every household in Denmark. The continued campaign aims to reach individuals where they live, work, and shop.
Spreading the Word Across Multiple Platforms
The new campaign can be seen across various media platforms, including television and radio, as well as in shopping centers and train stations. Supermarkets, banks, and local municipalities have also joined forces to help in this effort, reminding customers of the forthcoming deadline and the necessity of exchanging their old currency.
Despite these efforts, the National Bank projects that approximately three billion kroner worth of banknotes will remain unreturned as the deadline approaches. This figure highlights a potential gap in public awareness or willingness to exchange currency that has been in circulation for decades.
The expiration of these banknotes marks an important transition in Denmark’s currency management. Many of the notes that are being phased out have been in circulation since World War II, making their eventual retirement feel like the closing chapter of a significant historic era.
Future Redemption Options
After the May 31, 2025 deadline, individuals with unreturned banknotes will still have an opportunity to redeem wrapped notes at designated locations. The National Bank will maintain three redemption centers in Aarhus, Odense, and Copenhagen, where old banknotes can be exchanged for valid currency until May 2026.
This provision ensures that individuals who may have forgotten about the deadline still have access to their money—although they will have to travel to specific locations to do so, as the notes will no longer be accepted anywhere else.
A Call to Action for Citizens
As the deadline for old banknotes approaches, it is essential for citizens to be proactive in exchanging their currency. The campaign launched by the National Bank serves as a necessary reminder of the transition taking place within Denmark’s currency system, highlighting both the importance of public awareness and the overarching strategy of the government regarding currency management.
The call to action is clear: Danish citizens should not delay in bringing their older banknotes to local banks or designated exchange centers. Failure to act before the deadline could result in a loss of their money, which can be easily avoided with a small amount of attention to the dates and processes involved. The National Bank’s efforts will continue in hopes of ensuring that all citizens are informed and prepared for this significant change in Denmark’s financial landscape.
