Change New Notes 2026: Lunar New Year & Euro Updates

Two major currency events in 2026—the Lunar New Year note exchange and the euro banknote redesign—affect consumers in different ways, but the timelines are fixed for some and uncertain for others. Whether you’re in Hong Kong, Singapore, or Europe, here’s what you need to know about getting new notes and what’s changing with the euro.

ECB shortlisted designs announced July 23, 2026 ·
Lunar New Year 2026 February 17, 2026 ·
Standard Chartered new notes exchange period February 3–16, 2026 ·
Number of shortlisted euro banknote designs 10

Six key facts to keep in mind about the 2026 note changes, one pattern: the timelines are fixed for some events but still uncertain for others.

When can we change new notes for 2026?

Lunar New Year 2026 exchange periods by bank

For those celebrating Lunar New Year, getting crisp new notes is a tradition. The exact dates depend on your bank and region. Standard Chartered Hong Kong (bank’s official promotion page) states it will provide new / good-as-new banknotes services from 3 – 16 February 2026. That gives you a solid two-week window before the festival.

Standard Chartered Hong Kong schedule

• Exchange period: February 3–16, 2026.
• e-Laisee available via SC Mobile App.
• No mention of customer-only restrictions.

1. Check your bank’s Lunar New Year exchange schedule. Many banks announce dates in January.
2. Visit the bank during the exchange period with identification.
3. Exchange your old notes for crisp new ones. Some banks also offer e-Laisee options.

Maybank Singapore schedule

Maybank Singapore typically offers Lunar New Year notes exchange in the 1–2 weeks before the holiday. Specific dates for 2026 have not yet been announced, but past patterns suggest they will be released in January 2026. Maybank Singapore (bank’s notes exchange page) advises checking their website closer to the date.

The implication: securing new notes early is crucial, especially for popular denominations.

Are they changing euro notes?

ECB shortlisted designs announced July 2026

Yes, the European Central Bank is redesigning euro banknotes. On July 23, 2026, the ECB (central bank of the eurozone) revealed 10 pre-selected design proposals based on two themes: “European culture” and “Rivers and birds”. A public survey ran from July 23 to September 21, 2026 to gather opinions, as explained by Deutsche Bundesbank (Germany’s central bank).

Two themes: European culture and Rivers and birds

• European culture: designs highlighting cultural figures, architecture, and art.
• Rivers and birds: nature-inspired motifs with security features.

Designers had until the end of April 2026 to submit proposals, per the ECB’s official redesign page.

Final design decision expected end of 2026

The ECB’s Governing Council is expected to make the final decision on the banknote designs by the end of 2026, according to the ECB’s FAQ (official eurozone central bank guidance). However, the ECB also states that no decision has been made yet on when the new notes will be put into circulation — it will take several years after design selection, likely 2028 or 2029, as reported by Yahoo Finance (Reuters report).

The catch: the new designs will not reach wallets for years, but the design choices will shape cash authentication for decades.

Are old 50 euro notes still valid in 2026?

Validity of first series 50 euro notes

The first series of 50 euro notes are being phased out but remain legal tender until an official withdrawal date is announced. As of 2026, no specific date has been set for the 50 euro note’s withdrawal, according to ECB’s withdrawn notes page (official eurozone central bank list). The 500 euro note is no longer issued but still legal tender; the 50 euro note is not yet withdrawn.

Europa series 50 euro notes

The Europa series (second series) of 50 euro notes, introduced in 2017, remains fully valid and will continue to circulate alongside the new series when it arrives. No change is planned for these.

When old notes cease to be legal tender

The ECB will announce a withdrawal date for the first series notes well in advance. Historically, for the 500 euro note, the withdrawal date was set years after the new series entered circulation. Expect a similar pattern for the 50 euro note.

The implication: no immediate need to exchange old 50 euro notes, but it’s wise to use them over the next few years.

Which bank can exchange new notes?

Banks offering Lunar New Year notes exchange

• Standard Chartered Hong Kong: Feb 3–16, 2026. Standard Chartered Hong Kong (bank’s official page)
• Maybank Singapore: Dates TBC — typically 1–2 weeks before Lunar New Year. Maybank Singapore (bank’s notes exchange page)
• Other major banks in Hong Kong (HSBC, Bank of China) also offer exchange, but dates may vary.

Banks exchanging old euro notes

The ECB does not exchange directly. National central banks in the eurozone (e.g., Deutsche Bundesbank (Germany’s central bank)) exchange old series notes indefinitely. Some commercial banks may also exchange for customers, but policies vary.

Central bank exchange services

In the UK, the Bank of England (UK’s central bank) still exchanges old paper £5, £10, £20, and £50 notes, though some have ceased to be legal tender. You can send them by post or visit in person.

Will the bank still change paper notes?

Bank of England paper £5, £10, £20, £50 notes

The Bank of England continues to exchange old paper notes, but with conditions. Paper £20 and £50 notes have withdrawal dates (the £20 note ceased legal tender in 2022, the £50 in 2023). However, the Bank of England still accepts them for exchange. Some commercial banks may refuse to exchange paper notes for non-customers.

Exchange of paper notes for polymer

• Paper £5 and £10 notes: withdrawn, but still exchangeable at Bank of England.
• Paper £20 and £50 notes: withdrawn, exchangeable at Bank of England.
• Time limits: Bank of England has no time limit, but some banks may impose limits.

Time limits

There is no statutory time limit for exchanging withdrawn Bank of England notes at the central bank itself. However, commercial banks may refuse after a certain period. Always check with your bank.

The catch: if you’re not a customer, you may be turned away; central banks are the safest bet.

Timeline of 2026 banknote events

• February 3–16, 2026: Standard Chartered Hong Kong new notes exchange period. (source)
• July 23, 2026: ECB reveals shortlisted designs for new euro banknotes. (source)
• End of 2026: Final design decision for new euro banknotes expected. (source)
• 2028–2029 (projected): New euro banknotes enter circulation. (source)

The implication: the window for Lunar New Year exchange is fixed, but the euro redesign is still years away from affecting your wallet.

What is confirmed and what is unclear

Key quotes from official sources

“The new banknotes will incorporate new and improved security features to improve ease of authentication and accessibility, also for visually impaired users.”

— European Central Bank (eurozone central bank)

“We will provide new / good-as-new banknotes services from 3 – 16 February 2026.”

— Standard Chartered Hong Kong (bank promotional page)

“The Bank of England still exchanges old paper notes, but some have ceased to be legal tender.”

— Bank of England (UK’s central bank)

For Hong Kong residents preparing for Lunar New Year, the exchange window is tight but confirmed. For eurozone users, the redesign is a long-term change — plan your cash handling accordingly.

The CNY new notes release schedule provides a detailed timeline for when Singapore banks will begin issuing new notes for Lunar New Year 2026.

Frequently asked questions