Banknote lifespans show non-linear pattern
Banknote lifespans are up, but the change has not been straightforward
On a global basis, the median banknote has a lifespan of just under five (4.7) years, according to data in the Currency Benchmarks 2026. The previous survey, which took place in 2024, recorded a median of only four years, but in 2023, the figure stood at 4.3, suggesting that banknote lifespans do not go up uniformly over time.
Data also shows that while lifespans are broadly higher than in 2023, this is not universal: in some higher denominations, numbers are still lower than three years ago.
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