RBI Rs 500 Note Ban News Fact Check: A viral WhatsApp forward claims that the RBI plans to phase out Rs 500 notes by 2026. Here’s the real fact check from the official PIB source.
RBI Rs 500 Note Ban Message Goes Viral
A WhatsApp message spreading quickly across groups claims that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) will gradually stop the circulation of Rs 500 notes by March 2026. The message even lists supposed ATM deadlines, saying 75% of ATMs will stop dispensing Rs 500 notes by September 2025 and 90% by March 2026. It warns people to “liquidate their Rs 500 notes” before it’s too late.
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PIB Fact Check: The Claim is Fake
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has officially stated that this viral message is completely false. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), the PIB Fact Check handle clarified that the RBI has issued no directive about discontinuing Rs 500 notes.
Has RBI really asked banks to stop disbursing ₹500 notes from ATMs by September 2025? 🤔
A message falsely claiming exactly this is spreading on #WhatsApp #PIBFactCheck
✅ No such instruction has been issued by the @RBI.
✅ ₹500 notes will continue to be legal tender.
— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) July 12, 2025
According to the PIB Fact Check post:
“No such instruction has been issued by the RBI. Rs 500 notes will continue to be legal tender.”
It also urged citizens not to fall for such misinformation and to always verify sensitive financial news through official channels before sharing it further.
RBI’s Official Position on Rs 500 Notes
As of now, the RBI has not released any circular or press note regarding the withdrawal or replacement of Rs 500 currency notes. They remain valid and are accepted for all forms of transactions across India. Banks and ATMs will continue to dispense Rs 500 notes as usual.
Such rumors may have originated from a legitimate RBI circular issued in April 2024, which directed banks and ATM operators to increase the availability of smaller denominations, specifically Rs 100 and Rs 200 notes. However, that directive had no mention of discontinuing Rs 500 notes.
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What to Do When You See Such Viral Messages
The PIB strongly advises against forwarding unverified financial messages. Always cross-check with official websites such as rbi.org.in or the Press Information Bureau before believing or sharing any claims about currency, banking regulations, or government schemes.
Quick Summary Table
| Claim | Fact |
|---|---|
| Rs 500 notes to be banned by 2026 | False. RBI issued no such directive. |
| ATMs to stop Rs 500 note dispensing | Incorrect. No official order exists. |
| PIB Confirmation | Rs 500 notes remain legal tender across India. |
FAQs About RBI Rs 500 Note Fake News
Q1: Is the RBI really going to phase out Rs 500 notes by 2026?
No, the RBI has not announced any plan to phase out or replace Rs 500 notes. They remain valid for transactions.
Q2: Who confirmed that the viral WhatsApp message is fake?
The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check team confirmed the message was false and misleading.
Q3: Where can I verify RBI announcements?
Always check the official RBI website or PIB’s Fact Check portal for accurate financial and currency-related updates.
