Today, September 30, 2023, marks the final opportunity for individuals to exchange or deposit ₹2,000 denomination banknotes at their respective banks without any specific limit.

According to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), from October 1, the ₹2,000 currency note will cease to have its value and will essentially become just another piece of paper.

This development comes several months after the central bank had announced the phased withdrawal of the ₹2,000 denomination banknotes, which were introduced in November 2016 following the sudden demonetization of ₹1,000 and ₹500 notes by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

What happens after today's deadline?

The RBI has clarified that while the ₹2,000 currency notes will remain legal tender even after the September 30 deadline, they will no longer be accepted for transactions in the market. After today, the notes can only be exchanged with the RBI itself.

This means that individuals and non-account holders alike will need to make their way to specific exchange points to convert their ₹2,000 notes into valid denominations.

For those planning to exchange these notes, it's crucial to be aware that the usual KYC (Know Your Customer) requirements and other legal deposit norms will still be applicable.

How to exchange ₹2,000 notes

Individuals have two primary options to exchange their ₹2,000 notes:

Regional Offices (ROs) of RBI

The RBI has set up 19 Regional Offices across the country where people can exchange their ₹2,000 notes. This provides a centralized option for individuals to complete the exchange process.

Bank branches

Another option is to visit any nearby bank branch to exchange ₹2,000 banknotes. While RBI guidelines stipulate that the exchange can be done without the requirement of a request slip or ID proof due to their legal tender status, it's important to note that some public sector banks may have implemented different approaches.

Therefore, carrying an ID proof is advisable to ensure a smooth transaction.

Return of ₹2,000 banknotes

Earlier this year, the RBI reported that approximately 93% of the ₹2,000 banknotes had been returned to the banking system since the central bank's decision in May to withdraw this high-value note from circulation.

This statistic reflects the significant efforts made by the RBI to phase out these notes and encourage their return to formal banking channels.

As the deadline approaches, individuals are encouraged to take action promptly to exchange or deposit their ₹2,000 notes before they lose their transactional value and become mere pieces of paper.