Rs 500 Notes To Be Phased Out By 2026? Viral Declare Sparks Panic – Right here’s The Fact | Private Finance Information

New Delhi: A viral message on WhatsApp has sparked panic throughout the nation. The message claims that Rs 500 notes can be phased out by March 2026. Nevertheless, the Press Info Bureau (PIB) has clarified that this declare is totally false. The RBI has not issued any such directive and the Rs 500 be aware continues to be legitimate for transactions.
The viral WhatsApp message that is inflicting confusion reads: “RBI has requested all banks to cease disbursing 500 notes by 30 Sept 2025 from ATM. Goal is 75% of all BANKS ATM & then 90% ATM by 31 Mar 2026. ATM going ahead will disburse solely 200 and 100 notes solely. So begin liquidating the Rs 500 notes that you’ve in hand any further.”
This deceptive message created panic amongst folks, prompting many to hurry and alternate their Rs 500 notes out of worry.
No, Rs 500 Notes Are Not Being Banned: PIB Reality Test
Amid rising confusion over a viral WhatsApp message, PIB Reality Test stepped in to make clear the reality. Posting on X (previously Twitter), it stated: “Has RBI actually requested banks to cease disbursing Rs 500 notes from ATMs by September 2025? No such instruction has been issued by the RBI. Rs 500 notes will proceed to be authorized tender. Don’t fall for such misinformation. At all times confirm information from official sources.”
The RBI has not launched any round or announcement supporting the declare, and Rs 500 notes stay utterly legitimate to be used throughout the nation.
Has RBI actually requested banks to cease disbursing ₹500 notes from ATMs by September 2025?
A message falsely claiming precisely that is spreading on #WhatsApp #PIBFactCheck
No such instruction has been issued by the @RBI.
₹500 notes will proceed to be authorized tender.
… pic.twitter.com/znWuedOUT8
— PIB Reality Test (@PIBFactCheck) July 12, 2025
The confusion could have stemmed from a real RBI round issued in April, which merely requested banks and White Label ATM Operators (WLAOs) to make sure higher availability of smaller denomination notes like Rs 100 and Rs 200 in ATMs.