Fact Check: RBI Has NOT Ordered ₹500 Notes to Be Stopped from ATMs by September 2025

Date: July 12, 2025 | New Delhi :

A viral message circulating on WhatsApp and social media platforms has falsely claimed that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has instructed banks to stop the disbursal of ₹500 currency notes from ATMs by September 2025. This claim has now been officially debunked by the Press Information Bureau (PIB) through its Fact Check unit.

What the Viral Message Claimed:

The forwarded message alleged that:

“RBI has directed all banks to stop issuing ₹500 currency notes via ATMs by September 2025, hinting at a gradual demonetization of ₹500 notes.”

PIB Fact Check Clarifies:

According to the official PIB Fact Check handle (@PIBFactCheck) on X (formerly Twitter):

• ✅ No such instruction has been issued by the RBI.

• ✅ ₹500 currency notes will remain legal tender.

• 🚨 The message is fake and misleading.

What RBI Has Said:

There has been no official announcement or circular from the RBI regarding the discontinuation of ₹500 notes in ATMs or otherwise. The central bank continues to maintain the legitimacy of ₹500 denomination notes as legal currency in circulation.

Why This Matters:

This rumor echoes fears from past demonetization events, particularly the November 2016 demonetization of ₹500 and ₹1000 notes. Experts warn that misinformation can cause unnecessary panic and disrupt normal financial activities.

How to Stay Safe from Fake News:

• Always verify news from official government sources such as rbi.org.in or pib.gov.in.

• Follow @PIBFactCheck on social media for reliable debunking of viral fake news.

• Avoid forwarding unverified messages, especially on platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.