Select automated teller machines (ATMs) in the Czech Republic have begun dispensing 5,000 CZK banknotes, a shift from the traditional practice of limiting machines to 1,000 and 2,000 CZK denominations. According to Moneta Money Bank, the initiative aims to provide convenience for larger withdrawals, though it requires adjustments to machine internal cash configurations. The move follows long-standing central bank data showing that while 5,000 CZK notes represent only 4.4% of notes in circulation, they account for 16.4% of the total value of currency in the country.
Why are ATMs now offering high-denomination banknotes?
Moneta Money Bank introduced the 5,000 CZK note to its ATM network to reduce the physical bulk of large cash withdrawals for customers. Tomáš Spurný, CEO of Moneta Money Bank, confirmed to Peníze.cz that his institution was the first in the market to implement this feature. As of recent reports, the bank has deployed this capability across 26 machines, primarily located in major regional centers such as Prague, Brno, Ostrava, and Plzeň.
Despite the high value, 5,000 CZK banknotes remain relatively rare in daily circulation. Data from the Czech National Bank (ČNB) indicates that there are approximately two such notes per inhabitant in the country.
How does the change affect ATM cash availability?
The transition to higher denominations involves a trade-off in machine capacity. In the initial 16 machines equipped for the service, the 5,000 CZK note replaced the 500 CZK note, according to reports from Peníze.cz. Users can still select their desired combination of notes, meaning the 5,000 CZK note is only issued when specifically requested by the customer. This shared network approach allows clients from Komerční banka, Air Bank, and UniCredit Bank to utilize these machines, subject to the specific fee structures of their respective home banks.
What are the security features of the 5,000 CZK note?
The Czech National Bank maintains that the 5,000 CZK note is among the most secure forms of currency in the country. Key verification features include a watermark featuring the portrait of Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk and a windowed security thread with microtext. A reliable, quick check for users is the hexagon containing a lion’s head; when tilted, the gold shade shifts to green. According to ČNB records, only 42 counterfeit 5,000 CZK notes were detected in the country throughout the previous year, suggesting that while vigilance is recommended, the risk remains statistically low.
Comparison: Currency in Circulation (End of 2025 Data)
| Banknote | Kusů (Millions) | Value Share |
|---|---|---|
| 5,000 Kč | 24.4 | 16.4% |
| 2,000 Kč | 209.7 | 56.3% |
What is the future of ATM functionality in the Czech Republic?
Beyond high-denomination notes, banks are looking to expand ATM utility further. Moneta Money Bank has signaled plans to introduce Euro withdrawals at select locations later this year. This would challenge the current dominance of the non-bank network Euronet, which is currently the primary provider of Euro-dispensing machines in the country. Additionally, the Czech National Bank has announced a commemorative 5,000 CZK banknote for September 2026, which will feature a holographic QR code to mark the centenary of the National Bank of Czechoslovakia.
Before withdrawing a large sum, check your bank’s mobile app for a list of “high-capacity” ATMs. Not every machine in a bank’s network is equipped to handle the 5,000 CZK note, and checking online can save you a trip to a machine that only stocks smaller bills.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I get a 5,000 CZK note at any ATM? No, only at select machines specifically configured by the operator, such as those identified on the Moneta Money Bank website.
- Are there extra fees for using these ATMs? Fees depend on your home bank’s policy, though many banks allow free withdrawals within their shared ATM networks.
- Is the new commemorative note different from a regular 5,000 CZK note? It remains a legal tender, but it features specialized design elements like a holographic film and a QR code for the centenary celebration.
- Why are 500 CZK notes disappearing from some machines? To make room for the 5,000 CZK note, some machines prioritize space for larger denominations, requiring the removal of smaller ones.
Do you prefer carrying fewer, higher-value banknotes, or do you find smaller denominations more convenient for everyday spending? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or sign up for our weekly financial newsletter for more updates on banking technology.
