FAQs
Can I call at the Bank to extend the date of a cheque (drawn on the Central Bank of Malta) which expired?
No, only the person who signed the cheque can effect such changes. If the expired cheque has been issued by a Government department, the payee should contact that department to renew its date.
Can I cash cheques at the Central Bank of Malta?
Only cheques drawn on the Central Bank of Malta itself can be cashed at the Bank.
Can I buy/sell foreign currency at the Central Bank of Malta?
No, transactions of a commercial nature by the general public must be made at a commercial bank.
Can I open an account with the Central Bank of Malta?
The Central Bank of Malta is not a commercial bank and does not offer commercial banking services, such as the opening of accounts, to the general public.
Does the Central Bank of Malta offer any other services to the general public?
Coins issued by the Bank for numismatic purposes are available for sale from the Malta Coin Centre, which is housed at the Bank's main premises or directly purchased from the Malta Coin Centre's online e-shop facility. The public may also contact Malta Coin Centre by e-mail or by calling (+356) 2550 6006/7.
What do I do if I suspect that a currency note or coin is false?
It is a criminal offence to pass on a banknote or coin which you believe or know is a counterfeit. If you are handed a banknote or coin that you think is a fake, you should not accept it. If you think you are in possession of a counterfeit banknote or coin, you should immediately inform the police or the Central Bank of Malta. The Bank has the right to impose an administrative penalty on any person found to be in contravention of this legal obligation.
What should I do if I have a damaged or mutilated Euro banknote?
The Central Bank of Malta replaces damaged or mutilated genuine Euro banknotes if one presents more than half of the note or if one can prove that the missing part of the banknote has been destroyed. Intentionally mutilated or damaged banknotes are not redeemed.
Can I obtain Central Bank of Malta publications directly from the Bank?
The main publications of the Bank are the Quarterly Review, the Annual Report, the Research Bulletin and the Financial Stability Report. These can be downloaded from the Bank’s website. However, a limited amount of hard copies of the Annual Report, the Research Bulletin and the Financial Stability Report are also available, which can be obtained by calling at the Bank in person (subject to stocks). If you wish to start receiving notifications by email with regards to the Bank's publications, please subscribe here.
Can I lodge a complaint about the Central Bank of Malta?
The Central Bank of Malta is committed to ensure that every person is treated with respect and courtesy at all times. However, if you are concerned about the service you have received or the manner in which the Bank or an officer of the Bank has dealt with you, you may make a complaint to the relevant section by sending an email here. The following details should be included in your complaint:
- your name, address and telephone number
- the date of the occurrence of the incident
- name of the department and/or officer you dealt with
- details of your complaint.
All personal data will be processed in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and the Data Protection Act.
Can I lodge a complaint about commercial banks or other financial service providers with the Central Bank of Malta?
A complaint may be submitted to the Central Bank of Malta if a payment service user or other interested party is dissatisfied with the financial service provided by a payment service provider operating in Malta.
Without prejudice to the above, a payment service user may also lodge a complaint with the Office of the Arbiter for Financial Services, established in terms of Act XVI of 2016 of the Laws of Malta. The Arbiter for Financial Services is an autonomous and independent body with the power to mediate, investigate and adjudicate complaints filed by customers against financial services providers.
Can I exchange Maltese Lira banknotes to euro?
Malta adopted the euro as its national currency on 1 January 2008. In terms of Article 62(1) of the Central Bank of Malta Act (Cap. 204), Maltese Lira banknotes ceased to be legal tender after 31 January 2008. However, Maltese Lira banknotes remained exchangeable for a period of ten years after that date. This period came to an end on 31 January 2018. Since 1 February 2018, Maltese Lira banknotes can no longer be exchanged at the Central Bank of Malta.