100 Euro Bills Make Comeback in Dutch ATMs Amid Inflation Pressures

In a notable shift for cash accessibility in the Netherlands, automated teller machines in Den Helder have begun dispensing 100 euro banknotes, marking what local media describe as a first for the region.

The development was reported by De Telegraaf on April 22, 2026, under the headline “Primeur in Den Helder: pinautomaat geeft biljetten van 100 euro uit,” indicating that the cash machine in question is now providing the higher denomination note to users.

This change follows a broader trend noted across Dutch media outlets, where multiple sources reported that 100 euro withdrawals are becoming more widely available through ATMs. Reports from AD.nl, bnr.nl, RTL.nl, and Hart van Nederland described similar initiatives, including trials by Geldmaat — the national ATM operator — to introduce 100 euro dispensing functionality in various locations.

Geldmaat confirmed to several outlets that it had launched a pilot program allowing customers to withdraw 100 euro notes from select machines, with specific locations referenced in reports by Hart van Nederland. The initiative is being framed as a response to evolving consumer needs, particularly in the context of inflation, which several outlets cited as a driving factor behind renewed demand for higher-value banknotes.

The bnr.nl article explicitly linked the trend to inflation, stating in its headline that the “100-eurobiljet maakt comeback in geldautomaten: ‘Door inflatie’” (“100-euro note makes comeback in ATMs: ‘Due to inflation’”). This suggests that the rising cost of goods and services is prompting both consumers and financial institutions to reconsider the utility of larger denominations in everyday transactions.

Despite the increased availability of 100 euro notes via ATMs, acceptance of the denomination in retail settings remains variable. A Facebook post from June 24, 2025, cited in the research noted that while businesses in Amsterdam are legally required to accept 100 euro bills, local residents outside the tourism sector may be less familiar with using them, indicating potential hesitation in everyday commerce.

Further context from De Nederlandsche Bank (DNB) highlights the broader framework of euro cash management in the Netherlands. As the national central bank, DNB oversees the distribution and quality of euro banknotes and coins, working alongside the European Central Bank to ensure that cash remains secure, functional, and trusted across the euro area.

The European Central Bank confirms that the 100 euro note is part of both the first and second (Europa) series of euro banknotes, with the latter excluding the 500 euro denomination but retaining the 100 euro as a core component of circulating currency. While no specific redesign of the 100 euro note was announced in the sources, the ECB has previously indicated ongoing efforts to enhance security features and usability across all denominations.

Reports indicate that the rollout of 100 euro-capable ATMs is being implemented gradually, with pilot programs allowing operators to assess usage patterns and logistical considerations before broader deployment. No official timeline for nationwide expansion was provided in the available reports.

As of April 22, 2026, the availability of 100 euro withdrawals in Den Helder represents a localized but significant development in the Netherlands’ cash infrastructure, reflecting both practical adaptations to economic conditions and ongoing efforts to align ATM functionality with user demand.