When did the Finnish markka stop being legal tender?
The end of the old Finnish currency.
Short answer
The Bank of Finland says markka banknotes ceased to be legal tender on 1 March 2002. Euro notes and coins had come into use at the start of 2002, and for two months both currencies were used side by side. After that, markka notes could still be exchanged at the Bank of Finland until 29 February 2012.
Why
- The Bank of Finland states that markka notes ceased to be legal tender on 1 March 2002.
- The exchange of markka notes ended on 29 February 2012.
- The conversion rate was 5.94573 markka to the euro.
Details
The designs of old markka notes are still protected by copyright, so their images cannot be freely used commercially.
Tip
Keep old markka notes as souvenirs. They cannot be exchanged any more.
What may differ
Collector value depends on the note and its condition.
Common misconception
The markka was used in Finland until 2012.
What actually happens
It stopped being legal tender in March 2002. Only the exchange lasted until 2012.
People also ask
- Can you still exchange Finnish markka?
- What was the markka to euro rate?
- What is on Finnish euro coins?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Payment rules and fees change, so check the official sources or your bank before you pay.
Practical: communication, money, servicesRelated questions
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Can a company charge for a paper bill in Finland?
It can be allowed.
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How many people in Finland are in debt enforcement?
According to the National Enforcement Authority (Ulosottolaitos), private persons made up about 91% of all debtors in 2025, about 550,000 people, an increase of 4% from the year before.
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Has the digital euro been approved?
Not yet.
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When does the digital euro pilot start?
The Bank of Finland announced on 14 July 2026 that the Eurosystem's digital euro pilot starts in the second half of 2027 and lasts 12 months.