Device for paying out banknotes, having at least one banknote container (12a to 12d) which comprises at least one storage element (14a to 14d), wherein a banknote-individual feature of each banknote received in the banknote container (12a to 12d) and the order of the banknotes within the banknote container (12a to 12d) are stored in the storage element (14a to 14d), a withdrawal unit (16a to 16d) for removing at least one banknote from the banknote container (12a to 12d), a multiple-withdrawal sensor for detecting multiple withdrawals of banknotes, a control unit for controlling the device, and having a feature sensor for ascertaining the banknote-individual feature of a banknote, wherein the withdrawal unit (16a to 16d) is configured in such a way that, after the detection of a multiple withdrawal comprising a first banknote and at least a second banknote, it removes a further third banknote from the banknote container (12a to 12d), the feature sensor is configured in such a way that it ascertains the banknote-individual feature of this third banknote, and wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that it compares the ascertained banknote-individual feature with the banknote-individual features stored in the storage element (14a to 14d) and, in dependence on the result of this comparison, with the aid of the order of the banknotes which is stored in the storage element (14a to 14d), ascertains the current stock of banknotes in the banknote container (12a to 12d), characterized in that the banknote-individual feature is the image of the banknote in the visible, infrared or UV range and/or an image of fluorescent elements in the paper of the banknote. having at least one banknote container (12a to 12d) which comprises at least one storage element (14a to 14d), wherein a banknote-individual feature of each banknote received in the banknote container (12a to 12d) and the order of the banknotes within the banknote container (12a to 12d) are stored in the storage element (14a to 14d), a withdrawal unit (16a to 16d) for removing at least one banknote from the banknote container (12a to 12d), a multiple-withdrawal sensor for detecting multiple withdrawals of banknotes, a control unit for controlling the device, and having a feature sensor for ascertaining the banknote-individual feature of a banknote, wherein the withdrawal unit (16a to 16d) is configured in such a way that, after the detection of a multiple withdrawal comprising a first banknote and at least a second banknote, it removes a further third banknote from the banknote container (12a to 12d), the feature sensor is configured in such a way that it ascertains the banknote-individual feature of this third banknote, and wherein the control unit is configured in such a way that it compares the ascertained banknote-individual feature with the banknote-individual features stored in the storage element (14a to 14d) and, in dependence on the result of this comparison, with the aid of the order of the banknotes which is stored in the storage element (14a to 14d), ascertains the current stock of banknotes in the banknote container (12a to 12d), characterized in that the banknote-individual feature is the image of the banknote in the visible, infrared or UV range and/or an image of fluorescent elements in the paper of the banknote.