The invention concerns a container with a time lock for safeguiding banknotes, the container providing access in a predetermined sequence to increasing amounts of money. Mounted in the container housing (1) is a lockable sliding drawer (2) divided, perpendicular to the direction of opening and closing (S), into n compartments (2.1, 2.2,..., 2.n) of depth (a1, a2,..., an). The container is fitted with a time-control device designed to release and push open the drawer (2). When released, the drawer (2) is pushed out of the housing (1) in a predetermined and adjustable sequence of movements, beginning by opening by a distance corresponding to the depth (a1) of the first compartment and continuing to open by the depth of each subsequent compartment. The drawer (2) remains open until pushed back into the closed position and locked in place in this position, and the release mechanism switched off.