Is paper money still legal tender UK?
Sophia Koch
Updated on March 16, 2026
The UK central bank said about 477 million of Britain's last remaining banknotes printed on paper remain in the hands of the public but will cease to be legal tender after Sept. 30.
Can you still spend paper money in the UK?
“The majority of paper banknotes have now been taken out of circulation, but a significant number remain in the economy, so we're asking you to check if you have any at home. “For the next 100 days, these can still be used or deposited at your bank in the normal way.”Is British paper money still legal tender?
The Bank of England will be withdrawing legal tender status of the paper £20 and £50 notes after 30 September 2022, and we are encouraging anyone who has these at home to spend or deposit them at their bank or Post Office.Are paper 20notes still legal tender?
The paper £20 note will no longer be accepted as legal tender after 30 September 2022, the same date that the old style £50 banknotes will go out of circulation, and you can keep spending both of them until then.Which 20 pound notes are going out of circulation?
Paper £20 and £50 notes issued by Clydesdale Bank, Royal Bank of Scotland and Bank of Scotland will also be withdrawn on the same date. The paper £20 notes issued by Bank of Ireland, AIB Group, Danske Bank, and Ulster Bank in Northern Ireland will also be withdrawn after 30 September.Kent Police dealing with 'hate crime' after Scottish note refused
How long to use 20 pound notes?
Old paper £20 notes will expire on 30 September 2022. After this date, cafes, bars, shops and restaurants will no longer accept the paper £20 note. This is notably the same day as the old £50 note expiry date.Are 20 and 50 pound notes going out of circulation?
30 September 2022 is the last day you can use our paper £20 and £50 notes. Many banks will accept withdrawn notes as deposits from customers. The Post Office may also accept withdrawn notes as a deposit into any bank account you can access at the Post Office.Which notes are going out of circulation UK?
The Bank of England will be withdrawing legal tender status of paper £20 and £50 banknotes after 30 September 2022. After this date, paper £20 and £50 banknotes will no longer be legal tender.Is 50 pound paper note still valid?
The majority of paper £20 and £50 banknotes in circulation have been replaced with new polymer versions. But there is still around £14bn-worth unaccounted for. People have only 100 days left to use the paper Bank of England £20 and £50 banknotes before they will no longer be in circulation.What is the last date to use old 20 notes?
Exchanging old notes30 September 2022 is the last day you can use our paper £20 and £50 notes. Many banks will accept withdrawn notes as deposits from customers. The Post Office may also accept withdrawn notes as a deposit into any bank account you can access at the Post Office.
Can I still use old 20 notes in shops?
The £20 note going out of circulation means you will not be able to use the notes in shops, but you will be able to exchange them for new notes. Some banks and the Post Office may also accept them if you wish to deposit them into your bank account. You can also exchange your notes with the Bank of England.Can you still use old 10 notes 2020?
The old paper £10 notes that were withdrawn from circulation on 1 March 2018 are no longer accepted as legal tender. This means you cannot use them to buy any goods or services whatsoever. However, all is not lost, as you can exchange your old £10 notes for new ones.What do I do with old English bank notes?
At your bankIf you have a UK bank account, the simplest and quickest way to exchange your notes will normally be to deposit them with your bank. The Post Office Opens in a new window may also accept withdrawn notes as payment for goods and services, or as a deposit into any bank account you can access with them.
Are Bank notes legal tender?
Coins and banknotes are usually defined as legal tender in many countries, but personal cheques, credit cards, and similar non-cash methods of payment are usually not.Are english Bank notes legal tender?
What's classed as legal tender varies throughout the UK. In England and Wales, it's Royal Mint coins Opens in a new window and Bank of England notes. In Scotland and Northern Ireland it's only Royal Mint coins and not banknotes. There are also some restrictions when using small coins.Which pound notes are out of circulation?
UK Given 100 Days to Spend Last £14.5 Billion of Paper Banknotes
- Bank of England says paper £20 and £50 notes will be withdrawn.
- UK central bank has issued more durable currency on polymer.