take a

closer
look
Your easy to follow guide
to checking banknotes
INTRODUCTION

Maintaining confidence in the

currency is a key objective of
the Bank of England, and you
too can play a role.

This easy to follow guide, along with our app, has

been produced to help cash users identify genuine
Bank of England banknotes.

Counterfeit banknotes are rare, but our advice

is to remain vigilant at all times: ‘take a closer
look’ at banknotes as they are being passed in
payment and use the security features to check
that banknotes are genuine.

When checking banknotes, it is best not to rely

on just one feature, but to check a few of those
described in this guide. Look at the banknote
closely; if you have any doubts compare it to
one that you know is genuine.

Victoria Cleland
Director of Notes, Chief Cashier
1
GENERAL ADVICE

When should I check banknotes?

It is a good idea to check your banknotes whenever you receive
them. It is especially important to be careful in situations where
you cannot see the notes clearly.

What features should I check?

This booklet gives details of the security features on each of our
banknotes. You should check a few features which are specific to
each denomination, for example focussing on the see-through
window on the polymer £5 and £10 notes, the holographic strip
and watermark on the £20 note and the green motion thread
and watermark on the £50 note.

What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?

Counterfeit notes are worthless. It is a criminal offence to
knowingly hold onto or pass on counterfeit notes. If you
suspect a note is counterfeit, take it to the police as soon as
possible. They will give you a receipt and send the note to the
Bank of England for analysis. If the Police advise that the note
is not required to support a criminal investigation, present it
to your bank as a suspect counterfeit banknote. If the note is
genuine, you will be reimbursed.

What type of ultra-violet (UV) lamp should

I use to check a banknote is genuine?
A UV lamp that emits light at around 365 nanometres is ideal
for checking the fluorescent features on all notes. We advise
against using LED (Light Emitting Diode) devices, such as
key-fob style detectors, as these often emit light above 365
nanometres.

Can I use a detector pen to check whether a

banknote is genuine?
The pens work by reacting with the starch that is present in
‘normal’ paper. So, whilst they can detect some (but not all)
counterfeits printed on paper, they won’t detect counterfeits
that are printed on polymer. Be careful as old or dirty pens can
be unreliable.

2
BANKNOTE SIZES

Banknotes get slightly larger as they increase in value, so

a £10 note is bigger than a £5 note and so on.

Polymer £5 – approx 125mm x 65mm

Polymer £10 – approx 132mm x 69mm

Paper £20 – approx 149mm x 80mm

Paper £50 – approx 156mm x 85mm

3
POLYMER BANKNOTES

You can find information on the new polymer £5 and £10 notes
and their security features in this booklet.

Polymer is a thin and flexible plastic material. Our polymer

notes are cleaner, safer and stronger. They provide enhanced
counterfeit resilience and increase the quality of notes in
circulation.

The next £20 note

The polymer £20 note will be issued in 2020. It will feature
JMW Turner and will be 139mm x 73mm.

The Bank of England will make a decision on when to issue a new

£50 note, and whether to print it on polymer, in due course.

Tactile feature
On the front of the £10 polymer note (the side with raised print),
there are two clusters of raised dots in the top left hand corner.
This tactile feature helps blind and partially sighted people
identify the value of the note.
The polymer £20 will also have a tactile feature, but with a
different pattern. The polymer £5 will be identifiable as the only
polymer note without a tactile feature.

For further information:

www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/polymer

4
POLYMER BANKNOTES

As with any change in banknote design, all businesses that

handle cash will need to plan and prepare for the introduction of
the new, smaller polymer notes.

Are polymer notes easy to handle?

Yes. Polymer notes feel different from paper notes but they can
be handled just as easily.

Do polymer notes stick together?

Brand new polymer notes, like paper notes, can sometimes stick
together but this effect is short-lived once in use. New notes
can be fanned or tapped on a desktop surface to make them
easier to count by hand or machine.

Can I use my banknote checking/counting machines

with polymer notes?
Yes, although they will need to be adapted for the new notes.
You should engage directly with your machine manufacturer
or supplier to discuss what adaptations will be required. When
purchasing new machines, ask the supplier if they are capable of
checking and counting paper and polymer notes.

If your business uses check-weighing devices to count notes,

you will need to separate paper and polymer notes before
weighing them. This is because paper notes weigh slightly more
than polymer notes.

5
POLYMER BANKNOTE
5 7

10
1

2 3

8
9 7
4

1 Check the see-through window

There is a large see-through window
on the note. A clearly defined portrait
of the Queen is printed on the window
with the words ‘£5 Bank of England’
printed twice around the edge.

A finely detailed metallic image of the

2 Elizabeth Tower is positioned over the
window. The foil is gold on the front of
the note and silver on the back of the
note. When the note is tilted a multi-
coloured rainbow effect can be seen. front back

Around the edge of the window is a

3
coloured border which changes from
purple to green when the note is tilted.
The £ symbol in the window also
changes from purple to green. This
effect can be seen on the front and front back
back of the note.

4 Check the foil patches

On the front of the note, below the
see-through window, is a silver foil
patch. When the note is tilted the word
‘Five’ changes to ‘Pounds’ and a multi-
coloured rainbow effect can be seen.

On the front of the note, above the

5 see-through window, is a silver foil
patch containing an image of the
coronation crown which appears 3D.
When the note is tilted a multi-coloured
rainbow effect can be seen.

6
 £5
6

6 On the back of the note, there is a

circular green foil patch which contains
the word BLENHEIM. It is immediately
behind the silver crown on the front.

7 Check the polymer and the raised

print
The note is printed on polymer which
is a thin and flexible plastic material.
By running your finger across the front
of the note you can feel raised print
in areas such as the words ‘Bank of
England’ and in the bottom right corner,
around the number 5.

8 Check the print quality

The printed lines and colours on the
note are sharp, clear and free from
smudges or blurred edges.

clear blurred

9 Check the microlettering

Using a magnifying glass, look closely
at the lettering beneath the Queen’s
portrait – you will see the value of
the note written in small letters and
numbers. close up magnified

10 Check the ultra-violet feature

If you look at the front of the note
under a good quality ultra-violet light,
the number 5 appears in bright red and
green whilst the background remains
dull in contrast.
7
POLYMER BANKNOTE
5 7

10
1

2 3

8 7
4 9

1 Check the see-through window

There is a large see-through window
on the note. A clearly defined portrait
of the Queen is printed on the window
with the words ‘£10 Bank of England’
printed twice around the edge.

A finely detailed metallic image of

2 Winchester Cathedral is positioned
over the window. The foil is gold on the
front of the note and silver on the back.
When the note is tilted a multi-coloured
rainbow effect can be seen. front back

The foil £ symbol in the window is silver

on the front of the note and copper on
the back.

At the side of the window is a

3
coloured quill which changes from
purple to orange when the note is
tilted. This effect can be seen on the
front and back of the note.
front back

4 Check the foil patches

On the front of the note, below the
see-through window, is a silver foil
patch. When the note is tilted the word
‘Ten’ changes to ‘Pounds’ and a multi-
coloured rainbow effect can be seen.

On the front of the note, above the

5 see-through window, is a silver foil
patch containing an image of the
coronation crown which appears 3D.
When the note is tilted a multi-coloured
rainbow effect can be seen.
8
 £10
6

6 On the back of the note, there is

a book-shaped copper foil patch
which contains the letters JA. It is
immediately behind the silver crown
on the front.

7 Check the polymer and the raised

print
The note is printed on polymer which
is a thin and flexible plastic material.
By running your finger across the front
of the note you can feel raised print
in areas such as the words ‘Bank of
England’ and in the bottom right corner,
around the number 10.

8 Check the print quality

The printed lines and colours on the
note are sharp, clear and free from
smudges or blurred edges.

clear blurred

9 Check the microlettering

Using a magnifying glass, look closely
at the lettering beneath the Queen’s
portrait – you will see the value of
the note written in small letters and
numbers. close up magnified

10 Check the ultra-violet feature

If you look at the front of the note under
a good quality ultra-violet light, the
number 10 appears in bright red and
green whilst the background remains
dull in contrast.
9
PAPER BANKNOTE

1 Check the hologram image flip

Tilt the note from side to side, check the hologram
flips between a £ symbol and the number 20.

2
Check the bright denomination
in the watermark
Hold the note up to the light, check for a
bright ‘£20’ next to the Queen’s portrait.

10
 £20
Other security features
Check the foil features
In addition to the £ symbol and number 20, there is
a multi-coloured image of Adam Smith. The number
20 is also embossed on the strip – just to the right of
the signature of the Chief Cashier. Positioning of the
foil patches varies along the strip.
Check the paper and the raised print
Paper banknotes are printed on special paper that
gives them their unique feel. Run your finger across
the front of the note and you can feel raised print in
areas such as the words ‘Bank of England’ and in the
bottom right corner, around the number 20.
Check the ultra-violet features
If you look at the front of the note under a good
quality ultra-violet light, the number 20 appears in
bright red and green whilst the background remains
dull in contrast. Randomly spread bright red and
green flecks are also visible on both the front and
back of the note.
Check the metallic thread
There is a metallic thread embedded in the £20
note. This appears as silver dashes on the back of
the note and when held up to the light, appears as a
continuous dark line.
Check the print quality
The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp,
clear and free from smudges or blurred edges.

clear

Check the microlettering

Using a magnifying glass, look closely at the lettering
beneath the Queen’s portrait – you will see the value
of the note written in small letters and numbers.
close up

Check the see-through register

Hold the note up to the light and you will see
coloured irregular shapes printed on the front
and back that combine to form the £ symbol.
back shapes added

11
PAPER BANKNOTE

1
Check the motion thread
image flip
Tilt the note up and down or side to side, check the
images on the motion thread flip between a
£ symbol and the number 50.

2
Check the bright denomination
in the watermark
Hold the note up to the light, check for a bright
‘£50’ next to the Queen’s portrait.

12
 £50
Other security features
Check the paper and the raised print
Paper banknotes are printed on special paper that
gives them their unique feel. Run your finger
across the front of the note and you can feel
raised print in areas such as the words ‘Bank of
England’ and in the bottom right corner, around
the number 50.

Check the ultra-violet features

If you look at the front of the note under a good
quality ultra-violet light, the number 50 appears in
bright red and green whilst the background remains
dull in contrast. Randomly spread bright red and
green flecks are also visible on both the front and
back of the note and the motion thread appears
bright green.

Check the metallic thread

There is a fully embedded metallic thread in the
£50 note, which appears as a continuous dark line
when held up to the light.

Check the print quality

The printed lines and colours on the note are
sharp, clear and free from smudges or blurred
edges.
clear

Check the microlettering

Using a magnifying glass, look closely at the
lettering beneath the Queen’s portrait – you will
see the value of the note written in small letters
magnified
and numbers.

Check the see-through register

Hold the note up to the light and you will see
coloured irregular shapes printed on the front and
back that combine to form the £ symbol.
back shapes added

13
FURTHER INFORMATION

Exchanging withdrawn Bank of England banknotes

Old series Bank of England notes retain their face value for all time
and can be exchanged at the Bank of England.
For further information visit our website:
www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/about/exchanges

Damaged and mutilated banknotes

For any genuine banknotes that have been accidentally damaged,
the Bank of England will reimburse the full amount (providing there
are sufficient fragments or remains) through the Mutilated Note
Service. As a general rule there should be evidence of at least half
a banknote.
For further information visit our website:
www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/damaged_banknotes

Framework for the testing of automatic cash handling

machines
The Bank of England encourages manufacturers of machines that
automatically authenticate, accept or sort banknotes to test their
machines capabilities at the Bank of England.
Re-testing is required annually and successful machines are listed
on our website.
The framework helps to maintain a high level of confidence in Bank
of England banknotes and allows companies that own or use such
equipment to make informed choices about the equipment they
use/ buy.
For further information visit our website:
www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/retailers/framework

Dye stained banknotes

Cash in transit robberies continue to be a problem in the United
Kingdom. To make this a less attractive crime, the Bank of England
works with the cash industry to promote the use of dye staining
devices in cash boxes so that stolen notes are easily recognisable.
For further information visit: www.banknotewatch.org

14
COUNTERFEIT PREVENTION

Free education materials

In addition to this booklet, the Bank of England provides
a range of training and educational materials about
banknotes and their security features. These include:
leaflets, posters, z-cards, an app ‘Bank of England
Banknotes’, online films and online training which
incorporates a short test.

There are also dedicated pages on our website,

visit: www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes

For updates on UK currency visit:

www.uknotesandcoins.co.uk

Helping to prevent counterfeit crime

If you have any information relating to the production,
distribution or passing of counterfeit notes please contact
the charity Crimestoppers. You will not have to reveal any
personal details, make a statement or appear in court.

Give Information 100% Anonymously

Via phone: 0800 555 111
Via the online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

15
BANKNOTE CHECKING SCHEME

The Banknote Checking Scheme promotes banknote checking

at point of sale through targeted training, in order to reduce the
number of counterfeit notes from being passed. It is a voluntary
and free-of-charge initiative for businesses.

Why should you check banknotes?

1. Counterfeit banknotes are a direct cost to your business
2. Counterfeit banknotes fund organised crime
3. Not checking banknotes can make you a target

The six guiding principles of the Scheme

There are six guiding principles of the Scheme. Scheme
supporters voluntarily pledge their support for these each year
and implement them in a way that suits your business model.
In return, the Bank of England will recognise your support by
providing enhanced access to counterfeit information and advice
on training staff, and giving you the Banknote Checking Scheme
Logo for use on your website, training materials or in-store to
deter counterfeiters.

Guiding principles summary

Your staff: Your business:

1 A
 re trained and 3 S hares information with the
check banknotes Bank of England
i
at point of sale
4 Promotes the Scheme
2 K
 now what to do
with a counterfeit 5 Supports law enforcement activities
banknote

6 A
 ppoints a single point of contact
responsible for the Scheme

16
BANKNOTE CHECKING SCHEME

How will the Scheme help your business?

• Reduce the risk of financial loss and reputational loss from
counterfeit banknotes through implementing best practice.
• Recognise the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
contribution that your company makes in helping to reduce
counterfeit levels and associated proceeds from crime.
• Build and maintain a strategic relationship with the Bank
of England to ensure that you have the most up-to-date
information to educate and empower your staff through our
training, regular e-bulletins and webinars. And help the Bank
learn from you, by passing on your experiences and successes.
• It is illegal to knowingly pass on a counterfeit banknote
– ensure that your staff are not supporting the criminal
activities of others.

For further information visit:

www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotecheckingscheme

Don’t let counterfeit banknotes be a cost to your

business, your customers or your reputation.

17
Promoting the good of the people of the
United Kingdom by maintaining monetary
and financial stability.

For further information

Tel: 020 3461 4878
Email: [email protected]
www.bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes

Public Enquiries Group,

Bank of England, Threadneedle Street,
London EC2R 8AH

This booklet is available in Welsh.

Give Information 100% Anonymously

Via phone: 0800 555 111
Via the online form: www.crimestoppers-uk.org

© The Governor and Company of the Bank of England.

Banknotes can only be reproduced in accordance with the Bank of England’s
Reproduction Terms and Conditions.
www.bankofengland.co.uk/reproducingbanknotes.aspx

TACLB9