[Virtual Presenter] How to check your banknotes
Your simple guide to checking banknotes
Bank of England. 

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[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Introduction
This simple guide helps you to identify genuine Bank of England notes by focusing on two key security features.
Counterfeits are rare, but it pays to be careful as they are worthless.
We also provide a range of other education materials about our notes and their security features, including films and online training.
Go to bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes for more resources and information.
Sarah John,
Chief Cashier and Executive Director of Banking. 

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How to check your banknotes   |
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This simple guide helps you to identify genuine 
Bank of England notes by focusing on two key 
security features.

Counterfeits are rare, but it pays to be careful 
as they are worthless.

We also provide a range of other education 
materials about our notes and their security 
features, including films and online training.

Go to bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes  
for more resources and information.

Sarah John,
Chief Cashier and  
Executive Director of Banking

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Contents
4 Key security features
6 Check more security features on the £5 note
8 Check more security features on the £10 note
10 Check more security features on the £20 note
12 Check more security features on the £50 note
14 Banknote Checking Scheme
15 What to do if your business receives a counterfeit note
16 Features for blind and partially sighted people
19 Advice and information
19 How do I exchange withdrawn Bank of England notes?
19 When should I check notes?
19 What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?
19 What type of ultraviolet (UV) lamp should I use to check a note is genuine?
20 Can I use a detector pen to check whether a note is genuine?
20 Should I use a banknote checking machine?
20 Where can I find information on all UK currency?
20 What should I do with damaged notes?. 

Scene 3

6 
 
Check more security features on the £5 note

8 
 
Check more security features on the £10 note

10 
 
Check more security features on the £20 note

12 
 
Check more security features on the £50 note

15 
 
What to do if your business receives a counterfeit note

16 
 
Features for blind and partially sighted people

19 
 
How do I exchange withdrawn Bank of England notes?

19 
 
What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?

19 
 
What type of ultraviolet (UV) lamp should I use to check

20 
 
Can I use a detector pen to check whether a note

20 
 
Should I use a banknote checking machine?

20 
 
Where can I find information on all UK currency?

20 
 
What should I do with damaged notes?

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Key security features
All of our notes can be checked using the same two security features.
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
Hologram image change
£50
Within the two gold foil squares on the front of the £50 note, the images change between '50' and a '£' symbol when the note is tilted.
1
£20
Look for a second, smaller window in the bottom corner of the £20 and £50 notes.1. See-through window
2
£5
£10
£20
£50
Tilt the note from side to side. Check the words change between the value of the note, 'Five', 'Ten', 'Twenty' or 'Fifty' and 'Pounds'.
£5
£10
£20
£50
Look at the metallic image over the window. Check the foil is gold on the front of the £5 and £10, gold and blue on the front of the £20 and gold and green on the front of the £50. The foil is silver on the back of all notes.
£50
1. 2.. 

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How to check your banknotes   |
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4
Key security features
All of our notes can be checked using the same 
two security features.
1
2
1
2
2
1
1
2
2
1
2
Hologram image change
£50
Within the two gold foil 
squares on the front of the 
£50 note, the images change 
between ‘50’ and a ‘£’ symbol 
when the note is tilted.
1
£20
Look for a second, smaller 
window in the bottom corner 
of the  £20 and £50 notes.1. 
See-through window
2
£5
£10
£20
£50
Tilt the note from side to side. 
Check the words change 
between the value of the 
note, ‘Five’, ‘Ten’, ‘Twenty’ 
or ‘Fifty’ and ‘Pounds’.
£5
£10
£20
£50
Look at the metallic image 
over the window. Check the 
foil is gold on the front of the 
£5 and £10, gold and blue 
on the front of the £20 and 
gold and green on the front 
of the £50. The foil is silver 
on the back of all notes.
£50
1. 
2.

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Check more security features on the £5 note
Green foil patch
A circular, green foil patch contains the word 'BLENHEIM'. You will find this on the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.
The Queen's portrait in the see-through window
A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with '£5 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.
Colour-changing border
When you tilt the note, a coloured border around the edge of the see-through window will change from purple to green. The '£' symbol in the window changes from purple to green.
Silver foil patch
A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown. You will find this above the see-through window on the front of the note.
Ultraviolet number
Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number '5' appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background.
Feel of polymer and raised print
The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print on the words 'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner, around the number '5'.
Print quality
The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the Queen's portrait.
| 6. 

Scene 5

Check more security features 
on the £5 note

A circular, green foil patch contains the word 
‘BLENHEIM’. You will find this on the back of the 
note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.

The Queen’s portrait in the 
see-through window

A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with 
‘£5 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.

When you tilt the note, a coloured border around 
the edge of the see-through window will change 
from purple to green. The ‘£’ symbol in the window 
changes from purple to green.

Colour-ch
When you til
the edge of t
from purp,e

Colour-changån•:;
When you tilt the nol
the edae of the see-'
from purple to green
changes from purple

A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the 
coronation crown. You will find this above the 
see-through window on the front of the note.

Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number 
‘5’ appears in bright red and green on the front 
of the note, against a duller background.

The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin 
and flexible plastic material. On the front of the 
note, you can feel raised print on the words 
‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, 
around the number ‘5’.

Feel of polym
The note is print
and flexioie ples
note, you can re•
'Bank oi Englan(
around the numi
Print quality
The printed lines
sharp and clear,
edges. If you usi

The printed lines and colours on the note are 
sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred 
edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see 
the value of the note written in small letters and 
numbers below the Queen’s portrait.

10 enlen
•satjpe
pue dueus
pewud
pnb l'-q,ld
eul punwe
JO »uee,
nor( '9101.'
pue

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Silver foil patch
A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown. You will find this above the see-through window on the front of the note.
Ultraviolet number
Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number '10' appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background.
Colour-changing quill
When you tilt the note, a coloured quill at the side of the see-through window will change from purple to orange.
Feel of polymer and raised print
The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print on the words 'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner, around the number '10'.
Print quality
The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the Queen's portrait.
Check more security features on the £10 note
Copper foil patch
A book-shaped, copper foil patch contains the letters 'JA'. You will find this on the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.
The Queen's portrait in the see-through window
A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with '£10 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.
| 8. 

Scene 6

Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number 
‘10’ appears in bright red and green on the front 
of the note, against a duller background.

When you tilt the note, a coloured quill at the 
side of the see-through window will change 
from purple to orange.

The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin 
and flexible plastic material. On the front of the 
note, you can feel raised print on the words 
‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, 
around the number ‘10’.

Feel of polym
The note is print
and fexible plas
note, you can fel
'Bank of Eng]en:
around the nume
Print quality
The printed lines
sharp end clear,
edges. If you ust

•seOpe
pug dieqs
aeppd
onb
puno.Je
JO »uee,
o no"
*Itoxeu pue

Check more security features 
on the £10 note

A book-shaped, copper foil patch contains the 
letters ‘JA’. You will find this on the back of the 
note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.

A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with 
‘£10 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Feel of polymer and raised print
The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print on the words 'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner, over the smaller window.
Print quality
The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the Queen's portrait.
Ultraviolet number
Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number '20' appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background.
Check more security features on the £20 note
Purple foil patch
A round, purple foil patch contains the letter 'T'. You will find this on the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.
Silver foil patch
A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown. You will find this above the main see-through window on the front of the note.
The Queen's portrait in the see-through window
A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with '£20 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.
| 10. 

Scene 7

How to check your banknotes   |
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The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin 
and flexible plastic material. On the front of the 
note, you can feel raised print on the words 
‘Bank of England’ and in the bottom right corner, 
over the smaller window.

nt
Feel of polyl
The note is pril
and hexibie pla
note, you can f
Bank of EngJe
over the small'
Print quality
The printed lim
sharp end clea

nt
The note is
and fexible
note, you ce
Bank of En!
over the sm
Print qual
The printed
sharp and c
the value of

Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number 
‘20’ appears in bright red and green on the front 
of the note, against a duller background.

Check more security features 
on the £20 note

A round, purple foil patch contains the letter ‘T’. 
You will find this on the back of the note, directly 
behind the silver crown on the front.

A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the 
coronation crown. You will find this above the 
main see-through window on the front of the note.

A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with 
‘£20 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Feel of polymer and raised print
The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin and flexible plastic material. On the front of the note, you can feel raised print on the words 'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner, over the smaller window.
Print quality
The printed lines and colours on the note are sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred edges. If you use a magnifying glass, you will see the value of the note written in small letters and numbers below the Queen's portrait.
Ultraviolet number
Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number '50' appears in bright red and green on the front of the note, against a duller background.
Check more security features on the £50 note
Red foil patch
A metallic, red foil patch contains the letters 'AT'. You will find this on the back of the note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.
The Queen's portrait in the see-through window
A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with '£50 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.
Silver foil patch
A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the coronation crown. You will find this above the main see-through window on the front of the note.
| 12. 

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How to check your banknotes   |
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12

Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number 
‘50’ appears in bright red and green on the front 
of the note, against a duller background.

Check more security features 
on the £50 note

A metallic, red foil patch contains the letters ‘AT’. 
You will find this on the back of the note, directly 
behind the silver crown on the front.

A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with 
‘£50 Bank of England’ printed twice around the edge.

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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What to do if your business receives a counterfeit note
It helps to have a clear company policy on what staff should do if they receive a counterfeit note. This can prevent financial loss to your business and protect staff members. Best practice is to follow these steps:
Take it to your bank as a suspect counterfeit note or contact the police.
Yes
No
No
Keep the note, provide the customer with a receipt and ask for another form of payment.
• Inform the customer that they will be reimbursed if the note is genuine.
• Contact the police or take the note to your bank as a suspect counterfeit.
Has the counterfeit note been discovered after the customer has left?
Yes
Refuse the note and ask for another form of payment.
• Contact the police when it's safe to do so.
Does the staff member feel at risk?
Are you a retailer or business? Join our free Banknote Checking Scheme to help protect your business from counterfeit banknotes and stay up to date on the latest banknote news.
Banknote Checking Scheme
The Banknote Checking Scheme helps you to: Train your staff so they can confidently check notes at point of sale
Make sure your staff know what to do with a counterfeit note
Stay up to date with best practice
Learn about important banknote developments
Don't let counterfeit notes be a cost to your business, your customers or your reputation.
Join our Banknote Checking Scheme: bankofengland.co.uk/banknote-checking-scheme
B a n k n o t e
C h e c k i n g
S c h e m e. 

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How to check your banknotes   |
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14
What to do if your business 
receives a counterfeit note
It helps to have a clear company policy on what staff should 
do if they receive a counterfeit note. This can prevent 
financial loss to your business and protect staff members.
 
Best practice is to follow these steps:
Take it to your bank as 
a suspect counterfeit note 
or contact the police.
Yes
No
No
Keep the note, provide the customer with a receipt and ask for 
another form of payment.
• Inform the customer that 
they will be reimbursed if 
the note is genuine.
• Contact the police or take 
the note to your bank as a 
suspect counterfeit.
Has the counterfeit note 
been discovered after 
the customer has left?
Yes
Refuse the note and 
ask for another form 
of payment.
• Contact the police 
when it’s safe to do so.
Does the staff member 
feel at risk?
Are you a retailer or business? Join our free Banknote 
Checking Scheme to help protect your business from 
counterfeit banknotes and stay up to date on the latest 
banknote news.
Banknote Checking Scheme
The Banknote Checking Scheme helps you to: 
Train your staff so they can confidently check 
notes at point of sale
Make sure your staff know what to do with 
a counterfeit note
Stay up to date with best practice
Learn about important banknote developments
Don’t let counterfeit notes be a cost to your 
business, your customers or your reputation.
Join our Banknote Checking Scheme: 
bankofengland.co.uk/banknote-checking-scheme
B
a
n
k
n
o
t
e
C
h
e
c
k
i
n
g
S
c
h
e
m
e

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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Features for blind and partially sighted people
The higher the value of a note, the larger it is. These are the approximate sizes:
On the front of the notes (the side with raised print), the value can be identified by the number of clusters of raised dots in the top left corner. The £5 has none, the £10 has two, the £20 has three and the £50 has four clusters.
£5 – 125mm x 65mm
£10 – 132mm x 69mm
£20 – 139mm x 73mm
£50 – 146mm x 77mm. 

Scene 10

How to check your banknotes   |
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Features for blind and partially 
sighted people

The higher the value of a note, the larger it is. 
These are the approximate sizes:

On the front of the notes (the side 
with raised print), the value can be 
identified by the number of clusters 
of raised dots in the top left corner. 
The £5 has none, the £10 has two, 
the £20 has three and the £50 has 
four clusters.

[Audio] How to check your banknotes |
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How do I exchange withdrawn Bank of England notes?
At the Post Office – The Post Office may accept withdrawn notes as payment for goods and services or as a deposit into any bank account you can access with them. After 15 September 2022, you will be able to exchange some withdrawn notes for new notes at certain Post Office branches.
At your bank – If you have a UK bank account, the simplest and quickest way to exchange your notes will normally be to deposit them with your bank.
With the Bank of England – You can always exchange withdrawn notes at the Bank of England. bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/ exchanging-old-banknotes
When should I check notes?
Check your notes when you first receive them. It's important to be careful in situations where you can't see the notes clearly.
What should I do if I think I have a counterfeit note?
If you think that you have a counterfeit banknote, please take it to your bank as a suspect counterfeit or contact the police. They will give you a receipt and send the note to us for analysis. If it is genuine, you will be reimbursed.
If you are a retailer or business, see the 'What to do if your business receives a counterfeit note' section in this booklet.
What type of ultraviolet (UV) lamp should I use to check a note is genuine?
A UV lamp which emits light at around 365 nanometres is ideal for checking the fluorescent features on all our notes. We do not advise using LED (light-emitting diode) devices, such as key-fob style detectors, because these often emit light above 365 nanometres. Some counterfeiters do attempt to copy UV features, so make sure your staff know exactly what to look for, such as the colours we use in the UV numbers.
Advice and information. 

Scene 11

How do I exchange withdrawn 
Bank of England notes?

At the Post Office – The Post 
Office may accept withdrawn 
notes as payment for goods and 
services or as a deposit into any 
bank account you can access with 
them. After 15 September 2022, 
you will be able to exchange some 
withdrawn notes for new notes at 
certain Post Office branches.

At your bank – If you have a UK 
bank account, the simplest and 
quickest way to exchange your 
notes will normally be to deposit 
them with your bank.

With the Bank of England – You 
can always exchange withdrawn 
notes at the Bank of England.

bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/
exchanging-old-banknotes

Check your notes when you first 
receive them. It’s important to be 
careful in situations where you 
can’t see the notes clearly.

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

If you think that you have a 
counterfeit banknote, please 
take it to your bank as a suspect 
counterfeit or contact the police. 
They will give you a receipt and 
send the note to us for analysis. If it 
is genuine, you will be reimbursed.

If you are a retailer or business, 
see the ‘What to do if your 
business receives a counterfeit 
note’ section in this booklet.

What type of ultraviolet 
(UV) lamp should I use to 
check a note is genuine?

A UV lamp which emits light at 
around 365 nanometres is ideal for 
checking the fluorescent features 
on all our notes. We do not advise 
using LED (light-emitting diode) 
devices, such as key-fob style 
detectors, because these often 
emit light above 365 nanometres. 
Some counterfeiters do attempt to 
copy UV features, so make sure 
your staff know exactly what to 
look for, such as the colours we 
use in the UV numbers.

[Audio] | 20
Can I use a detector pen to check whether a note is genuine?
No – detector pens don't spot counterfeits printed on polymer.
Should I use a banknote checking machine?
All of our notes can be authenticated by look, tilt and feel. If you choose to use a machine to check banknotes, make sure it can spot the latest counterfeit notes. Our machine-testing framework enables manufacturers to test their machines with counterfeit banknotes to ensure they only accept genuine banknotes. We publish a list of models and software versions that meet our standards. bankofengland.co.uk/ banknotes/retailers-andbusinesses/testing-automaticbanknote-handling-machines
What should I do with damaged notes?
We will reimburse you the face value for genuine notes that have been accidentally damaged (providing there are sufficient fragments or remains). As a general rule, there should be evidence of at least half the note. bankofengland.co.uk/ banknotes/damaged-andcontaminated-banknotes
Where can I find information on all UK currency?
Please visit: bankofengland.co.uk/ banknotes/uk-notes-and-coins. 

Scene 12

Can I use a detector pen 
to check whether a note 
is genuine?

No – detector pens don’t spot 
counterfeits printed on polymer.

Should I use a banknote 
checking machine?

All of our notes can be 
authenticated by look, tilt and feel. 
If you choose to use a machine 
to check banknotes, make sure 
it can spot the latest counterfeit 
notes. Our machine-testing 
framework enables manufacturers 
to test their machines with 
counterfeit banknotes to ensure 
they only accept genuine 
banknotes. We publish a list of 
models and software versions that 
meet our standards.

bankofengland.co.uk/ 
banknotes/retailers-and-
businesses/testing-automatic-
banknote-handling-machines

We will reimburse you the face 
value for genuine notes that 
have been accidentally damaged 
(providing there are sufficient 
fragments or remains). As a 
general rule, there should be 
evidence of at least half the note.

bankofengland.co.uk/ 
banknotes/damaged-and-
contaminated-banknotes

Where can I find information 
on all UK currency?

Please visit: bankofengland.co.uk/ 
banknotes/uk-notes-and-coins

[Audio] HTCYB12
This booklet is available in Welsh
For further information
020 3461 4878 (Monday to Friday: 10am – 12pm) enquiries@bankofengland.co.uk bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes
Bank of England. 

Scene 13

HTCYB12
This booklet is available in Welsh

020 3461 4878 (Monday to Friday: 10am – 12pm)

How to check your banknotes

Scene 0

avatar

This simple guide helps you to identify genuine

Bank of England notes by focusing on two key  security features.

Counterfeits are rare, but it pays to be careful  as they are worthless.

We also provide a range of other education  materials about our notes and their security  features, including films and online training.

Go to bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes   for more resources and information.

Check more security features on the £5 note

Check more security features on the £10 note

Check more security features on the £20 note

Check more security features on the £50 note

What to do if your business receives a counterfeit note

Features for blind and partially sighted people

How do I exchange withdrawn Bank of England notes?

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

What type of ultraviolet (UV) lamp should I use to check a note is genuine?

Can I use a detector pen to check whether a note is genuine?

Should I use a banknote checking machine?

Where can I find information on all UK currency?

All of our notes can be checked using the same  two security features.

Within the two gold foil  squares on the front of the

£50 note, the images change  between '50' and a '£' symbol  when the note is tilted.

Look for a second, smaller  window in the bottom corner  of the  £20 and £50 notes.1

Check the words change  between the value of the  note, 'Five', 'Ten', 'Twenty'  or 'Fifty' and 'Pounds'.

Look at the metallic image  over the window

Check the  foil is gold on the front of the

£5 and £10, gold and blue  on the front of the £20 and  gold and green on the front  of the £50

The foil is silver  on the back of all notes.

Check more security features  on the £5 note

A circular, green foil patch contains the word

You will find this on the back of the  note, directly behind the silver crown on the front.

The Queen's portrait in the  see-through window

A portrait of the Queen is printed on the window with

'£5 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.

When you tilt the note, a coloured border around  the edge of the see-through window will change  from purple to green

The '£' symbol in the window  changes from purple to green.

A silver foil patch contains a 3D image of the  coronation crown

You will find this above the  see-through window on the front of the note.

Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the number

'5' appears in bright red and green on the front  of the note, against a duller background.

The note is printed on polymer, which is a thin  and flexible plastic material

On the front of the  note, you can feel raised print on the words

'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner,  around the number '5'.

The printed lines and colours on the note are  sharp and clear, with no smudges or blurred  edges

If you use a magnifying glass, you will see  the value of the note written in small letters and  numbers below the Queen's portrait.

'10' appears in bright red and green on the front  of the note, against a duller background.

When you tilt the note, a coloured quill at the  side of the see-through window will change  from purple to orange.

'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner,  around the number '10'.

Check more security features  on the £10 note

A book-shaped, copper foil patch contains the  letters 'JA'

'£10 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.

'Bank of England' and in the bottom right corner,  over the smaller window.

'20' appears in bright red and green on the front  of the note, against a duller background.

Check more security features  on the £20 note

A round, purple foil patch contains the letter 'T'

You will find this on the back of the note, directly  behind the silver crown on the front.

You will find this above the  main see-through window on the front of the note.

'£20 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.

'50' appears in bright red and green on the front  of the note, against a duller background.

Check more security features  on the £50 note

A metallic, red foil patch contains the letters 'AT'

'£50 Bank of England' printed twice around the edge.

What to do if your business  receives a counterfeit note

It helps to have a clear company policy on what staff should  do if they receive a counterfeit note

This can prevent  financial loss to your business and protect staff members

Take it to your bank as  a suspect counterfeit note  or contact the police.

Keep the note, provide the customer with a receipt and ask for  another form of payment.

• Inform the customer that  they will be reimbursed if  the note is genuine.

• Contact the police or take  the note to your bank as a  suspect counterfeit.

Has the counterfeit note  been discovered after  the customer has left?

Refuse the note and  ask for another form  of payment.

• Contact the police  when it's safe to do so.

Checking Scheme to help protect your business from  counterfeit banknotes and stay up to date on the latest  banknote news.

The Banknote Checking Scheme helps you to

Train your staff so they can confidently check  notes at point of sale

Make sure your staff know what to do with  a counterfeit note

Learn about important banknote developments

Don't let counterfeit notes be a cost to your  business, your customers or your reputation.

bankofengland.co.uk/banknote-checking-scheme

Features for blind and partially  sighted people

The higher the value of a note, the larger it is

On the front of the notes (the side  with raised print), the value can be  identified by the number of clusters  of raised dots in the top left corner

The £5 has none, the £10 has two,  the £20 has three and the £50 has  four clusters.

Office may accept withdrawn  notes as payment for goods and  services or as a deposit into any  bank account you can access with  them

After 15 September 2022,  you will be able to exchange some  withdrawn notes for new notes at  certain Post Office branches.

At your bank – If you have a UK  bank account, the simplest and  quickest way to exchange your  notes will normally be to deposit  them with your bank.

With the Bank of England – You  can always exchange withdrawn  notes at the Bank of England

bankofengland.co.uk/banknotes/ exchanging-old-banknotes

Check your notes when you first  receive them

It's important to be  careful in situations where you  can't see the notes clearly.

If you think that you have a  counterfeit banknote, please  take it to your bank as a suspect  counterfeit or contact the police

They will give you a receipt and  send the note to us for analysis