Polymer Banknotes

Polymer Banknotes have now been rolled out across Scotland, Northern Ireland and England.

The thin, flexible plastic material is resistant to dirt and moisture so will stay cleaner than paper and will incorporate advanced security features making the banknotes difficult to counterfeit. They will also lasts at least 2.5 times longer than paper banknotes improving the quality of notes in circulation.

New £5 notes were introduced into circulation in Scotland in 2016 followed by the £10 notes in 2017 and £20 in 2020. The Polymer £50's & £100 entered circulation in 2021 and 2022.

In Northern Ireland new £5 & £10 notes were released into circulation in February 2019 and polymer £20 notes were rolled out from July 2020. The Ulster Bank £50 was the last note to enter circulation in 2022.

Old paper design banknotes will continue to be removed from circulation. Longer term, this will create a simpler banknote circulation model in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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The Bank of England have also issued a £5, £10, £20 & £50 polymer banknotes in 2016, 2017, 2020 & 2021 respectfully. For further information on Bank of England Polymer please click follow the link to the Bank of England website.