Current Bank of England notes feature either King Charles III or Queen Elizabeth II. Both versions can circulate, and the portrait alone does not prove that a note is genuine. Check several security features together.
Look at the note
Bank of England’s current £5, £10, £20 and £50 notes are printed on polymer. Look for the large see-through window, the portrait, the denomination and the words “Bank of England” around the window. The exact details vary by denomination, so compare the note with the Bank’s guide for that denomination.
Tilt the note
On the front, the metallic foil and hologram change as the note moves. The Bank’s guidance describes the colour and position of the foil for each denomination. On some notes, the hologram changes between the value and the word “Pounds”. Do not rely on one feature in isolation.
Feel the print
Raised print can be felt on parts of the front, including the words “Bank of England” and the value area. A note that feels very different from a known genuine note deserves further checking, but touch alone cannot authenticate it.
Check under ultraviolet light
Under a good-quality ultraviolet light, the numerical value appears in bright red and green on the front against a duller background. This is one check, not a complete test. Follow the Bank of England’s current instructions for the denomination.
If you suspect a counterfeit
Do not pass the note to someone else. The Bank of England says counterfeit notes are worthless and cannot be reimbursed. Contact the police where appropriate, or follow the Bank’s current instructions for returning a suspected note. Keep any receipt or incident information you receive.
Use the Bank of England banknote-checking guide for current images and denomination-specific details. Our counterfeit banknote guide covers the next steps. This article does not authenticate an individual note from a photograph.