Whether an old UK banknote can be exchanged depends on the issuing bank and the note’s status. Bank of England notes withdrawn from circulation can still be exchanged with the Bank of England, but Scottish and Northern Irish notes follow different arrangements.
Identify the issuer
Check the bank named on the note. Bank of England notes are separate from notes issued by Scottish and Northern Irish banks. Do not assume that a rule for a Bank of England note applies to every UK banknote.
Withdrawn Bank of England notes
The Bank of England explains its current exchange arrangements and says there is no deadline for exchanging withdrawn Bank of England notes through its own service. Procedures, identification requirements and postal risks should be checked on the official page before sending anything.
Keep a record and handle notes carefully
- Record the denomination, issuer and note design.
- Check the official exchange instructions before posting a note.
- Do not rely on marketplace listings as proof that a note can be exchanged.
- Keep valuable or historic notes secure while researching them.
For official information, use the Bank of England exchange guidance. The rules can change, so check the current page before acting.