King Charles III banknotes to enter circulation

Banknotes carrying a portrait of King Charles III will be issued for the first time on 5 June 2024. The portrait of the King will appear on existing designs of all four banknotes (£5, £10, £20 and £50), with no other changes to the existing designs.

Polymer banknotes that feature the portrait of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II will remain legal tender, and will co-circulate alongside King Charles III notes. The new banknotes will only be printed to replace those that are worn, and to meet any overall increase in demand for banknotes. 

Our approach is in line with guidance from the Royal Household, to minimise the environmental and financial impact of this change. This means the public will begin to see the new King Charles III notes very gradually.

Note exchanges 

Members of the public will also be able to exchange a limited value of current or old series notes for new King Charles III notes, through the Bank of England, for a short time from the 5 June 2024 issuance date.  Further details will be provided closer to the time.

Auction of low serial notes

A series of charity auctions of low-serial numbered notes will be held over the summer at Spink & Son. In addition to the auctions, members of the public will be able to enter a ballot to purchase a set of notes. The money raised will be donated to charity. More details will be made available on the Spink & Son websiteOpens in a new window.

Join the free banknote checking scheme here 

If your business uses, or is responsible, for any machines that accept, sort or check banknotes, you need to plan for their adaptation to work with the new note designs. Read more here.

Bira is at the forefront of championing the cause of independent traders and shopkeepers across Britain. With a dedicated focus on revitalising and preserving the high street, we relentlessly campaign on their behalf. Our advocacy takes our collective voice to the halls of Parliament and into discussions with key stakeholders, where we represent the interests of small and independent businesses.

Our campaigns cover a wide spectrum of issues crucial to the success of independent traders. From combatting the rising tide of retail crime to advocating for changes in legislation that promote fairness and flexibility, we aim to leave no stone unturned. Bira is a staunch advocate for fairer business rates and reducing the regulatory burden that can stifle small businesses' growth potential. Through our efforts, we strive to ensure that the heartbeat of our communities, the high street, continues to thrive and serve as a vibrant hub for local businesses.