How to identify counterfeit King Charles III banknotes

According to the Bank Of England website, “counterfeiting directly funds organised crime” and subsequently also “harms the UK economy”. New bank notes displaying King Charles III include £5, £10, £20  and £50. Banknotes featuring King Charles and Queen Elizabeth II will be in circulation simultaneously. New notes will only be printed to replace those needed and to meet any specific increase in demand.

It advised: “Upon suspect of a counterfeit bank note, you should visit the police who will then fill out an NCO-1 form and provide you with a receipt and incident number. Suspect notes will be sent to the National Crime Agency. If notes are counterfeit, notes will be sent to the Bank of England for further examination.” A variety of resources​ are available on the Bank of England website.

Key features to look out for when checking security features include:

On the back of the notes, the metallic foil patch can be found. The patch is copper on the £10 note, green on the £5 note, purple on the £20 note and red on the £50 note.

Portraits of either her late Majesty or King Charles III can be found printed with the denomination on the window. “Bank of England” is also printed twice around the edge.

A silver foil patch can be found at the front of the notes above the see-through window.

Notes are labelled “Bank of England” and are also printed on a plastic material known as polymer. 

The value of a note is written in smaller print below the monarch’s portrait. The quality of the note is always clear and should be in high colour resolution.

The value of a note should show under an ultraviolet light and should be shown in bright red and green.

Notes can also be checked through other security features :

When placing the note over a window, look for a second smaller window towards the bottom corner of £50 and £20 notes. Ensure the foil is silver on the back of all notes. Gold on the front of the £5 and £10 blue on the front of £20 and gold and green on the front of £50.

The Bank of England governor Andrew Bailey said: “We’re very pleased to be issuing the new King Charles banknotes. This is a historic moment, as it’s the first time we’ve changed the sovereign on out notes. We know that cash is important to many people, and we are committed to providing banknotes for as long as the public demand them. Bringing these new notes into circulation is a demonstration of that commitment.”

Notes should typically be 125mm x 65mm for £5 notes, 132x 69mm for £10, 139x 73mm, £20 146mm x 77mm for £50.

The Bank of England is unable to reimburse for counterfeit notes. If after investigation, notes are found as non fraudulent or there is a lack of compelling evidence to support counterfeit claims, returning notes is required through various form options.

The Bank of England urged anyone who has any information regarding  persons suspected of using, selling or making counterfeit bank notes to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 anonymously or contact the police.

The Bank of England also offered online banknote training and guidance which is easily accessible and takes 30 minutes to complete and recommended checking your notes at point of sale.