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Bank rolls out new £20 note

£20 note

The Bank of England has unveiled the design of its new £20 note, which will enter circulation on 20 February 2020.

The polymer £20 note features the artist JMW Turner. Its sophisticated security features make it the most secure Bank of England banknote yet. For the first time, the note incorporates two windows and a two-colour foil, making it very difficult to counterfeit.

The Bank’s Chief Cashier Sarah John said: “Being our most common note, the transition to the new £20 is the most significant, but I am confident that retailers and businesses will adapt to the change.”

Businesses can prepare for the new £20 note by taking the following steps:

  • Plan training for staff that handle notes: go to the new £20 website where you can order or download free training materials. Staff will need to be able to check both paper and polymer £20 notes while they co-circulate.
  • Continue to accept paper £20s: You can continue to spend and accept the current paper £20 note as normal. These notes will be gradually withdrawn as they are banked, and notice will be given six months’ ahead of legal tender status of the paper £20 being withdrawn.
  • Engage with banknote machine suppliers to ensure any note accepting or dispensing machines will be updated – such as self-service checkouts, banknote authenticators and note counters.
  • Pledge support for the Banknote Checking Scheme for advice and best practice and to stay up to date with the latest updates on banknotes and training materials.
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This website contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under 18 years of age.

This publication contains images and information relating to tobacco products. Please do not view if you are under the age of 18 years old.