Damaged banknotes in United Kingdom
Torn, burned, washed, or missing a piece, what it is still worth.
Is a damaged note still worth its face value?
Usually yes. A damaged banknote is not automatically worthless. In the United Kingdom you are reimbursed at full face value if at least 50% of the note survives. Below that it is assessed individually rather than refused outright. Free.
Where to take it
| Condition | Where to go |
|---|---|
| More than 50% of the note survives | Your own bank will often accept a note that is torn but substantially complete. |
| 50% or less survives, or badly damaged | Bank of England |
How it works
As a general rule the Bank of England reimburses face value if you still have at least half of the banknote. In a small number of cases it can reimburse less than half where there is clear auditable evidence that genuine notes were damaged or destroyed.
Practical advice
- Do not tape, clean, flatten or otherwise "repair" a damaged note, handling it can destroy evidence the examiner needs.
- Keep every fragment, however small, and store them exactly as found.
- If a note is contaminated or came out of a fire, say so when you submit it; there are handling procedures for that.
- Never assume a damaged note is worthless and throw it away.
Cash declaration rules for United Kingdom →
Sources: as of 22 September 2026. General information, not legal or financial advice; the issuing authority decides each case.
- Take cash in and out of the UK - GOV.UK · retrieved 22 September 2026
- Damaged and contaminated banknotes: Bank of England · retrieved 22 September 2026