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 least50% of the note survives. Below that it is assessed individually rather than refused outright. Free.
Where to take it
| Condition | Where to go |
|---|---|
| At least 50% of the note survives | Your own bank will often accept a note that is torn but substantially complete. |
| Less than 50% 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.
How to claim
- Fill in the Bank of England’s damaged banknote application form. It sets out the proof of identity and address you must include.
- Post the form with every piece of the note to The Manager, Dept MN, Bank of England, Langston Road, Loughton, Essex IG10 3TN. Posting is at your own risk; the Bank recommends Royal Mail Special Delivery for high-value claims.
- Most claims are assessed within one month, and successful ones are paid by electronic transfer.
Questions: [email protected] or 020 3461 2053, Monday to Friday, 8am to 3.30pm. Telephone before posting notes contaminated by a biohazard or a hazardous chemical.
Worth knowing
Claims are by post only: you cannot hand damaged notes in at the Bank of England in person. If you are offered a dye-stained note, refuse it. Dye-staining devices in cash boxes permanently mark notes stolen in robberies.
Practical advice
- Handle a damaged note as little as possible and do not tape, glue, wash or clean it: that can destroy evidence the examiner needs. Lay the pieces out as found, and follow the issuer's own packing instructions.
- 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 15 October 2026